Spring 2023 MATH 54 002 LEC

Prerequisites 1B, N1B, 10B, or N10B

Description Basic linear algebra; matrix arithmetic and determinants. Vector spaces; inner product spaces. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; orthogonality, symmetric matrices. Linear second-order differential equations; first-order systems with constant coefficients. Fourier series.

Logistics: The two MATH54 classes 001 (Kelli Talaska) and 002 (Katrin Wehrheim) will be fully coordinated – same contents, structure, and assignments. We will keep what worked well in the fall 2021 structure below and make some upgrades such as mastery grading. In particular, there will be midterm and final projects, rather than timed exams, and there is no need to purchase a textbook.

Instead, regular attendance in both sections and lectures will be necessary for learning – as well as achieving a passing grade. So please don't sign up for this course (or a section) if you cannot attend it. However, you are welcome to attend either the MWF 12-1 lectures or the TR 9:30-11 lectures – no matter which class you are registered for. One caveat: If you go to the MWF12-1 lectures, then your Wednesday section needs to be after 1pm to make any sense.