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

  • Please Note: The course number has changed from Math 308 to Math 208 as of Autumn 2021.
  • Resources for On-line Classes from Autumn 2020: Information about Zoom and Gradescope. Many instructors are continuing to use Gradescope to collect homework.
  • Text: Linear Algebra with Applications, Second Edition, by Jeffrey Holt.
  • WebAssign: The first (easy) part of homework are problems done in Webassign. These problems are rather elementary and are meant to provide practice with mechanics and to serve as a first comprehension check of the material. A second set of homework problems will be taken from the Conceptual Problems described below.
    • Students can buy the Access Code to WebAssign with either the eBook or the Loose Leaf Book at the University Book Store. They may also purchase the Access Code to WebAssign with eBook directly from WebAssign through the WebAssign link for your course. UW students do not have the option to buy just WebAssign access.
    • You must use this UW-specific link to log in to Webassign. The general Webassign page will not connect to your UW account. If you are prompted for a class key, you are using the wrong website.
      Here is an image to help you login: Login Help
    • If you need help please attend the office hours held by the WebAssign representatives at the start of each quarter. These hours will be announced by your instructor. Please do not go to the Math Advising office in Padelford for WebAssign help.
  • 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: Teaching assistants will be available on Tuesdays. Ask your instructor about the times and locations. These homework help sessions are available to anyone enrolled in Math 208 this quarter.
  • 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