Math 410 – Linear Algebra
Spring 2011 (McFaul)
Disclaimer:
All information in this syllabus is subject to change if the instructor
finds it necessary. Any change will be announced during a class
session. Absent students are still responsible for any announced
changes.
Course Meetings:
MW 10:30 am – 11:50 am, FLC Main FL4 137
Text:
Linear Algebra and its Applications,
3rd Edition Update, by David C. Lay, Copyright: 2006
ISBN-10: 0321287134
Instructor:
Steve McFaul
Aspen Hall 144
Web Site:
www.flc.losrios.edu/~mcfauls
Office Hours:
Monday
3:30 – 4:30 p
Tuesday
10:30 a – 12:00 p
Phone: 608-6675
Email: mcfauls@flc.losrios.edu
Wednesday
3:30 – 4:30 p
Thursday
10:30 a – 12:00 p
Friday
By appt.
or by appointment
Prerequisite:
Minimum “C” or better in Math 400 (Calculus I). It is advised that
Math 402 (Calculus III) be completed or be taken concurrently. Proof
of the necessary prerequisite is required for continued enrollment
beyond the first week. The instructor will check for proof that you
meet the prerequisite during the first week of class.
The Course:
Math 410 is a three-unit course. Credit for this course is AA degree
applicable and transferable. This course is a college sophomore level
class that introduces concepts of linear algebra. This course is intended
for majors in mathematics, engineering, science, and related fields.
Course Content:
Course content includes matrix algebra, use of determinants, matrix
solutions to systems of equations, vector equations, linear
independence and span, linear transformations, vector spaces, vector
subspaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Applications of linear
systems in business, science, engineering and statistics will be
emphasized. A more specific breakdown of topics can be found in the
college handbook. It is highly recommended that you see a
counselor as part of your college planning.
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Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
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solve a variety of systems of equations using matrices.
demonstrate an understanding of the connecting thread of relationships between
systems of equations, matrices, determinants, vectors, linear transformations, and
eigenvalues.
demonstrate an understanding of abstract concepts such as multidimensional vector
spaces, subspaces of vector spaces and the relationship between matrices and n-tuples.
prove elementary theorems of basic linear algebra.
Calculators: Highly Recommended: TI-83 or 84, TI-83 or 84 Plus, or TI-83 or 84 Silver
Edition graphing calculator.
Grading:
There are 600 total points available. Points are attained based on the
following options. You may choose Option I or Options I & II or
Options I & III or Options I, II & III.
Option I: (Exam Only Option)
4 midterm exams @ 100 pts each
Final Exam @ 200 pts
400 points
200 points
Option II: (HW Replacement Option – 100 pts)
If you choose the homework replacement option you may use
your overall homework average if it’s greater than 70% to
1. Replace your lowest midterm exam or
2. Replace ½ your final exam if your final exam is your
lowest score.
Notes for Option II: This option is chosen by turning in your
first homework assignment on the day that it is due. The HW
replacement option is forfeited in one of two ways.
1. You don’t turn in your first homework assignment
2. You miss two assignments during the semester,
Option III: (Presentation and Term Paper Option – 100 pts)
If you choose the Presentation and Term Paper Option you may
use your overall score to
1. Replace your lowest midterm exam or
2. Replace ½ your final exam if your final exam is your
lowest score.
Notes for Option III: This option will be limited to the first 5
students whose topic is approved by the instructor. The topic
will be based on an application of Linear Algebra in science,
engineering, networking, economics, etc. A paper and ½ hour
presentation are minimum requirements. For a topic to be
approved the instructor must be convinced that the topic will be
presented with sufficient rigor.
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If you choose Option II & Option III then you may replace two exams
OR one exam and ½ the final exam OR the final exam.
“In progress” grades will be made available throughout the semester.
Homework: Homework will be assigned for each section. A
homework assignment sheet will be given at the beginning of the
course. This will mainly be comprised of exercises from the textbook
and may be supplemented with additional materials. Homework will
be collected each Wednesday unless otherwise instructed. Late
homework can be turned in for half credit (5 points) at the
beginning of the next class session. See the Homework Guidelines for
complete directions and grading criteria.
