Math 51
Winter 2015

Contents

• Course Description, Prerequisites and Other Courses
• Enrollment in lectures and sections
• Texts
• Exams
• Homework
• Grades
• Office Hours
• Additional Help
• Useful Links

Course Description, Prerequisites and Other Courses

Linear Algebra and Multivariable Calculus are two of the most widely used mathematical tools across all scientific disciplines. This course seeks to develop background in both and highlight the ways in which multivariable calculus can be naturally understood in terms of linear algebra.

This course assumes a strong understanding of differential calculus of one variable, as taught in the Math 41-42 series (or equivalent). For the linear algebra portion, we will start from the beginning and build up all concepts in lectures. However, this course is packed with information and moves very quickly. Students who are somewhat unsure of their mathematics background may want to consider courses in the 40 series. In particular, students missing the equivalent of Math 42 may find the portions of Math 51 that demand deeper conceptual understanding to be more difficult than those who have the experience of a full year of college-level calculus. (Students having quite a lot of experience with mathematical proof and who are looking for a more theoretical course may want to try Math 51H.)

For a detailed syllabus see the Syllabus page.

Enrollment in lectures and sections

A complete list of lecture/discussion section correspondences may be found here.

Texts

• Weeks 1-6: Linear Algebra, by Levandosky - Errata
• Weeks 6-10: Differential Vector Calculus (Revised 2014 Edition), by Licata

Exams

There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. Please check the exams page for dates, policies, and previous exams.

Homework

Grades

• Homework: 10%
• Total points earned on all exams, divided by total points possible: 90%

Points available on exams: The total points available on the exams will be in approximate proportion 2:2:3. That is, the first and second midterm exams will have approximately equal numbers of total points available, and the number of points available on the final exam will be approximately 1.5 times those available on a single midterm exam.

Office Hours

Additional Help

• The Stanford University Mathematics Organization (SUMO) offers free drop-in tutoring for students in the 50's sequence. Tutoring will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-10:00 p.m. in room 381T of the math building. The first session is Monday January 12th.
• Free tutoring is also available through the Office of Undergraduate Advising and Research.

Useful Links and Other Resources

• Prof Brumfiel's advice for Math 51 students
• Common Errors in Undergraduate Mathematics
• Math 51A students are part of the ACE program, short for "Accelerated Calculus for Engineers." More information about the program can be found here.
• Statement from the Registrar concerning students with documented disabilities:
  
  "Students who may need an academic accommodation based on the impact of a disability must initiate the request with the Office of Accessible Education (OAE). Professional staff will evaluate the request with required documentation, recommend reasonable accommodations, and prepare an Accommodation Letter for faculty dated in the current quarter in which the request is being made. Students should contact the OAE as soon as possible since timely notice is needed to coordinate accommodations. The OAE is located at 563 Salvatierra Walk (phone: 723-1066)."