The Screening Test

Overview Calculus I 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 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.

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:

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 Screening Test for students who intend to take Math 221 in Fall, 2007.

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.

Questions and Answers Check this link if you have questions about the Screening 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 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.

The Sample test We have prepared a sample test. It has 10 questions, representing the range of questions that will be on the actual test, and should only take about 10 to 15 minutes. It is presented in a format similar to the actual test, and your answers will be checked at the end of the test; you may take it as often as you like. No calculators are permitted on the actual test, so you should not use a calculator on the sample test. You should have scratch paper and a pen or pencil.

Of course you should not interpret your grade on this sample as a prediction of your performance on the actual test.

Click Here to take the sample test.
Explanations of answers We have prepared detailed explanations for the answers on the sample screening test. They are provided only to help you understand the sample Screening Test questions. They are not the only possible explanations, although each question has only one correct answer.

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. )

Questions or comments: Send email to calculus@math.binghamton.edu
Go to the Calculus home page.
Go to the Math Sciences Department home page.
Last modified: Mon Aug 15 13:51:20 2007 EST