OSU Course Syllabus Math 341 WINTER 2016

Linear Algebra I
Location: GRAF 306 Time: 2:00 - 2:50 pm M W F.
Professor: Edward Waymire
Email: Office: Kidder Hall M101
Office Hour: Wednesday 3:10 to 3:50pm
Prerequisite: Math 254 Credit hours: 3
Required Text: Introduction to Linear Algebra, 4th edition, by Gilbert Strang.

Attendance: Quite a bit of material is covered in 10 weeks. Regular attendance does not guarantee
a passing grade, but experience shows that there is a relatively high correlation between those that
regularly miss class and those that fail the course.
Email: Email inquiries will generally be answered in class.
Midterm Exam: FRIDAY February 12, 2:00-2:50 PM, GRAF 306. Books, notes nor electronic
devises are not be permitted on the exam.
Final Exam: MONDAY March 14, 6:00 - 8:00 PM, GRAF 306. Books, notes, electronic devices
will not be allowed on the final exam. The final exam is comprehensive and the date is not flexible.
Course Description and Content
MTH 341 is a one-quarter introduction to linear algebra. Topics include systems of linear equations,
matrix algebra, determinants, and the computational aspects of eigenvalues. A more detailed list of
topics covered is provided on the last page of this syllabus.
Learning outcomes A successful student in MTH 341 will be able to:
1. Determine the number of solutions to a system of linear equations and solve the system.
2. Perform the operations of addition, scalar multiplication, multiplication on matrices and determine
if a square matrix is invertible and be able to find the inverse of an invertible matrix. Calculate
determinants of matrices using row operations, column operations, and expansion down any column or across any row.
3. Calculate the determinant of a matrix and understand its significance.
4. Determine when a square matrix is invertible and be able to find the inverse of an invertible matrix.
5. Understand and apply the concepts of vector space, linear independence, rank, column space and
null space of a matrix.
6. State basic properties of vectors in Rn and the definition of a subspace. Compute the span of a
set of vectors and a basis for a subspace. Be able to determine linear dependence or independence
for a set of vectors.
7. Find the characteristic polynomial and calculate eigenvalues, eigenvectors and eigenspaces of
square matrices. Determine if a matrix is diagonalizable, and if it is, use methods to diagonalize
it.

Getting help and the MLC

You may see me during my office hours or send me an email to set up an appointment. A resource
for learning Linear Algebra is the Math Learning Center (MLC) in Kidder 108 available for free drop-in
tutoring help. It is open from 9am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday and 9 am to 4 pm on Friday,
from the second week of classes through the end of the tenth week (the week before final exams). It is
not open finals week.
Homework Assignments
Assignments will be due at the beginning of class on the due date.
Print your full name and assignment number clearly on the first page and Staple multiple pages
together. For some problems you will want to work out the solution, then write the final solution neatly
to submit. Show your work. Just writing down an answer without showing the steps to arriving at the
answer is not sufficient for credit. If the problem says explain then you need to explain your reasoning,
using the English language and complete and coherent sentences. Marks may be deducted for poor
presentation or work that is difficult to follow.
Grading
Your grade will be calculated as follows: Homework assignments (25%), exams (Midterm 35%,Comprehensive Final 40 Your grade in the course will not be harder than:
A/A- 89% - 100%, B-/B/B+ 78% - 88.9%, C-/C/C+ 67% - 77.9%, D-/D/D+ 56%-66.9%.
Expectations
You are welcome to collaborate in thinking through solutions to assigned problems. It is your responsibility to understand what you are doing. You must write up your own solutions to problems yourself.
Communication between students concerning the exam (during the exam) is not allowed.
Shut down or silence all electronic equipment during class.
Read the sections that are concurrent with the lectures before coming to class.
Ask questions in class.
Save all returned work.

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct

Oregon State University places a high value on the integrity of its student scholars. Any student found
guilty of an act of academic misconduct may be subject to having his or her grade reduced in the course
in question, failing the course, removal from an academic department, or removal from the university.
Students are expected to be familiar with the policies stated on this syllabus, as well as Oregon State
Universitys Student Conduct Code: http://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/studentconduct
Students With Disabilities
Oregon State University is committed to student success; however, we do not require students to use
accommodations nor will we provide them unless accommodations are requested by the student. The
student, as a legal adult, is responsible to request appropriate accommodations. The student must take
the lead in applying to Disability Access Services (DAS) and submit requests for accommodations each
term through DAS Online. Oregon State University students apply to DAS and request accommodations
at the Getting Started with DAS page:
http : //ds.oregonstate.edu/gettingstarted
Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval
through DAS should contact DAS immediately at 737-4098.
Topics covered (by section number in the textbook)
The following schedule is tentative and amounts of time approximate. Section numbers refer to the
textbook by Gilbert Strang.
Systems of linear equations. Sections 1.1 1.3 (approximately 1 week)
Solving systems of equations by Gaussian Elimination. Matrix algebra, including transposes and invertibility. Sections 2.1 to 2.5. (2.5 weeks)
Principal subspaces of a matrix. Sections 3.1 to 3.3 (1.5 weeks)
A return to linear systems. Sections 2.6; 3.4 (1.5 weeks)
Linear independence. Section 3.5 (1 week)
Determinants. Section 5.1 (0.5 week)
Introduction to eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Section 6.1 (1 week)
Linear Transformations. Sections 8.1, 8.2. Definition and connection with matrices. (1 week)