Learn in 1 Hour: Introduction to Linear Algebra

Anastasia Khramushina

Hour of Code starts now! As promised, we celebrate it with a week of blog posts about what you can complete in just an hour at JetBrains Academy. Introduction to linear algebra kicks off the week! To check the full lineup of upcoming blog posts, see Hour of Code at JetBrains Academy.

Computer science wouldn’t have been possible without mathematics and its tables, models, and data structures. Linear algebra is a branch of mathematics that studies systems of linear equations, matrices, vectors, and vector spaces. Video game and graphics developers, data analysts, deep learning and machine learning engineers constantly use it in their work. 

Linear algebra is extensively applied in developing rendering engines, such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and GPUs. Another famous example is Google’s original ranking algorithm, which heavily relied on linear algebra when deciding on the order of search engine results.

In just one hour, you can get an introduction to the basic concepts of linear algebra at JetBrains Academy! Find out what vectors and matrices are and how to use them with our 6 educational topics that require about an hour to complete:

🕐 Vectors, matrices, scalars
🕐 Norm of a vector
🕐 Vector operations
🕐 Introduction to matrices
🕐 Types of matrices
🕐 Operations with matrices

Our topics include not only theory but also multiple-choice questions and quizzes, so you will be able to apply new knowledge to practice right away!

If you are already familiar with linear algebra or would like to test yourself with something more challenging, we invite you to take a look at our first Math project: Matrices and Population Genetics. With this project, you will take on the role of a scientist and solve a range of genetic problems that occur in different populations. For example, you’ll figure out how a farmer can manipulate the color of seeds in a crop or how a cat breeder can prevent a dangerous genetic disease. As a result, not only will you refresh your knowledge of linear algebra, but you will also learn the basics of probability theory.

Try Math Project

Also, if you’d like to learn more about linear algebra, check out our new track: Introduction to Linear Algebra! It includes 30 educational topics and will teach you all you need to know about the basics of linear algebra. It is our first Math track, but a lot more Math content is coming soon, so stay tuned!

Start Math Track

Join the Hour of Code celebration with JetBrains Academy! And what kind of a celebration would it be without presents? Share a story about something interesting, challenging, or fun you’ve done at JetBrains Academy in 1 hour and get a chance to win a 25% discount on your personal subscription at JetBrains Academy. Learn more about the rules in the Hour of Code at JetBrains Academy blog post.

Happy Hour of Code!
Your JetBrains Academy team

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