Math 128B, Numerical Analysis, Spring 2019.

• Required Textbook
  • R. L. Burden and J. D. Faires, Numerical Analysis, 10th editions, Brooks-Cole.
• Class Sylabus We will cover Chapters 7 through 10 in the first 10 weeks and discuss special topics in numerical linear algebra in the final 4 weeks.
  • IterativeTechniques in Matrix Algebra (Chapter 7)
  • Approximation Theory, (Chapter 8)
  • Approximating Eigenvalues, (Chapter 9)
  • Numerical Solutions of Nonlinear Systems of Equations (Chapter 10 except Section 10.5)
  • Special topics in numerical linear algebra.
• Handouts
  Lecture notes, homework assignments, and sample exams will be available on bCourses in the files folder.
• Matlab
  Matlab is going to be the programming language for this class. Good matlab programming skills can go a long way to earn you a descent grade in this class.

  There is a one-credit Math98 course on basic Matlab that runs through the first 6 weeks of the semester. I encourage you to take it if you would like to learn more about Matlab. For more details, please see Math98 class website.

• Instructor
  Prof. Ming Gu
  Office: Evans 861
  Office Hours: MTuW 4:15-5:30PM and F 12:30-2:00PM.
  Phone: 642-3145
  

• GSI: Eric Hallman
  Eric Hallman
  Office Hours: TBA
  

• Prerequisites
  The prerequisite is Math 128A or equivalent. If you have doubts about it, please come talk with the instructor.
  

• Course Work and Grading
  There are a total of 100 points you can earn toward your final grade in the course.
  • There will be weekly homework during the first 10 weeks, except the first week. We will only count the best 8 homeworks towards your final grade.
  • There will be 4 quizzes. We will only count the best 3 quizzes. Below is the quiz schedule:
    • Quiz: Feb. 5 in discussion
    • Quiz: Feb. 19 in discussion
    • Quiz: Mar. 5 in discussion
    • Quiz: Apr. 9 in discussion
  • The midterm will be on Mar. 22 in class, right before spring break.
  • The term project will be due on May 10 at 11:59 by email to Eric.
  • The Final Exam will be on Wednesday, May 15, 7:00-10:00PM
  Each homework is worth 2 points, each quiz 3 points. The midterm, final exam, and the term project are each worth 25 points. In case you have to miss the midterm exam, your final will be worth 50 points. You fail the class if you do not take the final exam.
  We will give no credit for written homework and programming assignment turned in after the due date and there will be no make up quizzes and exams.
  

There will be no class performance curve. Your final letter grade will be determined based on the total number of points you earn in the class. Below is a list of cut-offs.

• A- to A+: at least 85 points
• B- to B+: between 70 and 85 points
• C- to C+: between 60 and 70 points
• D: between 55 and 60 points
• F: less than 55 points

In general the absolute majority of the class will get A and B level grades. To get a good grade, make sure you do your all class work, and prepare well for your quizzes; your total exam scores (40 points) alone will only give you an F.


Grades of Incomplete will be granted only for dire medical or personal emergencies that cause you to miss the final, and only if your work up to that point has been satisfactory.