Mathematics Diagnostic Test

Students who do not have the required 70% in Math 30 or Pure Math 30, as prerequisite for first year linear algebra and calculus courses, may be eligible to meet this prerequisite requirement by obtaining a satisfactory grade on the Mathematics Diagnostic Test. This test is designed to assess general problem solving skills from High School mathematics in the areas of algebra, geometry and trigonometry. Questions have been selected which provide a high degree of correlation between success on the Diagnostic and success in first year mathematics.

The Test consists of ten multiple choice questions done on the computer. No calculators or other aids are permitted. Results of the Test are immediate.

The Mathematics Diagnostic Test has the same status as a University final examination. Accordingly, any form of cheating is considered grounds for suspension or expulsion from the University. Proof of identity is required during the test. Students more than 30 minutes late will not be admitted to the examination.

Topics of particular importance emphasized on the Test include :

1. Polynomials: factorization, roots and their relationship to factors. Quadratic equations, sum and product of roots.
2. Simplification: algebraic expressions, rational forms involving exponents, roots, radicals. Sums, products, quotients.
3. Distance: Pythagorean Theorem, absolute value. Applications.
4. Straight Lines: Slope, intercepts, slopes of perpendicular lines.
5. Geometry: Use of similar triangles, congruent triangles, formulas for area, surface and volume.
6. Cartesian Coordinates: Distance, equations of circles.
7. Trigonometry: Sine, Cosine, Tangent functions and their graphs, values for identities. Radian measure.
8. Equations: Solving simple equations and systems of two linear equations in two unknowns. Checking solutions to problems.
9. Word Problems: Formulation of equations for the solution of word problems. Solving and checking solutions for correctness.
10. Logarithms and exponents: Definitions, basic properties, simplification, use in calculations.

Study Guides :

• At the Bookstore: Practice and review can be found in a number of study guides available in the Bookstore, for example the Schaum's Outline series for Algebra and Trigonometry. Also recommended is the book: "Just in Time, Algebra & Trigonometry for students of Calculus", by Guntram Mueller & Ronald Brent (Addison Wesley Pub.).
• At the Library: There are several books on reserve in the McKimmie Library Circulation Desk (ask specfically for Math 249/251/211 material).
• On-line: Some review topics are well covered by public domain software: RUREADY for Calculus. You may download a self extracting archive of this software by mouse-clicking the link above. [Decompress this file by double-clicking the file placed on your desktop and place this in a new folder called RUREADY. Execute the file runme.bat to start the program.]

Additional Resources:

• The Provincial Department of Alberta Learning posts the Provincial curriculum and copies of past exams with solutions on their website.
• Online Math Tests at the University of Missouri-Columbia has some good review topics.

Registration :

A Scheduled Test is offered during the week preceding the start of classes in each of the Fall, Winter, Spring/Summer Sessions. Students should consult the Department (220-5203) at least two weeks prior to start of classes to register for the test. Students who cannot attend one of these scheduled Tests should contact the Department immediately. There will be a $50.00 fee for writing the Test which must be paid at the Enrollment Services  (Registrar's Office) in advance of the Test date. Students will be required to present proof of payment and picture I.D. for admission to the Test.

Alternatives to the Test:

For a variety of alternatives to taking the Diagnostic Test to meet prerequisites, see Prerequisite Alternatives .