Math 436: Linear Algebra

Spring 2008

Course Description

This is a second course in linear algebra. The main goal of the course is to study abstract vector spaces and the linear operators acting on them. Topics include canonical forms of matrices and inner product spaces. The course will be fast-paced and demanding. 

Lecture Schedule

Section 1:  MWF, 12:20-01:10 p.m., 220 Willard.
Section 2:  MWF, 02:30-03:20 p.m., 307 Boucke.

Instructor

Mihran Papikian
Office: McAllister Building, Room 423

Email: papikian@math.psu.edu (preferred)
Office phone: 814-863-4134

Office Hours:    Monday 4-6 p.m.

                        Wednesday 4-5 p.m.

                        and by appointment.

Text

  • Linear Algebra Done Right (Second Edition), by Sheldon Axler. We will try to cover most of the book, starting with Chapter 1.

The textbook is available electronically through the Penn State University library system. There is also a hard copy on reserve at the math library. 

Exams

There will be one midterm and a final exam.

The midterm will be a Take Home. It will be distributed in class on Monday, March 17, and will be due in class on Wednesday, March 19. You should plan on working on the exam for most of Monday and Tuesday. No late exams will be accepted. 

The Final Exam will take place on Monday, May 5. Exam location: 220 HAMMOND. Exam time: 4:40pm-6:30pm.

Homework

There will be weekly homework assignments. Homework is due in class on the due date. No papers will be accepted after this time.

Two lowest homework scores will be dropped when computing your grade. 

You may discuss the problems with others. However, when writing up the final version of your paper, you must work by yourself.

  • Homework #1  (Due on Friday 1/25 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #2: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.35 #6, #8, #9. (Due on Friday 2/1 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #3: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.59 #2, #6, #9. (Due on Friday 2/8 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #4: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.60 #10, #16, #19. (Due on Friday 2/15 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #5: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.19 #7; p.36 #15; p.94 #4. (Due on Friday 2/22 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #6: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.94 #6, #7, #9. (Due on Friday 2/29 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #7  (Due on Friday 3/7 in class) Solutions

Handout Determinants and Characteristic Polynomials.

Midterm solutions.
  • Homework #9: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.123 #9, #13, #17. (Due on Friday 4/4 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #10: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.124 #21, #24, #29. (Due on Friday 4/11 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #11: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.158 #1, #2, #3, #8. (Due on Friday 4/18 in class) Solutions
  • Homework #12: Do the following exercises from the textbook: p.158 #5, #7, #21. (Due on Friday 4/25 in class) Solutions

Practice Problems for the Final Exam. Set 1. (with answers)

Practice Problems for the Final Exam. Set 2. (with answers)

Practice Problems for the Final Exam. Set 3. (with answers)

Practice Problems for the Final Exam. Set 4. (with answers)

Final Exam Solutions.

Grades

Grades will be weighted as follows.

  • Homework: 30%
  • Midterm: 30% 
  • Final Exam: 40%  

  Academic Integrity

   Students are required to adhere to Penn State's Policy on Academic Integrity.