03-26-2013, 10:37 AM
I just completed MAT-119 Quantitative Business Analysis. Here's a little review for those who are curious in taking the course rather than CLEPing or doing ALEKS.
Topics:
Module 1 Basic Concepts
Module 2 Linear Equation
Module 3 Functions and Quadratic equations
Module 4 Exponential and Logarithmic equations
Module 5 Business and Finance Applications
Module 6 Systems and Matrices
Module 7 Maximization and Minimization
As you can see, this course is basically a college finite mathematics course. Many of the examples used throughout the course are applied to business calculations, but it also applies to the social sciences.
If you already have a good math background, you won't find it too difficult. If not, you will definitely struggle. Half of the class dropped out within the first week. The "witten assignments", which are really homework problems consist of about 30-40 math problems per week that need to be either done on a word document, or very neatly on paper (mentor's preference). This was by far the most tedious part of the class. The calculations normally involved several steps or application of a word problem. I fell behind twice during the course but was able to catch up with marathon nights.
The textbook used for the course is Finite Mathematics with Applications 10e by Lial. The book is about an edition or two old so you can get it for a decent price if you look around the used book sites. I was able to borrow mine from the base library. This book is atrocious. The author introduces topics with very vague examples. Normally the author will give perhaps two examples for a problem type and you're on you own. The examples seem easy enough but when it came to the homework problems, I felt lost most of the time. Interestingly, the companion site to the book would provide completely different (if not more efficient) ways to solve the problems than what the author offered. I found myself visiting numerous sites and registering for wolfram alfpha to help me out.
The discussions were basically asking how the methods learned were applied to business. These were basically give me points. It involved one original posting and responding to two other individuals.
There are 7 module quizzes in which you have about 30 minutes to do 5 problems. It sounds like a lot of time, but really it isnt. I found myself rushing through sometimes struggling with the equation editor that is part of blackboard.
The final exam is an open bood 50 question multiple choice exam. Once again, not enough time to properly work the calculations.
Overall, this course will give you a serious headache, especially if you aren't the most math literate. I was able to get a good final grade, but I definitely felt that I did as much work in this one course as I had in two previous B&M courses. Unless you really like torturing yourself, avoid this class and take an ALEKS course.
I took this initially to have a quants course on my transcript.
Topics:
Module 1 Basic Concepts
Module 2 Linear Equation
Module 3 Functions and Quadratic equations
Module 4 Exponential and Logarithmic equations
Module 5 Business and Finance Applications
Module 6 Systems and Matrices
Module 7 Maximization and Minimization
As you can see, this course is basically a college finite mathematics course. Many of the examples used throughout the course are applied to business calculations, but it also applies to the social sciences.
If you already have a good math background, you won't find it too difficult. If not, you will definitely struggle. Half of the class dropped out within the first week. The "witten assignments", which are really homework problems consist of about 30-40 math problems per week that need to be either done on a word document, or very neatly on paper (mentor's preference). This was by far the most tedious part of the class. The calculations normally involved several steps or application of a word problem. I fell behind twice during the course but was able to catch up with marathon nights.
The textbook used for the course is Finite Mathematics with Applications 10e by Lial. The book is about an edition or two old so you can get it for a decent price if you look around the used book sites. I was able to borrow mine from the base library. This book is atrocious. The author introduces topics with very vague examples. Normally the author will give perhaps two examples for a problem type and you're on you own. The examples seem easy enough but when it came to the homework problems, I felt lost most of the time. Interestingly, the companion site to the book would provide completely different (if not more efficient) ways to solve the problems than what the author offered. I found myself visiting numerous sites and registering for wolfram alfpha to help me out.
The discussions were basically asking how the methods learned were applied to business. These were basically give me points. It involved one original posting and responding to two other individuals.
There are 7 module quizzes in which you have about 30 minutes to do 5 problems. It sounds like a lot of time, but really it isnt. I found myself rushing through sometimes struggling with the equation editor that is part of blackboard.
The final exam is an open bood 50 question multiple choice exam. Once again, not enough time to properly work the calculations.
Overall, this course will give you a serious headache, especially if you aren't the most math literate. I was able to get a good final grade, but I definitely felt that I did as much work in this one course as I had in two previous B&M courses. Unless you really like torturing yourself, avoid this class and take an ALEKS course.
I took this initially to have a quants course on my transcript.
CLEPS Passed: 10 DSST Passed: 11 TECEPS: 1
PrLoko-isms
Don't waste time by trying to save time. The only sure way to complete your degree is to knock out credits quickly and efficiently.
Don't let easiness bite you in the rear. Know your endgame (where you want to be) and plan backward from there. Your education is a means to an end.
Be honest professionally, socially and academically. There are people (especially little ones) who look up to you and they're going by your example.
Be proud. Whether you're an Engineer or Fast Food worker, there is honor and dignity in hard work.
Picking on people weaker than you only proves that you are a weak person.
PrLoko-isms
Don't waste time by trying to save time. The only sure way to complete your degree is to knock out credits quickly and efficiently.
Don't let easiness bite you in the rear. Know your endgame (where you want to be) and plan backward from there. Your education is a means to an end.
Be honest professionally, socially and academically. There are people (especially little ones) who look up to you and they're going by your example.
Be proud. Whether you're an Engineer or Fast Food worker, there is honor and dignity in hard work.
Picking on people weaker than you only proves that you are a weak person.
![[-]](https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/images/collapse.png)
