Course Descriptions for Mathematics

Mathematics Degree
The A.S. degree in mathematics provides a foundation of mathematics
for students in preparation for transfer to a four-year program in
mathematics or statistics. Course work includes a three-semester calculus
series, differential equations, linear algebra , and statistics and/or
symbolic logic.

 Associate Degree Requirements: The Mathematics Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree
may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education
requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation
requirements.

Mathematics/Physical Science Degree
This program provides a broad study in fields of physical science and
mathematics. It provides a good foundation for transfer to a four-year
program in science.

Associate Degree Requirements: The Mathematics/Physical Science Associate in
Science (A.S.) Degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus
general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC
graduation requirements.

Mathematics

MATH 10 Developing Confidence in Math 1 Unit
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in another math course.
Hours: 18 hours LEC
This course helps students to recognize common fears and misconceptions
of mathematics, and to overcome math anxiety and avoidance. Strategies
to achieve success in mathematical situations are discussed. This course is
also useful for tutors, counselors, and teachers interested in helping others
overcome their math anxiety. Credit/No Credit only.

MATH 12 Mathematics for the Home and Workplace  2 Units
Prerequisite: None
Hours: 36 hours LEC
This course will use a variety of realistic consumer-oriented applications to
refresh, reinforce, and extend students’ mastery of basic mathematics concepts.
The applications will include earned wages, buying and maintaining
a car, working with food, budgeting, banking, and other consumer and job
related activities. Calculator use will be an integral part of the course.

MATH 25 Computational Arithmetic 3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: Confirm placement using ARC’s Math Self-Assessment System.
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course covers fundamentals of arithmetic with an emphasis on computational
skills. Topics include whole numbers, fractions, decimals, problem
solving, and applications.

MATH 32 Pre-Algebra 3 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 25 with a grade of “C” or better, or placement through
assessment.
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course will briefly review the fundamentals of arithmetic, including
whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Course content will include order
of operations, signed numbers , concepts of variables, exponents, ratios and
proportions , area/perimeter/volume of geometric figures, and solving equations .

MATH 100 Elementary Algebra 5 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 32 with a grade of “C” or better or placement through the
assessment process.
Hours: 90 hours LEC
This course includes the fundamental concepts and operations of algebra
with problem solving skills emphasized. Topics include properties of real
numbers, linear equations and inequalities, integer exponents, polynomials,
and factoring polynomials. Other topics include rational exponents and
rational/radical expressions with associated equations. Additional topics
introducing the rectangular coordinate system , focus on graphs and equations
of lines, systems of linear equations/inequalities, and solving quadratic
equations. AA/AS area 4C.

MATH 110 Elementary Geometry 5 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 100 with a grade of “C” or better or placement through the
assessment process.
Hours: 90 hours LEC
This course covers aspects of elementary geometry. Topics include terms
and definitions, properties of parallel lines and parallelograms, congruent
and similar triangles, properties of triangles, right triangles, and basic trigonometry.
Later topics include properties of circles, construction of loci,
areas, and volumes. The course also emphasizes problem solving strategies,
elementary logic, and reading and writing proofs. AA/AS area 4C.
MATH 120 Intermediate Algebra 5 Units
Formerly: MATH 53
Prerequisite: MATH 100 with a grade of “C” or better, or placement through
assessment.
Hours: 90 hours LEC
This course reviews and extends the concepts of elementary algebra with
problem solving skills emphasized throughout. Topics which are reviewed
and extended include linear and quadratic equations , factoring polynomials,
rational expressions, exponents, radicals, equations of lines, and system of
equations. New topics include graphs and their translations and reflections,
functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, graphs of quadratic and
polynomial functions , nonlinear systems of equations, polynomial and
rational inequalities, and an introduction to conic sections. AA/AS area 3D
and 4C.

MATH 300Introduction to Mathematical Ideas 3 Units
Formerly: MATH 1
Prerequisite: Mathematics 120 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course focuses on elements of mathematical systems. It is designed to
make fundamental concepts and processes more meaningful to the general
student. Its content may include systems, logic, geometry, combinatorics ,
probability, statistics, sets, matrices, and number theory . Not recommended
for students entering elementary school teaching or business administration
majors. (CAN MATH 2) AA/AS area 3D and 4C; CSU area B3

MATH 310 Mathematical Discovery 3 Units
Formerly: MATH 2
Prerequisite: Mathematics 110 and 120 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
In this course students will explore mathematical patterns and relations,
and formulate and prove conjectures. Topics from number theory, probability
and statistics, and geometry will be investigated. Recommended for
students interested in education. (CAN MATH 4) AA/AS area 3D & 4C;
CSU area B3.

MATH 315 Exploratory Field Experience in Mathematics3 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 120 with a grade of “C” or better.
Enrollment Limitation: Current TB clearance is required prior to work in
schools. Fingerprinting may also be required.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course is an education-based field experience in mathematics allowing
students to explore teaching as a career choice. Students are assigned to
area schools to observe and/or assist in a mathematics classroom. Students
have the opportunity to learn and practice essential skills to assist younger
students with their progress through the mathematics sequence, and to
learn about social, cultural, and educational issues related to mathematics
and the school environment. Weekly seminars allow students to share
experiences and compare observations . This course is recommended for
those who may wish to pursue a single-subject credential in mathematics.
AA/AS area 3E

MATH 320 Symbolic Logic 3 Units
Same As: PHIL 325.
Prerequisite: PHIL 320 or MATH 110, and MATH 120 with a grade of “C”
or better
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course covers an introduction to symbolic logic including the logic of
sentences (the statement calculus) and the logic of classes and relations (the
predicate calculus), together with an introduction to the nature and development
of deductive systems. Applications include examples of logic used
in elementary mathematics and the analysis of verbal arguments. Not open
to students who have completed PHIL 325. AA/AS area 3D and 4C; CSU
area B3.

MATH 325 Problem-Solving 3 Units
Formerly: MATH 3
Prerequisite: MATH 120 with a grade of “C” or better, or placement through
assessment process.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course focuses on the problem-solving skills necessary to solve both
real-life and nontraditional mathematics problems. Problem-solving strategies
presented in this course include: drawing a diagram, eliminating possibilities,
making a systematic list, looking for a pattern, guessing and checking,
solving an easier related problem, working backward, algebraic representation,
finite differences, and other related techniques. Divergent thinking,
group work , and the clear presentation of mathematical work will be
emphasized throughout the course. AA/AS area 3D and 4C; CSU area B3.

MATH 330 Trigonometry 3 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 110 and 120 with grades of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course presents the fundamentals of trigonometry. Topics include
definitions of trigonometric and circular functions, graphs, identities and
applications. Other material covered includes solving trigonometric equations,
solving triangles using the Laws of Sines and Cosines, vectors, polar
coordinates and polar representations of complex numbers. (CAN MATH
8) AA/AS area 3D and 4C; CSU area B3.

MATH 340 Calculus for Business and Economics3 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 120 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is an introduction to differential and integral calculus with
applications in the fields of business, economics, social science and biological
science. It is not recommended for mathematics and physical science
majors. (CAN MATH 34) AA/AS area 3D and 4C; CSU area B3; IGETC
area 2.

MATH 342 Modern Business Mathematics 3 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 120 with a grade of “C” or better.
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course is designed around applications of mathematics in economic
and business contexts. Specific topics include functions and related business
formulas, tables and graphs, finance (interest and exponential models in
economics), rates of change including applications and optimization, and
linear programming. AA/AS area 3D & 4C; CSU area B3.

Mathematics Courses