Math

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Degrees/Certificates Offered

Associate in Arts-Direct Transfer Agreement

Contact

Pete Wildman
Peter.Wildman@sfcc.spokane.edu
509-533-3481

Office Location

Building 18, room 206

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A man solves a trigonometry problem on a whiteboard

About

If you enjoy solving puzzles and working with numbers, mathematics could be the perfect degree choice for you.

In this program, you’ll learn how to use mathematical concepts to break down complicated problems into manageable pieces. You’ll build strong problem-solving, reasoning and analytical-thinking skills through math courses ranging from basic arithmetic to differential equations.

Math skills are in high demand by today’s employers. Whether you want to work in banking, economics, business or education, a strong background in mathematics can prepare you for a variety of challenging career opportunities.

Detailed Information

Courses

MATH 87 — Algebra for Math Literacy I — 5.0 Credits

This course is the first course in a two-quarter sequence leading to MATH& 107, MATH& 146, MATH 208 and PHIL&120. Topics include simplifying expressions, creating and interpreting scatterplots, percent change, ratios, rates, and proportions. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement score.
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MATH 88 — Algebra for Math Literacy II — 5.0 Credits

This course is the second course in a two-quarter sequence leading to MATH& 107, MATH& 146, MATH 208, and PHIL& 120. Topics include algebraic models of linear, quadratic and exponential functions, equations of lines, systems of equations, direct and inverse variation, descriptive statistics. Prerequisite: MATH 87, 91, or 93 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years; or an appropriate placement score.
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MATH 93 — Algebra I — 5.0 Credits

This course covers beginning algebra concepts for students without high school algebra or those who need a review. Topics will include algebraic expressions, linear equations, lines, linear regression, inequalities, and graphing. Prerequisite: MATH 87 or 91 with a 2.0 or better; or appropriate placement score.
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MATH 94 — Algebra II — 5.0 Credits

This course is a continuation of MATH 93. Topics include exponents, radicals, power functions, quadratic (models, equations, translations), and right angle trigonometry. Prerequisite: MATH 91 or 93 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or appropriate placement score.
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MATH 95 — Mathematics Center 2 — 1.0-5.0 Credits

This course reviews arithmetic and pre-algebra and is offered as a variable credit individualized program in the Math Center for students preparing to take algebra. Prerequisite: Counselor or instructor referral.
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MATH 98 — Algebra III — 5.0 Credits

This course is a continuation of MATH 94 and covers intermediate algebra skills. Topics include sequences, rational expressions and equations, basic functions that include but are not limited to absolute value, exponential and logarithmic. Prerequisite: MATH 94 with a 2.0 or better or an appropriate placement score.
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MATH& 107 — Math in Society — 5.0 Credits

This course is a rigorous terminal mathematics course for students in the liberal arts. The course provides a solid foundation in the quantitative reasoning, symbolic reasoning, and critical thinking needed to be a productive member of society. The course core topics are proportional reasoning, the mathematics of personal finance, probability, descriptive statistics, and growth and decay models (linear and exponential). Prerequisite: MATH 88, 97, 98, or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or appropriate placement score.
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MATH 108 — College Algebra — 3.0 Credits

This course is a concentrated study of the topics traditionally found in College Algebra. The curriculum includes a quick and intense review of topics from Intermediate Algebra, including algebraic expressions, polynomials, equations, problem solving, complex numbers, radicals, and graphing. Additional topics include functions and solving radical equations and polynomial inequalities. Appropriate use of technology is incorporated. Prerequisite: MATH 97, 98 or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or appropriate placement scores.
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MATH& 141 — Precalculus I — 5.0 Credits

This course covers college algebra skills, which include polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions, systems of equations and matrix solutions, and graphs of polynomial functions. Other topics may include sequences, series and summations. Prerequisite: MATH 98 or 99 with a 3.0 or better within the last three years or MATH 108 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or appropriate placement score.
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MATH& 142 — Precalculus II — 5.0 Credits

