Is Linear Matrix Algebra Really Hard?
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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.
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Mathematics Major Courses
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- 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: Sep 6, 2020
Courses Completed: Applied Calculus
Great course. Because of this class I was able to meet the entry requirements for my EMBA program on a tight time window in addition to sharpening math skills from classes taken over 15 years ago!
Transferred Credits To: MIT
Posted: May 17, 2025
Courses Completed: Calculus I
This Calculus class saved my life! I needed to take this class to be able to secure a spot in my grad school program, and this was perfect for me - super flexible to my schedule, the teaching was great, and the material was super clear.
I felt like I really learned Calculus and also really enjoyed it!
I felt like I really learned Calculus and also really enjoyed it!
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 25, 2026
Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus
The professor as well as the TAs give great feedback when you need help with problems and the videos are great at explaining concepts. Return time on work is good and the work is not too much to handle.
Transferred Credits To: University of Wisconsin
Posted: Jun 24, 2026
Courses Completed: Linear Algebra
This course gives a perspective on Linear algebra that no traditional course does. I’d say i gained much more intuition for this subject from the DC course than my friends who took traditional courses elsewhere. As a cs major, this version of learning with visualization has helped me a lot in understand ML models. However the course doesn’t have videos for the last 2 chapers so i had to self learn with the mathematica notebooks. Response times are a little slow but since it’s a remote class, i guess it’s justified. Overall amazing course and definitely take this over traditional lin alg classes.
Posted: Jun 24, 2026
Courses Completed: Calculus I
As a full-time business owner completing an Executive MBA, I needed to satisfy a calculus prerequisite without putting my work on hold. Distance Calculus made that possible. The fully self-paced structure let me work early mornings and weekends around an unpredictable schedule, which a fixed-semester classroom course never would have allowed.
The course covered the core business calculus material thoroughly — derivatives, optimization, integration techniques including u-substitution, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, improper integrals, and numerical methods. The LiveMath computer algebra environment was central to the experience: it forced me to build each step explicitly rather than just arriving at an answer, which actually deepened my understanding of the mechanics.
Communication through the student portal was responsive when I had questions. For working professionals who need a rigorous, accredited calculus course on a flexible timeline, I'd recommend it.
The course covered the core business calculus material thoroughly — derivatives, optimization, integration techniques including u-substitution, the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, improper integrals, and numerical methods. The LiveMath computer algebra environment was central to the experience: it forced me to build each step explicitly rather than just arriving at an answer, which actually deepened my understanding of the mechanics.
Communication through the student portal was responsive when I had questions. For working professionals who need a rigorous, accredited calculus course on a flexible timeline, I'd recommend it.
Transferred Credits To: MIT Ebma
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