Prerequisites Check

Success in this course requires solid elementary algebra fundamentals. Don’t worry - we’ve created a flexible, self-paced system to help you verify your readiness or strengthen any areas that need work.

Demonstrate algebra readiness through ONE of these paths:

• Quick Check: Score ≥90% (fastest option!)
• Topic Modules: Complete modules with ≥85% average
• Complete Inventory: Score ≥80% (comprehensive option)

Before starting, or at any point throughout this prerequisite process, you may find these resources helpful:

• Algebraic Simplification Rules
• Common Mistakes Primer

Time investment: Just 15-20 minutes!

The Quick Skills Check samples 10 essential algebra skills. This is your fastest path to completion.

👉 Take the Quick Skills Check

Limited Attempts

Unlike all other prerequisite assessments, the Quick Skills Check must be completed in one sitting and has a limited number of attempts to preserve its diagnostic value. Only launch it when you are ready to proceed, and use your attempts wisely!

If your Quick Check suggests additional practice, work through these self-paced modules. Each takes 35-60 minutes and allows unlimited attempts.

Your goal: Achieve ≥85% average across the modules you complete.

1. Foundations & Like Terms

   • Algebra vocabulary
   • Identifying and combining like terms
   • Start here if you scored low on basic concepts

2. Distributive Property Mastery

   • Understanding a(b + c) = ab + ac
   • Expanding expressions
   • Essential for equation manipulation

3. Exponent Rules & Powers

   • Zero and negative exponents
   • Power rules
   • Critical for advanced topics

4. Order of Operations (PEMDAS)

   • Correct evaluation order
   • Complex expressions
   • Fundamental for all calculations

5. Factorization & Advanced Topics

   • Factoring techniques
   • Special algebraic concepts
   • Important for problem-solving

Prefer to demonstrate everything at once? The Complete Inventory covers all topics comprehensively.

Time investment: 90-120 minutes Your goal: Score ≥80%

👉 Take the Complete Inventory

Best for: Students confident in their algebra who want to complete everything in one sitting.

1. Start with Quick Check
2. If you score ≥90%, you’re done!
3. Otherwise, follow the personalized recommendations

1. Take Quick Check to identify weak spots
2. Complete the 2-3 recommended modules
3. Work at your own pace with unlimited attempts

1. Skip Quick Check
2. Work through all 5 topic modules
3. Build confidence with unlimited practice

1. Go directly to Complete Inventory
2. Demonstrate all skills at once
3. Score ≥80% to complete

• Start by: First week of class
• Complete by: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11:59PM for this to count as extra credit.
• Total time investment:
  • Minimum (if you pass Quick Check): 15 minutes
  • Typical (2-3 modules): 2-3 hours
  • Maximum (all modules): 4-5 hours

1. Be honest with yourself - These prerequisites matter for your success in the course
2. Use the Quick Check first - It might save you hours of work
3. Don’t rush - Take time to understand concepts, not just memorize
4. Practice makes permanent - Multiple attempts help solidify skills
5. Ask for help - If you’re struggling, reach out during office hours

Q: What if I pass the Quick Check but still feel rusty? A: You can still access all practice modules for additional review. They’re always available!

Q: Do these count toward my grade? A: These are completion-based prerequisites. Focus on learning, not points.

Q: Can I retake assessments? A: Topic modules allow unlimited attempts. The Quick Check has limited attempts to maintain its diagnostic value.

Q: What if I can’t complete these successfully? A: Please see us in office hours immediately. We can discuss additional resources or prerequisites you might need.

Q: Why is algebra so important for this course? A: You’ll use these skills constantly in algorithm analysis, complexity calculations, and mathematical proofs throughout CIT 5920.

Remember: This system is designed to help you succeed, not to gatekeep. Most students complete the prerequisites in under 2 hours total.

Begin with the Quick Check - you might be done in 15 minutes!

👉 Start Quick Skills Check

Questions? Contact the course staff during office hours or via Ed Discussion (see button at the top of the page).

Remember: Strong foundations lead to strong performance. Taking these prerequisites seriously is an investment in your success!