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Linear algebra is the machinery that is used to understand systems of linear equations in many variables, as well as the geometry of lines, planes, and, in fact, linear spaces of any dimension. Linear phenomena are ubiquitous in nature and applications, and many nonlinear phenomena can be profitably studied by linear approximations. The first part of our course will deal with standard systems of linear equations and the matrix techniques used to solve them. As the course develops we will learn the geometric meaning of these technqiues and how to apply them to many other situations. The second part of the course will focus on linear differential equations and will assume familiarity with the content of Math 1B. We will discuss both ordinary and partial differential equations. Grading will be based on the two midterms, the final, daily homework, and frequent quizzes.

There are two required texts. The first is Elementary Linear Algebra, by Richard Hill. We have arranged for a special paperback edition, containing only the chapters needed for our course, to be published by Thomson Custom Publishing (see www.thomsoncustom.com). The second required text is Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, by William E. Boyce and Richard C. DiPrima, with a special UCB paperback edition published for us by Wiley and Sons. Both texts should be avaialbe at the ASUC store.

Enrollment in this course is handled by the Head GSI, Aaron Greicius:

greicius@math.berkeley.edu

Please do not ask me any enrollment questions; I will not be able to answer them.