Math 473 home page
Instructor: B. Wagner
Office: 428 Carver
Phone: 4-1282
E-mail:bhwagner@iastate.edu
WWW:http://www.math.iastate.edu/wagner
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Use of high quality software to solve
systems of linear equations, solve nonlinear equations, interpolate
data, integrate functions, integrate systems of differential equations,
optimize functions of one and two variables. Emphasis on reasons
for success or failure of programs.
PREREQUISITES: Math 265 (Multivariable Calculus) and either
266 or 267 (Differential Equations); knowledge of FORTRAN or C
programming language
TEXTBOOK and LECTURE NOTES: The textbook is Applied Numerical Methods for Engineers, by T. Akai. However, all of the material you must learn for this course will be contained in class lectures and in a set of lecture notes written by Professor Keinert from ISU. The text is optional for this course, and serves as a supplement to class lectures and the notes. The document on computer use referred to below will tell you how to print out your own copy of the notes.
EXAMS: There will be three exams. Each exam will cover
only the material since the previous test, and the exams will
be assigned equal weight when computing the final grade. The last
exam will be given during the scheduled final exam period. Makeup
exams will only be given if there is a very good and verifiable
reason for missing the exam. Notify me immediately if you cannot
take an exam.
HOMEWORK: There will be about six
homework assignments.
A scientific calculator is a necessity (i.e., a calculator with
sin, cos, and similar math functions). For most of the problems,
you will need to use a computer. You should have a general familiarity
with computers, but you can learn (on your own) the specific information
you will need during the course.
We will be using MATLAB for programming on most of the homework
problems in this course. You may instead use FORTRAN, PASCAL,
or C, but I would not recommend it since you will be spending
much more time than if you use MATLAB. Also, you will mostly be
on your own as far as getting help in running your programs. The
exception to all of this is that you will be required to use either
FORTRAN or C for several problems involving use of existing numerical
libraries.
This course is designed to use the Project Vincent network to
access class files and for programming. MATLAB is also available
in the Mathematics Computer Lab (449 Carver). You may use other
computers if you wish, but again you will be on your own if you
have problems. Information on computer
use and use of MATLAB,
along with other information, is available on the World Wide Web,
(accessed from my WWW page).
You will work together in groups of three on each homework assignment,
and each group will then turn in a single assignment. Since the
exams will cover the material on the homework, it is imperative
that all group members contribute to and understand all the solutions.
Homework assignments are expected to be turned in on time. You
should expect to lose points for late assignments. Be aware that
each assignment may take quite a while, so start early. Also,
the computers tend to be fairly slow the night before an assignment
is due, and there is always the possibility of computer or printer
crashes.
Homework solutions will be posted, and will be discussed in class
before exams.
GRADING: exams 50%, homework 50%