Math 142 - College Trigonometry

Math 118 Intermediate Algebra, or Math 141 College 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.

It is usually better to take Math 141 College Algebra first, but students have been successful taking this course immediately following Math 118 Intermediate Algebra or its equivalent.

See also success factors for relevant placement information.

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

Students who have more than one quarter of 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 both College Algebra and College Trigonometry are very crucial to success in any calculus.

College Trigonometry best serves math, science or engineering-oriented students. In particular, everyone taking physics needs to know trigonometry.

Students pursuing a bachelors degree in engineering are well-advised to take both College Algebra and College Trigonometry.

This course easily transfers to just about any four-year institution we know of as long as the student earns a C or higher. 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 141 College Algebra next if they haven't done so already.

Those planning to take two or more quarters of calculus at Southern State should take Math 221 Calculus I as soon as possible.

Those who really like mathematics and would like the challenge of studying large, non-textbook problems in a collaborative setting should consider taking Math 290 Research Topics in Pre-Calculus.

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.

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 Trigonometry:

--The relationship of angles to sides of triangles through the development of trigonometric functions, with applications.

--The relationship of trigonometric functions to circles and the subsequent study of wave forms.

--A study of inverse trigonometric relations and their applications.

--Developing useful trigonometric identities.

--Solving equations with trigonometric functions.

--Applying trigonometry to complex number arithmetic.

--A brief introduction to vectors.

--An analytical geometry study of conic sections: parabolas, ellipses and hyperbolas.

Students recently earning an A or B in Math 118, or an A, B or middle to high C in College Algebra are likely to succeed. Those recently earning a middle to high C in Math 118 or a low C in College Algebra are likely to have difficulty but a determined student can succeed. Those who earned a D or a low C in Math 118, or a D in College Algebra have little realistic chance for success and should consider repeating that course after speaking with their professor.

Students are expected to know their algebra skills learned in previous courses. Those who have waited two quarters or more to take College Trigonometry 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.