The mathematical evaluation administered by the School of Southern Nevada (CSN) serves to guage incoming college students’ proficiency in arithmetic. This analysis determines applicable placement into arithmetic programs aligning with the scholar’s demonstrated ability stage. As an illustration, a pupil demonstrating sturdy algebra expertise could also be positioned instantly right into a college-level algebra course, whereas a pupil needing overview could also be positioned in a preparatory course.
Correct placement is essential for pupil success. It ensures people are challenged appropriately, avoiding frustration from being positioned in programs past their present understanding or boredom from being positioned in programs masking beforehand mastered materials. Traditionally, such assessments have been used throughout academic establishments to optimize studying pathways and enhance pupil outcomes in arithmetic.
The next sections will element the format of the analysis, the mathematical subjects coated, preparation methods for potential college students, and sources obtainable to assist in profitable completion and optimum course placement.
1. Algebra Foundations
Algebra foundations represent a core ingredient of the mathematical evaluation used for placement on the School of Southern Nevada. Proficiency in these elementary algebraic ideas is a powerful indicator of success in subsequent arithmetic coursework.
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Manipulation of Algebraic Expressions
This aspect encompasses the power to simplify, develop, and issue algebraic expressions. Competence in these expertise is important for fixing equations and understanding mathematical relationships. For instance, simplifying (x^2 + 2x + 1) to (x+1)^2 demonstrates mastery of factoring, a ability crucial for fixing quadratic equations. Its relevance to the position evaluation lies in its demonstration of a pupil’s readiness to deal with extra superior algebraic ideas.
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Fixing Linear Equations
This entails isolating variables in equations to seek out their values. Proficiency in fixing linear equations is a prerequisite for understanding extra advanced mathematical ideas. An instance is fixing the equation 2x + 3 = 7 for x. This demonstrates a fundamental understanding of algebraic manipulation, indicating preparedness for higher-level arithmetic.
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Working with Exponents and Radicals
Understanding the properties of exponents and radicals is essential for simplifying expressions and fixing equations involving powers and roots. The power to simplify (x^4) to x^2 is an instance. The analysis measures understanding of exponent guidelines and the power to use these guidelines to simplify expressions effectively, thus gauging readiness for future arithmetic programs.
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Understanding Polynomials
This aspect covers operations involving polynomials, together with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The power to multiply (x+2)(x-3) to acquire x^2 – x – 6 showcases understanding of polynomial operations. It is a elementary ability for understanding extra superior algebraic ideas, instantly impacting placement check efficiency.
These algebraic foundations, assessed throughout the placement analysis, collectively point out a pupil’s preparedness for college-level arithmetic. Mastering these expertise is important for correct course placement and future success in quantitative disciplines. The evaluation goals to establish strengths and weaknesses in these foundational areas to information applicable academic pathways.
2. Equation Fixing
Equation fixing is a pivotal element of the mathematical evaluation used for course placement on the School of Southern Nevada. The power to resolve numerous kinds of equations demonstrates a pupil’s foundational understanding of algebraic ideas and analytical expertise, instantly influencing placement selections.
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Linear Equations
The evaluation consists of linear equations, involving a number of variables, to guage the candidate’s capability to isolate variables utilizing elementary algebraic operations. An instance is fixing the equation 3x + 5 = 14. Proficiency on this space demonstrates competence in fundamental algebraic manipulation, a ability essential for fulfillment in introductory college-level arithmetic programs and subsequent placement.
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Quadratic Equations
Quadratic equations, usually within the kind ax + bx + c = 0, assess the candidate’s capability to use strategies resembling factoring, finishing the sq., or utilizing the quadratic formulation to seek out options. These expertise are important for understanding extra superior mathematical ideas and are indicative of a pupil’s readiness for higher-level coursework. The power to resolve them is thus instantly related to placement selections.
