MATH 1554 - Linear Algebra

MATH 1554 is a 4 credit core math class in linear algebra.

Topic List

• Linear Systems and Transformations
  • Systems of Linear Equations
  • Row Reduction and Echelon Forms
  • Vector Equations
  • The Matrix Equation
  • Solution Sets of Linear Systems
  • Linear Independence
  • Linear Transforms

• Matrices and the Matrix Inverse
  • Matrix Operations
  • Matrix Inverse
  • Invertible Matrix Theorem
  • Partitioned Matrices*
  • LU Factorization
  • Leontief Input-Output Model*
  • Computer Graphics*
  • Subspaces
  • Dimension and Rank

• Determinants and Eigenvalues
  • Determinants
  • Volume and Linear Transforms*
  • Markov Chains*
  • Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
  • Characteristic Equation
  • Diagonalization
  • Complex Eigenvalues*
  • Google PageRank*

• Orthogonality
  • Inner Products
  • Orthogonal Sets
  • Orthogonal Projections
  • The Gram-Schmidt Process
  • Least-Squares

• Symmetric Matrices, Quadratic Forms, and SVD
  • Symmetric Matrices
  • Quadratic Forms
  • Constrained Optimization*
  • Singular Value Decomposition (SVD)*

* Topic not covered in MATH 1553

Workload

Content in MATH 1554 is typically assessed through homework, quizzes, and exams. These tend to have a mix of questions on theory, often given as true/false questions, and computation. While the course requires no formal proofs, the theoretical nature of MATH 1554 can be challenging for first-year students. Homework may not be very time-consuming, but questions often involve a bit of thinking.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Almost no prerequisite knowledge is required, apart from algebra and trigonometry.

Equivalent Courses

• MATH 1553 is the introduction equivalent, which does not cover as many topics as MATH 1554.
• MATH 1564 is the honors equivalent, which uses proofs and is more theoretical than MATH 1554.

Future Outlook

MATH 1554 is generally taken by freshmen due to it having almost no prerequisites. However, future calculus classes, such as MATH 2550, MATH 2551, and MATH 2552 will use linear algebra concepts such as matrices, determinants, and eigenvalues. In addition, linear algebra is important for computer science majors, who have to take classes that require linear algebra, such as MATH 3012 and CS 3510.

Registration

MATH 1554 is a linked course with a studio.

Resources

• https://gatech.instructure.com/courses/114544 provides a set of videos and old exams for MATH 1554.
• Interactive Linear Algebra is a free online, interactive textbook made by Georgia Tech professors. Although the textbook is intended for MATH 1553, it is still useful due to the similarity in concepts between MATH 1553 and 1554.
• 3blue1brown Essence of Linear Algebra Video Series provides a nice conceptual overview of linear algebra. The video series uses visuals and animations extensively.