Transcript MTH 110 or MTH 112? - Shelton State Community College

MTH 110 or MTH 112?
An Information Guide For Students,
Instructors, and Counselors
Version 2.0
Congratulations!
• If you are at the point of choosing between Finite
Mathematics (MTH 110) and Precalculus Algebra
(MTH 112), then it must be because you have
completed (or are confident that you will
successfully complete) Intermediate College
Algebra (MTH 100) with a grade of “C” or better.
• Or perhaps you took the COMPASS Test and your
scores give you the option.
• Or maybe your score on the Math portion of the
ACT or SAT is high enough for you to have this
option.
Why the Right Choice Is Important
• If you choose the wrong course you may do
poorly in that course, which will affect your
G.P.A.
• If you “try” one course and then the other,
you are wasting time and money.
Some Students DON’T Have A Choice
• If you are a Business major, you are required to take
Calculus with Applications (MTH 120). The prerequisite
for MTH 120 is MTH 112.
• If you are an Engineering major, you are required to
take (among other things) Analytic Geometry and
Calculus (MTH 125). The prerequisite for MTH 125 is
Precalculus Trigonometry (MTH 113), and the
prerequisite for MTH 113 is—you guessed it—MTH
112.
• There are other majors that require specific Math
courses. Please consult your STARS guide for more
information.
Some Students DO Have A Choice
• For those of us who don’t have to have a
specific Math course, in most cases either
MTH 110 or MTH 112 will suffice.
• Some majors that fall into this category
include History, Social Work, Communications,
and Psychology.
• Again, consult your STARS guide to determine
if you fall into this category.
About MTH 110 – Finite Mathematics
• Topics covered include Set Theory, Probability,
Statistics, and Matrix Theory.
• A few topics involve solving linear equations in
one variable, graphing linear equations in two
variables and slope.
• Most of the other topics have no direct
connection to MTH 100.
• There is a heavy emphasis on application
problems.
About MTH 112 – Precalculus Algebra
• A continuation of topics from MTH 100.
• Certain skills from MTH 100 are critical to success
in MTH 112:
1. Factoring
2. Graphing
3. Interval Notation
4. Evaluating a Function
5. The Quadratic Formula and Simplifying Radicals
• Many tasks involve multiple steps to arrive at an
answer.
The Major Difference
• In MTH 110, the processes (formulas,
calculations) are EASY. Figuring out which
process to use is HARD because each problem
may require a slightly different calculation.
• In MTH 112, figuring out what to do is EASY.
The processes themselves are HARD because
they often require the use of previous (MTH
100) skills.
So, which class should you take?
• If you have recently completed MTH 100, then MTH 112
might be for you.
• If it has been a number of years since you completed MTH
100, then MTH 110 might be for you.
• If you like Algebra-related topics, then MTH 112 might be for
you.
• If you don’t mind word problems, then MTH 110 might be for
you.
• If you have previous graphing calculator experience, then
MTH 112 might be for you.
• If you like math topics with “real world” significance, then
MTH 110 might be for you.
A Final Word…
• Regardless of which class you choose, you should
prepare yourself to work harder than you did in
MTH 100. Make sure you attend class regularly,
do your homework in a timely manner, seek help
when you don’t understand.
• Do not listen to your friends. What is easy for
some is difficult for others. And your learning
style, work habits, etc., are not the same as the
person advising you.