Math 141 - College Algebra

Math 118 Intermediate Algebra, or a placement score of 86 or higher and three years of college-prep math, which usually means two years of high school algebra plus geometry. Students without Math 118 or college transfer credits should have both the three years of college-prep math and a combined placement score of 86 or higher. Those with the proper high school background but a lower placement score should talk to a math faculty member or take a lower level algebra course first.

See also success factors for relevant placement information.

College Algebra is a Transfer Module course and satisfies part of the math and science requirements for both the A.A. and A.S. degrees.

College Algebra will substitute for any Math 124 Finite Math requirement at Southern State, but not the other way around. Students who have a choice between the two and who always struggle with algebra might consider taking Finite Math instead. These students should discuss this decision with a math instructor first.

Students who have calculus in their future need to take this course and then take their calculus next as soon as possible. Skills remembered and experience gained in College Algebra are very crucial to success in any calculus.

College Algebra best serves science-oriented students.

This course easily transfers to just about any four-year institution we know of as long as the student earns a C or higher. It is one of the most common math courses out there. Some institutions offer pre-calculus instead of college algebra. In this case a combination of Math 141 and Math 142 should easily suffice as a substitute for any pre-calculus.

Students planning on taking a calculus sequence should take Math 142 College Trigonometry next.

Those planning to take just one quarter of calculus at Southern State, either Math 221 or Math 241, should take one of those courses as soon as possible. Those taking a first term calculus at a transfer institution may need Math 142 next.

Math 142 College Trigonometry is the most natural choice for students planning a math-oriented career (e.g., science, engineering, math or math education), as well as undecided majors who have an interest in math.

Business and accounting students could take Math 281 Introductory Statistics next.

This is a true college-level math course. This means that the emphasis is strong on learning how to reason or analyze, on creative problem-solving, and applying what you know to new situations. This type of learning is what college is all about. This is a noticeably new level of math learning than college-prep math courses such as Elementary Algebra and Intermediate Algebra where the emphasis is primarily on learning skills. The skill-building aspect is also still a presence in College Algebra, but diminished in importance.

Like most math courses in college this course will seem to go too fast--regardless of who you take it from. 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 so that it will readily transfer to universities. Your math professors are also 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.

Here is a general overview of the topics covered in College Algebra:

--Equation solving techniques, including equations with radicals and those in a quadratic-like form. Part of this is a fast review of skills from Intermediate Algebra.

--A detailed look at mathematical functions, their graphs, what happens when you alter them in certain ways, and creating functions for math modeling situations.

--Polynomial functions, their graphs, finding their roots, and polynomial inequalities.

--Rational equations and inequalities, including graphs.

--A detailed look at exponential and logarithmic functions and their applications.

--Complex numbers.

Students recently earning an A or B in Math 118 are likely to succeed. Those recently earning a middle to high C in Math 118 are likely to have difficulty but a determined student can succeed. Those who earned a D or a low C in Math 118 have little realistic chance for success and should consider repeating Math 118 first.

Students are expected to know their algebra skills learned in previous courses. Those who have waited two quarters or more to take College 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 ten to twelve hours per week outside of class.

A scientific calculator is required. These are generally cheap, $10 - $20 range. Those planning to take calculus should consider getting a graphing calculator. 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.