Math 307 - Linear Algebra
Spring 2011

Instructor: Elizabeth Meckes

Office: Yost 208

Phone: 368-5015

Email: ese3 [at] cwru.edu

Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 - 12. Fridays, 2 - 3.

Textbook: Linear Algebra Done Right, 2e by Sheldon Axler

Topics: Math 307 is the linear algebra portion of the two semester algebra sequence. This is an abstract, axiomatic math course; students will be expected to be able to read and write mathematical statements and proofs of theorems. The major topics are vector spaces, linear transformations, and inner product spaces.

This is a rough, tentative schedule for the class:

TopicsBook chaptersWeeks
Vector spaces 1,2 1-3
Linear maps, polynomials 3-5 3-7
Inner product spaces 6-7 7-11
Trace and determinant, computations 10, plus material not in the book 11-13
Decomposition of operators 8 13-14


Grading: There will be two midterms (worth 15% of the course grade each), one final (worth 30%), and daily homework assignments (worth 40%).

Attendance: Attendance will be taken at each class. While it is not formally factored into the grade, attendance may be used in borderline cases.

Homework Problems: Homework is daily and is due at the beginning of class; assignments are posted below. The homework is probably the single biggest factor in determining how much you get out of the course, so if you're having trouble, please come ask questions. Correctness and clarity of exposition are a major focus here and also count toward getting full credit. You may discuss the homework with other students, however, you must write up solutions on your own.

Assignments:

Chapter(s)ProblemsDue date
Class problems 1/12/2011
11, 3, 4, additional problems 1/14/2011
15, 6, 8, 12, 141/19/2011
1
2
15
2, 3
1/21/2011
25, 8, 91/24/2011
210, 11, additional problem 1/26/2011
212, 14, 161/28/2011
31, 2, 3, addition to 3 1/31/2011
35, 6, 7, additional problem 2/2/2011
39, 12, 16, additional problem 2/4/2011
317, 20, 212/7/2011
324, 252/9/2011
51, 3, 52/16/2011
57, 9, 10, 112/18/2011
512, 14, 15, 162/21/2011
513, 17, 182/23/2011
519, 20, 212/25/2011
522, 23, 243/2/2011
Problems3/4/2011
62, 3, 4, 53/14/2011
66, 8, 9, 103/16/2011
611, 13, 14, 153/18/2011
619, 22, 243/21/2011
626, 27, 283/23/2011
6
7
30, 32
1, 3
3/25/2011
74, 6, 8, 93/28/2011
710, 11, 13, 154/6/2011
717, 18, 194/8/2011
721, 23, 244/11/2011
726, 29, 30, 334/13/2011
Problems4/15/2011
81, 3, 4, 94/18/2011
810, 11, 15, 20 (assume V is a complex vector space)4/20/2011
103 (again, assume V is complex), 6, 7, 84/22/2011
1012 (do explain what you're doing), 16, 204/25/2011


Exams: The first midterm is scheduled for Friday, February 11. Here is some information about the exam, including the list of terms you will be expected to know.
The second midterm is scheduled for Friday, April 1. Here is information about the second exam.
The final will be Tuesday, May 3 at 8:30 am. Here is information about the final.