Here is a very brief description of what students should know before entering some of the 100-level courses at MSU.
Students entering MTH 103 (College Algebra) should be able to:
- Plot points in the Cartesian plane.
- Solve linear equations and inequalities in one variable.
- Write equivalent algebraic expressions involving polynomials, radical, exponents, and fractions.
- Interpret points on the graph of a relation in the plane as solutions to an equation in (possibly) 2 variables.
- Translate English phrases and sentences into mathematical expressions and equations/inequalities, especially those describing how one quantity depends on another.
- Sketching the graph of a linear equation in two variables is covered in this course.
MTH 116 (College Algebra and Trigonometry) is a 5 credit course and covers material similar to that in Mathematics 103 and 114, but moves at a much quicker pace, and it is expected that students enrolling in Mathematics 116 will have a considerably stronger mathematics background than those enrolling in Mathematics 103 . Mathematics 116 is one of the courses that satisfy the university mathematics graduation requirements. Students cannot receive credit in both MTH 103 and MTH 116.
Students enrolling in MTH 112 (The Significance of Mathematics) should have the same understanding of algebra as students entering MTH 124. MTH 106 is intended for non-science and non-technical students and covers a variety of mathematical topics. It is one of the courses that satisfies the university graduation requirement.
Students entering MTH 110 (Finite Mathematics and Elements of College Algebra) should have good arithmetic skills, particularly in handling fractions. Also, they should be able to do all the things expected of students entering MTH 103. MTH 110 is a 5 credit course covering finite mathematics and some parts of college algebra). MTH 110 is one of the courses that satisfies the university mathematics graduation requirements.
Math 114 (Trigonometry) is a bridge course, designed to prepare a student who has completed MTH 103 or MTH 110 for entry into Calculus (MTH 132), by providing the necessary knowledge of trigonometry. A student entering this course should have the same background as is needed for success in MTH 124. MTH 114, coupled with MTH 103, will satisfy the University mathematics requirement for graduation.
MTH 124 (Survey of Calculus I) is a course intended for those who need to be familiar with the concepts of calculus, but are not likely to use calculus in great depth. Students entering MTH 124 should have a good understanding of algebra, especially the concept of function, including graphs of functions, compositions, and inverses. In this context, students should be familiar with several fundamental examples of functions, such as polynomials, rational functions, exponential functions, and logarithmic functions. In addition, students should have the related manipulative skills. MTH 124 is one of the courses that satisfies the university mathematics graduation requirements.
MTH 132 (Calculus I) is a first "technical" course in Calculus. It is intended for those who will make serious use of calculus in their major area. A student entering MTH 132 should have a HIGHLY DEVELOPED understanding of algebra, a SOLID knowledge of trigonometry, and the related manipulative skills. Although MTH 132 is one of the courses that satisfies the university mathematics graduation requirements, it is expected that students taking MTH 132 will continue with MTH 133, and possibly additional mathematics.
It should be noted that many of the freshman level mathematics courses at Michigan State University require the use of a graphing calculator. Currently, the model recommended is the TI 83+. Other models may be acceptable if they have the following features:
- a. ability to graph several functions simultaneously,
- b. trigonometric functions,
- c. matrix computations, and
- d. statistics capabilities.
Of course, the exact capabilities needed will vary from course to course. Graphing calculators which may have been used in connection with high school courses are often appropriate for many of MSU's courses, but individual students should check with the course instructor to be sure.