MA3191 Linear Algebra (Spring 1999)

    Section 002:  MW 5:30-6:45  Sci 138
    Section 004: TTh  4:00-5:15  Sci 109

    Lynn S. Bennethum Office: CU 638, Phone 556-4810
    Office hours: Tues. and Thurs. 3:00-3:50 pm, Wed. 4:00-5:15 in Sci 132, or by appointment.
    e-mail: bennethum@math.cudenver.edu
    web page: http://www-math.cudenver.edu/~bennethm
    fax: 556-8550
    home phone: 683-6983 (Please call after 9am and before 9:30pm - I generally work at home on Fridays).

    Textbook: Linear Algebra and Its Applications by D. C. Lay, 1997, Addison-Wesley (2nd edition).

    Prerequisite: Calculus II (ma2411).

         Linear algebra is the study of systems of linear equations.  It is slightly more sophisticated than calculus in that concepts are more abstract.  In this class you will be introduced to many abstract concepts - concepts which can be applied to many different problems.  Understanding these concepts allows you to understand how to approach a variety of problems without seeing a similar one worked out in detail.  Thus about half the homework problems and about half the test questions will revolve around your understanding of the concepts in general.  This is a stepping stone toward more mathematical maturity.

    Grading: Points will be distributed as follows:
     

    Homework: 100 pts
    2 Midterms (100 pts each): 200 pts
    Final Exam: 150 pts
    Total: 450 pts
     

    The maximum amount of homework points you can obtain in class will not be 100 points, so your homework score used for calculating the final grade will be scaled so that the maximum amount of points which can be earned on homework is 100 points. Each test and the final exam will be curved. For example, suppose on test 1 you receive 105 points out of a possible 150 and the curve is such that 95-110 is a C. Then your test grade will be recorded as

    x = (105-95)*(80-70)/(110-95) + 70 = 76.67
    Your final grade will be determined on a straight scale (divide your total number of points by 450 and multiply by 100):
  • 90-91.5% A-; 91.5-98% A; 98-100% A+
  • 80-81.5% B-; 81.5-88% B; 88-90% B+
  • 70-71.5% C-; 71.5-78% C; 78-80% C+
  • 60-61.5% D-; 61.5-68% D; 68-70% D+

    • The homework score will not be curved.

    Homework: Homework will be assigned weekly, and will be due at the beginning of the class the following week (generally this will be the second class of the week, i.e. on Wed. for MW classes, and on Thurs for T Th classes). I will grade 4-6 problems from each homework set and you will get additional points for attempting every problem. Each homework will be worth 30 points. I will accept late homework, but with a penalty. For every class period it is late I will deduct 1/3 of its value, e.g. suppose the homework is worth 30 points - if it is turned in any time from directly after that class has started through the following class period, 10 points will be deducted from the total score; if it is turned in 2 class periods late, 20 points will be deducted, etc. If you think I have made a mistake in grading a problem (not unheard of!), then you need to tell me within a week after the homework is returned. A list of all assignments will be kept on file in SCI 130 as well as on my homepage. A solution key to the graded problems will be available in a notebook in SCI 130. The 2 lowest homework grades will be dropped.
         There will also be projects which require the use of a computer and/or calculator.  These projects will be worth 10 pts each and will count as extra credit towards your homework assignments.  However, you must do at least 1 project in order to get an A in the course.

    Tests and Final:  There will be 2 in class tests and one in class final.  The final will have two components, an in-class portion and a take-home portion.  The in-class portion will be during our class time on  Mon May 10(for MW class) or Tues May 11 (for TTh class).  The take-home portion will be due 2 days later at our regularly scheduled class time.
     

    Make Up Tests: I do not plan to give any make-up tests. If you must miss a test, please contact me BEFOREHAND, as I will tend to be more lenient. However, if I am approached after the fact, I will expect some ``hard'' evidence (i.e. doctor's excuse, death certificate...) Whatever the circumstance, please get in touch with me.

    Cheating: Cheating of any kind on an in-class exam or take-home exam results in a course grade of F and possible expulsion from the university. It isn't worth it, so don't do it.

    Important Dates:
    Feb. 3: To add a course after this date, students need instructor's and dean's signature. Last day to drop this without instructor's signature.
     March 15-20:  Spring Break - no classes, but the campus remains open.
    April 15:  Last day to drop a course.
    May 10/May 11 :  In class final exam, during regularly scheduled class time.
    May 12/May 23:  Take-home portion of final exam due.