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Techniques of Equations
The evaluation could embody techniques of linear equations, requiring the candidate to seek out options that fulfill a number of equations concurrently. Strategies resembling substitution or elimination are usually employed. Proficiency in fixing techniques of equations demonstrates an understanding of the relationships between variables and the power to use logical reasoning, a invaluable ability for numerous fields of examine and subsequently pertinent to the position analysis.
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Radical Equations
Equations involving radicals, resembling sq. roots or dice roots, could also be included to evaluate the candidates capability to isolate the variable and get rid of the unconventional. This usually entails squaring or cubing either side of the equation. Talent in fixing radical equations shows an understanding of inverse operations and a focus to element, each of that are essential for extra superior math and science programs. This capability is essential to appropriate placement.
The proficiency demonstrated in fixing these equation sorts through the School of Southern Nevada’s placement evaluation is a direct indicator of a pupil’s mathematical preparedness. Success signifies readiness for higher-level programs, whereas challenges could recommend the necessity for preparatory coursework to solidify foundational expertise. The accuracy of this evaluation ensures applicable placement, optimizing the scholar’s studying trajectory.
3. Graphing Expertise
Graphing expertise represent a significant factor of the arithmetic evaluation utilized for placement functions on the School of Southern Nevada. The capability to interpret and create graphs is instantly linked to elementary mathematical ideas and problem-solving talents. A deficiency in graphing expertise can instantly affect a pupil’s placement into lower-level arithmetic programs, regardless of their proficiency in different areas, thus affecting their tutorial trajectory. Understanding graphical representations of information and equations is important for comprehension in numerous fields, together with engineering, economics, and the sciences. The position analysis assesses the power to extract info from graphs, resembling figuring out intercepts, slopes, and key options of capabilities. Conversely, it evaluates the capability to assemble graphs from given equations or knowledge units.
One particular instance is deciphering a provide and demand graph in an introductory economics course. College students should analyze the intersection of the 2 curves to find out the equilibrium value and amount. With out proficient graphing expertise, this evaluation turns into significantly more difficult, doubtlessly hindering comprehension of core financial ideas. Equally, in algebra, understanding the connection between an equation and its graphical illustration is crucial. The power to rapidly visualize a linear equation’s slope and intercept is invaluable for fixing issues and predicting developments. The evaluation additionally assesses understanding nonlinear capabilities. College students could also be required to establish and sketch the graph of a quadratic or an exponential perform.
In abstract, graphing expertise should not merely remoted mathematical talents, however moderately elementary instruments for deciphering knowledge and understanding relationships throughout numerous disciplines. The position arithmetic analysis acknowledges this by together with graphing-related questions. Mastery of those expertise instantly contributes to a pupil’s potential placement into extra superior arithmetic programs. It prepares people to successfully apply mathematical ideas to real-world eventualities and future tutorial endeavors. College students ought to dedicate enough effort and time to creating their graphing proficiency to maximise their efficiency on the analysis and safe applicable course placement.
4. Geometry Fundamentals
Geometry fundamentals kind a foundational ingredient of the mathematical evaluation for placement on the School of Southern Nevada. Whereas not the only focus, a working data of elementary geometric ideas is important for profitable navigation of the analysis. Understanding geometric ideas resembling space, perimeter, quantity, and the properties of shapes instantly influences efficiency on sure check questions. A deficiency in these areas can impede a pupil’s general rating and doubtlessly result in placement in a lower-level arithmetic course. For instance, a query involving the calculation of the world of a triangle or the quantity of a cylinder requires a grasp of fundamental geometric formulation and their utility. These expertise should not merely theoretical; they’re relevant to real-world eventualities encountered in numerous fields of examine, together with engineering, structure, and design.
Sensible utility of geometric data extends past easy calculations. Contemplate a state of affairs involving the design of a backyard. Figuring out the optimum dimensions for planting beds or calculating the quantity of fencing required necessitates an understanding of perimeter and space. Equally, in building, calculating the quantity of concrete wanted for a basis depends on geometric ideas. These examples underscore the sensible significance of geometry fundamentals and their relevance to the broader mathematical ability set assessed through the placement analysis. Furthermore, geometry usually serves as a bridge to extra superior mathematical subjects resembling trigonometry and calculus. A strong grounding in geometric ideas gives a invaluable basis for additional exploration of those areas.
