Online Elementary Linear 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".

What is the difference in a taking a textbook/lecture based course on linear algebra vs Distance Calculus Linear Algebra?

There are huge differences between our Linear Algebra course, which is Mathematica-based, and a traditional textbook/lecture course.

Our Mathematica-based course is highly experimentation-based - running experiments graphically, numerically, algebraically, to get at the concepts of linear algebra as you would in a chemistry or physics lab.

Traditional Linear Algebra courses usually center on doing small calculations you can do by hand, and then concentrating on abstract concepts of linear algebra, avoiding difficult calculations in favor of ... sometimes proofs, sometimes just calculations that can be completed by humans on paper.

Our Distance Calculus Linear Algebra course is perfect for students who might be interested in a "Computational Linear Algebra" course, although that course title is usually reserved for courses where the students are actually trying to learn how to program software like Mathematica or manual programs to do the computations. Those courses are more about numerical analysis, as they assume you already completed an Elementary Linear Algebra course before.

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

Linear Algebra Course

Multivariable Calculus & High School

After AP Calculus for High School Students

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

This course has many names, all being equivalent:

Linear Algebra
Matrix Theory
Linear Systems of Equations
Linear Spaces

Our Linear Algebra course differs from a classroom/textbook-based course in that we employ Mastery Learning so that you complete all assignments at 100% to assure competancy, as well as our curriculum shifting the course to a laboratory-style course, where theorem/lemma/proof type exposition is replaced by running experiments in Mathematica as you would in a science laboratory to empirically deduce the concepts and behaviors of Linear Algebra, both solvable (classically) via hand-based techiques, as well as studying Linear Algebra that can only be solved and investigated graphically and numerically using a computer. The Linear Algebra curriculum is highly visual and based upon observations of experiments run in Mathematica.

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

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

Distance Calculus - Student Reviews

Bradley R.★★★★★

Posted: May 18, 2025

Courses Completed: Probability Theory

A great way to learn probability theory through visualizations, code, and math. Rather than just solving equations through pencil and paper, this course helped me to see how how probability distributions form and behavior through simulations and visuals. I would recommend this course to anyone looking for a way a more interactive way to learn mathematics and at their own pace.

Transferred Credits To: none yet

Christopher K.★★★★★

Posted: May 19, 2025

Courses Completed: Precalculus, Calculus I

Well organized and well explained content. Professor did a great job. I learned a lot.

Dist Calc saved a ton of hassle and time having to take calc at a local community college, which realistically would have delayed my entrance to BU LEAP by at least a year.

Would strongly recommend it.

Transferred Credits To: Boston University

Karen N.★★★★★

Posted: Feb 28, 2020

Courses Completed: Calculus I, Calculus II

Awesome classes! I was really weak with Calculus, so I retook Calc 1 and kept going into Calc 2. I feel like I finally understood Calculus. The finals were pretty thorough, but not nearly as stressful as the blue book exams. I highly recommend these courses!

Transferred Credits To: Various

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