Mathematics Placement Exam
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.
| Level | Math Course in which to enroll |
| 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.
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| 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.
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| Level 3 | You may enroll in any of the following:
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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
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
Questions
If you have any questions, please contact the Gateway Information Center.
