Is Linear Matrix Algebra Really Hard?
Is Linear Algebra hard?No!! Linear Algebra is wonderful! Linear Algebra is one of the most useful courses you can take in the undergraduate calculus sequence. The topics of Linear Algebra are used throughout academic and business curriculum, from economics, to financial studies, to computer science, to data science, to engineering and physics, to .... well, everything!
Linear Algebra from a textbook with traditional lectures can be challenging. Many students in traditional lecture courses do rate Linear Algebra as a more difficult course than Calculus I and Calculus II.
We believe that our curriculum in DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra in Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University, based upon an experimentation model using Mathematica, is the modern way of learning Linear Algebra - studying the geometry and computations in Linear Algebra using a modern computation engine. Our students have reported that our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course is, in comparison to traditional lecture Linear Algebra courses, very much different in content, style, and difficulty. We have even had many students who were not successful in a classroom-based Linear Algebra lecture course, find themselves earning a much higher grade in our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course, due to the drastically different approach, presentation, and student interaction.
Here is a video about our DMAT 311 - Linear Algebra course via Distance Calculus @ Roger Williams University:
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:
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.
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.
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Online Course For Credit Start Today, Finish Quickly
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Summer 2026 Online Course
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Winter 2026 Online Course
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Fall 2026 Online Course
- Online Linear Matrix Algebra Online Accredited
Distance Calculus - Student Reviews
Posted: Feb 25, 2020
Courses Completed: Applied Calculus
I highly recommend this course. I started the Kennedy School at Harvard with a last-minute admission, but my application required the Liberal Arts calculus course, so I had to finish the course in 3 weeks. Diane was an awesome instructor! The class was surprisingly interesting. If you need to take calculus fast, this is the program to use.
Transferred Credits To: Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
Posted: Jun 2, 2021
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra
Nothing but praise for Dr. Curtis. He's an excellent professor who is very responsive and knowledgeable. I did this course at night while working full-time, and I often skyped him late in the evening with questions. He never took long to respond, regardless of when it was. I finished this course in about a month and a half, and I worked for it. For those looking for an easy A, this is not it. You will have to put in serious work, but you will come out of the course with a good understanding of the material, especially if you apply yourself throughout the entirety of the course.
Email: samuel.howell@g.fmarion.edu
Transferred Credits To: Francis Marion University
Posted: May 17, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus II
Dr. Curtis's lessons were well taught, and livemath wasn't too bad once you understood it. Some of the assignments were pretty difficult and required some more explanation, which was hard to get outside of the given lessons.
Email: colindonahoe4@gmail.com
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph's Univesity
Posted: Dec 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School
Posted: Nov 20, 2025
Courses Completed: Precalculus, Applied Calculus
Great course. Professor Curtis and the TAs graded quickly and gave really helpful feedback that made the class feel smooth and manageable. Definitely recommend it.
Transferred Credits To: Binghamton University (School of Managment)
Posted: Jun 19, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus I
POSITIVES:
One of the best math classes I have ever taken. The lessons made the failures of my previous professors very apparent. In a few short minutes, things that I used to struggle with just clicked. This professor is top notch and really wants you to understand how to use the material.
NEGATIVES:
The SOFTWARE is extremely frustrating. Even after taking the time to learn, there are countless glitches. You learn to work around them, and overall, the software makes the math convenient, but its failures are sorely felt throughout the course. Make sure you save often as it crashes regularly, especially with graphs.
The assignments are easy enough but some of them don't line up with the taught material. Be prepared to do some of your own independent research to get a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are.
One of the best math classes I have ever taken. The lessons made the failures of my previous professors very apparent. In a few short minutes, things that I used to struggle with just clicked. This professor is top notch and really wants you to understand how to use the material.
NEGATIVES:
The SOFTWARE is extremely frustrating. Even after taking the time to learn, there are countless glitches. You learn to work around them, and overall, the software makes the math convenient, but its failures are sorely felt throughout the course. Make sure you save often as it crashes regularly, especially with graphs.
The assignments are easy enough but some of them don't line up with the taught material. Be prepared to do some of your own independent research to get a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are.
Transferred Credits To: US Army
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