Math 309 - Matrix Algebra - Spring 2007


Introductory applied matrix theory --- Prof. Stanley Sawyer

Topics covered:

Matrices and vector spaces from a concrete, computational point of view. Topics include row reduction (pivotal method), rank and dimension, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization of symmetric matrices. Related computational computer software may be used.

Prerequisites: Math 132
Time and Location:   MWF 1:00-2:00   --   Cupples I  Room 115
Instructor: Prof. S. Sawyer   --   Cupples I  Room 107
Phone: (314) 935-6703   --   Send an email to Prof. Sawyer
Links: SCHEDULE and Homework Assignments
Office Hours: MWF 2:00-3:00pm   Office:  Cupples I  Rm 107
(Warn me in advance if you are coming  --  other times are OK by appointment)
Textbook: Elementary Linear Algebra, 8th edition
Bernard Kolman and David R Hill,   ISBN 0-13-045787-6

Final Exam:
        The final will be Wednesday May 9, 2007, 1:00-3:00 PM, in Cupples I  Room 215. (This is the same room that the class met in during the Semester.)
        You can use one 8 1/2 by 11 crib sheet during the final examination. (You can use both sides of the paper.)

Homework, Exams, and Grades:
        Homework will generally be posted on Mondays (or before), due the following Monday, and will be graded. Homework will account for about 25% of the course grade. There will be two in-class tests and a final. The two tests will be on February 14 and March 28 (see SCHEDULE and Homework Assignments above). Cr means D or better if you elect ``Credit/No Credit.''
        No calculators on exams, unless otherwise indicated explicitly. All exams will be closed book.

Collaboration:
        Collaboration on homework is allowed and can be helpful (and fun).
        However, you must (i) write the names of the people that you collaborated with at the top of your homework and (ii) write up your homework in your own words.

WARNING:
        Make a copy of each homework before you hand it in !!
        It may not be returned before you need to refer to it for the next homework (or for the next test).

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    Last modified May 3, 2007