MATLAB for Math 18

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Welcome to the gateway page for the MATLAB portion of Math 18! This part of the course is an introduction to the use of computer software to solve problems in linear algebra. These kinds of computations are valuable tools not only in pure mathematics but also in physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, economics, and sociology.

All of these fields deal with vast amounts of raw data that may be difficult or impossible to work with by hand. Computer programs like MATLAB help by performing tedious calculations error-free, so that you can avoid wasting all your time crunching numbers. It turns out that MATLAB is especially well suited for working with matrices and performing various algorithmic routines that come up in linear algebra.

You can use MATLAB for free once you create a MathWorks Account using your @ucsd.edu email address. Follow the steps in the link to create the MathWorks Account and install MATLAB. If you are using a Mac and your system is not up to date, older versions of MATLAB are sufficient for the MATLAB assignments. Click here to see how to install an older release.

If you don't have a computer, there is an option to request a loaner laptop here. MATLAB online works well if you use a Chromebook or you simply don't want to install MATLAB. You can use it for free once you create a MathWorks Account using your @ucsd.edu email address. If you don't have a computer but you have a tablet like an iPad, you can use MATLAB Mobile with a MathWorks Account. CloudLabs also works and instructions are here but it can be quite slow. Note that you need to connect via UCSD VPN to use CloudLabs.

In general, each assignment in this course is self-contained and can be completed without prior MATLAB experience, although some assignments depend on commands learned in earlier ones.

Assignments	1. Introduction to MATLAB	Due at 11:59pm on Wednesday, April 17 PT
	2. Systems of Linear Equations	Due at 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 1 PT
	3. Matrix Algebra	Due at 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 15 PT
	4. Eigenvalues & Diagonalization	Due at 11:59pm on Wednesday, May 29 PT
	5. Orthogonality & Least Squares (optional)	Due at 11:59pm on Wednesday, June 5 PT

The due dates above are the standard dates for all Math 18 classes, but please note that your instructor may assign different dates, in which case his or her assigned dates take precedence. Please check your class's website to verify due dates.

MATLAB HW5 will NOT be covered in the final quiz. Your grade will be based on the best 4 out of 5 MATLAB assignments.

Homework should be uploaded to Gradescope by 11:59 pm (San Diego time) on the listed due dates. (See the instructions within Assignment 1 for more information.) Be careful to pace yourself with the rest of the course; if you see a midterm coming up near a MATLAB due date, it is to your advantage to do your homework early. Four random exercises will be graded each time.

MATLAB Tutoring

MATLAB tutors are available to provide help with MATLAB during Week 2-10; their scheduled hours are available in the upper left of this webpage. You may go to different tutors' tutoring hours via Zoom.

Please note that there are no regular MATLAB sections and the lab hours in webreg do not mean anything.

The MATLAB Quiz

During the last week of the quarter, you will have to take a MATLAB quiz.

• You will be tested on your ability to use rudimentary MATLAB commands to solve basic computational problems and on your understanding of topics covered in the lab assignments.
• The quiz will cover Assignments 1 through 4.
• You may make use of gradescope and the course websites but no other websites.
• The quiz is scheduled for one hour, although you most likely will not need the full amount of time.
• Open book and notes. But you may not disclose the exam problems to any other person during the quiz days. Any sign of disclosure will be reported immediately to the Academic Integrity Office.
• The quiz will be offered in Quizzes on Canvas. The problems are in the forms of multiple choices, numerical answers, etc. You don't need to write/scan anything.

Quiz Time

The MATLAB Final Quiz will be held

0:00 am PT on Wednesday, June 5 until 11:59 pm PT on Thursday, June 6

in "Quizzes" section on Canvas.

You can take it whenever is convenient for you during the time period. The quiz starts the first time you access the quiz and ends after 60 minutes.

We do not offer make-up quizzes if you miss your quiz.

If you have any questions about the MATLAB quiz or the alternate quiz times, please email the Senior MATLAB TA.