In abstract, whereas the arithmetic placement analysis on the School of Southern Nevada encompasses a spread of mathematical subjects, geometry fundamentals shouldn’t be neglected. Proficiency on this space contributes to general check efficiency and ensures a pupil is satisfactorily ready for college-level coursework. The power to use geometric ideas to resolve issues is a invaluable ability that extends past the classroom and has sensible purposes in numerous fields. College students getting ready for the analysis are suggested to overview elementary geometric ideas to maximise their possibilities of profitable placement.
5. Information Evaluation
Information evaluation, whereas doubtlessly not a major focus, maintains relevance throughout the arithmetic evaluation utilized for placement on the School of Southern Nevada. The analysis consists of components that assess foundational expertise associated to knowledge interpretation and statistical reasoning. These expertise, although maybe not explicitly categorized as “knowledge evaluation” in superior contexts, are important for understanding and manipulating quantitative info, influencing a pupil’s capability to reach subsequent arithmetic programs and associated disciplines.
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Interpretation of Graphs and Charts
The power to extract significant info from visible representations of information is a vital ability assessed. This may increasingly contain deciphering bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, or scatter plots to establish developments, relationships, and key knowledge factors. As an illustration, a query would possibly current a graph displaying the expansion of a perform and ask for identification of intervals the place the perform is rising or lowering. Success demonstrates a elementary understanding of how knowledge will be represented and analyzed, instantly influencing preparedness for programs requiring statistical evaluation.
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Calculation of Primary Statistics
The evaluation could embody questions requiring the calculation of fundamental statistical measures resembling imply, median, mode, and vary. These calculations reveal an understanding of methods to summarize and describe knowledge units. A pattern query would possibly present a set of numerical values and ask for the calculation of the typical worth. Proficiency signifies competence in dealing with quantitative knowledge, supporting applicable placement into programs requiring statistical reasoning.
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Understanding of Chance
Foundational ideas of chance, resembling calculating the chance of an occasion occurring, could also be assessed. This may increasingly contain understanding the fundamental ideas of combinatorics and the calculation of possibilities in easy eventualities. An instance may be figuring out the chance of drawing a selected card from a deck. This element exams the scholar’s capability to purpose logically about unsure occasions, a vital ability in lots of scientific and analytical fields.
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Software of Information to Downside Fixing
The position analysis would possibly incorporate phrase issues that require the applying of information evaluation expertise to resolve real-world eventualities. This entails deciphering the issue, figuring out related knowledge, and making use of applicable analytical strategies to reach at an answer. For instance, a query may contain analyzing gross sales knowledge to foretell future developments. This demonstrates the scholar’s capability to combine knowledge evaluation into problem-solving, reinforcing applicable placement into programs that contain comparable analytical purposes.
These sides collectively reveal the presence of information evaluation expertise throughout the School of Southern Nevada’s arithmetic placement analysis. Whereas doubtlessly not a devoted part, components of information interpretation, statistical reasoning, and problem-solving utilizing knowledge are included. Proficiency in these areas contributes to a pupil’s general preparedness for college-level arithmetic and associated disciplines, influencing the position determination and making certain optimum studying outcomes.
6. Numerical Reasoning
Numerical reasoning constitutes a vital facet of the arithmetic evaluation utilized for placement on the School of Southern Nevada. This ability, outlined as the power to grasp and manipulate numerical knowledge to attract logical conclusions, is evaluated to find out a pupil’s readiness for college-level arithmetic coursework. Efficiency on this space instantly impacts course placement and, consequently, the scholar’s tutorial trajectory.
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Understanding Quantity Relationships
This aspect entails comprehending the relationships between numbers, together with ratios, proportions, percentages, and fractions. For instance, the power to find out the share improve or lower between two values demonstrates an understanding of proportional relationships. Its relevance to the evaluation lies in its demonstration of a pupil’s capability to use these relationships to resolve sensible issues. In fields resembling finance or engineering, the understanding of quantity relationships is foundational for decision-making.
