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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

MATH 2121: Linear Algebra

Students explore the following topics: systems of linear equations, matrix arithmetic, determinants, real vector spaces, linear transformations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and diagonalization.

Learning outcomes

  • Use elementary row operations to find the reduced row-echelon form of the augmented matrix of a system of linear equations and determine the solution set of the system. 
  • Find the equation of the span of a set of vectors in two- and three- dimensional real space and determine whether they are linearly independent.
  • Be familiar with linear transformations and their standard matrices.
  • Perform algebraic operations on matrices and find a basis for the row space, column space, and null space of a matrix and determine their dimensions.
  • Evaluate the determinant of a matrix and be familiar with Cramer’s rule.
  • Be familiar with the notions of orthogonality, length, and distance in an n -dimensional real space.  
  • Find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a given matrix and use them to diagonalize a matrix.
  • Use basic mathematical proof techniques to prove or disprove certain claims (e.g., prove or disprove whether a given set of objects constitutes a vector space). 

Course topics

  • Unit 1: Linear Systems of Equations  
  • Unit 2: Matrix Operations, Inverse, and Determinants   
  • Unit 3: Vector Spaces
  • Unit 4: Dot Product and Cross Product   
  • Unit 5: Eigenvectors and Linear Transformations   

Required text and materials

Students will have free access to materials directly within the course.

Optional materials

A scientific calculator is allowed both in the course term work and on the final exam. Graphing calculators are not permitted.

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory examination.

Note: The final exam for this course is only available as a in-person exam and must be taken at an approved Testing Centre. Please email exams@tru.ca with any questions.

Assignment 1: Unit 1 Written Assignment 6%
Assignment 2: Unit 2 Written Assignment 6%
Assignment 3: Unit 3 Written Assignment 6%
Assignment 4: Unit 4 Written Assignment 6%
Assignment 5: Unit 5 Written Assignment 6%
WeBWorK (Assignments and Quizzes) 30%
   
Mandatory Final Exam 40%
Total 100%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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