Catalog Description
MATH 0480 Introductory and Intermediate Algebra (5 credits)
This course covers solving elementary equations and inequalities,
graphing, system of equations, polynomials, factoring, rational
expressions, rational equations, radical expressions, complex
numbers, radical equations, quadratic equations, functions, conic
sections, and applications. (Prerequisites: MATH0450, MATH0451,
MATH1531 with a grade of “C” or better or appropriate score on the
placement test.) (5 hrs lec/0 hrs lab/0 hrs OJT) NOTE: MATH0460 and
MATH0470 taken in sequence are the equivalent of MATH0480.
Placement Information
A student should get 36-70 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 70 is indication that the student should take the 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
This Math 0480 course is the equivalent of taking Algebra I and then Algebra II. Note, however, that when you take these courses in 2 separate semesters, you take them using 6 total credits where as the combined Math 0480 course is only 5 credits. So you have approximately 15 fewer hours of class time! Thus, it is recommended that students should only take this Math 0480 course if they have tested into it via the placement test or received a grade of an A in Pre-algebra.
After successfully completing Algebra I & II Combined, 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.