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: Jul 22, 2021
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra
This was a great course. Flexible and informative with a great professor. It's a great option if you need to fill a prerequisite fast or if you enjoy working at your own pace.
Transferred Credits To: University of Virginia
Posted: Apr 13, 2020
Courses Completed: Calculus I
I really enjoyed this course, much more than I thought I would. I needed to finish this course very fast before starting my graduate degree program @ Kellogg. I was able to finish in 3 weeks. I liked the video lectures and the homework process. I highly recommend this course.
Transferred Credits To: Kellogg School of Business, Northwestern Univ
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: 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
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
Posted: Dec 18, 2025
Courses Completed: Differential Equations
Transferred Credits To: Saint Joseph High School
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