What is covered in MATH104 and our other skill classes?

All of our skill courses satisfy the following objectives:

Objective 1: Identify and apply mathematical formulas to solve specific problems.

Objective 2: Identify sound and unsound reasoning.

Objective 3: Identify relevant information and then develop a plan to solve a problem using an appropriate technique, such as: drawing pictures, considering simplified versions of the problem, organizing the given information into a table, writing down all known relevant formulas or relationships among the given information.

Objective 4: Perform previously developed, multiple step procedures to solve a given problem.

Objective 5: Build a mathematical vocabulary in several content areas.

Is Algebra needed for success in MATH104? 

           Clearly, an algebra background is necessary for courses such as: MATH105, MATH106, MATH107, MATH204, MATH208, MATH211, or MATH260.  In addition, an algebra background is necessary for MATH104 and for MATH110.  Algebraic formulas are used in MATH104 and 110 in the following ways:

·       solving story problems,

·       deductive reasoning,

·       compound interest,

·       standard deviation,

·       z-scores,

·       deriving Fahrenheit from Celsius,

·       deriving present value from compound interest, and

·       deriving x-scores from z-scores.

Algebraic thinking is required in MATH104 to do:

·       dimensional analysis,

·       scientific notation,

·       order of operations,

·       similar triangles,  and

·       square units.