MATH 260 – Introductory Linear Algebra Spring 2021

Instructor: Neil Sigmon                                                                  Phone: 831-5340
Office: Whitt 226                                                                             Email: npsigmon@radford.edu
Homepage: http://www.radford.edu/npsigmon
Course Homepage: http://www.radford.edu/npsigmon/courses/linalgebra/math260.html
Office Hrs: 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday
                 (Other times by appointment)

Textbook: Elementary Linear Algebra, Larson, 8^th Edition, Online eBook and WeBAssign HW Access

Code. Can be purchased at the Radford Bookstore or directly from Cengage website.

WebAssign URL: https://webassign.net/login.html

Course Class Key: radford 5811 5761

Other Needed Course Materials: A TI 83/84 Calculator will be very useful for this course.

Class Meeting Times: Tuesday, Thursday 2-3:15 p.m. in Whitt 007. This course counts 3 hours credit.

Test Dates: To be announced (There will be two major tests).

Final Exam Date: Tuesday, April 27^th at 2:45 p.m. in Whitt 007.

Grading Policy:     50 % Major Tests (Two)
                              25 % Final Exam
      25 % Written Homework, WebAssign assignments, Maple/MATLAB assignments

Grade Scale:   90-100     A
                         87-89        B+
   80-86        B
                         77-79        C+
70-76        C
                         67-69        D+
   60-66        D
   < 60          F
   A “–” grade will be awarded at the discretion of the instructor

Prerequisite: Math 138 or Math 168

Textbook Coverage: Sections 1.1-1.2, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.7, 6.1-6.3, 7.1

“Makeup” Test Policy: Approval for making up a missed test should be given prior to the
scheduled test. The makeup test must be taken within one week following the scheduled test.
Documentation is required for all make-ups. Except for extraordinary circumstances, approval
for a makeup test will not be granted if the scheduled test has already been given.

Attendance Policy: Attendance is a requirement in this class. If you miss a class, you are responsible for making up any missed work. Attendance will be taken each class. Attendance means RESPONSIBILITY – I look much more favorably on students who have good attendance habits.

Laptop/Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy: No cell phones, computers, or other electronic devices are to be used in this class when these devices are not being used in a way that is conducive for learning what is being taught in class during a particular day or time. Determining what is conducive will be left up to the instructor's discretion. The instructor retains the right to ask a student to leave class if they exhibit this or any other behavior that is a distraction to learning for other students in the class.

Late Homework Policy: Late hand written homework will be accepted but only limited credit will be given. I consider late homework to be homework turned in later than 5:00 p.m. of the day the assignment is due. The maximum number of points a student can receive for a late homework is ten points lower than the minimum grade of all students who have turned in the assignment on time. For example, if an assigned homework is worth 80 points and the lowest score of the on-time assignments is 60/80, the maximum grade a student can receive for the assignment is 50/80. No exceptions to this policy will be granted except for extreme circumstances that require official university documentation or a predetermined arrangement between the student and myself that is done prior to the assignment due date. Late assignments must be turned in within one class day of the assignment due date to obtain any credit. WebAssign homework has an assigned due date and time where late homework is not permitted.

Catalog Course Description: Study of matrix operations, systems of linear equations, Gaussian elimination, determinants, basic properties of vector spaces, basis and orthogonality, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Calculators and computer software such as MATLAB will be used in this course.

Student 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, and (7) be familiar with the use of calculators and software in matrix computations.

Disability Policy: Students seeking academic accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act must register with the Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) to determine eligibility. Students qualified for academic accommodations will receive accommodation letters and should meet with each course professor during office hours, to review and discuss accommodations. To begin the registration process, complete a Student Registration Form and submit documentation to PO Box 6902, Radford, Virginia 24142, or deliver to the Russell Hall, Room 325, by fax to 540-831-6525, or by email to cas@radford.edu (See documentation guidelines). For more information, visit the Center for Accessibility Services (CAS) website or call 540-831-6350.

Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of the University Honor Code include (but are not limited to): lying, stealing and unauthorized possession of property, cheating, multiple submission, and plagiarism. This class will be conducted in strict observation of the honor code. Refer to your Student Handbook for a complete copy of the University Honor Code.