MATH 260
APPLIED LINEAR ALGEBRA AND MATRICES

  1. Catalog Entry

MATH 260. Applied Linear Algebra and Matrices 
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisites: Any of MATH 104, 121, 138, 140, 145, 151, or 155.

Computational and theoretical aspects of systems of linear equations, matrices, determinants, and eigenvalues, and their applications to problem solving. Further topics include finite dimensional real vector spaces, bases and orthogonality, and applications, such as linear programming, quadratic forms and least squares problems. Computer software such as MATLAB will be used in this course.  General Education Credit - Mathematical Sciences.

  1. Detailed Description of Content of Course
  1. Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course

Classes will be conducted in lecture format with time reserved for discussion. The students will be required to use current technologies for some of the assignments, and a few (2-5) lectures will serve as laboratory sessions in preparation for these assignments.

  1. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon successful completion of the course the student will

(1) know basic methods for solving systems of linear equations,
(2) be familiar with the basic matrix operations,
(3) know how to compute determinants, and will understand the role of determinants in the theory of solvability of
        linear equations, and invertability of matrices,
(4) understand the role of the rank of a matrix for the solution set of linear equations,
(5) know the basic concepts of eigenvalues and eigenvectors,
(6) be familiar with typical applications of matrices.

  1. Assessment Measures

(1) Examinations: Students will normally take three (3) one-hour exams, and a comprehensive final exam.
(2) Projects: Students will be required to submit at least one project using technology.
(3) Participation: Class participation is expected.

  1. Other Course Information

None.

  1. Review and Approval

DATE ACTION APPROVED BY
Sept. 2001 Review Stephen Corwin, Chair