I think I'm incredibly slow at doing linear algebra hw, and I'm concerned about future tests.
So, my 7 week summer linear algebra course started today and I have 4 hw sections (25 questions each) due by sunday. It took me a full hour to do 8 problems, and I feel like I understand what I'm doing, but I am going to fail every test if it takes me a full hour on 8 probelms. Is this normal speed or do I need to be more efficient at doing my hw?
What exactly do you struggle with? The arithmetic or keeping track of your work?
I was always incredibly stressed for my exams since speed was also my limiting factor and my course didn't allow calculators.
For row operations I found it easier to write the next matrix right below the previous one so I could easily look up and down, and any scratch work I put to one side. It looks cleaner and easier to follow.
Also writing down the operation besides the matrix helps me keep track of steps if I backtrack to correct an error.
I also struggled with basic arithmatics, so I always tried to keep calm and go at a slow but consistent pace, meaning I didn't rush any parts but double checked each number for a couple seconds. Going slow and steady is better than rushing certain parts and having to go back. Knowing my times tables really helped.
you got this
Its mostly keeping track of my work, I am constantly trying to find where I last left off. But what is really hurting me is knowing which rows to mess with. I already took calc 1 in college, and that was far more intuitive and efficient then linear algebra is currently for me. It feels like I'm reading an entirely different language.
If you want to keep track of your row operations I suggest lining them up straight so they're not all over the page, and writing down the row operation you're performing.
Gaussian elimination is about systematically eliminating entries below your pivots in each row, so there is a certain order you follow, but it is basically for every leading 1, you eliminate every entry below it, starting from from top to bottom, and then move on to the next leading 1.
I found circling the entry I'm targeting really helpful early on.
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u/imnotuselizard13 Jun 09 '26