This course introduces circular functions and analytic trigonometry needed for further study in mathematics. Other topics include sequences and series, mathematical induction, conic sections, rotation and translation of axes, DeMoivre's theorem and nth roots of complex numbers, or vectors in the plane. Prerequisite: MATH& 141 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years; or appropriate placement score.
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MATH& 146 — Introduction to Stats — 5.0 Credits

Descriptive statistics, probability, probability distributions, sampling methods, hypothesis testing, statistical inference, correlations, regression and analysis of variance are covered in this course. Prerequisite: MATH 88, 97, 98 or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years; or appropriate placement score.
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MATH& 148 — Business Calculus — 5.0 Credits

A one-quarter introduction to differential and integral calculus. Specifically oriented for students in management, life sciences and social sciences. Prerequisite: MATH& 141 or MATH 201 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years; or appropriate placement score.
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MATH& 151 — Calculus I — 5.0 Credits

This is the first quarter of a three-quarter course in calculus and analytic geometry. This course includes an introduction to limits, rates of change and continuity. The course also deals with the definition of derivative of a function and rules of differentiation, curve sketching and other application of differentiation, introduction to integrals and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Prerequisite: MATH& 142 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years; or appropriate placement score.
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MATH& 152 — Calculus II — 5.0 Credits

This is the second quarter of a three-quarter course in calculus and analytic geometry. This course also includes applications of integration, derivatives and integrals of exponential, logarithmic and the trigonometric functions, derivatives and integrals of hyperbolic functions and their inverses, indeterminate forms and L'Hopital's Rule, and techniques of integration. Other topics may include vectors and the geometry of space. Prerequisite: MATH& 151 with a 2.0 or better.
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MATH& 153 — Calculus III — 5.0 Credits

This is the third quarter of a three-quarter course in calculus and analytic geometry. This course includes an introduction to differential equations; parametric equations; polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates; infinite sequences and series. Cylindrical and quadric surfaces, vector valued functions and their space curves, and derivatives and integrals of vector functions also are discussed. Prerequisite: MATH& 152 with a 2.0 or better.
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MATH 201 — Introduction to Finite Mathematics — 5.0 Credits

This course covers basics of mathematical models, including linear, quadratic and polynomial functions, systems of linear equations and inequalities, linear programming and matrices. Elementary concepts of probability and simulation are introduced. Particular emphasis is placed on business and social applications. Prerequisite: MATH 97, 98 or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years; or appropriate placement score.
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MATH 208 — Mathematics for Elementary Education - A — 5.0 Credits

This is the first course in a three course sequence designed for prospective teachers at the elementary school level, focusing on the following topics: Problem solving, set theory, elementary logic, numeration systems, number theory, and the structure of the system of real numbers. Prerequisite: MATH 88, 97, 98 or 99 with a 2.0 or better; or appropriate placement score.
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MATH 209 — Mathematics for Elementary Education - B — 5.0 Credits

This is the second course in a three course sequence designed for prospective teachers at the elementary school level, focusing on the following topics: Statistics, probability, and the structure of the system of real numbers including integers, rational and irrational numbers. Prerequisite: MATH 208 with a 2.0 or better.
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MATH 210 — Mathematics for Elementary Education - C — 5.0 Credits

This is the last course in a three course sequence designed for prospective teachers at the elementary school level, focusing on the following topics: Problem solving, structures of geometry, to include shapes, measurements, triangle congruencies, and the coordinate system. Prerequisite: MATH 208 with a 2.0 or better.
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MATH 220 — Elementary Linear Algebra — 5.0 Credits

Introduction to linear transformations, matrix theory, vector products, finite dimensional spaces, subspaces, spanning sets, bases, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Prerequisite: MATH& 152 with a 2.0 or better.
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MATH 245 — Discrete Mathematics — 5.0 Credits

