Is Linear Algebra 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 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 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 Linear Algebra course, due to the drastically different approach, presentation, and student interaction.

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

Daniel Marasco★★★★★

Posted: Jan 13, 2020

Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus

This course was more affordable than many, and the flexible format was terrific for me, as I am inclined to work very diligently on tasks on my own. It could be dangerous for a person who requires external discipline more, but it works well for self-starters, allowing you to prioritize when you have other pressing work. I was a full time teacher adding a math certification, and this course allowed me to master the math while working around my teaching schedule and fitting work into moments here and there when I had time. I was able to transfer the credits to Montana State University, Bozeman for my teaching internship program without a hitch. The instructors were all very helpful and patient, even when I failed to see a ridiculously simple solution on one problem after 20 emails back and forth. Overall, I was more pleased with my experience in this class than I was with any of my other 9 courses.

Transferred Credits To: Montana State University, Bozeman

Quinn M.★★★★★

Posted: May 17, 2025

Courses Completed: Linear Algebra

Online learning for math is certainly a different way of learning than most are used to in school - However, Distance Calculus does a great job of providing valuable feedback and tips on each assignment, and the professor is always available for detailed instruction and help. Tools like Mathematica provide an environment for learning with a lot more freedom and opportunity for exploration of concepts than the regular classroom setting.

Transferred Credits To: Chaminade University of Honolulu

Henry R.★★★★★

Posted: Jul 12, 2021

Courses Completed: Multivariable Calculus

Fantastic and unique course, particularly good for visual/spatial thinkers. The course forces you to develop a real conceptual understanding of the math concepts, as opposed to just teaching math formulas like other courses tend to do.

There is a steep learning curve early on to get used to the software and the kind of course this is.

Ultimately, I feel like what I learned will allow me to actually use the math and build upon it in the future. If you care about learning, rather than just passing a requirement, this is a great course for you.

Transferred Credits To: Harvard 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