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Deciphering Numerical Information
This aspect assesses the power to interpret knowledge offered in numerous codecs, resembling tables, charts, and graphs. A standard instance entails analyzing a desk of gross sales figures to establish developments or patterns. This ability is crucial for extracting significant info from numerical knowledge, a necessity throughout quite a few tutorial disciplines {and professional} fields. Throughout the evaluation, the interpretation of numerical knowledge is examined via questions requiring evaluation of offered datasets.
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Making use of Mathematical Operations
This aspect encompasses the proper utility of fundamental arithmetic operations, together with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, to resolve numerical issues. This entails making use of the proper order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS). The power to precisely and effectively carry out these operations is important for quantitative reasoning. Within the evaluation, this ability is evaluated via issues requiring multi-step calculations and the applying of arithmetic ideas to resolve for unknown portions.
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Estimating and Approximating
This aspect evaluates the capability to make affordable estimations and approximations when exact calculations should not required or are impractical. For instance, estimating the whole value of a basket of groceries or approximating the world of an irregular form demonstrates this ability. The position analysis could embody questions that require college students to estimate the answer to an issue, assessing their capability to rapidly assess numerical portions and make sound judgments.
The aforementioned sides collectively symbolize the essence of numerical reasoning as assessed throughout the placement analysis. A powerful efficiency in these areas signifies a pupil’s preparedness for college-level arithmetic, leading to applicable course placement and enhanced potential for educational success. Deficiencies, conversely, could recommend a necessity for preparatory coursework to solidify foundational expertise.
7. Perform Ideas
Perform ideas represent a good portion of the arithmetic evaluation utilized for placement on the School of Southern Nevada. A strong understanding of capabilities and their properties is deemed important for fulfillment in higher-level arithmetic programs, influencing placement selections. The analysis assesses familiarity with numerous kinds of capabilities, together with linear, quadratic, exponential, and logarithmic capabilities, in addition to the power to control and interpret them.
Proficiency on this space allows college students to mannequin real-world relationships mathematically. As an illustration, the trajectory of a projectile will be modeled utilizing a quadratic perform, or the expansion of a bacterial inhabitants will be described utilizing an exponential perform. Understanding perform notation, area, vary, and transformations is essential for analyzing and deciphering these mathematical fashions. The evaluation evaluates these expertise via questions involving perform analysis, graphing, and problem-solving. For instance, a pupil could also be requested to find out the vary of a given perform or to establish the equation of a perform based mostly on its graph. Accurately answering a majority of these questions demonstrates a elementary understanding of perform ideas and a readiness for extra superior mathematical subjects.
In abstract, perform ideas are a cornerstone of college-level arithmetic, and a powerful understanding of those ideas is important for optimum course placement on the School of Southern Nevada. The position analysis consists of questions particularly designed to evaluate this understanding, emphasizing the significance of getting ready completely on this space. Mastery of perform ideas equips college students with the required instruments to deal with advanced mathematical issues and reach numerous tutorial disciplines.
8. Phrase Issues
Phrase issues symbolize a significant factor of the mathematical evaluation for placement on the School of Southern Nevada. They function a sensible utility of mathematical ideas, evaluating a pupil’s capability to translate real-world eventualities into mathematical equations and subsequently resolve them. The inclusion of phrase issues instantly impacts a pupil’s placement final result, as success demonstrates the next stage of comprehension and problem-solving aptitude. As an illustration, a phrase drawback would possibly describe a state of affairs involving distance, charge, and time, requiring the scholar to formulate an equation and resolve for an unknown variable. The power to precisely interpret the issue, establish the related info, and apply the suitable mathematical operations is essential for an accurate resolution, thereby demonstrating readiness for superior coursework. The absence of proficiency in fixing phrase issues can point out a necessity for extra foundational arithmetic expertise, influencing placement right into a extra introductory stage.
