Linear Algebra (Math 290B, Spring 2017)

Course Information

• Textbook: A First Course in Linear Algebra (aka "FCLA")
    An open-source (free) textbook in introductory linear algebra. GFDL license.
    [Online Version]


• Syllabus [PDF]


• Reading Questions in WeBWorK


• Writing Exercises (PDF)


• YouTube Videos, courtesy of Chris Thron


• Sage, FCLA and Linear Algebra


• Grades: Linear Algebra (Math 290B, 11:00, Spring 2017) [Writing]

WeBWorK

• Login name: your UPS user name (email address up to the "@" symbol, but not including @pugetsound.edu), all lowercase
• Password: your 7-digit student ID number
• Important: Your student ID will only work as your password for a limited time, reset your password immediately.
• Be sure to Save your reply to each question.
• Please do not use the "Email Instructor" button, my address is beezer@ups.edu
• Many problem statements are randomized, so for responses that require an essay answer be sure to follow instructions about repeating parts of your problem.
• Questions may be similar, but not identical, to the questions in the text.
• For essay questions, the text box may be resizable (drag bottom right corner in Firefox).
• Use \(, \) and \[, \] around mathematics, not $, $ and $$, $$.
• Use \[, \] to get multi-line output. For example, \[A\] \[B\] \[C\] will put A, B, C onto three lines, each displayed as mathematical notation.
• When you start doing bigger displays of several vectors at a time, write your LaTeX (between \(, \) or \[, \]) all on one line of the textbox, or you (and I) will see lots of garbage (HTML tags really).
• You can see some LaTeX source in the online version of the book, but these frequently rely on a collection of macros that are not available to you in WeBWorK.
• Extensive use of the \text{} macro is unwise.

Open Textbooks on Proofs

These books amplify the Proof Techniques in the textbook and each has an open license which allows you to legally download and retain a copy indefinitely.

• Mathematical Reasoning: Writing and Proof, Sundstrom, CC-BY-NC-SA License
• A Gentle Introduction to the Art of Mathematics, Fields, GFDL License
• Book of Proof, Hammack, CC-BY-ND License

Commercial Textbooks on Proofs

These books are similar to the three above, but must be purchased.

• The Nuts and Bolts of Proof, Cupillari
• Thinking Mathematically, Mason/Burton/Stacey
• How to Read and Do Proofs, Solow
• How to Prove It: A Structured Approach, Velleman
• Mathematical Thinking: Problem-Solving and Proofs, West/D'Angelo
• Proofs and Fundamentals: A First Course in Abstract Mathematics, Bloch

Sage

Sage is open-source software for advanced mathematics. Here are two of the ways you can use it.

• SageMathCloud
• Sage Cell Server (one-off computations)

Main website for Sage: Sage Website

LaTeX

• Sage Math Cloud: online Sage and TeX environment
• TeX on Web: another online TeX compiler
• Detexify - online LaTeX symbol finder
• The Comprehensive LaTeX Symbol List - huge PDF of useful and arcane symbols
• Free LaTeX Book: The Not So Short Introduction to LaTeX2e; Tobias Oetiker, et alia
• LaTeX Book: Guide to LaTeX; Helmut Kopka, Patrick Daly (highly recommended)

Links

• Python Book: Dive Into Python; Mark Pilgrim
• Math Forum Linear Algebra Pages
• Oliver Knill's Linear Algebra Handouts
• Another open-content linear algebra textbook, Linear Algebra by Jim Hefferon
• Initial work on a second text: A Second Course in Linear Algebra

Old Examinations

These examinations are offered with no guarantees. Notation, techniques, and emphases will vary (sometimes radically) from semester to semester. Use at your own risk. There are definitely a few typos in problem statements and in the solutions. I do not maintain these, nor do I entertain questions about them via email.

Spring 2017 (with Sage problems, handwritten solutions):
Originals: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]
Keys: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Spring 2016 (with Sage problems, handwritten solutions):
Originals: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]
Keys: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Spring 2015 (with Sage problems, handwritten solutions):
Originals: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]
Keys: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Spring 2014 (with Sage problems, handwritten solutions):
Originals: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]
Keys: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Fall 2013 (with Sage problems, handwritten solutions):
Originals: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]
Keys: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Spring 2012 (with Sage problems, handwritten solutions):
Originals: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]
Keys: [SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Spring 2010 (with solutions):
[SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Spring 2008 (with solutions):
[SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Fall 2007 (with solutions):
[SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Spring 2007 (with solutions):
[SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Fall 2006 (with solutions):
[SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Fall 2005 (with solutions):
[SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Spring 2005 (with solutions):
[SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Fall 2004 (with solutions):
[SLE]  [V]  [M]  [VS]  [D&E]  [LT]  [R]

Fall 2003:
[1]  [2]  [3]  [4]  [5]  [6]

This is: http://buzzard.ups.edu/courses/2017spring/290s2017.html
Maintained by: Rob Beezer
Last updated: January 10, 2017