Linear Algebra and Geometry I

5 credits

Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1MA025

A revised version of the syllabus is available.

Code: 1MA025
Education cycle: First cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Mathematics G1F
Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
Finalised by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 19 March 2007
Responsible department: Department of Mathematics

Entry requirements

Basic Course in Mathematics

Learning outcomes

In order to pass the course (grade 3) the student should be able to

give an account of important concepts and definitions in the area of the course;

exemplify and interpret important concepts in specific cases;

formulate important results and theorems covered by the course;

describe the main features of the proofs of important theorems;

express problems from relevant areas of applications in a mathematical form suitable for further analysis;

use the theory, methods and techniques of the course to solve mathematical problems;

present mathematical arguments to others.

Higher grades, 4 or 5, require a higher level of proficiency. The student should be able to solve problems of greater complexity, i.e. problems requiring a combination of ideas and methods for their solution, and be able to give a more detailed account of the proofs of important theorems and by examples and counter-examples be able to motivate the scope of various results. Requirements concerning the student's ability to present mathematical arguments and reasoning are greater.

Content

Linear systems of equations: Gaussian elimination, rank, solvability. Matrices: matrix algebra and matrix inverse. Determinants of order two and three. Vector algebra, linear dependence and independence, bases, coordinates, scalar product and vector product, equations for lines and planes, distance, area and volume. Description of rotations, reflections and orthogonal projections in R² and R³. The linear space Rⁿ and m×n matrices as linear transformations from Rⁿ to R^m. The standard scalar product on Rⁿ and the Cauchy-Schwarz inequality.

Instruction

Lectures and problem solving sessions.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. Moreover, compulsory assignments may be given during the course.