Chao Chen
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MA 303
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MA 427 (001) Fall 2026 Introduction to Numerical Analysis I

Instructor: Chao Chen

Email: chao_chen@ncsu.edu (Please include course number in the subject.)

Times: Monday Wednesday Friday 12:50 - 1:40 PM

Location: 00102 David Clark Labs (North Campus)

Office hours: SAS 4236, MW 2:00 - 3:00 PM and by appointment

Supplemental Course Information.

Introduction

This course initiates a two-semester sequence in numerical analysis (continued by MA 428), emphasizing the theory, error analysis, and computer implementation of practical algorithms for nonlinear problems: approximation of functions by interpolating polynomials, numerical differentiation and integration, the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, and the solution of nonlinear equations. (MA 427 is cross-listed as CSC 427.)

Programming exercises in Matlab are woven throughout the course so that students can put the theory learned in class into practice.

  • Prerequisite: MA 341 or MA 301, and one of CSC 111, CSC 112, CSC 113, CSC 114, CSC 116, MA 116, PY 251, ST 114, or ECE 209. A working knowledge of programming is expected.

Optional references and resources

  • Lecture notes will be posted on Moodle.

  • Lecture recordings will be posted on Panopto.

  • Textbook (not required, for reference only): Numerical Analysis (2. edition) - Timothy Sauer

  • Textbook (not required, for reference only): Introduction to Numerical Analysis (3. edition) - J. Stoer and R. Bulirsch

  • Textbook (not required, for reference only): Numerical Analysis - L. Ridgway Scott

  • Matlab is provided free of charge to all NC State students under the university's site license; see software.ncsu.edu (select “Current Students”).

Homework

Individual assignments will be given roughly every 1-2 weeks, with written theory problem sets and Matlab programming exercises tied to the current topic. Each assignment (both the LaTeX source and a PDF) will be posted on Moodle.

How to submit:

  • Written homeworks are turned in as a printed copy at the start of class on the due date.

  • Programming projects are submitted as a single PDF on Moodle.

Submission format (please read carefully):

  • The programming parts (which typically require plotting) must be typed up in LaTeX and submitted as a PDF, with your code and figures included. Handwritten programming write-ups will not be accepted.

  • The theory parts may be handwritten, provided the writing is neat and legible. Typing them in LaTeX is strongly recommended (and excellent practice for communicating mathematics).

Presentation bonus: a homework that is written and presented nicely  —  clear, well-organized, and professionally typeset  —  will receive one extra point.

Using LaTeX
LaTeX can help produce beautifully typeset documents and is particularly useful for communicating mathematics.

Late submissions are not acceptable.

Exams

  • Midterm 1: September 25, 2026

  • Midterm 2: October 23, 2026

  • Final: December 4, 2026 (Friday), 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm

All exams are closed book, notes, internet, calculators, electronic devices (unless explicitly permitted).

Grading

Numerical grade = homework (30%) + midterms (35%) + final (35%)

Letter grade

  • 97 and above is A+, starting from 93 and below 97 is A, starting from 90 and below 93 is A-.

  • Similar for the B, C, and D ranges.

  • Anything below 60 is F.

Academic integrity and honesty

Students are required to comply with the university policy on academic integrity found in the Code of Student Conduct 11.35.01 sections 8 and 9. Therefore, students are required to uphold the Pack Pledge: “I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this test or assignment.” Violations of academic integrity will be handled in accordance with the Student Discipline Procedures.

Please refer to the Academic Integrity web page for a detailed explanation of the University’s policies on academic integrity and some of the common understandings related to those policies.

Students with Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with the Disability Services Office. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation.