linear algebra

[lotus776]

I'm going to be taking linear algebra over the winter intersession at my college this winter. Basically it is a semester divided by 3, so the class is accelerated. What can I do to prepare for the class itself? I believe it has an emphasis on matrices, but I'm not sure. My math grades are decent mostly A's and B's and that is why I'm attempting the class, what advice can anyone give.

-2nd year mathematics major

[jthegreat]

it's mostly matrix and vector math. it's not a very hard class.

[lotus776]

thanks for the insight, I'll pick up the book mentioned above

A very large portion of it will be matrices, which are fairly easy. Just keep your work written out neatly and they're simple. Later you'll probably get into vectors and possibly complex numbers. This course should be fairly easy for you, but with your accelerated class, you should try not to miss anything or else you might get left behind.

Good luck

Just keep in mind that a vector space is just a module over a ring with special structure (a commutative division ring) and you should have no problem remembering it. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

But seriously, there are a ton of linear algebra texts online. You could peruse some of those and get a feel for what you'll be doing.

Homework assignment: what is a commutative division ring usually called? [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[BruceZ]

[ QUOTE ]
Homework assignment: what is a commutative division ring usually called? [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Answer in white: <font color="white"> A field.</font>

[chezlaw]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Homework assignment: what is a commutative division ring usually called? [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Answer in white: <font color="white"> A field.</font>

[/ QUOTE ]

Another homework assignment:

What's purple and commutes?

Answer in white: <font color="white"> An abelian grape.</font>

chez

[Indiana]

Only thing you need to know about Algebra is that the subgroup of a cyclic group is cyclic. Think about it.

Indy

[ QUOTE ]
What's purple and commutes?

Answer in white: <font color="white"> An abelian grape.</font>

[/ QUOTE ]

What's purple, commutes, and is worshipped by a limited number of people?

Answer in white: <font color="white"> a finitely venerated abelian grape.</font>

[jason_t]

[ QUOTE ]


Homework assignment: what is a commutative division ring usually called? [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Answer in white: <font color="white">A field</font>.

Homework assignment: prove that every finite integral domain is a field.