Fall 2003
Mathematics 23a - Fall 2003
Theoretical Linear Algebra
and Multivariable Calculus
Office: Science Center 320
Email: boller@math.harvard.edu
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Mathematics 23a - Fall 2003Theoretical Linear Algebra
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Instructor: John Boller Office: Science Center 320 Email: boller@math.harvard.edu |
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Welcome to Math 23a!Math 23a and 23b are theoretical courses in linear algebra and multivariable Calculus, respectively, the main purpose of which are to introduce the student not only to the content and application of these areas but also to the nature of the mathematical reasoning behind them. These are challenging courses, but you do not need to be a mathematics concentrator in order to take them. If you need advice about whether to take these courses or about other courses such as Math 25a and 25b or Math 21a and 21b, please see an advisor in the Mathematics Department.
Announcements for Math 23a:The Final Exam will take place on Saturday, January 24, from 2:15-5:15 P.M. in Lecture Hall C of the Science Center.Here are the preview questions, at least one of which will appear on the in-class final. You are encouraged to work together on these and to consult any and all resources, though of course, you will not be allowed to bring these resources with you into the examination hall. Here are the final exams from Fall 2001 and Fall 2002. Don't panic if you are unfamiliar with some of the terms as we have not covered exactly the same topics this year! (For example, we will begin Math 23b with a discussion of open, closed, and compact sets, which will lead into a discussion of continuity.) The take-home portion of the midterm has now been graded. The mean and median were both 34 out of 41 (including the bonus point). The in-class portion of the midterm has been graded and is available for your collection during office hours. The mean was 74 and the median 75 out of 95, and here is a solution set.
Math 23a meets MWF at 11 Geological Lecture Hall 100. Office hours will be MW from 12-1 in the classroom and immediately following from 1-2 in SC 320 and also T from 2-4 in SC 320. The required textbooks are "Matrices and Linear Algebra," by Hans Schneider and George Phillip Barker (Dover, ISBN # 0-486-66014-1) and "Advanced Calculus of Several Variables," by C.H.Edwards, Jr. (Dover, ISBN # 0-486-68336-2). For additional reading on many topics in the course, please see the Math 23a Bibliography. In 2001-02, we used Shilov and Edwards, and in 2002-03, we used Curtis and Fitzpatrick as our primary textbooks. Sections and office hours with course assistants are posted here.
Please send comments to John
Boller. Reference Math 23 in your subject. Copyright © The President and Fellows of Harvard College |