Math 211-05: Linear Algebra, Fall 2023

Instructor: Chi-Kwong Li

Meeting times and places: Tue/Thur 9:30 - 10:50 a.m. Jones 306
Office: Jones 128, Tel: 221-2042
E-mail: ckli@math.wm.edu, http://cklixx.people.wm.edu
Office hours: TT 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Wed. 9:00-10:00 a.m., and by appointments.

Course description:

Textbook David C. Lay (with Peter R. Lay, Judi J. McDonald), Linear Algebra and its applications, Fifth or later edition, Pearson.

The goal of the course is to equip students with basic techniques in linear algebra. Students are expected to read the textbook, especially, the sections concerning applications. We can arrange small group discussions for students interested in specific applications outside classes. The diescussions may lead to undergraduate research projects.

The course will cover Chapters 1 -- 6 of the textbook, and some additional topics: singular value decomposition (SVD), and data compression. If time permits, I will also discuss tensor products and their applications in data science, AI, and quantum computing.

Homework

• Study the practice problems in the books and try some exercises with solutions at the end of the book.
• There will be weekly mandatory homework due on Sunday (11:59 pm) except for this week and the examination weeks.
• Solution in pdf file should be submitted via blackboard.
• Homework sessions with hints will be conducted on Thursday 2:00 pm.
• Challenging homework problems will be assigned from time to time;
  extra-credits will be given to successful (or partially successful) attempts.
• Additonal extra credit scores will be given to the discussion board for thoughtful/useful comments. participation related to topics discussed in classes, different ways to understand the material, and new applications, etc.

    
                 Homework   Exam. 1.   Exam. 2.      Final  
                 (weekly)   (Oct. 5)  (Nov. 16)     (Dec. 19, 9:00am.- noon)
                                                   
                   25%       20%       20%          35%
   
     Grades (for homework, quizzes, exams, final grade, etc.):

     %: 0 - 60 - 65 - 70 - 75 - 80 - 83 - 87 - 90 - 93 - 100
          F    D    C-   C    C+   B-   B    B+   A-    A
 
               (Extra credits  may add another 5-6%)

Homework List See the assignment page in the blackboard site.