MATH 008 is designed for students who want to strengthen their quantitative reasoning skills for use in everyday life, academic work, civic decision-making, and future careers. The course focuses on helping students interpret, analyze, and communicate with numbers, data, graphs, percentages, proportions, probability, and basic mathematical models.
Unlike a traditional algebra or calculus-preparation course, MATH 008 emphasizes mathematical thinking in real-world contexts. Students practice making sense of information, evaluating claims, using quantitative evidence, and explaining their reasoning clearly.
Course Content
Topics may include:
- Proportional reasoning, ratios, rates, and percentages
- Interpreting tables, graphs, and data displays
- Linear and exponential growth
- Personal finance and budgeting
- Probability and risk
- Statistics, averages, variation, and uncertainty
- Modeling real-world situations with equations and graphs
- Evaluating quantitative claims in media, science, public policy, and everyday life
- Communicating mathematical reasoning in writing
Target Audience
MATH 008 is intended primarily for students in majors that require quantitative reasoning but do not require calculus. It is especially appropriate for students who want a practical, context-based mathematics course focused on interpreting and using quantitative information.
Students in STEM majors, pre-health pathways, economics, business-related pathways, or any major requiring calculus should usually take the MATH 005/011/012 or MATH 005/021/022 pathways instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MATH 008 a calculus-preparation course?
No. MATH 008 develops quantitative reasoning, but it is not designed to prepare students for calculus.
Should I take MATH 008 or MATH 005?
Students who need calculus should generally take MATH 005. Students who do not need calculus but need a quantitative reasoning course may be better served by MATH 008.
What kinds of math will I use in MATH 008?
You will use arithmetic, percentages, proportions, graphs, and basic algebra.
Can MATH 008 satisfy a math requirement?
In many cases, yes, but students should check their major requirements and consult their academic advisor to make sure MATH 008 applies to their degree plan.
What skills will I gain from MATH 008?
You will build confidence reading graphs, evaluating numerical claims, working with data, understanding risk and probability, and using mathematics to make informed decisions.
Who should not take MATH 008?
Students who need calculus, pre-calculus, or a calculus-based sequence for their major should usually not take MATH 008 as their main math pathway.
