Mathematics

Mathematics are important in virtually every field of study. The courses offered in the Math Department are meant to satisfy the needs of both majors and non-majors in mathematics. They provide basic instruction for students interested in a broad educational experience. The department strives to offer learning experiences that reflect the most effective teaching methodologies and implement current technological innovations and tools.

Students planning to complete precalculus may take a preparatory course in introductory algebra; otherwise, the algebra necessary for entry-level college math courses is offered as corequisite support. (Click this link for details.) For students continuing mathematical studies beyond precalculus, we offer several calculus courses as well as linear algebra.

Degree Options

Students may earn an Associate in Arts degree, an Associate in Science Option II degree, or an Associate in Math Education degree (for students planning to teach high school math), all of which are designed to prepare students for upper division study in math. Please consult with an advisor at WWCC and your intended transfer institution to determine an appropriate education plan. (See Degrees section of the catalog.)

 

Courses

  • MATH 014 Pre-Algebra in Context
    MATH 014 is an exploration of mathematics intended to increase exposure, skills, confidence, and motivation for further mathematical learning. Real numbers, percents, patterns, data, measurement, geometry, algebraic concepts, and computational skills will be studied within meaningful contexts that derive from the world around us. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or permission of the Mathematics Department.

  • MATH 021 Introductory Algebra for Precalculus
    MATH 021 is an introductory algebra course intended to prepare students for the corequisite Precalculus I course pair. MATH 021 focuses on developing and applying numeric, algebraic, graphic, and metacognitive skills necessary for success in MATH 041, Corequisite Algebra for MATH& 141. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 071, MATH 014, CAP 014, HSC 014, or AMATH 106, appropriate placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Course is cross listed with CAP021 and HSC021. Credit can only be earned for one of these courses: CAP021, HSC021 and MATH021.

  • MATH 037 Corequisite Algebra for MATH& 107 and MATH& 131
    MATH 037 is an intermediate algebra course to be taken concurrently with MATH& 107 or MATH& 131. The course focuses on developing and applying numeric, algebraic, graphic, and metacognitive skills necessary for success in MATH& 107, Math in Society, and in MATH& 131, Mathematics for Elementary Education I. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 071, MATH 014, CAP 014, HSC 014, or AMATH 106, appropriate placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Corequisite: MATH& 107 or MATH & 131. Mandatory P/F grading.

  • MATH 040 Number Sense, Computation, and Math Study Skills
    Number Sense, Computation and Math Study Skills emphasizes reinforcement of the student's arithmetic background and its application to common mathematical tasks involving integers, fractions, and decimals. There will be dual emphasis on fortification of mental calculation power with minimum reliance on digital calculation and appropriate use of technology in computing. In addition to math skill content, students will be introduced to a variety of strategies designed to reduce math anxiety and improve student success. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement score or permission of the Mathematics Department.

  • MATH 041 Corequisite Algebra for MATH& 141
    MATH 041 is an intermediate algebra course to be taken concurrently with MATH& 141. The course focuses on developing and applying algebraic, graphic, and metacognitive skills necessary for success in MATH& 141, Precalculus I. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 075, MATH 021, CAP 021, or HSC 021, appropriate placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Corequisite: MATH& 141. Mandatory Pass/Not Pass grading.

  • MATH 046 Corequisite Algebra for MATH& 146
    MATH 046 is an intermediate algebra course to be taken concurrently with MATH& 146. The course focuses on developing and applying numeric, algebraic, graphic, and metacognitive skills necessary for success in MATH& 146, Introduction to Statistics. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 071, MATH 014, CAP 014, HSC 014, or AMATH 106, appropriate math placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Corequisite: MATH& 146. Recommended: READ 088 or higher. Mandatory P/F grading.

  • MATH 071 Pre-Algebra
    MATH 071 exposes students to proportional reasoning and the use of appropriate formulae to model and solve problems. The course emphasizes properties of equality to solve linear equations in one variable and solve a formula for a given variable. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement score or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 070A/072B.

  • MATH 075 Elementary Algebra
    MATH 075 exposes students to positive integer exponents, operations on polynomial expressions, expressions and equations involving square roots, and linear and quadratic equations. The course focuses on graphing two-variable linear and quadratic equations and on solving problems using linear equations, quadratic equations, and systems of linear equations. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 071 or MATH 72B, appropriate placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 074C/076D.

  • MATH 078 Topics in Intermediate Algebra
    MATH 078 exposes students to the concepts of negative integer exponents, functions, domain, and range, and focuses on exponential and logarithmic functions. The course emphasizes problem solving by introducing Polya's process. MATH 078 is designed to prepare students for select college-level mathematics courses. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 075 or MATH 76D, appropriate placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 078E.

