Math 208 - Linear Algebra
Linear algebra is a foundational language for mathematical modeling with applications across multiple disciplines including natural, social and environmental sciences, engineering, computer science, and beyond. It enbales efficient computation of complex systems and plays a central role in machine learning and data science. Math 208 is an introduction to the mathematical language of linear algebra with emphasis on structure and geometry. For more advanced linear algebra, see Math 318 and Math 340.
Our entry level classes in linear algebra (Math 208), calculus (Math 124-5-6 & 224) and discrete math (Math 200) form the foundations of mathematics.
Important Information
- Text: Linear Algebra with Applications, Second Edition, by Jeffrey Holt.
The eBook is available through the publisher at this link. - Skills Problems: These are basic exercises from the textbook. Your instructor will assign some of these each week.
- Conceptual Problems: These are more challenging homework problems. Your instructor will assign a selection from these problems each week, and include similar material in the exams.
- Guided Self-Placement: The UW Seattle uses Guided Self-Placement to determine which math course to enroll in. The goal of this guided self-placement is to assist you with the decision about which math course will allow you to be most successful. Here is the link to get started. You will need a UW NetID to access the assessment.
UW 208 Policies
- Academic integrity: As stated in UW's policy on Academic Misconduct., University of Washington students are expected to practice high standards of academic and professional honesty and integrity. Among other things, this means that you are expected to adhere to the exam and quiz policies of this class.
- Standard Policy for Exams
- One handwritten 8.5 by 11 sheet of notes is allowed. 2-sided is OK.
- If a calculator is allowed, it must be a Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS. Instructors can choose to not allow a calculator.
- Religious Accommodation Policy: Washington state law requires that UW develop a policy for accommodation of student absences or significant hardship due to reasons of faith or conscience, or for organized religious activities. The UW’s policy, including more information about how to request an accommodation, is available at Religious Accommodations Policy. Accommodations must be requested within the first two weeks of the course using the Religious Accommodations Request form.
Additional Resources
- Exams: Old exams from Math 208 are given in the table below. Please be aware that there are slight variations among them in content and style. Please talk to your instructor about what is expected in your upcoming exams.
- Homework Lab: Course assistants will be available most weekdays in CMU B006. These homework help sessions are available to anyone enrolled in Math 208 this quarter. Here is a link to the schedule.
- Applications: These Applications are provided to give you a sense of the wide variety of uses for linear algebra. Your instructor might talk about a few of them in lecture. You are encouraged to skim through them, although this material is generally not expected on exams
- Videos: The geometry of linear algebra is an integral part of this course. These excellent YouTube videos are a way to get more geometric insight into linear algebra. Please check them out as your instructor covers the related topic in class.
Sample Schedule -- not all classes will follow this exact schedule
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