Math 308A Application Scavenger Hunt (extra credit)

Due Date Monday, October 13

The reason that a course like Math 308 is required for many courses of study is that linear algebra/matrix algebra is extremely important and widespread in applications of mathematics.

The Scavenger Hunt is a way to encourage and reward students in the course for doing a little exploring the applications of linear algebra in their field of interest, with the hope that this makes the course more interesting and relevant to everyone.

So here is the assignment:

(1) Given the time constraints in the course, this is in the nature of a homework assignment, not a paper or a major project. The assignment to be turned in should consist of one or two clearly written pages (meaning both legible and also clearly written).

(2) Scavenger Hunt is due Monday, October 13. The credit for this assignment will be about half a regular HW assignment.

(3) What should be on your one or two pages:

a. Your name

b. The area of application (e.g., mechanical engineering, biochemistry, medicine)

c. A succinct description of the specific application suitable for a lay reader.

d. Some equations that show an example of how linear algebra is used. Try to limit the linear algebra to what you have learned in Chapter 1; avoid writing down math that you do not yet understand. We will probably have another installment of the Scavenger Hunt for more advanced linear algebra later.

e. Optional: Anything further in the way of solutions or comments on the application.

f. Citation of where you got the example.