Welcome to Math 2602L Linear and Discrete Mathematics

Instructors:

Professor Robin Thomas, office: Skiles 217B
Teaching assistants: Spencer Backman, Kristina Kaylen, Ian Palmer
Lectures TuTh 3:05-4:25 in Physics lecture hall 2
Recitations TR 4:05-4:55

Required textbook:

Linear and Discrete Mathematics, custom edition for Georgia Tech

Description:

The basics of mathematical induction and recursively defined sequences; complexity and rates of growth; combinatorics, counting methods, and elementary probability; graph theory and graph algorithms; linear algebra; linear programming and the simplex method.

Prerequisite:

Math 2401 or Math 2411

Lecture Schedule:

  1. Mathematical induction. Here is a handout.
  2. Recurrence relations
  3. Complexity and rates of growth
  4. Counting, permutations, combinations, inclusion/exclusion, binomial theorem
  5. Elementary probability, independence and conditional probability
  6. Introduction to graph theory, definitions, isomorphism
  7. Euler circuits, Hamilton cycles, shortest path algorithms
  8. Trees, spanning tree algorithms
  9. Planarity, graph colorings
  10. Systems of linear equations, Gaussian eliminaton
  11. Eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diagonalization, recurrence relations and Markov chains
  12. Linear programming, introduction to the simplex method
For day-by-day schedule and homework assignments click here.

Midterm exams:

There will be three 50 minute midterm exams, tentatively scheduled for September 16, October 21 and November 18. The lowest score will be dropped. The format will be closed book, closed notes, no computers. You will be allowed to use small non-programmable calculators not capable of remote connection or storage of text. In particular, laptop computers, PDAs, cellular telephones and similar devices will not be permitted.

There will be no make-ups for missed exams. Please see Professor Thomas if you have to miss an exam due to an illness or an emergency. A proof will be required.

I have not taught this class before, and therefore have no past tests to show you.

Grades:

Your final letter grade will be based on the following factors: 40% tests, 40% final exam, 20% homework, attendance and/or quizzes.

Regrading policy:

If you believe that a mistake in grading has been made you may request that your paper be regraded. Such request must be submitted in writing to Professor Thomas (not your TA) within one week from the day the graded test has been returned in class (usually the next recitation), and must be accompanied by the original unaltered paper. If you make any changes to the paper your request will be denied. Please note that if you request regrading, all problems are subject to review.

Attendance:

Attendance at lectures and recitation sections is required. Repeated unexcused absences may result in a lower grade.

Honor Code:

Please refer to the Georgia Tech Honor Code.  You are encouraged to study in groups, but any and all work submitted for grading, including homework, must be your own. 

Homework:

Homework will be usually assigned toward the end of the week, and will be due at the beginning of recitation on Wednesday the following week. Assignments will be posted on the syllabus page. The first homework assignment is posted there and is due 8/26.

Office hours:

TuTh 2:15-2:45, immediately after class, and by appointment. The teaching assistants will hold their own office hours. The Math Lab offers free tutoring.

Useful links:

The links below are provided for your convenience. Please note that I do not maintain those pages, and cannot guarantee their accuracy or continued availability.

Course information:

This text can be accessed at http://www.math.gatech.edu/~thomas/TEACH/2602.html.
Page created August 14, 2009.