Prerequisite: Math 1110 (Calculus I)
Text: Linear Algebra and Its Applications (6th Edition) by David C. Lay.
Our textbook can be accessed through ASULearn and access is already included in your student fees.
You should not purchase an access code!
Web Page: My webpage is located here:
https://BillCookMath.com
and
our course webpage is located here: https://BillCookMath.com/courses/math2240-fall2025.
Meeting times and location:
Final Exam: Our final exam will be held in our regular classroom.
Lecturer:
| Name: | Dr. William (Bill) Cook |
| Office: | Walker Hall 345
or via Zoom [Please call my office for the Zoom password and to make sure I have joined the meeting.] |
| Office hours: |
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday at 8am-9am & 10am-11am Other times by appointment. |
| Phone: | (828) 262-2367 |
| Email: | cookwj@appstate.edu |
| Webpage: | https://BillCookMath.com |
Technology: You are welcome to use any technology at your disposal to complete out of class assignments unless that assignment specifies a particular restriction. For example, I may restrict usage of AI when working on take home exam questions. We will periodically use Maple in class (Maple is a “computer algebra system”) and have Maple based homework sets. A code is provided (see our ASULearn page) so you can install Maple on your own computer (available for most Mac and Windows machines). Alternatively, you can access software by logging onto a campus machine using https://udesk.appstate.edu. While I usually design quizzes and exams so they do not require technology, it will be helpful to have ready access to a device/software that can perform basic matrix operations. Unless otherwise indicated, calculators and other computer technology will not be allowed on (in class) exams or quizzes. This includes cell phones. Your cell phone should never be out during an exam or quiz.
Course topics: The course catalog says, “A study of vectors, matrices and linear transformations, principally in two and three dimensions, including treatments of systems of linear equations, determinants, and eigenvalues.” We will be covering most of Chapters 1 – 6 in our text plus possibly some selections from Chapters 7 & 8. A tentative course schedule can be found at: https://BillCookMath.com/courses/math2240-fall2025/schedule.html.
Your term grade will be based on the results of your tests and final exam as well as your scores on quizzes and homework. Here is more information about the individual components of your grade:
Tests and Final Exam: There will be three tests and a final exam. Each test will make up 15% of your final grade and the final exam will make up 25% of your final grade. The dates of the tests listed in the tentative course schedule may change. The actual dates will be announced in class.
Homework & Quizzes: I will post a list of suggested homework problems from the text – these will not be collected. However, even though these homework problems will not be collected, working out all of the suggested problems is strongly recommended. Please ask questions about problems with which you have had difficulty. We will have short quizzes periodically based on the suggested homework. In addition to the quizzes, I plan to assign several homework projects and/or Maple labs. I encourage you to work on these projects and suggested homework problems with your classmates. However, any work you turn in must be written up by yourself. Do NOT copy your collaborators work and turn it in as your own. The quizzes and homeworks will make up 30% of your term grade.
Here are the components of the term grade with their weights:
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Attendance: Don't miss class. If you miss class, you are responsible for the material covered during your absence. If you miss a quiz, test/exam, or workshop, you must bring in documentation proving that your absence is excusable or otherwise receive a zero. If a make-up quiz/test/exam is granted, it must be made up before the next quiz/test/exam.
Help! If you need help, please come to my office hours. If you are in Walker Hall and my office door is open, please feel free to stop by and ask questions – even if it's not during my posted office hours. Also, you should be aware of the Math Lab – free tutoring for Math 2130 (and other math classes). More information about the Math Lab can be found at https://mathsci.appstate.edu/programs-courses/resources/math-tutor-lab.
Fine Print: Copies of the academic integrity code, disability services information, religious observance policies can be found at https://academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources/syllabi-policy-and-statement-information.