18.700 - Linear Algebra (Fall 2024)

General Information

Instructor and Scheduled Lectures

Course Description

This course discusses vector spaces, systems of linear equations, bases, linear independence, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, inner products, quadratic forms, and canonical forms of matrices, with a greater emphasis on theory and proofs than in 18.06.
Prerequisites: Calculus II

Textbook

Linear Algebra Done Right (4th Edition) by Sheldon Axler (freely available on his website).

Exams

There will be two midterm exams and a cumulative final exam. The exams are scheduled as follows:

If you have a conflict with one of the midterm exams because of travel, a religious observance, or similar commitment, please see me as soon as possible. If you must miss a class, it is your responsibility to submit all homework on time.

Homework Policy 

Homework assignments will be assigned weekly and will be posted on the Problem Sets page. Homework will be due a week from the day it is assigned, and is to be submitted via Canvas. No late homework will be accepted, but I will drop your lowest homework assignment when computing your final grade.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is an important part of our mission as mathematicians and educators, and we take it very seriously. For general policies on academic integrity at MIT, see the student handbook.

Cooperation on homework is permitted and encouraged, but if you work together, do not take any paper away with you; in other words, you can share your thoughts (say on a blackboard), but you have to walk away with only your understanding. In particular, you must write the solution up on your own.

At the top of each homework assignment should appear...

• Either the text "Collaborators: none" or a list of everyone with whom you collaborated on the assignment.
• Either the text "Sources consulted: none" or a list of all sources consulted other than the main textbook, course notes, and your own notes from lecture. (Examples of things that should be listed if used: OCW archive, Wikipedia, etc.)

On exams, you may not give or receive help from anyone. Exams in this course are closed book, and no notes, calculators or other electronic devices are permitted.

Other Outside Help

• Office Hours: Please feel free to meet with me during office hours (or by appointment) with questions regarding homework problems or any other aspect of the course.
• UMA Mentorship Program: The MIT Undergraduate Mathematics Association offers mentoring to help with class material, proof writing, and more throughout the semester. For more details, visit their site or email uma-mentorship@mit.edu.
• Math Learning Center: The Math Learning Center provides tutoring assistance by experienced undergraduate and graduate students.

Grades

The course grade will be based upon the scores on the midterm exam, homework, and the final exam as follows:

Disabilities

Students with disabilities who will be taking this course and may need disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment to see me as soon as possible. For further information on the available support services, please contact Disability and Access Services or Student Support Services.