A picture of the "network" of the NYSE, courtesy of linear algebra.
(From joint work with G. Leibon, S. Pauls, D. Rockmore, and R. Savell, Dartmouth College)
rockmore at math.dartmouth.edu
(From joint work with G. Leibon, S. Pauls, D. Rockmore, and R. Savell, Dartmouth College)
You all remember solving two simultaneous equations for two unknowns in high school. Linear algebra is the elegant structure that arises when you generalize this to many equations in many unknowns. We will find such algebra problems (involving numbers and matrices) can be beautifully described by geometry (involving planes and angles). You will also grapple with some lovely math proofs.
Why is linear algebra useful? The natural and technological world around us is full of complicated systems that respond to stimuli: a bridge moves when a force is applied, the population of one species reacts to a change in population of another. Very often the system is linear (or nearly so) - twice the input causes twice the output. Every time we do a Google search, make a weather prediction, solve virtually any numerical problem in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, economics, we (or a computer) does linear algebra. Every molecule of your body is governed by quantum mechanics, which is essentially linear algebra.
Finally, linear algebra, particularly the idea we introduce of a vector space, is the mathematical building block upon which functional analysis (the study of operators on continuous functions, a key part of analysis, partial differential equations, etc) is built. It's also just the tip of the iceberg that is abstract algebra -- my favorite area of mathematics.
Lectures / OH: Kemeny 007, MWF 1:45pm-2:50pm (period 2), important to attend since we'll do lots of worksheets together. I strongly recommend you read the material in the book in advance of the lecture. X-hour is 1:00--1:50pm Thurs, and I imagine will be used about half the time for: quizzes, writing proofs, computer help, or review material. Do not schedule anything regular in this X-hr. I encourage you to come to office hours: Mon 3-4pm, Wed 10:30--11:30am (or by appt.)
Required book: Linear Algebra and Its Applications, Third Edition (or `Third Revised Edition' is equivalent, I'm almost certain!) by David C. Lay (Published by Addison Wesley). Available at Wheelock Books, etc.
Homework: 8-9 weekly HW's due Monday at start of lecture. I strongly encourage you to attempt the relevant homework problems before the next lecture. Leaving it all for Sunday night is bad time management and risks you getting left behind in this fast-paced course. Please make your working/reasoning as clear as you can, write clearly, don't be scared of using lots of space on the page, and STAPLE your work. Late homework will not be accepted (unless by prior arrangement for a valid, and exceptional, reason). Your lowest HW score will be dropped.
Exams: I will try to give you ample time to complete exam questions. However, the only key is to practise, practice, practice. (Also read this).
Honor principle. Exams: no help given or received. Homework: group discussion and collaboration on problem techniques is great and helpful. Write-ups must be done individually (ie no copying).
Electronic Etiquette. When in class, you are expected to be doing classwork. Thus, no websurfing, no emailing (in fact, except for computer demos or tutorials, there is little if no need to bring your computer to class), no texting, no phone calls. Failure to abide by these rules will mean a loss of any class participation credit (see Grades). Also, I generally am not able to answer email in the evening and definitely not late at night. The best way to get help on HW is to come to office hours or arrange a meeting with either me or our TA, Giulio Genovese.
Grades: Will be based on Class Participation 5%, HW 20%, Midterms 2*20%, Final 35%. Note the HW is the main chance you get to practice the material and get feedback, so stay on top of it. Grades in Math 22 are not curved; other students' good performance will not hurt your grade. (So please work together and help each other out!)
Special needs: I encourage students with disabilities, including "invisible" disabilities like chronic diseases and learning disabilities, to discuss with us any appropriate accommodations that might be helpful. The official College policy statement is as follows: "Students with disabilities enrolled in this course and who may need disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment to see me, ideally, before the end of the second week of the term. All discussions will remain confidential, although the Student Accessibility Services office may be consulted to discuss appropriate implementation of any accommodation requested." So, let me know asap, certainly in first 2 weeks. Also stop by the Academic Skills Center in 301 Collis to register for support services.
Private tutoring: Tutor Clearinghouse may have private one-on-one tutors available for Math 22. The tutors are recruited on the basis that they have done well in the subject, and are trained by the Academic Skills Center. If a student receives financial aid, the College will pay for three hours of tutoring per week. If you would like to have a tutor, please go to 301 Collis and apply as early as possible.