Introduction to Linear Algebra via Foreground-Background Separation Academic Year 113

This course is provided by the  NYCU Department of Applied Mathematics .

Linear algebra plays a fundamental role across a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, computer science, data science, machine learning, deep learning, and quantum technology—all of which require a solid understanding of linear algebra.

This course is specifically designed for high school students interested in linear algebra and university beginners who have not yet formally studied the subject. It aims to provide an intuitive and inspiring introduction to the key concepts of linear algebra. To help learners overcome the unfamiliarity with abstract symbols and formal derivations, we take a practical, application-driven approach. Using foreground-background separation in image processing as the central theme, students are guided through real-world problems to naturally develop a conceptual understanding of vectors, matrices, rank, and related ideas. Through this design, we hope that students not only grasp the fundamental concepts of linear algebra but also appreciate its importance and relevance in modern technological applications.

Textbook:自編教材 ( 課程講義 )

Instructor(s) Department of Applied Mathematics Prof. Cheng-Fang Su
Course Credits 0 Credits
Academic Year 113 Academic Year
Level High School Students
Prior Knowledge None
Related Resources Course Video   Course  Handout

WeekCourse ContentCourse Video
CH1 Fundamentals of Linear Algebra
CH1.1 Matrix Basics and Image Representation
11.1.1 Definition and Notation of MatricesWatch Online
21.1.2 Relationship Between Matrices and ImagesWatch Online
31.1.3 Converting Images to Matrices: A Practical ImplementationWatch Online
CH1.2 Matrix Addition and Scalar Multiplication
41.2.1 Matrix AdditionWatch Online
51.2.2 Applications of Matrix Addition in Image ProcessingWatch Online
61.2.3 Scalar Multiplication of a MatrixWatch Online
71.2.4 Applications of Scalar Multiplication in Image ProcessingWatch Online
CH1.3 Matrix Multiplication
81.3.1 Definition of Matrix MultiplicationWatch Online
91.3.2 Matrix-Vector MultiplicationWatch Online
101.3.3 Properties of Matrix MultiplicationWatch Online
111.3.4 Identity Matrix and Zero MatrixWatch Online
CH1.4 Linear Combination of Vectors
121.4.1 Mathematical Formulation and Operations of Linear CombinationWatch Online
131.4.2 Applications of Linear Combination in Image ProcessingWatch Online
141.4.3 Vector SpacesWatch Online
151.4.4 Matrix SpacesWatch Online
161.4.5 Dimension of a Vector SpaceWatch Online
171.4.6 Subspaces and Their CharacterizationWatch Online
181.4.7 Subspaces in Image ProcessingWatch Online
CH2 An Introduction to Matrix Analysis
CH2.1 Linear Dependence and Linear Independence
192.1.1 Definition of Linear Dependence and IndependenceWatch Online
202.1.2 Linear Dependence in Image DataWatch Online
CH2.2 Basis and Dimension: Describing Directionality in Image Dat
212.2.1 What Is Span? Understanding Space Generation from VectorsWatch Online
222.2.2 Basis and DimensionWatch Online
232.2.3 Interpreting Dimension in Image DataWatch Online
CH2.3 What Is Rank? An Intuitive Perspective
242.3.1 Intuitive Meaning of RankWatch Online
252.3.2 Geometric View and Implementation of Rank-One MatricesWatch Online
262.3.3 Outer Product of VectorsWatch Online
CH2.4 Matrix Rank
272.4.1 Intuitive Meaning of Rank (Revisited)Watch Online
282.4.2 Low-Rank Background and Sparse Foreground ModelWatch Online
292.4.3 The Significance of Low-Rank MatricesWatch Online
302.4.4 Introduction to Sparse Matrix ConceptsWatch Online
31Getting Started with Anaconda: Installation and Basic UsageWatch Online

Course Handout

Chapter Download 
Introduction to Linear Algebra via Foreground-Background SeparationPDF
CH1 Fundamentals of Linear Algebra
CH1.1 Matrix Basics and Image Representation
PDF
CH1.2 Matrix Addition and Scalar MultiplicationPDF
CH1.3 Matrix MultiplicationPDF
CH1.4 Linear Combination of Vectors(1)PDF
CH1.4 Linear Combination of Vectors(2)PDF
CH2 An Introduction to Matrix Analysis
CH2.1 Linear Dependence and Linear Independence
PDF
CH2.2 Basis and Dimension: Describing Directionality in Image DataPDF
CH2.3 What Is Rank? An Intuitive PerspectivePDF
CH2.4 Matrix RankPDF
Program CodeZIP