Math 308C
Math 308C, Summer, 1995
This is the Math 308C homepage. Consult it from time to time to find
useful information for the course. I will include links to the syllabus and
other course information.
Here are some tips for
viewing the files that I stole from Dave Collingwood.
If you click on a "postscript" or "dvi" file format, you will
need a special viewer. In the
case of a postscript file, you will use something called "ghostview"; in
the case of a dvi file, you use something
called "xdvi". Both are supported on any Unix account
on the machine ``stein''.
If you are on an X-term and click on an item which is indicated to
be a "...dvi file" or "...postscript file" you will
need to do a little extra work to view it. I will illustrate
how to proceed by way of an example:
Click on "Syllabus(dvi)". A window will pop up
on your
terminal asking you if you want to
save this file to your account; it will specify a default filename
(in this case, "out308.dvi"). Click "OK" in the window. Depending on
the file size, it takes a few seconds
for this to load. Now type " xdvi out308.dvi[return]" to see the file. You
can then view or print following
the menu items (and rules about printing at your user site).
Here is a copy of current course information.
- Syllabus(dvi)
- Historical note:
Determinants were used before the concept of a matrix was defined. Leibniz
used determinants as early as 1693 to solve linear equations. Maclaurin
formulated a rule for solving linear systems which was later generalized by
Cramer in 1750. Vandermonde wrote the first systematic treatise on
determinants in 1772. Gauss introduced the word determinant and
Sylvester introduced the term matrix.
- For more on the history of mathematics a good starting place is the History
of Mathematics Web Resources
- I have been informed (6-20-95) that we have a grader. So the homework
should be handed in at the beginning of the hour on the due date. It will
be counted in the course grade. The new grading scheme will be that homework
is worth 10% of the course grade. The midterm will be worth 40% and the
final will be worth 50%.
- There will be no makeup exams. You must make every effort to make it
to class on the day of the exams.
- The room for the class has been changed to Gould 435. This change is
effective Monday, June 26.
- Disabled Student Services (DSS) has asked for a volunteer to assist a
disabled student with notetaking. If you are willing to copy your notes
once per week please contact DSS at room 448, Schmitz Hall, 543-8925.
- Sample(dvi) problems for the midterm.
- Solutions(dvi) for the midterm.
- (8/11/95) The final exam will closed book. Neither notes nor calculators will be allowed.
- Sample(dvi) problems for the final exam.
morrow@math.washington.edu
Last revised: August 11, 1995