Precalculus and QR-A Courses

MATH 96 (Preparatory Algebra)

What is MATH 96?

MATH 96 is a developmental math course that is intended to prepare students for further math courses or, in some cases, QR-A coursework. Some students may or may not need to take MATH 96 depending on their particular placement, so having a conversation with their academic advisor is important to determine whether the course is necessary or recommended.

Who should take MATH 96?

MATH 96 is great for students who…

• are required to take the course to satisfy math remediation and/or qualify for QR-A enrollment.
• are interested in continuing on to further precalculus coursework or if there is the possibility of wanting/needing to enroll in precalculus in the future.

MATH 112 (Algebra)

What is MATH 112?

MATH 112 is the first half of our two-semester precalculus sequence: MATH 112 and MATH 113.

MATH 112 covers algebra, which prepares students to move into trigonometry (MATH 113) or the survey of calculus without trigonometry (MATH 211).

Who should take MATH 112?

MATH 112 is great for students who need algebra, but…

• do not need the trigonometry experience which MATH 114 or MATH 171/217 provides.
• would like to opt for a slower-paced precalculus sequence by splitting algebra and trigonometry into two semesters, the alternatives being:
  • MATH 114, an accelerated and fast-paced precalculus which combines topics from MATH 112 and MATH 113 into one semester.
  • MATH 171/217, a faster-paced, two-semester sequence which combines “just in time” review of algebra and trigonometry with calculus topics.

We recommend students consider MATH 112 if they are not comfortable with the accelerated nature of MATH 114 and the MATH 171/217 sequence–both of which are 5 credits per semester–or if they would like to balance their course schedules out more.

Students can also consider MATH 112 if they are planning on moving into MATH 211 instead of MATH 221.

MATH 113 (Trigonometry)

What is MATH 113?

MATH 113 is the second half of our two-semester precalculus sequence: MATH 112 and MATH 113.

MATH 113 covers trigonometry, which prepares students to move into calculus with trigonometry (MATH 221). Trigonometry is not required for students who intend to take MATH 211 for calculus.

Who should take MATH 113?

MATH 113 is great for students who need trigonometry, but…

• do not need the algebra experience which MATH 114 or MATH 171/217 provides.
• would like to opt for a slower-paced trigonometry course, the alternatives being:
  • MATH 114, an accelerated and fast-paced precalculus which combines topics from MATH 112 and MATH 113 into one semester.
  • MATH 171/217, a faster-paced, two-semester sequence which combines “just in time” review of algebra and trigonometry with calculus topics.

We recommend students consider MATH 113 if they are not comfortable with the accelerated nature of MATH 114 and the MATH 171/217 sequence–both of which are 5 credits per semester–or if they would like to balance their course schedules out more.

MATH 114 (Algebra and Trigonometry)

What is MATH 114?

MATH 114 is an accelerated, fast-paced precalculus course that combines topics from MATH 112 (algebra) and MATH 113 (trigonometry) into one semester.

MATH 114 covers algebra and trigonometry, which prepares students to move into calculus with trigonometry (MATH 221).

Who should take MATH 114?

MATH 114 is great for students who…

• are comfortable with the accelerated nature of the course and are confident that they can keep up with the pacing.
• would like to opt for a dedicated precalculus course before moving into MATH 221, as opposed to MATH 171/217 which is a fast-paced two-semester sequence that combines “just in time” review of algebra and trigonometry with calculus topics.

If a student intends on enrolling in MATH 114, they should be aware that the course is fast-paced and accelerated in nature. The course is 5 credits and will require a good amount of time and focus to keep up with the pacing and be successful. If they do not wish to take a course with this fast of a pace, they should consider the MATH 112/113 sequence instead.

MATH 114 is also an option for students who are still deciding on which calculus pathway they wish to pursue, as MATH 114 can be followed by either MATH 211 or MATH 221.

MATH 171/217 (Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry I & II)

What is MATH 171/217?

MATH 171/217 is a fast-paced, two-semester sequence that combines "just in time" review of algebra and trigonometry (precalculus) with calculus topics.

Students who complete MATH 171/217 are considered to have completed the equivalent of precalculus ([MATH 112 and 113] or MATH 114) and first-semester calculus with trigonometry (MATH 221).

Who should take MATH 171/217?

MATH 171/217 is great for students who...

• are comfortable with the accelerated nature of the sequence and are confident that they can keep up with the pacing.
• are interested in a course sequence which reviews precalculus topics and also gives more immediate exposure to calculus.

If a student intends on enrolling in MATH 171/217, they should be aware that the course sequence is fast-paced and accelerated in nature. The courses are 5 credits and will require a good amount of time and focus to keep up with the pacing and be successful. If they do not wish to take a course sequence with this fast of a pace, they should consider the MATH 112/113 sequence instead.

Important Reminders

• MATH 171 is only offered in the fall, and MATH 217 is only offered in the Spring.
• Students must pass both courses in order to be awarded credit for the equivalent of MATH 114 and MATH 221, but MATH 171 does not equal MATH 114, nor does MATH 217 equal MATH 221.
  • Note that completing MATH 171 but not MATH 217 still awards course credit, but MATH 171 alone does not qualify a student for any math course outside of MATH 217.
• If a student takes MATH 171 and does not take MATH 217, and then decides to take MATH 221, they must take the prerequisite coursework for MATH 221.