Mathematics I

A.Y. 2025/2026
9
Max ECTS
84
Overall hours
SSD
MAT/03 MAT/05
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The primary goals of this course are to introduce the language and fundamental concepts of discrete mathematics, algebra, and real analysis of a single variable. In more detail, the course will cover the elementary theory of sets, relations, functions, and real-valued functions of a single real variable. A first introduction to the notion of abstract algebraic structures is provided using monoids, groups, and rings as examples. The basic properties of the ring of integers and the fields of rational, real, and complex numbers are discussed, focusing on the resolution of linear congruences and their algorithmic aspects. Elementary operations with complex numbers are introduced for solving first- and second-degree equations. Vector spaces are also treated, along with linear transformations and their matrix representation. The theory of linear algebra is then applied to the solution of systems of linear equations, highlighting their algorithmic aspects as well.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to understand the basic mathematical formalism of sets, relations, and functions. They will know how to solve simple exercises concerning real-valued functions of a single real variable, such as calculating the domain and representing the graph of elementary functions. They will have acquired a foundational familiarity with the concept of abstract algebraic structures. They will have understood the fundamental properties of the ring of integers and the field of rational, real, and complex numbers. They will have acquired familiarity with the operations on complex numbers and be able to calculate powers and roots of complex numbers. They will be able to recognize and work with vector spaces and linear transformations. Finally, they will be capable of performing operations with matrices, associating them with linear systems, and using them to analyze their solvability.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Part 1. Discrete mathematics.
Combinatorics (sketch). Equivalence relations and order relations; examples and applications. Transitive closure of a relation, and how to compute it. Injective, surjective, and bijective functions. Kernel of a function. Permutations. Sign of a permutation and factorisation into cycles Groups (sketch). Integers and divisibility. The Euclidean algorithm. Prime numbers and factorisation. Diophantine equations (sketch). Modular arithmetic (sketch). Polynomials and divisibility. Division of polynomials. Irreducible polynomials and factorisation. Rings (sketch).

Part 2. Linear algebra.
Systems of linear equations. Gauss-Jordan solution method. Matrices and their algebras. Vector spaces and subspaces (sketch). Bases. Determinants and their properties. Invertible matrices. Inverse matrix. Rank of a matrix; matrices and linear applications. Cramer's and Rouché-Capelli's Theorems. Eigenvalues and eigenspaces. (Each topic is accompanied by examples and exercises.)
Prerequisites for admission
Mathematics at high school level.
Teaching methods
Lectures and exercises.
Teaching Resources
For the Linear algebra part of the course some useful books are:
R. Fioresi, M. Morigi, Introduction to Linear Algebra, CEA, 2019.
M. Bianchi e A. Gillio, Introduzione alla matematica discreta, McGraw-Hill, 2005.

Textbook for the second part of the course:
G. Piacentini Cattaneo, Matematica discreta e applicazioni, Zanichelli, 2008.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The final examination consists of a written exam. During the written exam, the student will solve some exercises in the format of open-ended questions, with the aim of assessing the student's ability to solve problems about the topics of the course. The duration of the written exam will be proportional to the number of assigned exercises, and is normally of two hours. Two midterm exams are offered that can replace the first exam. The exams' outcomes (marks given using the numerical range 0-30) will be available in the SIFA service through the UNIMIA portal.
MAT/03 - GEOMETRY - University credits: 4
MAT/05 - MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS - University credits: 5
Practicals: 36 hours
Lessons: 48 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
By appointment
Dipartimento di Matematica "Federigo Enriques", via Cesare Saldini 50, room 2048