Calculus, like most of mathematics, is a cumulative discipline; each new idea depends on a thorough understanding of the preceding material. This is true all through the Calculus sequence, including the very beginning: Students who do not have a solid background in algebra and trigonometry will have serious trouble in Calculus. The Screening Test is designed to identify such students, and it has proved to be quite accurate.
Students who do not pass this test are very unlikely to succeed in Math 221. They will not be allowed to take Math 221, and are encouraged to take our Precalculus course (Math 108) to improve their background in algebra and trigonometry. Students who do so have a much better chance of success in Math 221.
Each correct answer on the test counts as one point, and the passing grade is currently 60%. Currently there are 33 questions on the test, so the passing grade is 20. However, the number of questions on the test, and the passing grade, may change as we develop new versions of the test.
If you have a disability and are unable to take the exam in the way described here, please let the Math Department know by phone [(607) 777-2148] or email (calculus@math.binghamton.edu) and an accommodation will be arranged.
Most standard precalculus texts cover this material in great detail, and students should find such a text and use it for review. Notice that calculators are not permitted during the test (and, indeed, calculators are prohibited in almost all mathematics tests at Binghamton). Therefore a precalculus text that places heavy emphasis on calculator use will not be a good review text for this test.
If you took and passed the calculus screening test after May 1, 2005, then you do not need to take it again. ALL other students must take the test.
The Number 1 question that students ask about the Screening Test is "Do I have to take it?" The answer is
| Yes! You must have taken and passed the screening test sometime after May 1, 2005, in order to take Math 221 in the Fall of 2007. There are no exceptions. If you have other questions, check the FAQ. |
Of course you should not interpret your grade on this sample as a prediction of your performance on the actual test.
You should try to solve the problems on your own before reading the solutions, even if it takes several attempts. Remember, these samples do not represent all possible questions that may occur on the actual Screening Test. Do not expect that studying the explanations is all that you need to do to prepare for the test.
Here are the explanations, in pdf format. (If your browser has trouble with pdf files you may need to download a plugin; click here for further information. )