  • MATH 079 Intermediate Algebra
    MATH 079 exposes students to the concepts of rational exponents, functions, domain, and range, and focuses on exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational functions. The course emphasizes simplifying expressions and solving equations. MATH 079 is designed to prepare students for MATH& 141. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 075 or MATH 76D, appropriate placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 078E/080F.

  • MATH 080 Advanced Topics in Intermediate Algebra
    MATH 080 emphasizes the techniques used to simplify rational and radical expressions and to solve rational and radical equations. MATH 080 is designed to prepare students for MATH& 141. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 078 or MATH 78E, appropriate placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 080F.

  • MATH 220 Linear Algebra
    Math 220 designed for students planning to major in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or physics. Topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, vector spaces, linear transformations, orthogonality and diagonalization. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MATH& 153, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Math Department.

  • MATH 238 Differential Equations
    Math 238 is designed for students planning to major in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or physics. Topics include analytic methods of solving ordinary differential equations as well as qualitative and numerical methods for describing their solutions. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MATH& 153, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Math Department.

  • MATH& 107 Math in Society
    Emphasizes mathematical reasoning, mathematical habits of thought, mathematical decision-making, mathematical communication, and the use of mathematical symbols, techniques and computations. Topics include proportional reasoning, mathematics of personal finance, probability, descriptive statistics, and growth and decay models (linear and exponential). Course requires concurrent enrollment in MATH 037 OR having met one of the following prerequisites: grade of P in MATH 037, MATH 041, or MATH 046; grade of C or higher in MATH 078, MATH 078E, or MATH 79; appropriate placement; or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 107, Mathematics: A Practical Experience. [NS] [Q]

  • MATH& 131 Mathematics for Elementary Education I
    MATH& 131 is the first of a two-course sequence designed to give prospective elementary education majors the depth of understanding necessary to teach mathematics in the elementary classroom. Designed for elementary school teachers focusing on methods of problem-solving, development and structure of number systems, and numerical algorithms applicable to elementary school mathematics. Formerly MATH 205, Math for Elementary School Teachers I. Course requires concurrent enrollment in MATH 037 OR having met one of the following prerequisites: grade of P in MATH 037, MATH 041, or MATH 046; grade of C or higher in MATH 078, MATH 078E, or MATH 79; appropriate placement; or permission of the Mathematics Department. [NS]

  • MATH& 132 Mathematics for Elementary Education II
    Math& 132 is the second of a two-course sequence designed to give prospective elementary education majors the depth of understanding necessary to teach mathematics in the elementary classroom. Designed for elementary school teachers focusing on topics in geometry, statistics, and measurement pertaining to mathematics taught at the elementary school level. This course satisfies the quantitative skills required for the AA degree, provided that MATH& 131 has also been completed with a grade of C- or higher. Formerly MATH 206, Math for Elementary School Teachers II. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH& 131; or permission of the Mathematics Department.

  • MATH& 141 Precalculus I
    MATH& 141 is the first in a series of two courses designed to give students an in-depth understanding of functions and to prepare students for calculus. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Course requires concurrent enrollment in MATH 041 OR having met one of the following prerequisites: grade of P in MATH 041; grade of C or higher in MATH 079, MATH 080, or MATH 80F; appropriate placement; or permission of the Mathematics Department. [NS] [Q]

  • MATH& 142 Precalculus II
    MATH& 142 is the second in a series of two courses designed to give students an in-depth understanding of functions and to prepare students for calculus. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 141, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department.

  • MATH& 146 Introduction to Statistics
    Study of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include data presentation and analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion, sampling distributions, parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, and linear regression. Formerly MATH 201. Course requires concurrent enrollment in MATH 046 OR having met one of the following prerequisites: grade of P in MATH 037, MATH 041, or MATH 046; grade of C or higher in MATH 078, MATH 078E, or MATH 79; appropriate placement; or permission of the Mathematics Department. [NS] [Q]

  • MATH& 148 Business Calculus
    MATH& 148 is an introduction to calculus as applied to business and economics as well as the behavioral, social, and life sciences. Topics include limits, derivatives, and integrals and their applications. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 141, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 121, Survey of Calculus.

  • MATH& 151 Calculus I
    MATH& 151 is the first in a sequence of four calculus courses for students who are planning to major in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 142, satisfactory placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 124, Calculus with Analytic Geometry I.

  • MATH& 152 Calculus II
    MATH& 152 is the second in a sequence of four calculus courses for students who are planning to major in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 151, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 125, Calculus with Analytic Geometry II.

