For the math placement is there anyway to practice for it? Im a B+/A- student but I forgot some things I learned in Algebra 2 and its really blurry in my mind when I think back to it. I know for a fact I know the general topics of each math class I took but am concerned with the Calc and Trig part because I haven’t taken Calc and only briefly covered trig ( I basically only know the Pythagorean theorem and the ratios of certain triangles) in plane geometry. Also any other information about the placement test would be awesome.
The placement test will recommend you for the class you belong in. There is no good reason to cram for the test and then get placed above your level.
If you do, then you will get placed in a class where you will be expected to know the things you are shaky in. Better to be placed in a class that is appropriate for your current level of math knowledge and really learn the material.
On the other hand, there is no harm is reviewing the stuff you feel like you should know. Google algebra 2 review and you’ll get a number of different review sheets. Use those to refresh the things you know. Be aware thought, “Algebra 2” means different things in different places - from what you describe all the way through trig and intro to the first few topics of Calculus.
For topics totally unfamiliar to you, don’t try to learn them, and don’t be intimidated that you don’t know them. Review what you know and let the test place you where you belong.
If my recollection is right, you get a chance to retake the placement. If your score ends up a couple of points below a cutoff, then you can go ahead and learn one or two things that will bump you up to the next class if you feel like you will be bored where you are placed, or feel like you just really screwed up on things you should have known.
The only exception to what I’m recommending, would be if you are interested in a major that absolutely needs Calculus freshman year or you fall way behind (eg engineering). In that case, I would recommend you need to really learn the material that precedes Calculus (especially trig) - find the Khan Academy stuff online and really learn the material - and be prepared to hold on for dear life freshman year because they will be going fast and you need to understand what you are learning for later classes.
I want to major in mechanical engineering but I’m in DUS right now because I want to make sure that’s what I want to do, so what should I do?
The math classes in high school I have taken are
Algebra 1 and 2
Geometry
And pre-calculus
You’re fine with these classes - they just want to make sure you’re ready for calculus . Review the content of these classes but focus on pre-calculus and algebra2, with geometry next.
You’ll get a second chance to take the test if need be. Your goal should be 80+ for engineering.
Engineering - different story.
Your life will be much easier if you understand the math before calculus very well.
Not sure how much of this is actually on the placement test, but you should know the following stuff before you start your calculus class - if that means studying over the summer - do it! You will thank me later.
http://www.math.cmu.edu/~rw1k/rw1k_extra/expect.htm
There are reviews linked for in that link for many of the topics.
Also memorize the sines, cosines and tangents of common angles 0, 30, 45, 60, 90 … 360 in degrees and their equivalents in radians (the fractions are fine, decimals are less necessary). There are simple triangles that help to learn where they come from.
Here’s a decent chart to get you started: http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~loftin/precalcfal05/values.pdf
Be able to think in degrees and radians without having to stop and calculate.
Be able to do any of the above comfortable WITHOUT a calculator. You should only need a calculator when you are working in decimals and calculating final answers. Get comfortable doing manipulations in terms that can be combined easily (eg fractions instead of decimals 1/sqrt(2) * 1/sqrt(2) is much simpler than 0.707 * 0.707)
Someone correct me if I’m wrong – but can’t you take the test, do some practice modules to review, and then retake it? So don’t stress if you don’t do as well as you want the first time.
You can, I just found that out yesterday, I’m not worried anymore.