Math 20F

MATLAB Assignments

This is the gateway page for the Math 20F MATLAB assignments.  This portion of Math 20F is an introduction to using computer software for topics in linear algebra.  The labs will explore not only how to use the software but also how linear algebra arises in practice.  The material will also give additonal persepective and add to topics covered in lecture.

There are three main packages for general purpose scientific computation: Maple, Mathematica, and MATLAB, known as the 3Ms.  While this course focuses solely on MATLAB, all three packages are similiar and if you know one, you can usually pickup another one within an hour or two.  Many students enrolled in Math 20F will use one of these packages (or more specialized software of a similiar nature) heavily in their major and in future careers.

Basic information for using MATLAB on campus ACS computers can be found on the What You Need To Know About MATLAB portion of 20F page, while due dates for homeworks can be found on the MATLAB Assignment Due Dates page.  In general, though, each lab is self-contained and can be completed without prior MATLAB experience, although some assignments depend on commands learned in previous assignments.

1. Introduction to MATLAB
2. Systems of Linear Equations
3. Matrix Algebra
4. Eigenvalues, Determinants, and Diagonalization
5. Orthogonality and Least Squares

Appendices:

The following optional labs expand upon many of the topics from class.  Feel free to take a look and see if any of the topics interest you.  After each the prerequisite needed to complete the lab is listed.

1. Appendix 1: Linear Algebra and Fun and Games (Prerequisite: Assignment 2)
   
2. Appendix 2: Linear Dependence, Column Space, Null Space, and Bases (Prerequisite: Appendix 1)
   
3. Appendix 3: Change of Basis and Coordinate Transformations (Prerequisite: Appendix 2)

Feedback:

    If you have any suggestions or comments about the lab assignments, we'd love to hear from you.  Also, if you encounter any mistakes or broken links, let us know.  Send an e-mail to the senior MATLAB TA.

References:

Books:

• Lay, David C. Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 3rd Edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc., 2003.
  This is the textbook for the Math 20F course.

Web Sites:

• http://www.math.mtu.edu/~msgocken/intro/intro.html
  A good general introduction to MATLAB.
  
• http://www.wikipedia.com
  An excellent resource for articles on mathematical topics.
  
• http://www.math.ucsd.edu/
  This is the home page for the UCSD Department of Mathematics.
• http://www.mathworks.com/
  The Mathworks is the creator of MATLAB. Product information and help can be found here.
• http://www-acs.ucsd.edu/
  This is the ACS (Academic Computing Services) home page, containing resources for computing at UCSD.
• http://www-history.mcs.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/index.html
  The MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive is a comprehensive reference for information about mathematicians and the history of mathematics.  Biographies of mathematicians mentioned in these assignments are found on this site.
• http://www.math.bcit.ca/examples/index.shtml
  This site is a great resource for finding applications of math to the real world.

Acknowledgments:

Last modified:

06/11/2009