Math 30: College Algebra
At College of the Redwoods, Math 30 is the course number for our College Algebra course. College Algebra is a transfer-level math course needed for preparation for the calculus series (Math 50A-B-C). Math 30 and Math 25 (Trigonometry) together constitute what is often referred to as "Precalculus". Most students take Math 30 before Math 25, but these two courses may be taken in either order or at the same time.
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in Math 120 (Intermediate Algebra) or equivalent, or an appropriate score on the math placement exam.
Course Description: 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.
Student Information and Help Resources
- Textbook: The current textbook for the course is Algebra and Trigonometry (7th edition), by Sullivan, published by Prentice Hall, ISBN #0131430734.
This book can be used for both Math 30 and Math 25.
A limited number of textbooks are available for rent for $5/semester from the Math Department. The textbook can also be purchased very inexpensively from various online book sellers.
Recommended Ancillaries:
• Student Solutions Manual for the 7th edition, ISBN #0131430793
• Alternatively, you can purchase the Student Study Pack for the 7th edition (ISBN #0131631837), which contains both the Student Solutions Manual and the CD Lecture Series
Alternate version: If you have trouble finding the 7th edition of the textbook, then you can purchase the 8th edition instead. The 8th edition textbook combined with the Student Study Pack for the 8th edition (which contains the Student Solutions Manual) is available at the CR bookstore (ISBN #0136150667). - Textbook Correlation Guides:
- Math Lab: Math 52 is the Math Lab course for Math 30 students.
- OPTIMATH is our locally-developed online practice and testing system. The portal for OPTIMATH is
http://msenux.redwoods.edu/optimath
For information on how to get started, see the
Introduction to OPTIMATH.
Even if your instructor does not use OPTIMATH as a formal part of the course, your can still access the following online practice exercises: