Math 108
    College Algebra

Soon you will be taking a new math class. For many students, skills and knowledge from previous courses can disappear very quickly, even during the short breaks between semesters. This may mean you're not in peak math condition for your upcoming class. We're here to get you in shape.

The purpose of this web site is to help students review the background material they will need to know in order to be successful in their next math class.

Oftentimes when introducing a new topic, the instructor will use concepts covered in a previous course. If this prerequisite material is not part of a student's core knowledge, the new topic will not be clear. The student becomes lost, but this is not really due to the new material. Rather, the student has forgotten (or never 'learned') the prerequisite material on which the new topic is based. Our intent is to offer help with the necessary background material before this problem arises.

The menu at the left contains several courses offered in the Department of Mathematics. (At this time, M108 and M109 are presented in part. M150 and M250 are complete.) Click on a course and you will be presented with a skills assessment test and a list of core prerequisite topics. We suggest you begin by taking the test (answers are included for self-grading). Based on your results, you should know what core topics to review. By selecting any topic, you will be given more detailed explanations and sample problems. If reviewing this material is still not sufficient, you will have to get an appropriate textbook and review in greater detail.

A strong grasp of prerequisite material is critical to success. The time and effort you spend becoming reacquainted with this material will have a tremendous impact. Good luck!

Choose a course from the menu.

Since this web site is intended for your benefit, comments or suggestions regarding improvements would be greatly appreciated. Please send an email note to "MathHelp <at> math <dot> siu <dot> edu" . Thank you!