Module Identifier MX31410  
Module Title LINEAR ALGEBRA  
Academic Year 2007/2008  
Co-ordinator Dr Robert J Douglas  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Dr Robert J Douglas  
Pre-Requisite MA11010  
Mutually Exclusive MA21410  
Course delivery Lecture   19 Hours. (19 x 1 hour lectures)  
  Seminars / Tutorials   3 Hours. (3 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:
1. determine whether given algebraic structures are vector spaces;
2. apply criteria for subspaces of a vector space;
3. determine bases for vector spaces;
4. prove and apply propositions in the theory of vector spaces;
5. describe the concept of linear transformation;
6. calculate matrices representing linear transformations;
7. determine the rank and nullity of linear transformations and matrices;
8. perform calculations in inner product spaces;
9. diagonalise matrices, especially symmetric matrices, and draw inferences concerning the geometrical context.

Brief description

In this module the concept of a vector space is introduced. This develops some ideas which have occurred in the first year courses. It will be seen that superficially different problems in mathematics can be unified. For example, the solution of systems of linear equations and linear differential equations are essentially the same process and can be dealt with simultaneously in this context.

Aims

To develop some matrix theory techniques which have occurred in the first year courses in an abstract setting. To introduce the concepts of a vector space and a mapping between vector spaces. To develop further techniques for computation in vector spaces and to study some geometrical applications.

Content

1. VECTOR SPACES: Definition and examples, subspaces, spanning sets, linear independence, basis and dimensions.
2. LINEAR TRANSFORMATIONS:Definition and exmples, the matrix of a linear transformation, change of basis. The kernel and image of a linear transformation, rank and nullity. The dimension theorem.
3. INNER PRODUCT SPACES: Definition and examples. Orthogonality and Gram-Schmidt orthogonalisation process.
4. DIAGONALISATION OF MATRICES: Eigenvalues and eigenvectors, characteristic equation. Diagonalisation of matrices.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
H Anton & C Rorres (2000) Elementary Linear Algebra, the applications version 8th. J Wiley 0471170526
** Supplementary Text
A O Morris (1982) Linear Algebra - An Introduction 2nd. Chapman & Hall 0412381001
D H Griffel Linear Algebra and its applications Vol. 1 & 2 Ellis Horwood 074580571X
Ph Gillett (1975) Introduction to Linear Algebra Houghton Mifflin Co. 0395185742
R B J T Allenby (1995) Linear Algebra Edward Arnold 3540610441
S I Grossman (1984) Elementary Linear Algebra 2nd. Wadsworth 0534027385
T A Whitelaw (1983) An Introduction to Linear Algebra Blackie 021691437X
T S Blyth and E F Robertson (1998) Basic Linear Algebra Springer 3540761225

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6