Course detail
Vector and Matrix Algebra
FEKT-BPC-VMPAcad. year: 2025/2026
In the vector calculus section, the focus is on vector spaces, basic concepts, linear combinations of vectors, linear dependence, independence of vectors, bases, dimensions of vector space. The introduction of the scalar product allows to explain orthogonalization of vectors and to find the orthogonal projection of a vector onto a subspace and to apply this knowledge to the solution of overdetermined systems and the least squares method. In the matrix calculus section, students are introduced to matrix algebra, eigenvalues and eigenvectors are studied and their use to diagonalize matrices and calculate matrix functions and their application, focusing on the exponential of a matrix . The definiteness of matrices is also discussed. The numerical methods section discusses the solution of nonlinear equations and matrix systems of linear equations, approximation of functions by interpolating polynomial, spline and least squares methods, numerical derivation and integration.
Language of instruction
Number of ECTS credits
Mode of study
Guarantor
Department
Entry knowledge
The student should be able to apply knowledge of vector calculus in a real-world domain and calculate in a complex domain at the high school level. Similarly, the student should be able to apply basic mathematical analysis at the high school level
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
Aims
Students completing this course should be able to:
- decide whether vectors are linearly independent and whether they form a basis of a vector space (in the real and complex field)
- add and multiply matrices, compute the determinant of a square matrix to the 4x4 type, compute the rank and the inverse of a matrix
- solve a system of linear equations
- compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix
- analyze the definiteness of a matrix also using eigenvalues
- compute a matrix exponential for certain classes of matrices
- solve matrices systems of linear equations
- find the root of a given equation f(x)=0 using the bisection method, Newton method or the iterative method, describe these methods including the convergence conditions
- solve a system of linear equations using Gaussian elimination with pivoting, Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel iteration methods, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these methods
- find the approximation of a function by spline functions
- find the approximation of a function given by table of points by the least squares method (linear, quadratic or exponential approximation)
- estimate the derivative of a given function using numerical differentiation
- compute the numerical approximation of a definite integral using trapezoidal and Simpson method, describe the principal of these methods, compare them according to their accuracy
Study aids
Prerequisites and corequisites
Basic literature
FAJMON, B., HLAVIČKOVÁ, I., NOVÁK, M., Matematika 3. Elektronický text FEKT VUT, Brno, 2013 (CS)
SCHMIDTMAYER, J., Maticový počet a jeho použití v technice, SNTL Praha 1974 (CS)
Recommended reading
Classification of course in study plans
Type of course unit
Lecture
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
2. Matrices, matrix algebra, determinant of a matrix
3. Systems of linear equations.
4. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix.
5. Ortogonalization, ortogonal projection.
6. Hermitian a unitary matrix.
7. Definite matrices, characteristic using eigenvalues.
8. Matrix functions, matrix exponential, applications.
9. Introduction to numerical methods. Numerical methods for root finding (bisection method, Newton method, iterative method)
10. Numerical solution of linear equations (Gaussian elimination with pivoting, Jacobi and Gauss-Seidel iterative methods).
11. Interpolation: interpolation polynomial (Lagrange and Newton), splines (linear and cubic)
12. Least squares method. Numerical differentiation.
13. Numerical differentiation and integration.
Fundamentals seminar
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
2. Systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix.
3. Ortogonalization, ortogonal projection.
4. Definite matrices, characteristic using eigenvalues.matrix functions, matrix exponential, applications.
5. Numerical methods for root finding linear and nonlinear equations
6. Interpolation: interpolation polynomial east squares method. Numerical differentiation and integration.
Computer-assisted exercise
Teacher / Lecturer
Syllabus
2. Systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix.
3. Ortogonalization, ortogonal projection.
4. Definite matrices, characteristic using eigenvalues.matrix functions, matrix exponential, applications.
5. Numerical methods for root finding linear and nonlinear equations
6. Interpolation: interpolation polynomial east squares method.
7.Numerical differentiation and integration.