Moreover, phrase issues lengthen past easy arithmetic and algebraic manipulation. They usually require crucial pondering, logical reasoning, and the power to establish underlying mathematical ideas. Contemplate a phrase drawback involving geometric shapes and areas. The coed should visualize the state of affairs, apply geometric formulation, and doubtlessly carry out multi-step calculations to reach on the appropriate reply. This course of necessitates a deeper understanding of mathematical ideas and their utility to real-world conditions, past mere memorization of formulation. Efficient efficiency on a majority of these issues illustrates a capability to use mathematical expertise to resolve novel conditions, a crucial ability for fulfillment in college-level coursework throughout numerous disciplines.
In abstract, phrase issues should not merely an adjunct to the mathematical placement analysis, however moderately an integral element that instantly impacts a pupil’s placement on the School of Southern Nevada. Their inclusion assesses the power to translate real-world eventualities into mathematical fashions, apply related mathematical operations, and interpret the outcomes throughout the context of the unique drawback. Growing sturdy problem-solving expertise, notably within the context of phrase issues, is essential for attaining optimum placement and making certain a profitable tutorial trajectory.
9. Check Format
The construction and supply technique of the mathematical evaluation considerably impression a pupil’s efficiency and, consequently, course placement on the School of Southern Nevada. Understanding the check format, together with the kinds of questions, time constraints, and scoring methodology, is as crucial as mastering the mathematical content material itself. The format acts as a framework inside which the evaluated mathematical talents are demonstrated. Familiarity with this framework permits college students to optimize their method, allocate time effectively, and mitigate check anxiousness, resulting in a extra correct illustration of their mathematical expertise. A poorly understood format can hinder even mathematically proficient college students, leading to suboptimal placement. As an illustration, if the evaluation closely emphasizes multiple-choice questions however a pupil primarily prepares via problem-solving workouts, their efficiency could endure regardless of a strong mathematical basis.
The sensible implications of understanding the testing construction are appreciable. Data of the allotted time per query allows college students to tempo themselves successfully, stopping untimely exhaustion of time. Consciousness of the scoring system, whether or not it penalizes incorrect solutions or not, informs strategic decision-making on whether or not to try difficult questions or concentrate on these with larger chance of success. The character of the questions, whether or not they’re computationally targeted, conceptually oriented, or application-based, dictates the suitable preparation methods. Actual-life purposes contain follow exams replicating the precise format. This enables college students to simulate the testing atmosphere, establish areas of weak point, and refine their test-taking methods. Familiarity with on-screen calculators or different offered instruments additional optimizes efficiency throughout the established format.
In conclusion, the “Check Format” will not be merely a peripheral element however an intrinsic ingredient of the mathematical analysis course of for course placement on the School of Southern Nevada. A transparent understanding of the format empowers college students to showcase their mathematical talents successfully, resulting in a extra correct evaluation of their expertise and, in the end, applicable course placement. Whereas mathematical proficiency stays important, strategic consciousness of the “Check Format” is equally essential for attaining optimum outcomes and maximizing the potential for educational success. Challenges would possibly come up from modifications within the evaluation format, underscoring the necessity for steady consciousness of essentially the most present testing tips.
Often Requested Questions
The next questions handle widespread inquiries and considerations concerning the arithmetic placement evaluation on the School of Southern Nevada. These responses purpose to supply readability and steering for potential college students.
Query 1: What’s the major goal of the arithmetic placement evaluation?
The principal goal of the evaluation is to guage incoming college students’ present mathematical expertise to find out essentially the most applicable preliminary arithmetic course. This ensures college students are neither under-challenged nor overwhelmed by the course materials.
Query 2: What mathematical subjects are usually coated on the evaluation?
The evaluation typically encompasses a spread of mathematical subjects, together with however not restricted to algebra foundations, equation fixing, graphing expertise, geometry fundamentals, knowledge evaluation, numerical reasoning, and performance ideas.
