This information will help you decide which Math class you’re prepared to take at JU. (Different majors require different courses, so you’ll want to consult with your advisor and/or the catalog to see what you’ll eventually need to take. This page helps you figure out where you’re ready to enter the math curriculum at JU.) There are 4 different levels you could start at; use the information below to decide which is right for you.
MATH 140: Caclulus 1
Students who did very well in a Pre-Calculus course in high school (or took a Calculus class but didn’t earn AP credit) may be prepared to take MATH 140: Calculus I at JU. To be successful, those students will want to be comfortable with the following skills:
Understand function notation and the relationship between a function’s formula and graph;
Understand the relationship between composition and inverse;
Know the rules for manipulating exponents;
Factor quadratic expressions;
Have skill at solving equations for a variable;
Understand the relationship between a function’s formula and graph;
Recognize the graphs of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions;
Be able to recognize asymptotes and removable discontinuities in rational functions;
Be comfortable working with sin(x), cos(x), and tan(x);
Have expertise working with linear functions both graphically and algebraically;
Understand exponential growth and decay;
Pick out the main ideas in word problems and understand real-world applications including the correct use of units.
As a guide to helping understand whether they have these skills, students entering MATH 140 should be able to successfully complete the problems listed here: Math 140 Problems.
Core-Level Math Classes
Not everyone needs to take Calculus! Students are typically prepared to take Core-Level Math Classes (MATH 110, MATH 112, MATH 114, MATH 205) at JU if they did well in their high school math classes, particularly if those classes included a Pre-Calculus class. To be successful, those students want to be comfortable with the following skills:
Use operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in the appropriate order;
Be able to add fractions;
Be able to factor quadratic expressions;
Solving linear equations and inequalities;
Manipulating exponents and radicals (or roots);
Use basic strategies for solving equations for a variable;
Have a general understanding of function and function notation;
Be able to add, subtract, and multiply polynomials;
Understand ratios, percentages (how to calculate a percent), proportions and how they are related;
Pick out the main ideas in word problems.
As a guide to helping understand whether they have these skills, students entering Core-Level Math Classes should be able to successfully complete the problems listed here: Core-Level Problems.
MATH 104: College Algebra
Some students need some extra preparation before they’re ready for Core-Level Math Classes. Most of those students will want to take MATH 104: College Algebra. Students are ready for MATH 104 if they are comfortable with the following skills:
Perform basic mathematical operations in the correct order;
Be able to work with integers and rational numbers;
Understand the idea of constants, variables, and exponents;
Have a general understanding of how to manipulate equations;
Solve basic linear equations and inequalities;
Understand graphs (including linear graphs) and the Cartesian coordinate system;
Understand ratios, percentages, and proportions and how they are related.
As a guide to helping understand whether they have these skills, students entering MATH 104 should be able to successfully complete the problems listed here: Math 104 Problems.
MATH 100: Basic College Mathematics
Students who don’t feel they’d be successful in MATH 104 should start in MATH 100: Basic College Mathematics instead.
If you’re still not sure which math class is right for you, consult with your advisor or reach out to the mathematics department.