Math 2135 Fall 26

MATH 2135: Linear Algebra for Math Majors (Fall 2026)

MWF 1:25-2:15 pm, STAD 135

Office hours

Math 310
W 12 pm - 1 pm
F 11:15 am - 12 pm or by appointment

Course description

Linear algebra is not only about solving systems of linear equations and calculating with vectors. Its applications are everywhere in math, physics, computer science, and engineering. For example, it provides tools for computer graphics, fitting a line through a cloud of points, analyzing mappings in space, and the development of dynamical systems. We will cover the following topics:

systems of linear equations, Gaussian elimination
vector spaces over arbitrary fields
basis, dimension
linear transformations, matrices
determinants
eigenvalues, eigenvectors
diagonalization of matrices
inner products and orthogonality

Textbook

David C. Lay, Steven R. Lay, and Judi J. McDonald. Linear algebra and its applications (any edition)

Assignments

Homework problems are posted every Friday on the course website. The following Friday there is a quiz based on that homework in class.
Don't use AI for homework! It defeats the purpose of you practicing what you learn in class.
You are responsible for assigning your own grade for course participation and your homework every week on Canvas following this rubric:

2 points: completed all HW problems on your own or tried sincerely to do so, checked the provided solutions afterwards
1 point: partially completed HW on your own, did not seriously attempt some
0 points: did not work on HW or just checked provided solutions

Exams

Quizzes every Friday in class.
Midterms on Monday, September 28 and November 2 in class.
Final exam Thursday, December 10, 1:30 - 4 pm in class.

Grading

Your final grade will be determined by the scores of your homework, quizzes, midterms, and final exam. They are combined using the following weights:

HW (self assessed): 5%
Quizzes: 35%
Midterms: 30%
Final exam: 30%

There is no make-up for missed quizzes. Instead the 2 lowest quiz scores will be dropped and not count towards the final grade.

How to succeed in this class

Take responsibility for your own education!

Go to class! It seems obvious, but learning the material in small portions 3 times a week is easier than reading up on it in some book by yourself. Always keep up with the topics.
Ask questions early and often! If you are not sure about something, ask about it immediately -- no matter whether in class, in office hours, or by mail. Do not assume that you can skip or figure out things later that you do not understand now. If you are missing the basics, you may fall behind and struggle with more complicated concepts later in class.
Do the work! The only way to learn stuff is to try it yourself. Strive to do all the homework assignments. Some will be more challenging than others. If you are stuck on the hard ones, discuss them with colleagues or ask for possible hints in office hours or by mail.
Learn from mistakes! Check the provided solutions for homework. Look at all feedback you get on graded quizzes, exams, etc. Make sure you understand where you went wrong and how to get the correct solution.
Take advantage of office hours! If you cannot make it to the official hours, ask to meet at some other time. Office hours are an additional resource for you to discuss stuff for which there is no time during class. Come prepared! Try to solve homework problems on your own before you ask for help and be ready to explain your thoughts and where you are stuck.

University regulations

I am happy to accommodate disabilities or religious observances, or to address you with a different name or pronoun than my roster indicates. Please contact me as soon as possible. For details on accomodations and university policies please see the official statements of the Division of Academic Affairs