MATH 232 — Applied Linear Algebra

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Course Information

Instructor	Tareq Uz Zaman — tarequzz@sfu.ca
Term	Fall 2026
Computing	Python
Lectures	Mon / Wed / Fri, 1:30–2:20 PM (Room SRYC3170)

Course 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.

Prerequisites

MATH 150 or MATH 151 or MACM 101, with a minimum grade of C−; or MATH 154 or MATH 157 with a grade of at least B. Students with credit for MATH 240 may not take this course for further credit.

Textbook and Software

Introduction to Linear Algebra for Science and Engineering, 3rd edition, by Daniel Norman and Dan Wolczuk. All section and exercise references follow this edition.

Some assignments include a computing component, done in Python. These look at the same linear algebra from a computational angle, usually with matrices larger than you would work through by hand. Python runs in any web browser through the university's cloud notebook service, so there is nothing to install, and solutions are submitted through Canvas.

Grading Scheme

The grade breakdown is as follows. There is no alternative weighting.

Component	Weight	Notes
Online assignments	6%	All are counted
Computing assignments	12%	All are counted
Quizzes	12%	Lowest score is dropped
Midterm 1	15%	In class
Midterm 2	15%	In class
Final exam	40%	December exam period

A grade of C− or higher also requires a passing average on the exams. The exact requirement is stated in the official syllabus.

Course Policies

The official syllabus on Canvas is the authoritative document for this course. It sets out the rules on missed assessments and late work, academic integrity, the use of generative AI tools, accommodations through the Centre for Accessible Learning, religious accommodation, calculators, and the grade appeal process. Read those there rather than relying on this page. If any of them affect you, talk to me early rather than after a deadline has passed.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

As your instructor, I want this course to be a place that supports a diversity of thoughts, experiences, and identities, including gender identity, race, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, and ability. Your participation matters to me. If there is anything I can do to better support your learning, please let me know, ideally early in the term.

As a student, I expect you to review and follow the SFU Student Conduct Policy, and to be aware of the supports that SFU makes available to you.

The Department of Mathematics has an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advisory Group, a committee that works to keep the department a safe, respectful, and inclusive place to work and learn. You are welcome to contact the group with any concerns or ideas relating to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Course Schedule

September

Sep 9Vectors in ℝ² and ℝ³

Sep 11Spanning and linear independence

Sep 14Length and angles

Sep 15Assignment 1 due

Sep 16Dot products; projection in ℝⁿ Quiz 1

Sep 18Systems of linear equations and elimination

Sep 21Reduced row echelon form, rank, homogeneity

Sep 22Assignment 2 due

Sep 23Applications of linear systems Quiz 2

Sep 25Applications of linear systems, continued

Sep 28Operations on matrices

Sep 29Assignment 3 due

Sep 30No class (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation)

October

Oct 2Matrix mappings and linear mappings Quiz 3

Oct 5Geometrical transformations

Oct 6Assignment 4 due

Oct 7Special subspaces and the rank theorem Quiz 4

Oct 9Midterm 1 review

Oct 12No class (Thanksgiving)

Oct 14Midterm 1

Oct 16Inverse matrices and inverse mappings

Oct 19Vector spaces and subspaces

Oct 20Assignment 5 due

Oct 21Bases and dimension Quiz 5

Oct 23Coordinates with respect to a basis

Oct 26General linear mappings

Oct 27Assignment 6 due

Oct 28Matrix of a linear mapping Quiz 6

Oct 30Determinants in terms of cofactors

November

Nov 2Properties of determinants

Nov 3Assignment 7 due (last day to drop with a WD)

Nov 4Complex numbers Quiz 7

Nov 6Complex numbers, continued

Nov 9Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

Nov 10Assignment 8 due

Nov 11No class (Remembrance Day)

Nov 13Eigenvalues with complex numbers Quiz 8

Nov 16Midterm 2 review

Nov 18Midterm 2

Nov 20Diagonalization

Nov 23Applications of diagonalization

Nov 24Assignment 9 due

Nov 25Orthonormal bases Quiz 9

Nov 27Projection and the Gram–Schmidt procedure

Nov 30Method of least squares

December

Dec 1Assignment 10 due

Dec 2Diagonalization of symmetric matrices Quiz 10

Dec 4Singular value decomposition

Dec 7Final exam review

ExamsFinal exam, December exam period

This page is a summary for current and prospective students. The official syllabus on Canvas is the authoritative version of the course information, and it governs wherever the two differ. The schedule may change during the term, and any changes will be announced in class.

Linear Algebra | Tareq Zaman