MATH 260

MATH 260: Linear Algebra

Pre- or Corequisites: MATH 169 or MATH 171

Credit hours (3)

Matrix and vector operations, systems of linear equations, Gaussian elimination, determinants, vector spaces, bases and orthogonality, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors. 

Detailed Description of Course

1. Linear systems of equations
2. Gaussian elimination
3. Matrix and vector operations
4. Rank and inverse of a matrix
5. Determinants
6. Linear dependence and independence
7. Vector spaces, bases, and orthogonality
8. Linear transformations
9. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
10. Applications

Topics are covered both analytically and computationally with software packages such as MATLAB.


Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Instructors will use a combination of lectures, group work, and computer laboratory sessions. Some may require students to present homework problems to the rest of the class on a regular basis. Software packages for linear algebra will be used.


Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will

1. Understand basic methods for solving systems of linear equations
2. Be familiar with basic matrix operations,
3. Know how to compute determinants and understand the role of determinants in the theory of solvability of linear equations and invertibility of matrices,
4. Understand the role of the rank of a matrix for the solution set of linear equations,
5. Know the basic concepts of eigenvalues and eigenvectors

Assessment Measures

These measures may vary among instructors.  They usually include quizzes, exams, graded homework, computer assignments, and tests.


Other Course Information

None


Review and Approval

September 2001

March 2009

June 20, 2015

February 6, 2026