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.