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.

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. There are no limitations on when you may use the computer lab in AP&M B432 , and you can spend as much time as you wish on each assignment as long as you submit it on time.

If you need information about course policies or about using MATLAB on campus computers, check the links on the sidebar.

Assignments	1. Introduction to MATLAB	Due Oct 11
	2. Systems of Linear Equations	Due Oct 18
	3. Matrix Algebra	Due Nov 1
	4. Eigenvalues & Diagonalization	Due Nov 15
	5. Orthogonality & Least Squares	Due Nov 29

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

MATLAB tutors are available to provide help with MATLAB; their scheduled hours are available via the link in the sidebar. Please note that there are not any regular MATLAB sections. You may go to the MATLAB lab any time it's open, whether or not your TA is scheduled to work there at that time. You can get help from any of the tutors present.

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 5.
• The quiz is open book and open notes but you may not copy notes in pdf to the lab computer. You may even make use of gradescope and the course websites but no other websites. You may not use your own devices like laptop, iPads, etc.
• The quiz is scheduled for 50 minutes, although you most likely will not need the full amount of time.
• You need not bring anything to the quiz except a pen and a photo ID.

To help lighten the load on proctors, please do the following when you arrive for the quiz:

• Sit at an open terminal and put your photo ID on your desk.
• Once your proctor gives you your quiz, immediately fill in your name, your TA's name, and your instructor's name in ink.
• You may then start working immediately.

Quiz Times

Your quiz time is based on the discussion section in which you are officially enrolled. This fall, the Math 18 quiz will be held

Tuesday, Dec 3

in APM B432 at the same time of day as your regular discussion section.

If you are unable to make it to your assigned quiz time, you have the option to instead take an alternate quiz at a different time. During week 9, the week before the quiz, you will be able to go sections.ucsd.edu and select an alternative time. Sign-ups will open on Monday and will close at noon on Saturday of week 9. If you fail to sign up during this time, you will not be able to take the alternate quiz.

In this quarter, alternate quizzes will be offered on Monday, Dec 2, at 9 am, 10 am, 11 am and 12 pm.

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

If you have any questions about the MATLAB quiz or the alternate quiz times, please email the Senior MATLAB TA.