Preparing for the Math Placement Exam

In order to achieve placement into MATH 100: Mathematical Sampler or MATH 101: Finite Mathematics, you will need to demonstrate mastery of the following topics

• Arithmetic of real numbers
• Linear equations
• Proportions
• Percents
• Area
• Word problems
• Algebraic expressions
• Graphs of lines
• Rational expressions

In order to achieve placement into MATH 108: Calculus with Review I, you will need to demonstrate mastery of the following topics:

• Everything listed above for MATH 101/MATH 100
• Quadratic equations
• Solving equations involving radicals
• Exponents and radicals
• Systems of equations

In order to achieve placement into MATH 111: Business Calculus, you will need to demonstrate mastery of the following topics:

• Everything listed above for MATH 100/101 and MATH 108
• Compositions of functions
• Rational functions
• Domain and range
• Logarithms
• Inverse functions
• Properties of functions
• Sequences
• Polynomials

In order to achieve placement into MATH 113: Calculus I, you will need to demonstrate mastery of the following topics:

• Everything listed above for MATH 100/101, MATH 108, and MATH 111
• Radians and degrees
• Sine, cosine, and tangent of special angles
• Right triangle trigonometry
• Trigonometric identities
• Graphs of trigonometric functions
• Solving trigonometric equations

Review Materials

Review questions are available at http://act.org/compass/sample/index.html

St. Thomas offers a 0 credit Basic Math Skills class, numbered MATH 005, to help students with reviewing arithmetic and basic algebra. The course is specifically designed for students needing to achieve placement in MATH 100, MATH 101, or MATH 108.  The course is online and self study, with support available in the MaRC. The only cost to the student is a registration fee and textbook costs. For more information, consult your course guide or contact the MaRC director.

During August 2013 and J-term 2014, MATH 005 will be offered as an in-person class.  The class will have two modules; successful completion of the first will allow entrance into MATH 100 or MATH 101; successful completion of the second will allow entrance into MATH 108.  Contact the MaRC director at jmnelson2@stthomas.edu for more information.