Week 1
We will begin the course with a discussion of systems of linear equations and their solutions.
You should read at least
the first two sections of Chapter 1. Though this material is relatively easy, it requires care.
Make sure you understand the process of row reduction and row equivalence because these ideas will
be used repeatedly throughout the term. From the reduced row echelon form of an augmented matrix
you should be able to determine whether a system of equations has infinitely many, exactly one, or
no solutions. (You should be able to define any terms in boldface.)
Maple Resources
- Using Maple for Linear Algebra part 1: Matrix entry. YouTube
Video. This is an excellent video targeted for new users. It is
very helpful. Have the Maple software open when you start the video so you can follow
along, pausing the video as needed.
- Using Maple for Linear Algebra screencast 2. YouTube
Video. The second part of the video above.
- Another Introductory YouTube Maple Tutorial
for Linear Algebra Video. This one is not as polished as the first two, but does illustrate
some useful Maple tools not covered in the videos above (context menus and Tool menus).
- To download Maple Primer 1 first go to a campus networked computer (e.g., in Gulick or the Library).
On a Windows machine right-click on
MaplePrimer1.mw and choose "Save As" and put the file in a location
where you can find it. Then open Maple by going through the menus Start>>All Programs>>Maple 13>>Maple 13.
Once Maple opens you can use the File menu in Maple to navigate to the file that you saved.
On a Mac using the Firefox browser, Option-click on the file above and the file should automatically download to
the desktop. It should have a Maple icon. Click on the icon and Maple should open it.
- MaplePrimer1.pdf, a pdf version of the MaplePrimer1.mw file for reference.
- MaplePrimer2.mw. See the instructions for downloading MaplePrimer1.mw above.
- MaplePrimer2.pdf, a pdf version of the MaplePrimer2.mw file for reference.
- Maple Quick Start Video.
40 Minutes long, but you might want to watch the beginning. You should have Maple open so you can try commands as
they are described in the video. The video does not cover much linear algebra, but
you will see lots of things you can apply to calculus.
- Maple
Quick Start PDF. 29 pages. A quick intro to Maple that goes along with the video above.
A Note about the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL)
At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, we encourage you to learn collaboratively and to seek the resources that will enable you to succeed. The Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is one of those resources: CTL programs and staff help you engage with your learning, accomplish the tasks before you, enhance your thinking and skills, and empower you to do your best. Resources at CTL are many: Study Mentors help you find your time and manage your responsibilities, Writing Fellows help you think well on paper, and professional staff help you assess academic needs.
I encourage you to explore these and other CTL resources designed to help you do your very
best work. Visit the CTL office on the second
floor of the library to discuss options with the staff, call for an appointment 781-3351,
or visit the CTL website
at
http://www.hws.edu/academics/ctl/index.aspx.
Disability Accommodations: If you are a student with a disability for which you may need
accommodations, you should self-identify and register for services with the Coordinator of
Disability Services at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), and provide documentation
of your disability. Disability related accommodations and services generally will not be
provided until the registration and documentation process is complete. The guidelines for
documenting disabilities can be found at the following website:
http://www.hws.edu/academics/ctl/disability_services.aspx.
Please direct questions about this process or Disability Services at HWS to Administrative
Coordinator, Jamie Slusser, (slusser@hws.edu, 781-3351)
or Coordinator of Disability Services, David Silver
at silver@hws.edu.
