Linear Algebra
3
In person
TTh 11:00 am - 12:20 pm
Wachman 015
Wachman 544
Please contact me via email at luke.peilen@temple.edu. You can expect a response of time of under 3 hours during the week and by the next week day on weekends
TBD
The course textbook is "Matrix Analysis and Applied Linear Algebra " by Carl D. Meyer, 2nd ed., 2023 (ISBN-13: 978-1-61197-743-1).
I will also be using the following resources in preparing my notes. They are useful and interesting references, albeit a bit more advanced.
- "Linear Algebra Done Right" by Sheldon Axler, 4th ed., 2024 (ISBN-13: 978-3-031-41025-3).
- "Linear Algebra Done Wrong" by Sergei Treil, 2017.
- Both texts are open access; please see the Canvas page for download information.
- "Linear Algebra Done Wrong" by Sergei Treil, 2017.
Weekly(ish) Homework: 35%; Participation: 5%; Midterm 1: 10%; Midterm 2: 10%; Midterm 3: 10%; Cumulative final exam: 30%.
Calculus II.
The course aims to introduce students to the theory of linear algebra, with an eye towards its applications in differential equations, applied math, engineering and the sciences. Students will develop a rigorous conceptual understanding of linear algebra, and hone critical thinking skills surrounding mathematical concepts.
Basic of Linear Algebra: norms, inner products, matrices and matrix algebra. Linear Systems: Gaussian elimination and Echelon forms. Vector spaces and subspaces. Eigenvectors, eigenvalues and diagonalization. Singular values and SVD.
Midterm 1: in class, 2/11. Midterm 2: in class, 3/18. Midterm 3: in class, 4/22. Final Exam: Tuesday 5/6, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Attendance is strongly encouraged, since a critical aspect of your learning is engaging with the class. Participation in class discussion will determine students' participation grades.
Homework will be assigned on Thursdays and will be due on Canvas at 11:59pm the following Thursday. Late homework will not be accepted outside of approved extensions for religious holidays and health issues. Please reach out to the instructor for approval prior to the deadline, otherwise late homework will not be accepted. Your lowest homework score will be dropped.
Each week we will discuss solutions to problems from the homework assignments. Since one of the goals of the course is improving mathematical communication, you will be required to present solutions to two homework problems during the course of the semester! Your participation grade will be based on completion of this assignment, in addition to in-class discussion problems.
This is a registered Canvas course. Please check Canvas daily for important announcements!
There will be no regularly scheduled make up exams. In the case that you are unable to take an exam as scheduled, please contact me ASAP to make alternate arrangements!
To achieve course learning goals, students must attend and participate in classes, according to the course requirements. However, if you have tested positive for or are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, you should not come to campus or attend in-person classes or activities. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as you are able to do so, and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion.
It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse.
Any student who has a need for accommodations based on the impact of a documented disability or medical condition should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS) in Howard Gittis Student Center South, Rm 420 (drs@temple.edu; 215-204-1280) to request accommodations and learn more about the resources available to you. If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact me as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.
Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has adopted a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy # 03.70.02) which can be accessed here (opens in new tab/window).
Students will be charged for a course unless dropped by the Drop/Add deadline date. Check the University calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates.
During the Drop/Add period, students may drop a course with no record of the class appearing on their transcript. Students are not financially responsible for any courses dropped during this period. In the following weeks prior to or on the withdrawal date students may withdraw from a course with the grade of "W" appearing on their transcript. After the withdrawal date students may not withdraw from courses. Check the University Calendar (opens in new tab/window) for exact dates. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).
The use of generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, etc.) is not permitted in this class unless specifically announced for a particular assignment; therefore, any use of AI tools for work in this class may be considered a violation of Temple University's Academic Honesty policy and Student Conduct Code, since the work is not your own. The use of unauthorized AI tools will result in a grade of zero on the assignment; a second offense will be reported to the Student Conduct Board.
The grade "I" (an "incomplete") is only given if students cannot complete the course work due to circumstances beyond their control. It is necessary for the student to have completed the majority of the course work with a passing average and to sign an incomplete contract which clearly states what is left for the student to do and the deadline by which the work must be completed. The incomplete contract must also include a default grade that will be used in case the "I" grade is not resolved by the agreed deadline. See the full policy by clicking here (opens in new tab/window).
The following academic support services are available to students (all links open in a new tab/window):
The Math Consulting Center
Student Success Center
University Libraries
Undergraduate Research Support
Career Center
Tuttleman Counseling Services
Disability Resources and Services
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, the Temple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs.