Prerequisites

Intermediate Algebra is a prerequisite for all other mathematics courses at Idaho State University, including those that fulfill Objective #3 (except for MATH 1123 and 1127), and it is a prerequisite for many courses in other departments.

As a result, most students take some algebra during their time at ISU. It is important to start planning early and to anticipate the mathematics courses that you will need, including prerequisite algebra courses. The general rule is "Get started on your mathematics early." Many students who postpone mathematics until late in their academic careers find that they have to take algebra before being able to take the mathematics course they need to graduate, causing their graduation to be delayed.

Planning requires two things: (1) understanding the prerequisite chain, and (2) proper placement. Please note that if you do not have the necessary placement exam score (ALEKS, ACT, or SAT) to enroll in MATH 1108, you must first satisfy the prerequisite course for MATH 1108 (MATH 0025 module via MATH 0090).

The table below shows the lower-level mathematics courses and their prerequisites. Start with a target mathematics course (the highest level math class you will need to take) and work your way backward through the prerequisite chain to determine which math course you need to begin with.

Transfer students should be aware that a course entitled 'Intermediate Algebra' at another institution does not necessarily transfer as MATH 1108 at ISU. It might transfer as a different course, depending on the content that was covered and the extent the material was covered. Or, it may transfer only as elective credits if it has not been determined to be equivalent to an ISU course or if it has not been articulated for equivalency at ISU.

Note:

Students must pass a course with a grade of C- or better if it will be a prerequisite for another course.
MATH 1147 is a combination of both MATH 1143 (College Algebra) and MATH 1144 (Trigonometry). Therefore, credit cannot be granted in both MATH 1143 and MATH 1147, or in both MATH 1144 and MATH 1147. (For example, one who takes MATH 1143 and then later takes MATH 1147 would earn no credit for the MATH 1143 course. In this case, taking MATH 1147 would replace the credit for the MATH 1143 course.) For this reason, students should determine early whether they do or don't need to take Trigonometry and plan accordingly.
Some degree programs require MATH 1160 and others require MATH 1170. Students may not earn credit for both. Taking one will erase the credits previously earned for the other. It is, therefore, important to decide which of these courses you need to take. Note: MATH 1160 cannot be used as a prerequisite course for MATH 1170.
Teacher education courses, MATH 2256 and MATH 2257, can be taken in any order.

Placement:

Accurate placement is the key to successful progress through the mathematics curriculum. The two placement methods that ISU uses are:

Completion of coursework prerequisites with a grade of C- or better, or
Satisfactory scores on the ACT, SAT or ALEKS placement exam.

The first method is to pass the prerequisite course(s) at ISU or have transfer coursework, that the Registrar has identified as an equivalent to those courses. Transfer students should be aware that a course with the same or similar name at another university does not necessarily transfer as the same at ISU. For more information on transfer courses, please visit the Office of the Registrar's website.

Students may also place into a course on the basis of their math scores on the quantitative part of the ALEKS, ACT, or SAT math placement exam. For information about placement exam scores, please visit our here on our website.

If you have questions or help determining which math course you should begin with, one of our Department advisors can help.