CSCE 441: Computer Graphics

Fall 2017

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Linear Algebra Review

Due 9/8/2017

Computer graphics computations rely heavily on some very basic linear algebra routines. In order to understand and work with the transformations that we will discuss later in class, it is critical that students have a firm grasp of basic vector and matrix operations. In order to ensure that all students have this background, an online test has been put together to test some of these basic mechanical tasks.

This test is primarily meant to benefit you – to make sure you feel comfortable with the computations that will be required later in the class, and do not struggle once we reach that point. Hopefully, the topics will be a review for most of you. For topics that might seem new, the textbook, in sections A.2 through A.5 reviews most of what you will need. In addition, there is some information given on the website itself.

The test consists of 30 questions. A passing grade on the test will be at least 90% (i.e. you may miss up to 3 questions). You may take the test as many times as you like, but you must pass it at least once by the deadline. As stated in the syllabus, passing the test by the deadline is a condition of passing the class.

There are no real restrictions on what you may use/not use on the exam. You may take as long as you like, and you may talk with other people about the questions or how to solve them (but try to do the actual computations yourself). You may use calculators or computer programs or whatever if you would like. However, be aware that the computations tested on will be involved in our later graphics work, so you want to make sure you understand how to solve each question – if you choose to cut corners, you may run into trouble when asked to perform a similar computation later (e.g. on a homework or test, say).

To access the website, go to the following address:

http://projects.cs.tamu.edu/keyser/LAtest/

Note that you can only access this website through a computer at the university or a computer connected to the university's VPN.

The links for the test should be self-explanatory. You will need to enter your name – all scores are recorded, but there is no penalty for not passing.