Technical Math I Penn Foster

[skyfall123]

I just wanted to give some input for those going this route in order to get College Algebra credit for the Excelsior Business Degree. The Technical Math I course is broken down into 6 sections. You get a booklet for each section, which contains study and review material and a 20-25 question multiple choice test at the end. When you have completed the test, you go online, fill in the test answers and voila you get your score.

Now the way your grade breaks down is important. Your final grade is 2/3 based on the average of your 6 section tests, and 1/3 based on your final exam. As I sit waiting for my final exam to arrive, I've managed an 85 average on the 6 sections. So 2/3's of my grade is already set at an average of 85. A passing grade of a C = 75 points. So using my new found Math skills, since the final grade is 2/3 sections and 1/3 final, and a passing grade is 75 out of 100. Then I will need a combined score of at least 225 for the three parts that make up the final grade. Since I already have an 85 average for each of the first 2/3's of the grade or 170, then all I need to pass the class is to score 225-170= 55 on the final. Now if I score less than a 55 on the final, I am still able to retake it, with a maximum top score of given of 70.

Here are the sections:

Formulas
Algebra Pt 1
Algebra Pt 2
Algebra Pt 3
Logarithms
Metric System

Here is the good news: The tests are OPEN BOOK. The final is OPEN BOOK, but timed. On all tests including the final, you can retake and get a maximum of 70.


Here is my advice:
You can do them in any order. If you are as rusty at Algebra as I am, you'll need to take advantage of every angle, and maximize your scoring ability.
There are three sections that with preperation you should nail and score close to 100. The Formulas section is basic. The Logarithm section takes a while to figure out, however you do have a calculator as backup to help you out. I repeat you have a calculator to help you out. The Metric System is the third very doable section.

So if you do well on those three sections, then you have some margin of error on the 3 Algebra sections.

Now the final is only 25-30 questions.... and since the final reflects the 6 sections, then if you know the Formulas, Logarithms and Metric System, then it is quite possible to pass with less than stellar Algebra skills.

I'll let you know about the final when it comes.