Math 4305

Topics in Linear Algebra

Fall 2008

TThu 12:05-1:25, Skiles 169

INSTRUCTOR

• Stavros Garoufalidis
• Room 105, Skiles
• Telephone: 404-894-6614
• stavros@math.gatech.edu
• Office hours: Wed Thu 3:30-4:30 or by appointment.

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TEXTBOOK

• Linear Algebra and its applications, by Gilbert Strang. Editors: Thompson books, fourth edition.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Finite dimensional vector spaces, inner product spaces, least squares, linear transformations, the spectral theorem for normal transformations. Applications to convex sets, positive matrices, difference equations.

PREREQUISITES

MATH 1502 or MATH 1512 or (MATH 15X2 + MATH 1522).

HOME-PAGE FOR THE COURSE

You can view information about the course here.

HOMEWORK

Homework will be due on Tuesdays during the lecture, and will be graded selectively. Late homework will not be accepted, unless for documented reason, decided by the instructor. Sample homework problems will be discussed by the teaching assistants. You can download the homework from the home-page of the course. You may discuss homework problems together, however you are required to write the solutions separately . Please staple your homework, and write clearly, each problem on a new page.

MIDTERM-EXAM

There will be two in-class midterm exams on Thursday September 25 and Thursday October 30. No substitutions, please.

FINAL EXAM

The final exam will be on Friday Dec 12th 8:00 - 10:50 am in the classroom.

GRADES

The final grade will be calculated according to the following scheme:
• Homework : 15 %
• Midterms : 2 x 20 %
• Final Exam : 45 %
It is expected that an average of around 80% gives an A and an average of below 45% or a final exam grade of less than 40% results in failure.

ACADEMIC HONOR CODE

It is required that the students review and accept the Honor Code of Georgia Tech, which may be found here.
• Calculators, formula sheets, notes or texts are not allowed during midterms and final exams.
• Consultation/collaboration for homework is allowed and encouraged, however the homework should be written separately.
• Identification is required in taking tests.

COURSE SYLLABUS

You may find a course syllabus here .

IMPORTANT DATES

• September 1, School Holiday.
• September 25, Midterm I.
• October 13-14 Fall recess.
• October 10, Last day to withdraw with W.
• October 30, Midterm II.
• November 27-28 School Holiday.
• December 5, Last Day of classes.
• December 12, Final Exam.

WHAT IS A PROOF?

See a note by Chris Heil.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNEMENTS

• Homework 1 Due Tuesday Aug 26 in the beginning of the class. Section 1.3 problem 20, Sec.1.4 problems 11,20,33,53,61. Here is a scanned version for those who do not have a copy of the book yet.

• Homework 2 Due Tuesday Sep 2. Sec. 1.5: 24,28.30. Sec 1.6: 10,48,62.