LINEAR ALGEBRA

Course Description: For the mathematics major, actuarial science major, pre-engineering student,
math/education major or any student who needs an understanding of the underlying principles of linear
algebra. Includes matrix operations , determinants, vector spaces, linear independence , bases, and the
applications of these concepts to systems of linear equations. Prerequisite: Math 250

Rationale /Goal: The purpose and goal of the course is to present linear algebra as a practical tool for
students majoring in engineering, computer science, mathematics, math-education, economics or science.
Emphasis is placed on vector spaces, linear independence , matrices and determinants, linear
transformations, eigen values and eigenvectors , and linear programming. The heart of the course deals
with the main ideas of vector spaces and bases.

Competencies: At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Apply the Gaussian and Gauss-Jordan elimination techniques to solving systems of linear equations.
(Math SSC 6.3, 7.4)
2. Solve mathematical problems using various matrix operations. (Math SSC 6.3, 7.3, 7.4)
3. Evaluate de terminants used in mathematical applications. (Math SSC 6.3, 7.3, 7.4)
4. Describe vector spaces and use them in various real world applications. (Math SSC 6.3)
5. Use inner product spaces to solve certain applications. (Math SSC 6.3)
6. Develop an understanding of linear transformations and how they are applied. (Math SSC 6.3)
7. Work applications problems using eigenvalues and eigenvectors. (Math SSC 6.3)
8. Apply certain numerical methods . (Math SSC 7.4)
9. Define complex vectors.
10. Maximize and/ or minimize systems of linear programming models using the Simplex Method .

Performance indicator: The determination of the above competencies will be based on a set of assigned
homework problems, class presentations of problems, hourly exams, and a final exam.

Course Information:

Textbook: Larson/Edwards/Falvo. Elementary Linear Algebra (6^th ed.). Houghton Mifflin Company,
Boston, MA

Calculators: It is recommended that you have a graphing calculator . Graphing devices vary greatly
so you should have a manual and become familiar with your own calculator and its features.

Grading: Your final grade will be determined by your percentage of possible points earned on:

The fol lowing scale will be used to determine your semester letter grade:

90%-100% A 
80%-89% B
70%-79% C
60%-69% D
Below 60% F

Homework/Quizzes/Presentations: Homework will be as signed on a regular basis. I recommend that
you come to my office to see me about any homework problems that are causing you difficulty.
Quizzes are not announced and can not be made- up. You will have a choice as to what problems from
the homework you present on presentation days, however keep in mind that the more difficult the
problem the more points it is worth.

Attendance: Attendance is expected. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period.
Please inform me in advance of any planned absences. For illness or emergency situations, contact me
to arrange to make up any missed work. Note: There is an Administrative withdrawal policy-any
student who misses 2 consecutive weeks of classes will be administratively withdrawn from class. If
this happens within the first 6 weeks of classes, it will be recorded as a "W". After the 6^th week of
classes, it will be recorded as "WF" or "WP".

Exams: Exams will be announced. If you have a conflict, it is your responsibility to notify me as
soon as possible. Make-up exams are only allowed for validated illnesses, emergencies, and college
related activities such as field trips or sporting events, where your name is on the list of excused
students. You must make arrangements with me to take the make-up exam before the next class
session. The exam score will be discounted 10% for each class session thereafter.

I will not discuss the grading of an exam in class, before class, or after class. If you have a
question about how your exam was graded, see me during my office hours. I will allow 1 week for
the discussion to take place. After that your grade stands. Should you have a question about the
grading of the exam, I reserve the right to have the entire exam regarded.

*Tentative Schedule:

The final exam for this course is scheduled for Fri. 5/8/09 at 10:00 a.m. You must take the final exam at
the time designated for this class. The final exam is mandatory. Make your travel arrangements
accordingly.

*Subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

MVC ADA Statement
Special Needs: If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact:
Jamie Gold, ADA coordinator, room 206 Baity Hall, phone 831-4170, and your instructor. After proper
documentation, reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate your special needs.

Academic Dishonesty Policy
In order to maintain its credibility as an institution of higher education, Missouri Valley College maintains
standards of academic honesty. Therefore, students who are caught cheating or plagiarizing materials in the
course will not receive credit for the assignment or test in question, which will likely lead to failure of the course.
A detailed description of the Student Code of Conduct statement can be found in the Missouri Valley College
Handbook and Missouri Valley College Catalog.

MVC Student Code of Conduct
It shall be the responsibility of every student enrolled at Missouri Valley College to support the academic
integrity of the institution. This applies to personal honesty in all aspects of collegiate work, all student records
and all contacts with faculty and staff. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.

It shall also be the responsibility of every student enrolled at Missouri Valley College to be respectful of the right
of other students, staff and instructors to ensure a safe, peaceful atmosphere conducive to the educational goals of
an institution of higher learning. Rude or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

Electronic devices (such as cell phones, iPods, etc.) need to be turned off or muted during class

Student actions that do not adhere to the MVC Student Code of Conduct will be addressed according to college
policies regarding academic dishonesty and disruptive behavior. A student who exhibits dishonest, disruptive,
or disrespectful behavior risk suspension or expulsion from the institution.