MA114: Matrices and Complex Numbers
Hi, I'm Jessica Claridge. This week in MA114 we will begin by ensuring everyone is set up to use MATLAB and will start exploring Complex Numbers.
Email: jessica.claridge@essex.ac.uk
What are matrices and complex numbers?
A matrix is an array of numbers.
A complex number is a combination of a real number and an imaginary number. For example, consider the form a + bx, where a and b are real numbers, and x satisfies the equation x2 = −1. Because no real number satisfies this equation, we call x an "imaginary number".
"There can be very little of present-day science and technology that is not dependent on complex numbers in one way or another."
Hi, I'm Alexei Vernitski, I also teach on this module.
Email: asvern@essex.ac.uk
Sample week
This is a sample week from the MA114: Matrices and Complex Numbers module. Why do't you watch the videos below?
Get ready
There are a few things you need to do to prepare for this week's activities.
You will need to install MATLAB on your own device (it needs to be PC, Mac or Linux). MATLAB is also available in our open access PC Labs on campus.
A map with all the locations of our open access PC labs on our Colchester campus.
Videos
There are three short videos to watch this week.
Before your timetabled lecture, you need to set aside an hour or so to watch and digest the two videos below (2.4 and 2.6) which introduce complex numbers and multiplication of complex numbers. The accompanying PDFs contain the handwritten lecture notes from the videos so you can refer back to these as needed.
Lab A
Resources to support this week's lab.
- 2.8: Lab A Instructions File 148.2KB
2.9: FEATURE LECTURE
Week 2 lecture: Matrices and Complex Numbers
Whether face-to-face or online, we will be covering the same material. We will begin by completing a Kahoot! quiz to assess how well you have understood the material from the videos and notes. Note: To take part, you will need a smartphone, tablet or computer that can access the Internet.
We will use the results of this quiz to highlight any areas that the group has found difficult. We will then spend some time reinforcing those areas. If time allows, we will have a go at some additional questions.
Watch lecture
Lab B
Resources to support this week's lab.
- 2.10: Lab B Instructions File 229.3KB
Help & support
If you have any questions that did not get answered in the lecture or the labs, then we will finish the week with a voluntary online Q&A session for all students. No new material will be covered in this session, it is there to allow you can come along and ask questions. If you prefer you can email us (jessica.claridge@essex.ac.uk and asvern@essex.ac.uk) your question(s) and I can answer them (anonymously) in the session.
The Q&A sessions will take place via Zoom. Make sure you turn up on time!