Elementary Linear Matrix Algebra Course - Distance Calculus

What is the difference between "Linear Algebra" and "Elementary Linear Algebra"?

When you see the term "Elementary" in the title, they are specifically talking about the sophomore-level Linear Algebra course commonly taken after Calculus II.

There are more advanced Linear Algebra courses available, usually taken by math and computer science students, which are sometimes called Advanced Linear Algebra, or Computational Linear Algebra. These are courses that jump into the math theory of Linear Algebra, and usuall require a student have had a course in group theory or abstract algebra.

Most students looking for a Linear Algebra course are looing for "Elementary Linear Algebra".

Here is a video about our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University:

DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra Course






Multivariable Calculus & High School






After AP Calculus for High School Students



Online Linear Matrix Algebra course can best be described as a "first course in the study of elementary Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory".

This course has many names, all being equivalent:
  • Linear Algebra
  • Matrix Theory
  • Linear Systems of Equations
  • Linear Spaces
  • Elementary Linear Algebra
  • Computational Linear Algebra


Distance Linear Algebra via Distance Calculus is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT course from a traditional textbook/lecture classroom course.

Distance Linear Algebra is taught via an experimentation-based curriculum using Mathematica, earning real academic credits through Roger Williams University in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Distance Linear Algebra is similar to a Computational Linear Algebra course in some ways, but not exactly the same. A Computational Linear Algebra course will look at developing the computational engines that attack the structures of linear algebra; our Distance Linear Algebra simply uses those computational softwares like Mathematica as a laboratory tool, to unlock the concepts and theorems at work in Linear Algebra from a very graphical, geometric, and inquisitive approach.

In contrast, many classroom/textbook Linear Algebra courses are taught mainly the same way they were taught 100 years ago - the small breadbasket of calculations you can complete by hand on paper, and where the theory of linear algebra leads you. As such, the calculations you can complete youself are quite limited, although proponents of this approach feel you "really know linear algebra" because you have to do the (often hard and tedious) computing yourself by hand.

We invite you to investigate the Distance Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus either via the menu to the left, or the additional links below.


At Distance Calculus, we call our "Online Linear Matrix Algebra" course as Linear Algebra - DMAT 335 - 3 credits.

Below are some links for further information about the Online Linear Matrix Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University.






Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Douglas Z.★★★★★
Posted: Jun 6, 2020
Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Probability Theory
I loved these courses. So in depth and comprehensive. The mix of software and math curriculum was tremendously helpful to my future studies and career in engineering. I highly recommend these courses if you are bored of textbook courses.
Transferred Credits To: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Aileen C.★★★★★
Posted: Dec 8, 2020
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
This course may be more difficult than your average differential equations course, which better prepares you to use these skills in your degree. The self-learning does make learning some of the concepts challenging, but you get the help you need to understand these concepts.
Transferred Credits To: Johns Hopkins University
Hannah J.★★★★★
Posted: Apr 30, 2020
Courses Completed: Probability Theory
Probability Theory was a great course. Very very thorough. I thought it would never end :). I was very prepared for my coursework in economics. Excellent refereshher of derivatives and integrals - really forced me to remember that stuff from freshman cal.
Transferred Credits To: Boston University
M M.★★★★★
Posted: Feb 8, 2026
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I
The courses were excellent. Very flexible and engaging and the platform offers a lot of upper-level courses. Dr. Curtis is an outstanding professor and very responsive. I would take again.
Transferred Credits To: None yet
Tanja B.★★★★★
Posted: Jan 28, 2026
Courses Completed: Calculus I
After two failed attempts at my university, this course helped me understand Calculus. The live maths tool along with Dr. Curtis were especially helpful, allowing me to visualize concepts and expand my understanding. The explanations were clear, the examples practical, and I could learn at my own pace, which built my confidence. Thank you.
Transferred Credits To: University of Namibia
Henry F.★★★★★
Posted: Dec 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School
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