[18335fall08] pset4 solutions, pset 5, readings, mid-term exam

[Steven G. Johnson]

Hi gang,

I've updated the web site (http://math.mit.edu/~stevenj/18.335/).  The  
solutions for problem set 4 are posted.  Also, in case you weren't  
here on Monday, be sure to note that problem set 5 is posted and is  
due in one week.

I've also posted some readings related to the recent lectures. For  
example, the approach to conjugate-gradient that I'm using is somewhat  
different from the one in the text (although the end result is the  
same), and is closer to one described in a well-known essay by J. R.  
Shewchuk that I've linked.

For the remainder of the term, I plan on giving somewhat shorter  
problem sets -- enough to make sure you are thinking about the lecture  
materials, but giving you more time to work on your final projects  
(1/3 of your grade).

Note also that the mid-term exam is coming up in two weeks, on  
Wednesday Nov. 5.  What I am planning to do for the mid-term is to  
give you two hours, closed book, but you are allowed to bring in one  
sheet of paper covered with whatever notes you want. The problems from  
Trefethen are probably good practice, although of course we covered a  
few things like cache models that are not in the book.  Anything  
covered in class through next Wed. (Oct 29) is fair game for the exam.

Regarding the exam scheduling, my current plan is to reserve some room  
from 2-5pm.  Then you can either take the exam from 2-4pm or from 3-5  
pm.  Please let me know if you CANNOT make one of these two slots.

--SGJ