Northern Kentucky University   Developmental Mathematics

305E Applied Science and Technology Building, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights KY 41099  (859) 572-6473

The Developmental Mathematics program is designed to assist students who did not complete the pre-college high school curriculum (two years of algebra, one year of geometry) or who need further work to master these skills before attempting a college-level mathematics course. Placement into courses in the program is by ACT score, high school record, and/or placement testing.

Courses

MAH 080. Mathematics Assistance (1,0,1) This course is a one-credit supplementary instruction course paired with selected developmental mathematics courses.

MAH 090. Basic Mathematical Skills (3,0,3) Signed numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratio and proportion, measurement, and introduction to algebra. Recommended only for students who need a thorough treatment of these topics, which are discussed briefly in MAH 095. Does not apply toward any graduation requirement.

MAH 095. Beginning Algebra (3,0,3) Operations on real numbers, equations and inequalities in one variable, graphs of lines, integer exponents, operations on polynomials, and factoring with emphasis on applications. Does not apply toward any graduation requirements.

MAH 097. Elementary Geometry (3,0,3) Line and angle relationships, parallel lines, constructions, similar and congruent triangles, polygons, right triangles, circles, areas and volumes. Does not apply toward any graduation requirements.

MAH 099. Intermediate Algebra (3,0,3) Rational expressions and equations; ratio and proportion; functions; equations of lines; systems of equations; compound inequalities; linear inequalities in two variables; radicals; graphs of lines, parabolas, and circles; and quadratic equations with emphasis on applications. Does not apply toward any graduation requirements.

Mathematics Center

The Mathematics Center provides free assistance and support for students taking mathematics courses. Students may drop-in or schedule an appointment, and should bring with them a question, problem or assignment - plus any other relevant materials.  The Center is located in room FH 201.

See the  Mathematics Center web site for hours and detailed information.

Placement Criteria

Placement into developmental mathematics classes is determined by your math ACT score, your math SAT score, or your COMPASS score on the algebra test according to the following chart.  

DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT CHART
ACT Math Score	SAT Math Score	COMPASS Algebra Score	COURSE PLACEMENT
18 or higher	430 or higher	35 or higher	College Level Math
15,16,17	350 – 420	30 – 34	MAH 095
14 or below	340 or below	29 or below	MAH 090

You may challenge your placement by taking the Mathematics Challenge Test on or before your Transitions Day.  Practice problems for the Mathematics Challenge Test are available here:

• as a Word document

• as an Adobe PDF document

Check your Transitions materials for times and locations for Challenge Tests or visit the testing web site at www.nku.edu/~testing/.

Instructors  

For more information, contact:

Diane Williams, [williamsd@nku.edu] Director
Developmental Mathematics Program
ST 305E
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY 41099

Go to: [University] [College] [Math Department] Updated 8/17/05.