MAT 242 B / Fall 1998

Elementary Linear Algebra

Homework | Computer Labs | Exams | Make-Up Policy
Grading | Web Resources | Honor Policy | Notes

Syllabus | Assignments 

Instructor     Dr. Steve Kaliszewski   PSA 723
               kaliszewski@asu.edu     965-4084

Schedule       T Th   1:40 - 2:30 

Location       PSA 111 for lectures
               ECA 221 for computer labs

Prerequisites  College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Geometry

Line Number    66672

Text           Elementary Linear Algebra, by Edwards and Penney

URL            http://math.la.asu.edu/~kaz/mat242/98f

Homework

There will be 15 homework assignments, worth 10 points each, due each Tuesday starting September 1; see the course assignments page. Late homework will not be accepted, but the lowest 3 of your 17 homework and computer lab scores will be disregarded. Students are encouraged to work together on the homework, but you are required to write up and turn in the assignments individually. Doing the homework is an essential part of any mathematics course; your focus should be on thinking through and honestly attempting the problems, not simply churning out answers, and the homework will be graded accordingly. Papers will also be graded for clarity of presentation: illegible or incomprehensible work will not get credit.

Computer Labs

We will meet in ECA 221 for computer labs twice this term. (See the course syllabus.) The labs, worth 10 points each, will consist of problem-solving projects using the computer algebra system Maple. Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 and hand in group solutions the same day; further details will be forthcoming. Maple is installed at all the computing sites on campus, and a student version is available for purchase at the university bookstore.
Computer Lab 1: Linear Algebra with Maple
 Computer Lab 2: Determinants with Maple

Exams

There will be three 90-minute mid-term exams, worth 100 points each, and a comprehensive final examination worth 160 points. The mid-term exams will be administered in the Math Testing Center in PSA 21. Each student is responsible for taking the exams on the scheduled days, and for timing each exam themselves: any exam which is out for more than 90 minutes will score a 0. Bring a picture ID and the label you will receive in class with you to the testing center. 
    Exam 1   Friday      9/18 [postscript] [PDF]
    Exam 2   Friday     10/23 [postscript] [PDF]
    Exam 3   Wednesday  11/25 [postscript] [PDF]

    Final Exam   Thursday, 12/17   12:20 PM - 2:10 PM [postscript] [PDF]

Make-Up Policy

No late homework or computer labs will be accepted. Make-up mid-term exams will be given at the discretion of the instructor and only in the case of a verified medical or other emergency, or a conflicting university-sanctioned activity. In any case, the instructor must be notified before the exam is given, and adequate documentation must be provided before the make-up will be given. The essential points here are communication and verification.

Exceptions to the final exam schedule and requests for make-up finals can be granted only by the Department Chair or the Associate Department Chair, and only for one of the following reasons: 

    1.  Religious conflict
    2.  The student has more than three exams scheduled on the same day
        as the MAT 242 final
    3.  A time conflict between the MAT 242 final and another final exam
    4.  A last-minute personal or medical emergency.
The department reserves the right to request written documentation to substantiate any claim of hardship. Make-up finals will not be given for reasons of non-refundable airline tickets, vacation plans, work schedules, weddings, or other such activities. Students should consult the final exam schedule before making end-of-term travel plans.

Grading

Final grades for this course will be assigned according to the following scheme: 
    Homework and Labs    140 points
    Hour Exams           100 points each
    Final Exam           160 points

    Total                600 points
A grade of incomplete will be awarded only in the event that a documented emergency or illness prevents a student who is doing acceptable work from completing a small percentage of the course requirements. The guidelines in the 1998-99 general ASU catalog regarding a grade of incomplete will be strictly followed.

Web Resources

Honor Policy

The highest standards of academic integrity are expected of all students. The failure of any student to meet these standards may result in suspension or expulsion from the University, or other sanctions as specfied in the University Student Academic Integrity Policy. Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to: cheating, fabrication, tampering, plagiarism, or facilitating such activities.

Notes

The policies, syllabus, and assignments on these pages are subject to change: announcements made in class or in these Notes will be considered official. It is the student's responsibility to stay up-to-date; I recommend monitoring this space regularly. 
Date   Notes

10/29   The problems on Assignment #10 from Section 5.2 have been moved
        to Assignment #11.

12/ 8   Current estimated grades have been posted under Grading above.

12/12   The final homework assignment has been graded and may be picked
        up from my office, most likely during regular office hours. 

12/16   The final exam will be held in our usual room, PSA 111, from
        12:20pm to 2:10pm on Thursday, 17 December.  Instructions for 
        the final exam read as follows:

   You have until 2:10pm to complete this exam.  Be sure to watch the clock 
   and pace yourself accordingly. Notes are not allowed.  
   Calculators are allowed.  You may use only the built-in functions 
   of your calculator, not notes or programs in memory.  Be sure to show 
   your work, and to indicate where and how your calculator was used.  
   Remember that the ASU Honor Policy is in effect at all times: the 
   highest standards of academic integrity are expected of all students.  
   Good luck!

12/18   Final exam scores and final grades have been posted under Grading above.

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S. Kaliszewski / Department of Mathematics / Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona U.S.A. 85287-1804