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Math 100

1. Resources

1.1. Where is Room 108?

Room 108 is located on the first floor of the Math Building. The Math Building is the X-shaped building just north of the 6th Street Parking Garage. When you walk in, look for the large service window.

Math Building location and hours


1.2. What are Room 108's hours?

The Math Academic Office, Math Room 108, is open from 8:00am to 4:55pm, Monday through Friday.

1.3. How can I sign up for this course?

Courses can be added once they are available on UAccess. On the Search for Classes screen, choose:


Institution: The University of Arizona

Term: Make sure the correct semester is selected.

Subject: MATH - Mathematics Main

Course Number: change “Contains” to “Is exactly” and type “100” in the box.

Click the green SEARCH button.


There are times when Math 100 is not available for student UAccess enrollment.  The class may still be open and available for enrollment through the Math Dept. If you can’t find the class using the above search criteria, or are having trouble enrolling, please email placement@math.arizona.edu. 


1.4. Can I take an Intermediate Algebra class at a community college instead?

Math 100 is designed to address a student's individual deficiencies in math.  An Intermediate Algebra class at a community college may help the student to overcome some deficiencies, but:

  • The credit will not transfer to the UA as anything but elective credit.
  • The student will still need to take and pass the placement exam at the UA before moving on to higher math.
  • The typical classroom setting may not address the student's individual needs.

Students who complete Math 100 at the UA often get into a university-level math class sooner than students who take courses at a local community college over summer.


1.5. How will Math 100 affect my GPA?

Math 100 counts for 3 units of elective credit, and will affect your GPA as such. The most important thing you should get out of Math 100 is placement into your first required math class for your major. 



1.6. I didn't place into my next math class. What are my options?

If you did not place into a higher math class, you have a few options:

  • You can re-take the Math 100 course next semester to continue to improve your math skills. Students that choose this option often have more success when they do place into higher math classes.
  • You can try to take the Math Placement Assessment for a fee. This is completely separate from the Math 100 course, and uses a different pie in ALEKS. (Please note: taking a placement test will not affect your grade in Math 100.) You can sign up for the Math Placement Assessment here.
  • You can check with your local community college for an Intermediate Algebra math course. Although Intermediate Algebra courses will not transfer as UA Math 100 (or as any certain UA Math course),  you can take the class to improve your skills and then take the UA placement assessment when you are ready. 

1.7. I placed into my next math class. How/when can I register?

You can enroll in the math classes for which you placed once your placement score has posted to UAccess.


In Uaccess Student, go to Other Academic drop down menu. Choose Transfer Credit: Report.

On the Transfer Credit Report, scroll down the page to Test Credits and look for the Math 100 Final for Placement.


Enroll yourself in the math course you placed into via UAccess. If there are no seats available for the math class you want to enroll in, please keep checking back on UAccess each day. Seats may open up as students drop and add courses frequently, and as UA Math opens seats.


Do NOT wait until your Math 100 letter grade has posted.  It is your placement score which grants you access to your next class.


If you have any questions or concerns, please email the Math Department at placement@math.arizona.edu.


2. General

2.1. What is the purpose of Math 100?

Math 100 is an individualized math course to serve as a preparation for University Level Mathematics courses. Approximately one third of each incoming class is not ready to take a university-level math class.  Successful completion of Math 100 provides students with the placement and skills needed for their next math course.


Content includes the following topics: linear, quadratic, polynomial and rational equations, algebraic expressions, graphing techniques, factoring techniques, exponents, and data analyses. This course by itself cannot be used to satisfy the foundations math requirement for any degree program. This course allows you to place into either MATH 105, MATH 106, MATH 107, or MATH 112 depending on your progress in Math 100.


2.2. Why was the ALEKS program selected?

ALEKS is the student’s online textbook and tutorial. We chose this model because the ALEKS program is adaptive. 


Using this program, students create their own paths through the course content and tackle problems when they are truly ready to master them. Students do not have to work on problems they already know how to do. The regular class meetings and homework goals that are set each day allow us to monitor student progress and hold them accountable for meeting intermediate goals. These intermediate goals are set to help students be successful on the three in-person proctored exams (knowledge checks) during the semester.


2.3. How much time should students spend in ALEKS?

This varies depending on the student. In general, our students spend on average 1-2 hours per day in ALEKS.

2.4. Why isn't there a hardcopy textbook for Math 100?

Students entering Math 100 typically have used traditional textbooks for their last 12 years. UA Math has chosen a more adaptive and individualized method for retaining the math skills needed for college level math courses. 

 

When students come to Math 100, they each have a unique background and past experience with learning math. With a textbook, the students are required to work through sections that they may know very well, or may rush through sections with which they are struggling. Forcing students with different math backgrounds and levels to progress simultaneously through a structured textbook has not been shown to be as helpful as working in ALEKS.

 

ALEKS serves as the textbook for Math 100. When students work in ALEKS they are working out the typical textbook problems of a hardcopy textbook, but with a personalized advantage. They can work quickly through topics they are familiar with and can receive of extra time and support on new topics. If a student needs help with a particular problem, they may click on various links to have terms defined, to see the problem fully worked, or to view a video with explanations. When they return to the practice problems, they will be given a similar problem, but not identical. 


2.5. Math 100 Course Description

Math 100 - Math Lab (3 credits) UA ALEKS PPL score of 0-39%.

 

Description: 

The main purpose of this course is to serve as a preparation for MATH 105, MATH 106, MATH 107, and MATH 112, with an emphasis on problem-solving techniques and graphing technology. Content includes the following topics: linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, and absolute value equations and inequalities, algebraic expressions, graphing techniques, factoring techniques, exponents and basic data analysis. Students who wish to continue to higher level math courses will have the option to work with additional course material in algebra and trigonometry to facilitate this preparation. This course by itself cannot be used to satisfy the foundations math requirement for any degree program. Examinations are proctored.


Comments:  Some students with only one math requirement will need to take this course in the Spring.  This course is available during Summer for students who need to take a higher level math course in the Fall.  This course does not serve as a prerequisite to any UA Math course. Students must place into the next course through the Math 100 final exam. The next course is generally Math 105, 106, 107, or 112.