Math 341: Linear Algebra

Gautam Iyer

Office: WEH 6121.

Email.

Contacting me by email

For mathematical email queries other than minor clarifications or typos on the homework, I request you come speak to me in person instead of sending me an email. Mathematics is not easily expressed via email, and a physical in person conversation will be a lot more productive.

For minor clarifications, typos on the homework, and logistical queries, my email address is:

gi1242+341@NoSPAM.edu (replace "NoSPAM" with "cmu")

(Please get the numbers and the plus sign correct, as that will ensure that your email goes to my course folder.) I don't always check email in the evenings, so if you send me a desperate question about the homework at the 11th hour, then you're on your own.

Anonymous feedback?

Anonymous feedback

Feedback at any time (either anonymous or signed) is always appreciated. You can use this form to send me (or your course assistant) anonymous (or signed) feedback.

Note: Unfortunately, evil spammers have used this form to clutter my INBOX. Thus I have restricted access to this form to within cmu.edu domain. Any inconvenience caused is regretted.

Homework policy
LaTeX sources
LaTeX sources

If you're interested in typing your homework using LaTeX, you can find the LaTeX sources of all the homework here. Be sure you also download the calculus.sty style file.

WARNING: These files are provided as is, with no warranty whatsoever. The files all LaTeX cleanly, with no errors on my system. If they don't compile cleanly on your system, you're on your own.

Homework & Solutions
Handouts
Syllabus and course description

This course is a mathematically rigorous introduction to Linear Algebra. This course will teach the student how to write clear, rigorous, proofs in a more abstract setting than in 21-127. Topics studied may include abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, inner products, invariant subspaces, spectral theorem, singular value decomposition and determinants. (Pre-requisites: 21-127)

Text book: Linear Algebra done right by Sheldon Axler.

Course info
Lectures MWF 1:30--2:20 in GHC 4307
Homework due Fridays, beginning of class, unless otherwise noted.
Office Hours Tuesdays 3:40--5:00, Wednesdays 11:00--12:00.
Mailing list math-341?
Mailing list

I will use this mailing list for all announcements regarding this course. These usually contain information about class, homework and/or exams, and I strongly recommend all students join this mailing list. I will NOT use BlackBoard.

Any student who is registered for this course on the first day of class will be automatically subscribed this mailing list. If you register for the course at a later time, you should join this mailing list yourself, by visiting the mailing list website (linked above). You may read any announcements you might have missed on the list archives. You may also post to this list to contact your classmates about class related issues. (Posters promoting frat parties, girl scout cookies, or any non-class related agenda will be penalized severely.)

Please note that the mailing list website also contains instructions on how to un-subscribe yourself! If you drop this course, you should follow these instructions and un-subscribe yourself from this list. Since an easy, clearly listed, un-subscription procedure exists, any emails requesting me to add/remove you from this list will be ignored.

Exams
Midterm 1 Wed, Feb 9. (Closed book, in class.)
Midterm 2 Wed, Mar 23. (Closed book, in class.)
Final Thu, May 5, 1:00--4:00PM in GHC 4307?
Final scheduling

Your final exam will be scheduled by the registrar at a time that can not be changed. You can find more information here.

Grading

Homework: 20%. The better? midterm: 30%. Final: 50%.

Choosing the "better" of your two midterms

When computing your final grade, I will only use the score from the midterm in which you received a higher percentile rank (and consequently, the higher grade). I will then use statistical methods so that your scores from your homework and exams are all comparable, and then average these corrected scores (as described) to compute your final grade. If you want to know the exact details, read the source of the scripts I use.

Bottom line -- you can safely "bomb" one midterm with no consequence to your grade, and let me worry about how the numbers work.

Class policies

Lectures
Homework
Exams

All exams are closed book, in class exams. You are not allowed any computational aids, cheat sheets, etc. Some advice on studying for exams is here. Exams from previous years are linked to in the Handouts section.

Last Modified: Thu 12 Jan 2012 09:32:35 PM EST