MAT202

Brief Course Description: More abstract than calculus, this course aims to develop basic algebraic tools for work with problems involving many variables. Starting from systems of linear equations and vectors in 2-space and 3-space, this course develops ideas about length, angles and resolving a general vector into useful components, identifying features of linear systems or processes in order to choose a basis that is well-adapted to studying a particular phenomenon and move between different points of view to reveal the essential underlying structure.  Companion course to MAT201 (Multivariable Calculus). Discusses matrices and linear transformations, linear independence and dimension, bases and coordinates, determinants, orthogonal projection, least squares, eigenvalues and their applications to quadratic forms and dynamical systems.

Why take this course? Along with MAT201, it builds vocabulary and algebraic tools to describe and understand phenomena in the natural world, and improves analytic and problem solving skills which are valuable in many disciplines.

Prerequisites & Placement Info:  Although it does not rely on the mathematical topics taught in the calculus sequence, this course does rely on the independent problem solving skills whose development are a main focus of our single variable calculus courses. Prior experience with vectors and functions of two or three variables is very helpful but not required, and so taking MAT175 or MAT201 before MAT202 is a good idea.

Who takes this course? Most students in this course are first- or second-year students who consider majoring in one of the sciences or engineering. More mathematically inclined economics majors will take this course along with 201.