M341

Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory

Spring 2015 Unique ID 54465
Instructor:
Lecture:
Oce:
Email:
Oce Hours:

Dr. Kirk Blazek

TTh 9:30-11:00 in RLM 5.122
RLM 13.140
blazek@math.utexas.edu

MWTh 10:00-1:00

Catalog Description: The material in this course focuses on understanding the concepts and learning
to use the tools of linear algebra and matrices, with an emphasis on learning to do proofs.
Prerequisites: One of M408D, M408M, M408S or the equivalent, with a grade of at least C-, or consent
of instructor.
Text: Andrilli and Hecker, Elementary Linear Algebra, 4th Edition, Academic Press.
Attendance: I will not take attendance, but class participation will be considered in borderline grades.
Homework: Problem sets will be assigned once a week, to be due on Thursdays. Partial credit will be
awarded, but remember that in order to receive full credit your work must be clear enough to be read by
others. You may collaborate on the problems, but your final write-ups must be your own work. You are
welcome to use calculators on homework. Transcribed solutions are unacceptable.
Late Policy: Homework must be submitted in class the day its due, and will not be accepted late. The
lowest homework grade at the end of the course will be dropped. If you are unsure if you will be able to
attend class to turn in the homework on time, you should make arrangements to turn it in early or have
someone bring it for you.
Exams: There will be three exams given during the semester, in addition to the final exam. The exams
will be given on Thursdays in lecture, on Feb. 12th, Mar. 12th, and Apr. 16th. The final exam will be
on Monday, May 18th from 2-5pm in the usual room. As this is a computation-heavy subject, you will
be allowed to use scientific calculators on the exams, but are allowed no other outside assistance, whether
written, electronic, or otherwise.
Makeup Exams: I do not give makeup exams after the class has taken their test, but if you know beforehand you will be unable to be there for an exam, let me know and you may be able to take an alternative
exam early. If you miss an exam, you must let me know immediately in order to discuss possible arrangements. However, dont expect a whole lot unless you missed the exam due to medical reasons that can be
confirmed with a doctors note.
Grading: The overall grade will be determined by the exams given during the class as well as the homework.
15%
15%
15%
25%
30%
100%

Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Final Exam
Homework
Total

Curves and The Bad Day Rule: In general, I do not curve grades unless the class average falls
below 70%. Independent of any curving that may happen, if you have an exam that is significantly lower
than your other two (i.e., the average of any two exams is 20% higher that your third exam), then I will
cut the weight of the lower exam in half, and raise the weights of the other two exams accordingly. This
policy does not apply to the final.
Honor Code: The core values of the University of Texas at Austin are learning, discovery, freedom, leadership, individual opportunity, and responsibility. Each member of the University is expected to uphold
these values through integrity, honesty, trust, fairness, and respect toward peers and community.
Students with Disabilities: If you have any disability that requires special accommodations, please
contact the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities,
471-6259, http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/
Schedule (Subject to Change):
Week 1: Sections 1.1-1.2
Week 2: Section 1.3
Week 3: Sections 1.4-1.5
Week 4: Section 2.1
First exam this Thursday, Feb 12th
Week 5: Sections 2.2-2.3
Week 6: Sections 2.4, 3.1
Week 7: Sections 3.2, 3.4
Week 8: Section 4.1
Second exam this Thursday, Mar 12th
Spring Break: Mar 16th-21st
Week 9: Section 4.2
Week 10: Section 4.3
Week 11: Section 4.4
Week 12: Section 4.5
Third exam this Thursday, Apr 16th
Week 13: Section 4.6
Week 14: Sections 5.1-5.2
Week 15: Sections 5.3-5.4 (Time permitting)
Monday, May 18th, 2-5pm, Final Exam