Module Identifier MA12110  
Module Title BASIC ALGEBRA  
Academic Year 2004/2005  
Co-ordinator Dr T McDonough  
Semester Semester 1  
Pre-Requisite A or AS level Mathematics or equivalent.  
Mutually Exclusive May not be taken at the same time as, or after, any of MA10020, MA11010  
Course delivery Lecture   22 x 1 hour lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   6 x 1 hour example classes  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam2 Hours (written examination)  100%
Supplementary Assessment2 Hours (written examination)  100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, a student should be able to:

Brief description

The purpose of this module is to present some of the basic concepts of algebra at a level suitable for applications in other areas. The syllabus includes the trigonometric functions and identities, roots of polynomial equations, the binomial theorem, simple matrix algebra and solution of linear equations by row reduction of matrices.

Aims

To introduce students to algebraic ideas, at a level suitable for application in subjects other than Mathematics.

Content

1. TRIGONOMETRY: Trigonometric functions and identities.
2. POLYNOMIALS: Factors and roots, the Remainder Theorem and the Factor Theorem, relationships between roots and coefficients.
3. MATRICES: Matrix operations, the solution of a system of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, determinants, adjoints and inverses, the Cayley-Hamilton theorem.
4. SERIES: The Binomial Theorem and the binomial series.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
K A Stroud (2001) Engineering Mathematics 5/e. Palgrave 0333919394
** Supplementary Text
M M Nicolson Fundamentals and Techniques of Mathematics for Scientists Longman B6122851
P G Andres, H J Miser & H Reingold Basic Mathematics for Engineers Wiley X801151197

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4