Math 45 --- Linear Algebra

Instructor: David Arnold

What Is Linear Algebra?

The Math 45 course at College of the Redwoods is an intoductory course in linear algebra. Its primary emphasis is developing matrix techniques for solving systems of linear equations. Along the way students will study

What Are The Prerequisites?

If you have completed courses in college algebra and trigonometry, then you are eligible to enroll in CR's introductory linear algebra course. The majority of students in the class will have completed at least one semester of calculus.

Who Takes Linear Algebra?

Students in mathematics, science, and engineering (MSE) usually complete the following core courses in their freshman and sophomore years.
 
First Semester Second Semester
Freshman Year Calculus I Calculus II
Sophomore Year Calculus III Differential Equations

MSE students are expected to fit an introductory linear algebra course in during one of these first four semesters. At some schools you are required to complete an introductory course in linear algebra before taking the third course in calculus or differential equations.

However, you don't have to be a mathematician, scientist, or engineer to find linear algebra useful. If you are interested in modeling an owl population or devising a a harvesting plan for a renewable resource, then linear algebra is the tool that you will need.

Syllabus

Office hours, class management, materials needed, homework and test policies, grading, etc. All of these are available in the Syllabus.

Homework

Activities and assignments for the semester will be accumulated on the Homework Page. This page will be under construction throughout the semester as new activities and assignments are added.

Sample Examinations

The examinations administered during past semesters can be found on the Examination Page. Although examinations this semester will not be identical to those found on the Examination Page, you can still find questions typical of those that you will encounter on upcoming quizzes and examinations.

Sample Solutions

You can find partial solutions and hints to the exercises in Strang at: http://scinux.redwoods.edu/strangproblems/strangproblems.cgi. Caution: Most of these problems are keyed to the second edition of the text, but the list will grow as we add solutions and hints from the third edition.

Sample Activities

You can find a list of the Matlab activities that will be used in this class on the Activities Page.

Student Projects

You can find student projects in past linear algebra classes at Student Projects in Linear Algebra.