Lake Superior College Mathematics Department

Math 0470 - Algebra II

Catalog Description

MATH0470 Algebra 2 –  3 credits
This course covers factoring, operations with radical and rational
expressions and equations, quadratics equations, graphing linear
equations, linear and non-linear inequalities, and conic sections.
(Prerequisites: MATH0460 or equivalent or appropriate placement
test score) (3 hrs lec/0 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT)

Placement Information

A student should get 71-120 on the Elementary Algebra test of the Accuplacer Placement test. See http://www.lsc.edu/Admission/Accuplacer/InterpretingPlacementResults.pdf  An Elementary Algebra test score lower than 71 is indication that the student should take the Algebra 1 or Pre-Algebra.  The student scoring 71 or higher on the Elementary Algebra test should consider taking the College Level Math placement test to see if they can place into College Algebra.  Generally, a student would not take the College Level Math placement test unless they had completed Intermediate Algebra (2nd year of algebra) in high school or completed the equivalent of the LSC Algebra II course in some college or university.

General Information

After successfully completing Algebra II, the student may then take the math courses College Algebra (Math 1100), Principles of Math (Math 1105), or Statistics (Math ). Generally, a student continues in the algebra sequence, taking College Algebra, if they intend on eventually taking Trigonometry and Calculus. The Alg I, Alg II, College Alg, Trig sequence is sometimes referred to as the “calculus track” where as the Alg I, Principles of Math sequence is sometimes referred to as the “liberal arts track”. The calculus track is taken by students intending to go into areas of science and math such as engineering, biology, geology, chemistry, computer science, and physics. Note that some “non science” degrees at some colleges may require College Algebra. For example, many pre-law degrees require pre-calculus. In summary, if possible, the student should check degree requirements of the 4-year college or university they intend to attend.

In addition, Lake Superior College now offers a business major track where the student would take Alg I, Alg II, College Algebra, Finite Math & Survey of Calculus.