MATH 115A
Linear Algebra
Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, two hours. Requisite: course 33A. Techniques of proof, abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, and matrices; determinants; inner product spaces; eigenvector theory. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2017 - Professor Elman was a great professor. His handwriting on the board is messy and small at times, but he'd always answer his students when one would ask what he wrote. His lectures are very clear, thoroughly explaining all the proofs for the theorems. The exams involved recalling theorems and proofs from memory, a simple calculation (he even told us what we'd have to do in class), and giving examples of abstract concepts (this was the hardest part). However, simply memorizing everything from class would guarantee you about a 50-75% on the exam, and the class was curved pretty generously. The homework was very challenging, but came entirely from the textbook, so you could just copy the solutions manual's proofs if you wanted. Overall, a solid introduction to upper division math / proof-based math, and not too difficult of a course either.
Spring 2017 - Professor Elman was a great professor. His handwriting on the board is messy and small at times, but he'd always answer his students when one would ask what he wrote. His lectures are very clear, thoroughly explaining all the proofs for the theorems. The exams involved recalling theorems and proofs from memory, a simple calculation (he even told us what we'd have to do in class), and giving examples of abstract concepts (this was the hardest part). However, simply memorizing everything from class would guarantee you about a 50-75% on the exam, and the class was curved pretty generously. The homework was very challenging, but came entirely from the textbook, so you could just copy the solutions manual's proofs if you wanted. Overall, a solid introduction to upper division math / proof-based math, and not too difficult of a course either.
Most Helpful Review
Fall 2018 - I love professor Gehret. His lectures are super organized and clear. I would definitely recommend taking 115A with Gehret if this is your first proof class. His homework can be sometimes challenging but it covers every topic he talked in class. And my TA Jaehoon Lee is so far the best math TA I've had. They both put a lot of efforts into teaching and they care about how well their students are doing in the class. Most people did not like 115A that much, but Professor Gehret made it great. His tests are fair too.
Fall 2018 - I love professor Gehret. His lectures are super organized and clear. I would definitely recommend taking 115A with Gehret if this is your first proof class. His homework can be sometimes challenging but it covers every topic he talked in class. And my TA Jaehoon Lee is so far the best math TA I've had. They both put a lot of efforts into teaching and they care about how well their students are doing in the class. Most people did not like 115A that much, but Professor Gehret made it great. His tests are fair too.
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