MATLAB for Math 18

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Welcome to the gateway page for the MATLAB portion of Math 18! This part of the course is an introduction to the use of computer software to solve problems in linear algebra. These kinds of computations are valuable tools not only in pure mathematics but also in physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, economics, and sociology.

All of these fields deal with vast amounts of raw data that may be difficult or impossible to work with by hand. Computer programs like MATLAB help by performing tedious calculations error-free, so that you can avoid wasting all your time crunching numbers. It turns out that MATLAB is especially well suited for working with matrices and performing various algorithmic routines that come up in linear algebra.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the computer labs in AP&M are no longer available. You may install MATLAB on your own computer (not a Chromebook) for free following instructions here. We recommend this. More detailed information can be found at Working from Home on the sidebar.

If you don't have a computer, there is an option to request a loaner laptop here. MATLAB online works well if you use a Chromebook or you simply don't want to install MATLAB. You can use it for free once you create a MathWorks Account using your @ucsd.edu email address. If you don't have a computer but you have a tablet like an iPad, you can use MATLAB Mobile with a MathWorks Account. CloudLabs also works and instructions are here but it can be quite slow. Note that you need to connect via UCSD VPN to use CloudLabs.

In general, each assignment in this course is self-contained and can be completed without prior MATLAB experience, although some assignments depend on commands learned in earlier ones.

Assignments	1. Introduction to MATLAB	Due July 6
	2. Systems of Linear Equations	Due July 10
	3. Matrix Algebra	Due July 17
	4. Eigenvalues & Diagonalization	Due July 24
	5. Orthogonality & Least Squares	Due July 31 (not covered in the quiz)

The due dates above are the standard dates for all Math 18 classes, but please note that your instructor may assign different dates, in which case his or her assigned dates take precedence. Please check your class's website to verify due dates.

Homework should be uploaded to Gradescope by 11:59 pm on the listed due dates. (See the instructions within Assignment 1 for more information.) Be careful to pace yourself with the rest of the course; if you see a midterm coming up near a MATLAB due date, it is to your advantage to do your homework early.

MATLAB Tutoring

In summer, there are no undergraduate MATLAB tutors. You can find help from your TAs on the MATLAB problems.

The MATLAB Quiz

During the last week of the quarter, you will have to take a MATLAB quiz.

• You will be tested on your ability to use rudimentary MATLAB commands to solve basic computational problems and on your understanding of topics covered in the lab assignments.
• The quiz will cover Assignments 1 through 4.
• You may make use of gradescope and the course websites but no other websites.
• The quiz is scheduled for one hour, although you most likely will not need the full amount of time.
• Open book and notes. But you may not disclose the exam problems to any other person during the quiz days. Any sign of disclosure will be reported immediately to the Academic Integrity Office.
• The quiz will be offered in Quizzes on Canvas. The problems are in the forms of multiple choices, numerical answers, etc. You don't need to write/scan anything.

Quiz Time

The Math 18 quiz will be held

0:00 am PST on Thursday July 30 until 11:59 pm PST on Friday July 31

in "Quizzes" section on Canvas.

You can take it whenever the time is convenient for you during the period. The quiz starts the first time you access the quiz and ends after 60 minutes.

We do not offer make-up quizzes if you miss your quiz.