Linear Algebra Review

Highlights of the activity

1. Review of matrix addition, multiplication, commutator, transpose, hermitian adjoint, determinants, inverses.
2. A pretest is given on basic matrix manipulations to test students' prior knowledge of basic matrix manipulation.
3. Each matrix manipulation introduced is followed by having the students carry out at least one concrete calculation on their whiteboards to ensure that everyone understands the basic manipulations
4. After introducing the idea of the hermitian adjoint, the class discusses what properties a matrix must have for it to be Hermitian (equal to its own hermitian adjoint).
5. Students know many ways for finding the determinant of 3×3 matrix. To save time and avoid confusion we give them practice problems for homework and work with individual students who need help.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

To teach all of the linear algebra concepts that students will need in learning spins.

Reflections

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version