Penn Math Math 320: Numerical Analysis Fall 2018

Faculty: Jerry L. Kazdan
    Telephone: (215) 898-5109
    email: kazdan AT math.upenn.edu
    Office Hours: Wed. 9:30-10:30   (and also by appointment) in DRL 4E15
TA: Paul Steven Millington
    Telephone: (215) 573-9190
    email: paulmill@sas.upenn.edu
    Office Hours: Tues, 3:30-4:30 (and also by appointment) in DRL 4E11

Introduction This course focuses on finding numerical solutions to mathematics problems for which there are no "simple" solutions. Ultimately, one uses a computer program, which either you write yourself (in some computer language) or from a commercial package such as Maple, Mathematica, and Matlab. To get numerical results you trust, you can't just press a button. You need a fundamental understanding of the,mathematical issues of what can go wrong ("an expert is someone who has made all of the mistakes"). That is what this course is all about.
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Text and References

Computer Programs: I will assume you already have experience with some computer software. If not, most students can fairly quickly learn enough to manage. Ask your friends. Some possibilities are lower level programs such as C, perl, ..., as well as higher level packages like Maple, Mathematica, and Matlab,. Student versions of many packages are available to Penn students

NOTE: Maple is available on all our public labs. Also, SAS undergraduates have access to MATLAB (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/computing/matlab-student) and Mathematica (https://www.sas.upenn.edu/computing/mathematica-student) for non-research academic work. Those pages will guide them through the license request and installation process. Wharton and SEAS undergraduates need to acquire licenses through their respective schools, but we include links to the instructions on both pages.

Course Grading

Prerequisites & Review Material: Some experience with calculus, linear algebra, and basic computer programming
To remove rust from your background I suggest doing the problems from recent Final Exams:   Math 104,   Math 114,   Math 240

Problems to think about during August.
On the first day of class some students might be invited to present their solutions at the blackboard.

Notes:

Homework Assignments:

Exams: There will be two in-class exams, from 1:30-3:00:

Tuesday, October 2     Thursday. December 6     [No Final Exam]

You may always use one 3"×5" card with handwritten notes on both sides
Exam 1: Original, condensed.,