  • MATH& 153 Calculus III
    MATH& 153 is the third in a sequence of four calculus courses for students who are planning to major in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 152, satisfactory placement, or permission of Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 126, Calculus with Analytic Geometry III.

  • MATH& 254 Calculus IV
    MATH& 254 is the fourth in a sequence of four calculus courses for students who are planning to major in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 153, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 224, Calculus & Analytical Geometry IV.

Courses

Courses

  • MATH 014 Pre-Algebra in Context
    MATH 014 is an exploration of mathematics intended to increase exposure, skills, confidence, and motivation for further mathematical learning. Real numbers, percents, patterns, data, measurement, geometry, algebraic concepts, and computational skills will be studied within meaningful contexts that derive from the world around us. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or permission of the Mathematics Department.

  • MATH 021 Introductory Algebra for Precalculus
    MATH 021 is an introductory algebra course intended to prepare students for the corequisite Precalculus I course pair. MATH 021 focuses on developing and applying numeric, algebraic, graphic, and metacognitive skills necessary for success in MATH 041, Corequisite Algebra for MATH& 141. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 071, MATH 014, CAP 014, HSC 014, or AMATH 106, appropriate placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Course is cross listed with CAP021 and HSC021. Credit can only be earned for one of these courses: CAP021, HSC021 and MATH021.

  • MATH 037 Corequisite Algebra for MATH& 107 and MATH& 131
    MATH 037 is an intermediate algebra course to be taken concurrently with MATH& 107 or MATH& 131. The course focuses on developing and applying numeric, algebraic, graphic, and metacognitive skills necessary for success in MATH& 107, Math in Society, and in MATH& 131, Mathematics for Elementary Education I. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 071, MATH 014, CAP 014, HSC 014, or AMATH 106, appropriate placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Corequisite: MATH& 107 or MATH & 131. Mandatory P/F grading.

  • MATH 040 Number Sense, Computation, and Math Study Skills
    Number Sense, Computation and Math Study Skills emphasizes reinforcement of the student's arithmetic background and its application to common mathematical tasks involving integers, fractions, and decimals. There will be dual emphasis on fortification of mental calculation power with minimum reliance on digital calculation and appropriate use of technology in computing. In addition to math skill content, students will be introduced to a variety of strategies designed to reduce math anxiety and improve student success. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement score or permission of the Mathematics Department.

  • MATH 041 Corequisite Algebra for MATH& 141
    MATH 041 is an intermediate algebra course to be taken concurrently with MATH& 141. The course focuses on developing and applying algebraic, graphic, and metacognitive skills necessary for success in MATH& 141, Precalculus I. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 075, MATH 021, CAP 021, or HSC 021, appropriate placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Corequisite: MATH& 141. Mandatory Pass/Not Pass grading.

  • MATH 046 Corequisite Algebra for MATH& 146
    MATH 046 is an intermediate algebra course to be taken concurrently with MATH& 146. The course focuses on developing and applying numeric, algebraic, graphic, and metacognitive skills necessary for success in MATH& 146, Introduction to Statistics. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 071, MATH 014, CAP 014, HSC 014, or AMATH 106, appropriate math placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Corequisite: MATH& 146. Recommended: READ 088 or higher. Mandatory P/F grading.

  • MATH 071 Pre-Algebra
    MATH 071 exposes students to proportional reasoning and the use of appropriate formulae to model and solve problems. The course emphasizes properties of equality to solve linear equations in one variable and solve a formula for a given variable. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement score or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 070A/072B.

  • MATH 075 Elementary Algebra
    MATH 075 exposes students to positive integer exponents, operations on polynomial expressions, expressions and equations involving square roots, and linear and quadratic equations. The course focuses on graphing two-variable linear and quadratic equations and on solving problems using linear equations, quadratic equations, and systems of linear equations. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 071 or MATH 72B, appropriate placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 074C/076D.

  • MATH 078 Topics in Intermediate Algebra
    MATH 078 exposes students to the concepts of negative integer exponents, functions, domain, and range, and focuses on exponential and logarithmic functions. The course emphasizes problem solving by introducing Polya's process. MATH 078 is designed to prepare students for select college-level mathematics courses. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 075 or MATH 76D, appropriate placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 078E.

  • MATH 079 Intermediate Algebra
    MATH 079 exposes students to the concepts of rational exponents, functions, domain, and range, and focuses on exponential, logarithmic, radical, and rational functions. The course emphasizes simplifying expressions and solving equations. MATH 079 is designed to prepare students for MATH& 141. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 075 or MATH 76D, appropriate placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 078E/080F.

  • MATH 080 Advanced Topics in Intermediate Algebra
    MATH 080 emphasizes the techniques used to simplify rational and radical expressions and to solve rational and radical equations. MATH 080 is designed to prepare students for MATH& 141. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH 078 or MATH 78E, appropriate placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 080F.

