Course information 2015–16

MT1173 Algebra
This unit develops a student’s proficiency in working with the mathematical methods of
algebra and develops the student’s understanding of the theoretical concepts (such as
vector space) behind these methods

Prerequisite Learning outcomes

None apply At the end of the course and having
completed the essential reading and
Exclusions activities students should be able to:
May not be taken with MT105a Mathematics 1
May not be taken with MT105b Mathematics 2  use the concepts, terminology, methods
and conventions covered in the unit to
Aims and objectives solve mathematical problems in this
The objectives specifically include: subject
• to enable students to acquire skills in the  solve unseen mathematical problems
methods of algebra, as required for their involving understanding of these
use in further mathematics subjects and concepts and application of these
economics-based subjects methods
• to prepare students for further units in  see how algebra can be used to solve
mathematics and/or related disciplines problems in economics and related
subjects
Essential reading  demonstrate knowledge and
For full details please refer to the reading list. understanding of the underlying
Anthony, M. and M. Harvey. Linear Algebra: principles of algebra.
Concepts and Methods. (Cambridge
University Press)
Anthony, M. and N. Biggs Mathematics for Assessment
economics and finance: methods and This course is assessed by a three hour
modelling. (Cambridge: Cambridge University unseen written examination.
Press)

Further reading
Anton, H. Elementary Linear Algebra.
(International Student Version) (John Wiley
& Sons (Asia) Plc Ltd)

Students should consult the Programme Regulations for degrees and diplomas in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social
Sciences that are reviewed annually. Notice is also given in the Regulations of any courses which are being phased out and students
are advised to check course availability.

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 Syllabus
This is a description of the material to be examined, as published in the Programme handbook. On
registration, students will receive a detailed subject guide which provides a framework for covering the
topics in the syllabus and directions to the essential reading

This unit develops basic mathematical methods Sequences, series and difference equations:
and concepts of algebra and will include their Arithmetic and Geometric Progressions; sums of
applications to problems in economics,
numbers, squares and cubes; solving first-order
management and related areas
difference equations; application of first-order
Matrices, vectors and their geometry: Vectors and difference equations to financial problems; the
matrices, the algebra of vectors and matrices; cobweb model; Second-order difference
Cartesian and vector equations of a straight line; equations.
normal vectors and planes; the Cartesian and
vector equations of a plane; extension to higher
Vector spaces and related concepts: Vector
dimension.
spaces; subspaces, including those associated with
matrices; linear span; linear independence and
Systems of linear equations: Systems of linear
dependence; bases and dimension; coordinates;
equations and their expression in matrix form;
linear transformations.
Solving systems of linear equations using row
operations; consistent and inconsistent systems;
Diagonalisation of matrices: eigenvalues and
systems with free variables; range and rank of a
eigenvectors; diagonalisation of a matrix and its
matrix; general solution of linear systems.
connection with eigenvectors; finding powers of
matrices using diagonalisation;
Matrix inversion and determinants: finding
inverses using row operations; determinants;
matrix inversion using cofactors; Cramer’s rule; Applications of diagonalisation: Markov chains;
input-output analysis. using diagonalisation to solve systems of
differential equations

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