An introduction to the theory of the mathematics found in computer science. Topics include logic, proofs, sets, counting, probability, matrices, functions and relations, graphs, and trees. Prerequisite: MATH& 151.
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MATH& 254 — Calculus IV — 5.0 Credits

A course designed to give students an introduction to the basic concepts of multivariable calculus using the tools of linear algebra as applicable; vector functions, real-valued functions, differentiation of scalar functions, multiple integration, vector differentiation and integration, transformation of coordinates, Green's Theorem, Stokes' Theorem, Gauss' Theorem, and Lagrange Multipliers. Prerequisite: MATH& 153 with a 2.0 or better.
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MATH 274 — Elementary Differential Equations — 5.0 Credits

An introduction to ordinary differential equations. Elementary methods of solutions to first-order equations, linear equations of second and higher order, and systems of first-order linear equations. Power series solutions, numerical methods and Laplace Transforms also are covered. Prerequisite: MATH& 153 with a 2.0 or better.
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MATH 300 — Mathematical Modeling for Applied Science — 5.0 Credits

This course discusses mathematical modeling in an applied science setting. Topics include proportional reasoning, horizontal and vertical analysis, finance, probability and statistics. An emphasis is placed on how to apply these concepts to practical situations that occur in the applied sciences. Prerequisite: Applied BAS degree students only. MATH 88, 98, or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or an appropriate placement score.
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Choosing a Pathway

SFCC offers two math pathways: the Math Literacy Pathway and the Algebra Intensive Pathway. Each pathway is made up of different math courses. The pathway you choose depends on what you would like to do in the future. To see what the different pathways look like, view our Placement Flowchart.

How Do I Choose the Right Pathway?

The Math Literacy Pathway (New Courses: Math 87-88)

This shortened pathway leads to Math 107, Math 146, Math 208 or Phil 120.
- Math 107 and Math 146 ARE NOT PREREQUISITES for any math courses.
- Students intending to transfer to a different institution should complete Math 107, Math 146, or Phil 120 at SFCC to ensure the smoothest transfer possible.
Students in the Math Literacy pathway are more likely to pass their math courses than those students in the Algebra Intensive pathway, but their academic/career options will be more limited.
This pathway is appropriate for those students who don’t need as much algebra and instead need the mathematical literacy skills that are useful in their college courses, future careers, and lives.
This pathway can also be used by students in the following career/technical programs at SFCC:
- Occupational Therapist Assistant Program: Math 88
- Physical Therapist Assistant Program: Math 88
- Audio Engineering: Math 87 or Math 88
- Information Technology : Math 88
- Library and Information Services: Math 87 or Math 88

The Algebra Intensive Pathway (Existing Courses: Math 93-94-98)

This pathway leads to all entry-level college math courses.
Students in the Algebra Intensive pathway have more career and educational options available to them upon completion of the algebra sequence, but are less likely to pass their math courses than students in the Math Lit pathway.
This pathway is appropriate for those students who know they need algebra courses, or think they might at some later time.
These students include those pursuing a Science or Business degree.

Why can’t a student wait to choose a pathway until after taking the placement test?

Each pathway focuses upon different aspects of the mathematical content. Therefore, students will be placed into the two pathways using two different series of placement tests. As a result, students will need to choose a pathway before beginning the placement testing process.

*If a student is uncertain as to which test to take, they will be placed using the Algebra Intensive placement tests.

What if a student needs to change pathways?

There is always a way to switch from one pathway to another but it may come at the expense of taking one or two additional math courses. Therefore, it’s important to choose as carefully as possible now. Students who do choose to change pathways after beginning their coursework will want to work closely with an academic consultant to make the transition as smooth as possible.

What if a student has a placement from an old test or a different institution?

Any student who has a placement not determined by the new tests should be advised to retest to assure they can place as high as possible in the most appropriate pathway.

*Download a printable version of the Pathway choices here.

Math Learning Center