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The mathematics placement exam is a 90-minute test used to determine the level at which you should begin studying
mathematics at IU South Bend. You
are placed into one of
seven levels (0-6) based on your results, which ultimately determine the appropriate course for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who takes the math exam?
Students who have not taken an IU South Bend
math course must take the
placement exam before registering for a
math course (the exam is also used to determine eligibility in science and
computer science courses). Students from
other IU campuses are required to take the math placement exam if they have not satisfied the IU South Bend
prerequisites for a particular course, even though they may have met the prerequisites for the course at another IU
campus.
Can I use a calculator during the exam?
Although the exam is designed so a calculator is not absolutely necessary, you may still use one. Keep in mind that calculators with built-in algebra systems (such as the TI-89 and TI-92) may not be used. If your calculator makes noise, please turn off the sound feature.
Note: Calculators that students may not use include the following:
- Hewlett Packard: HP-40G, HP-49G, HP-95LX
- Casio: CFX-9970G
- Texas Instruments: TI-89, TI-92
- Calculators with a QWERTY keypad
- Palm Pilot or similar hand-held device
- Calculators built into cell phones or any other wireless device
How is the exam structured?
The exam consists of four parts:
- Part A: Advanced Arithmetic (15 problems)
- Part B: Beginning Algebra (15 problems)
- Part C: College Algebra and Graphs (15 problems)
- Part D: Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry (18 problems)
You have 90 minutes to work through a total of 63 problems.
Since many students have not had previous instruction in some of the higher-level math concepts, not everyone
is able to complete the exam. However, it is important that you complete as much of the exam as possible. To
achieve placement into most entry-level
math courses, you must successfully complete parts A, B, and C.
Should I guess at questions I am not sure of?
If you guess at the answers to the problems you do not understand, you have a fairly good chance of guessing
correctly, which could result in your being placed in a
math class for which you are not prepared. Keep in mind that
this exam is used to determine your math skills only and the results are used by your advisor to place you into the
appropriate course for your skill level.
What topics are covered on the exam?
Part A: Advanced Arithmetic
- Meaning of fractions and decimals
- Operations on fractions and decimal numbers
- Meaning and use of percents and proportions
- Operations and signed numbers
- Square roots and cube roots
- The Pythagorean theorem
- Area and perimeter of rectangles and triangles
Part B: Beginning Algebra
- Evaluation of expressions and equations
- Solution of linear equations
- Meaning of integer exponents
- Application of rules of integer exponents
- Operations on polynomials
- Factoring quadratic polynomials
Part C: College Algebra and Graphs
- Slope and y-intercept of a line
- Producing and interpreting graphs of linear and quadratic equations
- Finding the intersection of two lines algebraically
- Solving and interpreting linear inequalities
- Graphing equations involving the absolute value of linear expressions
- Solving equations involving the absolute value of linear expressions
- Solving quadratic equations
Part D: Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry
- The concept of function
- Domain and range of functions
- Using and interpreting functional notation
- Composition of functions
- Transformations of graphs of functions
- Interpreting the graphs of functions
- Inverse functions
- Classes of elementary functions: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric
Which courses can I take, based on my results?
The results of your math placement exam place you at one of six levels,
0-6. Each level has a corresponding
list of appropriate courses.
| Level 0 |
You must contact the
Department of
Mathematical Sciences at (574) 520-4335 as soon as
possible to receive special permission to enroll in M004
Introduction to Algebra and to obtain information about
free tutoring in this course. Note: a score of 0 appears
as a blank when you look up your scores online. |
| Level 1 |
You must successfully complete M004 Introduction to Algebra to advance to Level 2. M004 is graded
Satisfactory/Fail and does not count toward graduation.
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| Level 2 |
You must successfully complete M014 Basic Algebra to advance to Level 3. M014 is graded
Satisfactory/Fail
and does not count toward graduation.
|
| Level 3 |
You may enroll in any of the following:
- A100 The Solar System
- A105 Stars and Galaxies
- C101 Computer Programming
- K300 Statistical Techniques
- M107 College Algebra
- M111 Mathematics in the World
- M118 Finite Mathematics
- T101 Math for Elementary Teachers I
You must successfully complete M107 with a C- or higher to advance to Level 4.
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| Level 4 |
You may enroll in M125 Pre-Calculus or M115 Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry. You can move to Level 5 by
successfully completing M125 or M115 with a C- or higher. You can move to Level 6 by successfully completing M115, M125, or
M126 with a C- or higher. You may also take any of the courses listed in Level 3.
|
| Level 5 |
You may enroll in M119 Brief Survey of Calculus or M126 Trigonometric Functions. You can move to Level 6
by successfully completing M126 or M115 with a C- or higher.
|
| Level 6 |
You may enroll in M215 Calculus I. |
Note: Please see your academic advisor prior to enrolling in a
math course at IU South Bend, particularly if you
placed at Levels 3, 4, 5, or 6. First
math course placement varies depending on your intended
major.
How can I prepare for the mathematics placement exam?
The mathematics placement exam is designed to allow you to demonstrate skills you have already developed, so you
do not need to study for it as you might for another type of exam. However, because you do want your effort to reflect
your best abilities, we encourage you to review the practice
exam, or attend a preparation workshop.
Mathematics Placement Exam, Practice Exam
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Questions
If you have any questions, please
contact the Office of Student Services.
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