Math 23a--Theoretical Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus

Fall 2004

Mathematics 23a - Fall 2004

Theoretical Linear Algebra
and Multivariable Calculus

Instructor: John Boller
Office: Science Center 320
Email: boller@math.harvard.edu

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 in-class midterm took place on Friday, October 29, and is now being graded.
In the meantime, here is a solution set.
Here is the take-home portion of the midterm, which is due in class on Monday, November 22.
For teams of five, here is the fifth problem.

Here are three past midterms and, alas, only two past solution sets:

Fall 2001 Midterm

Fall 2002 Midterm
Fall 2002 Solutions

Fall 2003 Midterm
Fall 2003 Solutions

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 our five (!) course assistants can be found here .

Course Materials:

Useful Links:

Course Information
Math Department Undergrad Info Page

Course Syllabus
Math Department Home Page

Joe's Notes on Proofs
Harvard Home Page

Homework #1 Solutions: A, B, C, D

Homework #2 Solutions: A, B, C, D, E

Homework #3 Solutions: A, B, C, D, E

Homework #4 (Final Version)

Homework #5 (Final Version)

Please send comments to John Boller. Reference Math 23 in your subject.
URL: http://abel.math.harvard.edu/~boller/M23/index.html
last updated: November 13, 2004