The Calculus Placement Test

Overview Calculus is an important course for many students, but it can be a very challenging course. It requires hard work and commitment for the entire semester. But hard work cannot make up for inadequate preparation.

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 Placement 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 or Math 220. They will not be allowed to take Math 221 or Math 220, 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 or Math 220.

Test format The test itself takes an hour. It is administered by computer, under supervision. The questions are all multiple choice. Students may use pencil and paper for scratch work, but may not use calculators of any kind. When the student completes the exam, the exam score will appear on the computer screen.

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.

Test topics The topics covered on the test are standard topics in precalculus mathematics, and, at a minimum, will include:

Algebraic operations with fractions, radicals and exponents.
Manipulation, graphing and solution of linear and quadratic equations.
Simple geometry, including circles and triangles.
Basic trigonometry, including identities.
Inequalities, including absolute value expressions.
Sets and functions.

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.

Schedule The schedule for the Placement Test for students who intend to take Math 221 or Math 220 in Spring, 2010.

If you took and passed the Calculus Placement Test when it was offered for one of the previous two semesters then you do not need to take it again. ALL other students must take the test.

Questions and Answers Check this link if you have questions about the Placement Test. If your question isn't answered here then send email to calculus@math.binghamton.edu

The Number 1 question that students ask about the Placement Test is "Do I have to take it?" The answer is
Yes! You must have taken and passed the placement test in order to take Math 221 or Math 220. You must have passed the test within approximately one year of registration for Math 221 or Math 220. There are no exceptions. If you have other questions, check the FAQ.

The Self-evaluation Test You can get a very good idea of what the Placement Test looks like by taking our Self-evaluation Test. This is a version of the Placement Test that is designed for students to take at home. If you take the Self-evaluation seriously (without assistance, calculators, etc) and do well on it then you should have no problems when you take the Placement Test.

The Self-evaluation is not the Placement Test. Your score on the Self-evaluation is only intended to give you an idea of how you will do on the Placement Test. A passing score on the Self-evaluation does not qualify you to take Math 221 or 220. You must pass the Placement Test if you want to take Math 221 or 220.

The Self-evaluation has 33 questions and is timed; you have one hour to take it. You must identify yourself by BU ID or BU email address, plus your full name.

Click here to take the Self-evaluation Test.

Questions or comments: Send email to calculus@math.binghamton.edu
Go to the Calculus home page.
Go to the Math Sciences Department home page.