Section 1.1 How to Use This Book
This book is intended to help prepare you for your first mathematics course at MSOE.
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If your first course is MTH 1080 Precalculus Mathematics, I recommend you start with the fundamentals of the real numbers (Chapter 2), exponential notation and laws of exponents (Chapter 3), manipulating and simplifying algebraic expressions (Chapter 4), and reviewing techniques for solving algebraic equations (Chapter 5). While many remaining topics are covered in MTH 1080, there is nothing stopping you from getting a jump start and pursuing further review using the later chapters.
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All of the content is suitable as a preparation for MTH 1110 Calculus I. However, students beginning with Calculus need a solid understanding of Functions (Chapter 7), Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Chapter 8, and Trigonometry (starting with Chapter 9). I recommend you start here and reference earlier topics as needed.
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If you are bringing in AP or transfer credit, you may be starting in a course beyond Calculus I. I would still recommend a review of Exponential and Logarithmic Functions Chapter 8, and Trigonometry (starting with Chapter 9). There is no calculus reviewed in this book. If you would like additional resources prepping for MTH 1120 Calculus II, contact Dr. van Groningen.
You can navigate to any chapter and section of the book using the table of contents to the left. Clicking a chapter name will expand the section listing. Clicking a section listing will take you to that section. Jumping around sections is totally encouraged! Feel free to explore different topics but do try to link concepts together as you do!
There are four pretests in this chapter:
Each is roughly 10 problems and is aligned with chapters in this book. I recommend that you start with the Algebra Pretest regardless of your upcoming math course. Grab a sheet of paper and work as many of the problems you feel comfortable with, noting those that you have a difficult time starting or are completely unfamiliar with. Do NOT use a calculator, graphing tool, or AI to help . Look at the title of each problem for guidance on chapters that are relevant to that skill or topic. Many problems have associated hints that link to content in the text.
When you are done with a pretest:
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Check your answers for the problems you feel you made progress on. See Answers to Pretests.
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Use the textbook to research topics you had difficultly starting. Each chapter concludes with a set of exercises that you can use to improve your understanding. Most questions include a “hint” that references topics in the book.
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Return to the pretest to assess your progress and then move onto the next pretest.
