MAS 3105-Linear Algebra – Spring 2006 TR 17:00-18:15 – GC-287B

Textbook: Linear Algebra with applications, 7th Edition, by Steven J. Leon. (Prentice Hall, ISBN 0-13-185785-1).

Instructor: Tedi Draghici

Office: DM 426 Phone: (305) 348‑2028 E-mail: draghici@fiu.edu

Office Hours: TR 14:00-15:00, 18:30-19:00 Web: http://www.fiu.edu/~draghici

Pre-requisite: MAC 2312 (Calculus II). If you have written short proofs in a previous class (Discrete Math, Geometry, etc) you have a small advantage. If you have never multiplied two matrices, or solved a linear system of equations, try to learn and practice those skills ASAP.

Method of Evaluation: Your final grade in the course is based on:

1. Top 5 scores out of 7 quizzes for a total of 100 points.

2. Two in-class exams (100 points each):

Exam 1 – Tuesday, February 21;

Exam 2 – Tuesday, April 4.

3. FINAL EXAM (150 points) – comprehensive exam - TBA.

Grade-scale: The following percentages will guarantee the associated grade:

> 90 : A 80-85 : B 65-75 : C < 50 : F

88-90 : A- 78-80 : B- 55-65 : D

85-88 : B+ 75-78 : C+ 50-55 : D-

NO MAKEUP EXAMS OR QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN. If you have a documented medical or professional excuse for missing an exam, that percentage of your grade may be made up on the final.

Attendance: Optional, but I hope you will find it useful to be in class.

Drop deadline: Monday, March 13. Remember, if stop attending classes and don't wish to get an F, you must drop by this date.

Topics to be covered: Most of Chapters 1-6. Suggested homework assignments will be given at the end of each class and recorded on the website. You have to check the web page often for updates. You are expected to spend a minimum of 15 hours a week outside of class on homework and reading the corresponding sections of the text. DO NOT fall behind. You will be expected to write fairly simple proofs, with clear sentences and good explanations. I will try to help you learn to do this by giving examples in lectures.

Tutoring is available at the Math Lab, located in PC 247 (phone 348-2180). Call them 10-4, Monday-Friday, for the schedule of the math tutors. There are also tutors available at the Multicultural Programs Tutorial Services (available NOT just to minority students), and their hours are sometimes more flexible. For more information try their office in GC 216, with phone number 348-4109. You may also try the tutors in the Math Department, DM 409C (MTWR 10:00-21:00, F 10:00-15:00). Although they have priority for lower level courses, they may be able to help with linear algebra as well.

The instructor reserves the right to make any changes he considers academically advisable. These eventual changes would be announced in class and you are responsible to be aware of them.