Should I Take Math 25 or Math 30?
Short descriptions of Math 25 and Math 30 follow below. Course outlines can be found at the following URL:
Math 25: College Trigonometry
- CSU transferrable.
- 4 units.
- Prerequisite: Math 120 (or the equivalent) with a "C" grade or better or the assessment recommendation for Math 22, 25, or 30.
A study of trigonometric functions, cofunctions, solution of right triangles, use of a graphing calculator, solution of trigonometric identities, radian measure, circular functions, graphs of the trigonometric functions, double and half-angle identities, conic sections, oblique triangles, laws of sines and cosines, the inverse trigonometric functions, complex numbers in trigonometric form, and De Moivre's theorem.
Math 30: College Algebra
- CSU and UC transferrable.
- 4 units.
- Prerequisite: Math 120 (or the equivalent) with a "C" grade or better or the assessment recommendation for Math 22, 25, or 30.
A course covering first-degree and absolute value equations and inequalities, composite and inverse functions, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, sequences and series, mathematical induction, binomial expansion theorem, and complex numbers.
Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test
The College now uses a computerized placement process called Accuplacer. For more details, see the following URL:
In the past, prior to the installation of the Accuplacer procedure for placement, the College and department of mathematics used a different procedure, which is outlined below. However, these pages can still be used to help prepare the student to take the Accuplacer placement exam. The self-correcting examination that follows and its accompanying rubric will give the student a sense of where they stand in relation to other students currently enrolled in mathematics courses at the College.
You will need to download the Free Acrobat Reader from Adobe to access the sample assessment examinations on this page.
The sample assessment tool entitled Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test is used to test whether or not you are ready to take Math 22, 25, or 30. There are 45 questions and you have 45 minutes to complete the exam. The test is self correcting and directions are provided. Once you complete the Intermediate Algebra Diagnostic Test, the following criteria are used to determine placement.
- If you score 28 correct or higher, you are eligible to enroll in Math 22, 25, or 30.
- If your score is in the range 25-27, then you should see a counselor for assistance in the appropriate course placement.
- If your score is in the range 16-24, and you passed an Algebra I course in high school, then you should take Math 120. or 106.
- If your score is in the range 0-15, then you should retest at a lower level.
Note: The rubric scores given above are connected to a previous placement procedure that is no longer in use at the College. New students who wish to take a mathematics class must first contact the Academic Support Center (476-4106) to make an appointment to take the Accuplacer placement exam.