Skip to main content ‘18.700: Linear Algebra’
Table of contents
- Course Info
- Realistic Prerequisites
- Subject Matter
- Course Staff
- Lectures
- Problem Sets
- Exams
- Resources
- Grading
- Advice to Future Students
Course Info
Class Size | 26 |
Hours/Week | 10 (11 responses) |
Instructors | Zhiwei Yun |
Overall Rating | 5.2/7.0 |
Realistic Prerequisites
- Experience with mathematical proofs was helpful but not required. Some students also appreciated previous exposure to linear algebra.
Subject Matter
- The subject matter was very theoretical.
Course Staff
- Students found the course staff caring and helpful.
- Some students didn’t find the lecturer very engaging.
Lectures
- Most students learned most from completing the problem sets and reading the textbook.
- Lectures mostly focused on introducing and proving theorems found in the textbook.
Problem Sets
- Many students found the problem sets difficult, but doable using content learned in the lecture.
- Problem sets required a higher level of mathematical maturity, and collaboration was helpful.
Exams
- Stressful and challenging.
- The exams were considered difficult to finish on time but not totally unreasonable.
- Students found that the lectures and problem sets did not prepare them enough.
Resources
- Most students found the textbook Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler to be incredibly helpful.
- Recorded lectures were also available online.
Grading
- Students felt that grading was not transparent.
- Students with less proof experience found the grading to be harsher.
- Midterms were worth 40%, the final was 30%, and problem sets were 30% of the grade.
Advice to Future Students
- “This is a cool class for anyone interested in the “why” of math!”
- “Be ready to dedicate time to this subject if you want a good grade.”