  • MATH 220 Linear Algebra
    Math 220 designed for students planning to major in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or physics. Topics include systems of linear equations, matrices, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, vector spaces, linear transformations, orthogonality and diagonalization. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MATH& 153, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Math Department.

  • MATH 238 Differential Equations
    Math 238 is designed for students planning to major in mathematics, engineering, computer science, or physics. Topics include analytic methods of solving ordinary differential equations as well as qualitative and numerical methods for describing their solutions. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or higher in MATH& 153, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Math Department.

  • MATH& 107 Math in Society
    Emphasizes mathematical reasoning, mathematical habits of thought, mathematical decision-making, mathematical communication, and the use of mathematical symbols, techniques and computations. Topics include proportional reasoning, mathematics of personal finance, probability, descriptive statistics, and growth and decay models (linear and exponential). Course requires concurrent enrollment in MATH 037 OR having met one of the following prerequisites: grade of P in MATH 037, MATH 041, or MATH 046; grade of C or higher in MATH 078, MATH 078E, or MATH 79; appropriate placement; or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 107, Mathematics: A Practical Experience. [NS] [Q]

  • MATH& 131 Mathematics for Elementary Education I
    MATH& 131 is the first of a two-course sequence designed to give prospective elementary education majors the depth of understanding necessary to teach mathematics in the elementary classroom. Designed for elementary school teachers focusing on methods of problem-solving, development and structure of number systems, and numerical algorithms applicable to elementary school mathematics. Formerly MATH 205, Math for Elementary School Teachers I. Course requires concurrent enrollment in MATH 037 OR having met one of the following prerequisites: grade of P in MATH 037, MATH 041, or MATH 046; grade of C or higher in MATH 078, MATH 078E, or MATH 79; appropriate placement; or permission of the Mathematics Department. [NS]

  • MATH& 132 Mathematics for Elementary Education II
    Math& 132 is the second of a two-course sequence designed to give prospective elementary education majors the depth of understanding necessary to teach mathematics in the elementary classroom. Designed for elementary school teachers focusing on topics in geometry, statistics, and measurement pertaining to mathematics taught at the elementary school level. This course satisfies the quantitative skills required for the AA degree, provided that MATH& 131 has also been completed with a grade of C- or higher. Formerly MATH 206, Math for Elementary School Teachers II. Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in MATH& 131; or permission of the Mathematics Department.

  • MATH& 141 Precalculus I
    MATH& 141 is the first in a series of two courses designed to give students an in-depth understanding of functions and to prepare students for calculus. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Course requires concurrent enrollment in MATH 041 OR having met one of the following prerequisites: grade of P in MATH 041; grade of C or higher in MATH 079, MATH 080, or MATH 80F; appropriate placement; or permission of the Mathematics Department. [NS] [Q]

  • MATH& 142 Precalculus II
    MATH& 142 is the second in a series of two courses designed to give students an in-depth understanding of functions and to prepare students for calculus. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 141, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department.

  • MATH& 146 Introduction to Statistics
    Study of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include data presentation and analysis, measures of central tendency and dispersion, sampling distributions, parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, and linear regression. Formerly MATH 201. Course requires concurrent enrollment in MATH 046 OR having met one of the following prerequisites: grade of P in MATH 037, MATH 041, or MATH 046; grade of C or higher in MATH 078, MATH 078E, or MATH 79; appropriate placement; or permission of the Mathematics Department. [NS] [Q]

  • MATH& 148 Business Calculus
    MATH& 148 is an introduction to calculus as applied to business and economics as well as the behavioral, social, and life sciences. Topics include limits, derivatives, and integrals and their applications. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 141, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 121, Survey of Calculus.

  • MATH& 151 Calculus I
    MATH& 151 is the first in a sequence of four calculus courses for students who are planning to major in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 142, satisfactory placement score, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 124, Calculus with Analytic Geometry I.

  • MATH& 152 Calculus II
    MATH& 152 is the second in a sequence of four calculus courses for students who are planning to major in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 151, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 125, Calculus with Analytic Geometry II.

  • MATH& 153 Calculus III
    MATH& 153 is the third in a sequence of four calculus courses for students who are planning to major in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 152, satisfactory placement, or permission of Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 126, Calculus with Analytic Geometry III.

  • MATH& 254 Calculus IV
    MATH& 254 is the fourth in a sequence of four calculus courses for students who are planning to major in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Graphical analysis of concepts is emphasized through the use of technology. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or higher in MATH& 153, satisfactory placement, or permission of the Mathematics Department. Formerly MATH 224, Calculus & Analytical Geometry IV.