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For more information about all math courses, please visit Math Courses.

MATH 180 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I

 
What is MATH 180?
MATH 180 is Calculus and Analytic Geometry I, the first course in the calculus sequence. It includes limits, derivatives, integrals, and their applications. In general, calculus is the study of change.
Which schools does MATH 180 transfer to?
All CSU and UC schools. See a counselor to verify specific private colleges.
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Who typically* takes MATH 180?
BSTEM (Business, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors.
*Note: For Business-related majors, some transfer schools may accept MATH 140 (Business Calculus) or other Mt SAC math courses. Please meet with a counselor about your intended transfer school to determine your math requirement.
What can I do to be successful in MATH 180?
  • Plan to study outside of class at least 8 hours each week, or more if it has been a while since you have taken precalculus and trigonometry.
  • Study actively by doing practice problems, making note cards, and making study guides.
  • Attend professor's student hours (office hours) and math support centers regularly.
  • Form study groups with other students in class and try to explain problems as you do them.
Where can I get help if I am struggling with MATH 180 topics?
First off, remember that you are not alone! Many students find MATH 180 challenging, so here are the supports you have available here at Mt. SAC.
Your Instructor
Instructor writing y=x+b on a chalkboard while saying "You can do it!"
Tutoring Centers on Campus
 
We want to remind you that when it comes to learning math… mindset matters! Believe in yourself and know that asking for help is strongly encouraged. In fact, data shows that if you use the support resources on campus, you will be more successful in your classes, so start visiting them early rather than right before a big exam.
"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein

Calculus is a powerful branch of mathematics built upon many different mathematical concepts. It involves more than just memorization, algebraic and trigonometric manipulation, and deriving proofs! It will help you combine these skills with an understanding of how things change, so that you can apply mathematical concepts in any field you are interested in, from engineering to economics.

Math concepts frequently used in MATH 180?
  • Basic arithmetic and algebra, including simplifying expressions and factoring
  • Graphs of basic functions with transformations
  • Logarithmic and exponential functions and their properties
  • Trigonometric functions and their graphs; trigonometric identities; inverse trigonometric functions
  • Solving equations and inequalities involving polynomial, rational, root, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
Where can I brush up on math concepts frequently used in MATH 180?
  • Join the MATH 180 Math Jumpstart Canvas page, created by Mt. SAC math faculty, with topic-based modules that include 5-10 minute refresher videos and practice problems to review at your own pace.
  • Enroll in a free faculty-led noncredit math prep class through AIME (Academic Instruction for Math and English) in Mt. SAC’s School of Continuing Education.
Remember, we want you to successfully complete your math requirements as you head toward your educational goal! If you feel that you would be better served in a different math class, we want you to know that it might be possible to find an open math class to switch to right now, or you can join a 12-week or 8-week class that starts late. However, don’t wait to make this change! You need to make the switch within the first few days of the semester to avoid a W on your transcript.
 
Here are the classes along the STEM path that you may* have access to. Check your Assessment Questionnaire (AQ) results to determine your eligibility for these classes.
  • MATH 180+18A Calculus I w/ Support [6 units]
  • MATH 160 Precalculus Mathematics [4 units]
  • MATH 150 Trigonometry [3 units] or MATH 150+15 Trigonometry w/ Support [5 units]
  • MATH 135 Precalculus Algebra [4 units] or MATH 135+13A Precalculus Algebra w/ Support [6 units]

Note that course numbering does not indicate difficulty of course content. If you have further questions about which course is right for you, please speak to a counselor.

Anyone can learn calculus! It is not a skill set that one is either born with or not. YOU are capable not only of learning calculus, but also of excelling in calculus!

For additional calculus help, please visit the Math Activities Resource Centers (MARCS) or the Academic Support and Achievement Center (ASAC).