Mathematics 54.1: Linear Algebra and Differential Equations
Fall 2009

ANNOUNCEMENTS (Please check periodically for updates!)
There will be no LECTURE on Tuesday 11/24. Instead, Eric and Dustin will run a joint discussion section in class at the usual time.
The Homework for 10.3 and 10.4 is due on Mon 11/30.
Midterm Info: A Sample Midterm is now available.
In theory, the exam covers everything from Sec. 4.7 Lay through Sec. 6.2 of NSS, except for Wronskians,
but you should focus your differential equations revision on first and second-order equations.
Eric Wayman's sections (both 1pm and 2pm) will take the exam in an overflow room, Barrows 0056. This is near Sproul Plaza.
Check the place out ahead of time, to avoid being late!
11/3: We are still 1/2 a lecture behind, but we will be covering Sec. 4.6 and Ch. 6 this Thursday.
10/20: Section 6.7 (inner product spaces) homework has been postponed again, but this is the last time, I promise ...
A special Definitions quiz for Chapters 5,6 is planned for next week. Your TAs will tell you the date and format. Here is the list of definitions.
10/15: Please read about Gram-Schmid on your own and make a serious attempt at the relevant homework in 6.4.
I will cover that very quickly next Tuesday.
We might shift the lectures to follow rather than attempt to rush through, check the syllabus.
There will be a special, double credit quiz in Section on Monday 12 October (unless your TA announces a different date)
on definitions from lectures 1-10. more details here.
The first sample midterm is now available.
The midterm will not cover Sections 2.5 and 4.7. Homework for Sec.4.7 will be due on Monday, 10/5.
You need not bring blue books for the exam.

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
Lectures: TuTh 12:40–2 pm, Room 105 Stanley Hall
Course Control Number: 54383
Instructor: Constantin Teleman, 905 Evans, e-mail: teleman 'at' math d0t berkeley d0t edu
Office Hours: Tues 2:00–3:30 pm and Wed 12:00–1:30pm.

Prerequisites: Math 1B.

Topics covered:
Basics of linear equations. Matrix algebra and determinants. Vectors in 2 and 3 dimensions.
Determinants. Vector spaces and Inner Product spaces. Linear transformations.
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Diagonalization. Quadratic forms.
Homogeneous ordinary differential equations. Fourier series and partial differential equations.

Texts:
David Lay, Linear Algebra, 3rd edition, Custom UC Berkeley Edition
Nagle, Saff & Snider, Fundamentals of differential equations and boundary value problems, UC Berkeley Edition

Detailed Syllabus, with schedule of lectures and assignments

Homework: Assigned for every lecture and due at the start of the second discussion section thereafter.
Homework is graded Pass/Fail. To help your GSI, please list the questions that gave you the most trouble
on the first line of the homework.
Quizzes: Every Wednesday in section.
Exams: In-class, CLOSED book, NO calculators.

Grading: 20% Homework+Quizzes, 20% each Midterm, 40% Final.
We will assign a letter grade to each item above, and these will be averaged into your final grade.
(In other words, the tests and section grades are curved independently.)
In borderline cases, we will use the numerical scores to decide.

Important: No make-up examinations will be offered.
PLEASE mark these dates in your diary and plan to attend. HOWEVER,
if you miss Midterm 1, then Midterm 2 will count for 40% of your grade;
if you miss Midterm 2, then the Final will count for 60% of your grade.
If you miss both midterms, or if you miss the final, you will fail the course.
These provisions apply if you have a good reason for your absence and give advance notice.
For an absence caused by unforeseen emergencies, some verification will be needed.
THIS IS NOT a `drop-the-lowest-grade' policy. A no-show without cause will lead
to an F grade on the respective test.
Cheating on exams results in automatic failure, in addition to other disciplinary action.

Discussion sections: (all MWF, one hour)