Mathematics Skills Courses

MATHSK 097
Pre-Algebra Mathematics
This course aims to overcome students' fears of mathematics. It builds self-confidence through successful mathematics skill development and problem solving. It lays a mathematical foundation for the study of algebra and exposes students to the kinds of quantitative reasoning encountered in the social and physical sciences. Topics include whole numbers; fractions; decimals; percents; signed numbers; graphing; dimensional analysis; English and metric measurement; perimeter, area, and volume; mean, median, and mode; simple interest; and formulas.
Prerequisite: A suitable score on the mathematics placement test.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits (semester credits but not graduation credit)
(Pass/Fail only)

MATHSK 098
Fundamentals of Algebra
A course for students who never studied algebra in high school, or who studied it long ago or ineffectively. Introduction to algebraic notation and concepts so that students will be successful in math, and in introductory physical and social science courses. Development of successful study and test-taking techniques. Algebraic expressions--simplification, combination, and evaluation; linear equations--solving, graphing, and using them to solve word problems; exponents; scientific notation; and proportions.
Prerequisite: A suitable score on the mathematics placement test.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits (semester credits but not graduation credit)
(Pass/Fail only)

MATHSK 099
Intermediate Algebra
For students with a weak math background who want to develop skills for further work in mathematics or science courses. Covers basic high school mathematics. Topics include multiplying and factoring polynomials, linear equations and straight lines, fractional exponents and radicals, ratios of polynomials, quadratic parabolas, systems of simultaneous linear equations, and word problems. Generally limited to students with less than 3 years of high school math preparation.
Prerequisite: A suitable score on the mathematics diagnostic test.
3 Lect Hrs, 3 Credits (semester credits but not graduation credit)