Math 221 - Linear Algebra - Reading Assignments
December 1998

Be sure to check back, since these may change.
(Last modified: Thursday, November 26, 1998, 9:42 PM )

I'll use Maple syntax for mathematical notation on this page.
All numbers indicate sections from Linear Algebra and Its Applications by David Lay.

For December 1

Section 6.1 Inner Product, Length, and Orthogonality
  • To read : All of Section 6.1 and Section 6.2 through pg 383
  • Be sure to understand : The definitions of the inner product, norm, and orthogonal complement; The statement of Theorem 4 in Section 6.2, and Figure 4 on page 383

Email Subject Line : Math 221 12/1 Your Name

Reading Questions :

  1. Are the two vectors u=(3,1) and v=(-2,3) in R2 orthogonal? Why or why not?
  2. Let W be the xz-plane in R3. What is the orthogonal complement of W?

For December 3

Section 6.3 Orthogonal Projections
  • To read : Through Example 3
  • Be sure to understand : Figure 2 and the statement of the Best Approximation Theorem

Email Subject Line : Math 221 12/3 Your Name

Reading Questions :
Let y=(1,2,3) in R3 and let W be the xz-plane.

  1. What is the orthogonal projection of y onto W?
  2. Is there a point in W that is closer to y than the orthogonal projection you just found? Why or why not?

For December 8

Section 6.5 Least Squares Problems
  • To read : Through Example 3
  • Be sure to understand : The definition of a general least squares problem and the statement of Theorem 13

Email Subject Line : Math 221 12/8 Your Name

Reading Questions :

  1. In your own words, what is the point of the section? (Don't just quote the text.)
  2. Does every system Ax=b have a least squares solution? If it exists, is it unique? Explain.

For December 10

The REALLY BIG PICTURE. Last day of class. No Reading Assignment.


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Last modified: Thursday, November 26, 1998, 9:42 PM