Exams:
Four (4) exams will be given during the semester. They will be
announced in advance about 1 week before the exam. Pencils must be
used on exams. Illegible work and/or answers are incorrect. Problems
on exams will often be scored on a “partial credit” basis. If a student
wishes to challenge how a problem was scored then the entire exam
will be reevaluated for both positive and negative impacts on the
overall score. Only in extreme circumstances will a make-up exam be
given. If a make-up exam is approved then it must be completed before
the next class meeting after the exam was administered. A
comprehensive final exam will be given Monday, May 16, 2011
from 10:00 to 11:50 am.
Tardiness:
Please get to class on time. Your final grade may be affected by
chronic tardiness. If you have a special issue please discuss it with me.
Class Policies:
I expect courteous behavior at all times. I will not tolerate profanity
or rudeness. Do not leave the classroom at any time during class
unless you check with me first. If you have been given permission to
leave, please do so quietly and with minimum disruption. If you are
disrupting the class by talking, I will ask you to leave. Not paying
attention, including sleeping, will be considered a disruption. Before
you leave each day, please pick up any refuse and dispose of it. Leave
the classroom as neat as when you came in. Campus policy prohibits
eating and drinking in classrooms.
Cheating will be punished swiftly and severely. Anyone caught
cheating will receive a zero on the exam and lose all makeup privileges.
It is your responsibility to protect yourself from cheating accusations
by protecting your work on an exam as well as keeping your eyes
focused on your own paper at all times.
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Cell phones: Cell phones are not allowed in my class (or must be
turned off before you enter the room). If your cell phone rings
during class you may be asked to leave. If you answer the phone or
text message during class your highest test during the semester will be
recorded as a zero.
Student Conduct:
By enrolling in classes at FLC a students must comply with a student
code of conduct set forth by federal and state laws, college rules and
regulations, and District policies. Students violating such rules and
regulations are subject to disciplinary actions. Student’s rights and
responsibilities with regard to the Disciplinary Process and Grievance
Policy are outlined in the college catalog.
Resources:
Your classmates are your best source for assistance. Make a point of
meeting with some of them on a regular basis to help fill in missing
gaps in your knowledge. Please make use my office hours and the free
tutoring available (the schedule is posted around campus). I am
available by email should you have questions. I rarely check voice
mail. Don’t wait until it’s too late. GET HELP!
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Homework Guidelines
Homework and “Homework Checks” will be graded on a COMPETITIVE ten-point scale in
two-point increments. The best paper that follows the homework guidelines will set the
standard. Only perfection will receive 10 points.
What do I look for in your homework assignments?
Each problem should have complete, clearly written solutions (not just an answer). Most
problems assigned will have answers in the back of the book however I want to see the
process of solving the problem reflected in a step-by-step solution.
The following are some specific criteria. Points will be deducted if these criteria aren’t
followed completely.
1. Points will be deducted for not using a pencil. Exceptions may be allowed in cases
where color is being used to enhance the presentation of the problem.
2. The section number and assignment must be clearly written at the beginning of the
assignment or page for EACH section.
3. The assignment must be complete and neatly written. Points will be deducted for
sloppy work. If your work is not legible, I will not grade it.
4. The assignment must be logically organized. Points will be deducted for out of order
pages or problems and general lack of organization.
5. Your homework must be stapled in the upper left hand corner. Papers must be stapled
in such a way that when flipping through, all problems can be read.
6. Do not turn in pages torn from a spiral notebook with ragged edges
7. You must write out the problem and then proceed to show all steps involved in
solving the problem. The only exception to this will be word problems or problems
involving graphs. You need not write out word problems or problems involving
graphs.
8. If a formula is used then the setup of the formula should be shown even if a calculator
or software is used for the actual calculation.
9. Where applicable your answer must be clearly circled or boxed unless instructed
otherwise. If applicable a conclusion or interpretation may be required.
10. The answer to a problem must be complete including any follow-up or associated
questions.
11. If a problem includes context then your answer or conclusion must include that
context.
12. If you do not show any work I will make an “NWNC” (no work, no credit) notation,
and you will get a zero.
13. If we do a problem in class feel free to copy the solution off the board for your
homework, just make sure you copy the entire problem, work and solution. It is your
responsibility to understand how to do the problem on your own
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