Fall 2026 - MATH 232 D400
Applied Linear Algebra (3)
Class Number: 2987
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 1:30–2:20 p.m.
Surrey
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Instructor:
Tareq Uz Zaman
tarequzz@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
MATH 150 or 151 or MACM 101, with a minimum grade of C-; or MATH 154 or 157, both with a grade of at least B.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Introduction to vector spaces and linear transformations and bases. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. An emphasis on applications involving matrix and vector calculations. Students with credit for MATH 240 may not take this course for further credit.
COURSE DETAILS:
Topics Outline: Linear equations, matrices, determinants. Introduction to vector spaces and linear transformations and bases. Complex numbers. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors; diagonalization. Inner products and orthogonality; least squares problems. An emphasis on applications involving matrix and vector calculations.
Topic Details:
Vectors
- Vectors in Euclidean n-Space
- Dot Product and Orthogonality
- Lines and Planes
- Row Reduction (Gaussian elimination) to Echelon form
- The Geometry of Linear Systems
- Applications in business, science and engineering
- Matrix operations
- Matrix inverse; and properties of matrices
- Elementary matrices and calculating matrix inverses
- Matrices with special forms.
- Matrices as transformations
- Geometry of Linear Transformations
- Kernel and range
- Composition and Invertibility
- Application to Computer Graphics (optional)
- Calculating determinants
- Properties of determinants
- Cramer's rule (optional)
- Arithmetic in Cartesian co-ordinates.
- The complex plane, complex conjugate, magnitude and argument (phase).
- Polar form, De Moivre's formula and Euler's formula.
- Roots of quadratic polynomials.
- Properties and geometry
- Complex eigenvalues and complex eigenvectors
- Dynamical Systems and Markov Chains
- Application to Economics: the Leontief model (optional)
- The Power Method; Application to Internet Search Engines
- Matrix Similarity and Diagonalization
- Subspaces and Linear Independence
- Basis and Dimension
- The Fundamental Spaces of a Matrix
- Rank
- Change of basis
- Projection
- Orthogonal bases and the Gram Schmidt process
- Orthogonal matrices (optional)
- Application to least squares approximation
Grading
- MyLab Assignments 6%
- Quizzes 12%
- Computing Assignments 12%
- Midterms 30%
- Final Exam 40%
NOTES:
THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks.
Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semester.
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
An Introduction to Linear Algebra
Daniel Norman and Dan Wolczuk
3rd Edition
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.