Math 208 - Linear Algebra

Linear algebra is the mathematics of the 21st Century and makes the digital world work. In our fast-growing technological world, advancement in industry relies heavily on linear algebra. It is becoming ever more critical for future employees to be familiar with the subject.


Important Information

  • Text: Linear Algebra with Applications, Second Edition, by Jeffrey Holt. The eBook is available through your section's Canvas page. Your instructor will provide you with more details. Please note that you will need to opt out if you do not wish to purchase the eBook.
  • WebAssign: WebAssign no longer supports our textbook.
  • Skills Problems: The basic exercises formerly found on WebAssign are all in the textbook. Your instructor will assign some of these each week.
  • Conceptual Problems: More challenging homework problems are given in the Conceptual Problems. Your instructor will assign a selection from these problems each week, and include similar material in the exams.

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.
    • The only calculator allowed is the Texas Instruments TI-30X IIS.
  • 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

Week Topics Resources
1:
  • Sec. 1.1: Lines and Linear Equations
  • Sec. 1.2: Linear Systems and Matrices
2:
  • Sec. 2.1: Vectors
  • Sec. 2.2: Span
  • Sec. 2.3: Linear Independence
3:
  • Sec. 2.3: Linear Independence
  • Sec 3.1: Linear Transformations
4:
  • Sec 3.1: Linear Transformations
  • MIDTERM 1
5:
  • Sec. 3.2: Matrix Algebra
  • Sec. 3.3: Inverses
6:
  • Sec. 4.1: Intro to Subspaces
  • Sec. 4.2: Basis and Dimension
7:
  • Sec. 4.3: Row and Column Spaces
  • Sec 4.4: Change of basis
  • Sec. 5.1: The Determinant Function
8:
  • Sec. 5.1: The Determinant Function
  • MIDTERM 2
  • Sec. 5.2: Properties of the Determinant
9:
  • Sec. 6.1 Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
  • Sec. 6.2: Diagonalization
10:
  • Sec. 6.2: Diagonalization
  • Sec. 6.3: Complex eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Review
11:
  • FINAL EXAM