Math 118 - Intermediate Algebra

Math 117 Elementary Algebra, a placement test score of 86 or higher, or two years of high school algebra plus geometry. Those with a lower placement score but the proper high school background should discuss their options with a member of the math faculty. Those with the proper placement score but only one year of high school algebra who are interested in taking this course should also discuss their situation with a member of the math department.

See also success factors for relevant placement information.

Intermediate Algebra satisfies the math requirement for some technical programs; see the catalog for specifics. It is the prerequisite to these college level math courses: Math 120, 124, 141, 142, 160, 237, 238, 239.

Students who need this course and who have just completed Math 117 Elementary Algebra should take this as soon as possible while their algebra skills are fresh.

This course is not considered college level, so it rarely transfers to four-year institutions.

Those in our two-year engineering degree programs should take Math 120 Technical Math.

Bachelor degree seeking nursing students usually need Math 160 Statistical Concepts but should verify this with their transfer institution.

Elementary education majors used to take the Math 237, 238, 239 series, Math for Elementary Teachers. Due to changing state requirements this series is presently dormant. These students should check with their transfer institutions. For the A.A. degree either Math 124 Finite Math or Math 141 College Algebra satisfy the math requirement, and in many cases will also satisfy the transfer institution's requirement.

Business, accounting and computer students tend to take Math 124 Finite Math, but they can substitute Math 141 College Algebra.

Students who may have calculus in their future are strongly encouraged to take Math 141 College Algebra. This group includes some business, accounting and computer majors headed to a four-year institution.

A.S. degree students should take Math 141 College Algebra.

It is acceptable to take Math 142 College Trigonometry before Math 141 College Algebra when circumstances are more convenient, but it is recommended that only students earning an middle B or higher consider this alternative.

Psychology, sociology may be well-served in taking Math 160 Statistical Concepts next. They should check with their transfer institution first.

It is especially important that students completing Math 118 who plan to take Math 141 College Algebra should do so as soon as possible while their algebra skills are still fresh.

The content of Intermediate Algebra is comparable to a second year of high school algebra. The pace is roughly four and a half times as fast as a year-long high school algebra course, so it will feel like a college class. Missing one day is almost like missing a week in high school. In addition, expect the grading standard to be more rigorous than high school. In short, go to class, take notes and do your homework often and regularly if you expect to do well.

The Mathematics Department has intentionally designed this course to be a little more demanding than Math 117 Elementary Algebra. Math 117 was designed to be a little softer in order to give entering students a greater chance for success, but we must compensate in Math 118 in order to prepare you to succeed in college level math courses. Therefore, it is normal for our Math 117 students to find Math 118 to be a noticeably harder course with a greater demand for time.

Like most math courses in college this course will seem to go too fast regardless who is teaching it. Those teaching it, in fact, go the same average speed because they cover the same number of sections in the same ten weeks. The reason so much material is covered in this course is because your math professors are dedicated to preparing you to be successful in your next math course, whether you will be taking one or not. It is your responsibility to keep up. If you are starting to fall behind get help by talking to your professor right away.

Math 118 Intermediate Algebra is a natural continuation of Math 117 Elementary Algebra. Below are most of the topics covered.

--Graphing linear equations and constructing linear equations from given information.

--Systems of two and three linear equations and their applications (word problems!).

--Simplifying rational expressions and solving rational equations. (For "rational" think "fractions.")

--Solving and graphing linear inequalities.

--Simplifying radicals and expressions with rational exponents.

--Arithmetic of complex numbers.

--Solving quadratic equations.

--An introduction to exponential and logarithmic functions.

Students recently earning an A or B in Math 117 are likely to succeed. Those recently earning a middle to high C in Math 117 are likely to have difficulty but a determined student can succeed. Those who earned a low C or a D in Math 117 have little realistic chance for success and should consider repeating Math 117 first.

Students are expected to know their algebra skills learned in their previous algebra. Those who have waited two quarters or more to take Intermediate Algebra since their last algebra course may experience difficulty and should reserve extra time to devote to study. Postponing taking this course for a year or more is especially risky. These students should discuss their situation with a math instructor before signing up.

As with all math classes, attendance and willingness to practice are serious factors determining success.

Workload varies somewhat in this course based on many individual factors, but a student who wants to earn an A or a B can expect an average workload of eight to twelve hours per week outside of class.

A scientific calculator is required. These are generally cheap, in the $10 - $20 range. Graphing calculator are great but unnecessary. Symbolic manipulator calculators--these perform algebra steps--such as the TI-89 and TI-92 are generally prohibited. Your job is to learn how to think, not to push buttons, and these sophisticated machines give an unfair edge over other calculators.

This page is a good faith effort to provide advising information related to this course. Some information is subject to change without notice. No commitments are implied by this page. For further information or clarification please contact a member of the Mathematics Department.