• Math 203

 M.C.Escher-Three Spheres

Matrix Algebra

Math 203-Section 001
R B 104
MWF 12:30-1:20

Instructor: Ellen O'Brien
Office: ST I 222A
Hours: MW 10:30-11:30; T 11:30-12:30;
Phone: 703 993-1483
Email: eobrien@gmu.edu
Web Address: http://math.gmu.edu/~eobrien

Prerequisites: MATH 114 -Analytic Geometry and Calculus II

Text: Linear Algebra and Its Applications , by David C. Lay , Third Edition Update, Addison Wesley 2006

Text Website: A Study Guide and transparency masters are available at this website.
http://www.laylinalgebra.com/

Grading: Your grade for the course will be calculated based on four exams, four take home assignments and a final exam. The assignments (25 points each) together count as one test grade. The average of these six grades determines your grade according to the scale:

   A: 90-100   B:80-89.9  C:70-79.9   D:65-69.9   F: below 65
+ or - will be attached ( if applicable) to the grades that occur in the lower or upper 2 points of each category.

Homework: Homework problems will be assigned at the end of each class and reviewed at the beginning of the next class meeting. Reading the sections of the text related to the problems will always be part of the homework assignment. Assignments will be posted after each class .

Course Content: The course will cover the following sections from the text:

      • Linear Equations in Linear Algebra 1.1 - 1.5, 1.7 - 1.9
      • Matrix Algebra 2.1 - 2.3, 2.5
      • Determinants 3.1, 3.2
      • Vector Spaces 4.1 - 4.7
      • Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors 5.1 - 5.4
      • Orthogonality 6.1 - 6.5

Test Dates:

      • Test 1 :   Monday, February 11
      • Test 2 :   Friday, March 7
      • Test 3 :   Friday, April 11
      • Test 4:   Friday, May 2
      • Final Exam :   Monday, May 12, 10:30-1:15
No make-up tests are given. Test solutions will be posted as soon as possible. If an emergency arises contact me ASAP.

Computers: We will be using Matlab to help with matrix calculations. This software is available on osf1/mason. You must activate your mason account if you have not done so yet. See the web page below for instructions to activate your account.

https://mason.gmu.edu/ISO/SysEng/Mason/account.html

There are computer Labs in Innovations Hall, the Johnson Center, and the Field House. For hours of operation of these labs and other locations see
Academic Computing Labs Page

Click on the Matlab button above to get more information on using Matlab

Honor Code: The University Honor Code is to be followed. Sharing information of any kind about exams or Matlab assignments will result in a grade of zero. Any violations will be submitted to the University Honor Committee.

Other Policies: Cell Phones are to be turned OFF before entering the classroom.
Please get to class on time. If you must leave the class early, please sit by the door and exit quietly.

Tutoring Center: The Math Tutoring Center is located in the Johnson Center Rm 344. Help is available on a walk-in basis.

Last Revised January 22, 2008