Course Summary

Math 225, Introductory Matrix Theory, is an introduction to linear algebra. The course begins by investigating techniques for solving systems of linear equations, in turn paving the way for an abstraction to matrices and matrix operations. Exploring the properties of matrices will translate our initial algebraic questions into geometric ones, a dictionary which will ultimately provide most of the interesting applications in the subject. Although we will cover a large portion of the text in our short time together, the concepts we will focus on will remain fairly concrete. Students who hold on to a geometric understanding of the material should find the topics we cover quite natural and easy to remember.

That said, linear algebra is usually a student's first introduction to the abstraction that comes along with post-calculus mathematics. This means that you'll be learning more than just mathematics in this class: you'll be learning how to think critically and analytically. The course requires you to learn a new language, and you will not be able to succeed unless you spend time learning the new vocabulary and syntax. This means that you should commit to memory the definitions of objects and statements of theorems we study in class. You should also do your best to understand the proofs of theorems we given in class.

Course Instructor

The course is taught by Andy Schultz. His office is on the third floor of the math building, room 301. You can contact him by email at . His office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 3.

Grading guidelines

Details for how your grade is determined can be found on the course syllabus. If you ever have any questions about where your grade stands during the term, don't hesitate to email the instructor; he's glad to talk with you about your grade.