Fall 2009 Math Placement Test for Haverford College

As of 10:15 AM on Monday Aug 24, we have processed the main batch of placement tests. Therefore, if you take this test after that time, you must email rmanning@haverford.edu to let us know that you have taken a test, so that we will know to retrieve the test and process it.

Last Name: First Name:

Most important things:

1. Fill in your name above. Your Web submission will not be accepted without a name.
2. As you proceed through the test, write down your answers, so you will not lose your work if your Web session crashes
3. Press the Submit button on the bottom of the whole test when you are done. Your responses will not be recorded unless you do this.
4. If you are waiting for the score of an AP test, it would be best to take our placement test after you receive the score. We find that an AP score is a great help in making good placement recommendations.

Welcome to Haverford! This online placement test will help us recommend a math course that seems right for you. After we review your placement test, our recommendation will be given to your advisor and posted on campus in late August. Keep in mind that this recommendation is only a first step in finding an appropriate course for you. Your score on this test will not keep you out of any course you may want to take; it is just one tool to help you find a course that you are prepared for and will be challenged by. Once you arrive at Haverford in August, you will have many opportunities to discuss your course choices with the math department, your advisor, etc.

Things you'll need for the test: pencil and scratch paper

Things you won't need: a calculator, intensive studying (We want to get a sense of what understanding you have retained from your past math courses. If you feel that the course we suggest you take covers material you have once mastered but since forgotten, we welcome you to discuss this concern with us once you arrive at Haverford.)

We estimate that the test should take 60-90 minutes, but you may take as long as you like.

The test begins with a survey of your background and interests, followed by 11 questions on precalculus topics, 15 questions on derivatives and integrals, and 6 questions on series and Taylor polynomials. Some of this material may be unfamiliar to you. Remember that the test is only used to gauge what Haverford math course would be best for you, so if you have no idea of the correct answer to some question, please leave that question blank rather than guess an answer. Finally,...

WHEN YOU ARE DONE, SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO SUBMIT YOUR PLACEMENT TEST. NONE OF YOUR RESPONSES WILL BE RECORDED UNLESS YOU DO THIS. (Yes, we already said this...)

Part I: Background Questionnaire

1. Do you think you have a solid background in basic high school math skills (algebra, geometry, trigonometry)?

Yes   No    Maybe

2. How much calculus have you had? None    Less than a year    A year or more

3. If you have had calculus, do you feel you know it reasonably well? Yes    No    Maybe

4. When was the last time you took math? What course?

5. If you took the AB Calculus College Board Advanced Placement (AP) test, indicate the result:

Did not take    Have not received results yet    5    4    3    2    1

6. If you took the BC Calculus College Board Advanced Placement (AP) test, indicate the result:

Did not take    Have not received results yet    5    4    3    2    1

7. Do you plan to take 3 or more semesters of math at Haverford? Yes    No    Maybe

8. Do you expect to major in math? Yes    No    Maybe

9. Have you taken a calculus course at a college or university? Yes   No

If yes, please indicate the class and institution:

10. Have you taken the International Baccalaureat Exam? Yes   No

If yes, please indicate the results:

11. Please add any brief comments that you think might help us to recommending an appropriate placement in mathematics. Please include any statistics class you have taken, as well as your score on the AP Statistics exam if you took it.:

Part II: Pre-calculus questions

1.

2.

3.

4.

4   100   5   20   None of these

5.

6.

1   2   3   4   5

7.

0   1   2   -2   -1

8. What is the slope of the line joining (0,3) to (6,0)?

1/2   -1/2   -2   2   18

9.

            None of the above

10. An equation of the line passing through (-4,0) and (0,-2) is

            None of the above

11.

            None of the above

Part III: Calculus questions

12.

None of the above

13.

None of the above

14.

            None of the above

15.

0   1         None of the these

16.

            None of the above

17.

            None of the above

18.

19.

The balloon reaches its maximum height at t=a

The balloon is dropping fastest at t=b

At t=c, the balloon is below its starting height (i.e., when t=0)

At t=d, the balloon is above its starting height (i.e., when t=0)

None of these statements is true

20.

1/2   1/3   1/4   1   1/6

21.

            None of the above

22.

23.

0   1/8   1/4   -1/4   None of these

24.

25.

None of these

26.

27.

converges to 3/2   converges to 2   converges to 0   converges to 5/3   does not converge

28.

converges to 3/2   converges to 2   converges to 0   converges to e   does not converge

29.

converges to a value less than 0.1

converges to a value between 0.1 and 1

converges to a value between 1 and 2

converges to a value greater than 2

does not converge

30.

31.

1   sin(1)   cos(1)   e   does not converge when x=1

32.

Thank you! If you have any technical difficulties, please email Rob Manning at rmanning@haverford.edu