Query 3: Is there a penalty for incorrect solutions on the evaluation?
The scoring methodology could differ. College students ought to seek the advice of official documentation from the School of Southern Nevada concerning whether or not incorrect solutions are penalized. This info is essential for informing test-taking methods.
Query 4: Can the arithmetic placement evaluation be retaken?
Institutional insurance policies govern the potential for retaking the evaluation. College students are suggested to consult with the School of Southern Nevada’s official tips for particulars concerning retake insurance policies, ready durations, and potential limitations.
Query 5: What sources can be found to organize for the evaluation?
Preparation sources could embody follow exams, overview supplies, and on-line modules. The School of Southern Nevada usually gives or recommends particular sources designed to assist college students in adequately getting ready for the evaluation.
Query 6: How does the position evaluation end result affect course choice?
The evaluation rating instantly determines the scholar’s placement into a selected arithmetic course. Larger scores usually result in placement in additional superior programs, whereas decrease scores could necessitate enrollment in preparatory or foundational programs.
Profitable navigation of the arithmetic placement evaluation is crucial for establishing a strong basis for future tutorial endeavors. Understanding the evaluation’s goal, content material, and format is paramount for attaining optimum placement.
Subsequent sections of this text will discover methods for maximizing efficiency on the evaluation, together with efficient preparation strategies and useful resource utilization.
Maximizing Efficiency on the Arithmetic Placement Evaluation
Efficient preparation is important for attaining optimum placement in arithmetic programs. The next tips supply particular methods to boost efficiency on the analysis.
Tip 1: Overview Foundational Ideas: A radical overview of fundamental algebraic ideas, geometric formulation, and numerical operations is crucial. College students ought to revisit elementary ideas to make sure a strong understanding of the underlying ideas. For instance, working towards simplifying algebraic expressions or calculating the world of geometric shapes strengthens foundational data.
Tip 2: Follow Downside-Fixing: Often fixing a wide range of issues, together with phrase issues, reinforces mathematical expertise and develops problem-solving aptitude. Follow issues ought to embody the vary of subjects coated on the evaluation. As an illustration, working via pattern issues involving linear equations, quadratic equations, and performance analysis enhances familiarity with totally different drawback sorts.
Tip 3: Make the most of Obtainable Sources: Familiarize your self with obtainable examine guides, follow exams, and on-line sources. Official supplies from the School of Southern Nevada are notably invaluable. For instance, accessing official follow exams and punctiliously reviewing the options gives perception into the kinds of questions and anticipated issue ranges.
Tip 4: Handle Time Successfully: Follow time administration expertise to make sure environment friendly allocation of time through the evaluation. Simulate check circumstances by setting closing dates for follow issues and assessments. For instance, allotting a selected period of time per query throughout follow exams helps develop a way of pacing.
Tip 5: Perceive Check Format: Turn out to be completely conversant in the check format, together with the kinds of questions, scoring system, and obtainable instruments. The extra one understands the best way they are going to be evaluated, the extra comfy they are going to be through the occasion. This may permit them to achieve larger scores. As an illustration, familiarizing oneself with the calculator capabilities and the format of multiple-choice questions optimizes test-taking methods.
Tip 6: Tackle Areas of Weak point: Determine and handle areas of mathematical weak point via focused follow and overview. Deal with subjects that current the best problem. For instance, if graphing capabilities poses issue, dedicate extra time to working towards graphing workouts and searching for clarification on associated ideas.
By implementing these methods, college students can improve their preparation and maximize their efficiency, in the end making certain applicable course placement and a powerful basis for educational success.
The next part will handle extra sources and help companies obtainable to assist college students of their arithmetic coursework on the School of Southern Nevada.
Conclusion
This text has offered a complete overview of the evaluation used for arithmetic placement on the School of Southern Nevada. It has examined the construction, content material, and methods for optimizing efficiency. Key components explored embody the foundational mathematical ideas examined, the significance of understanding the analysis’s format, and the supply of sources to assist in preparation. Profitable navigation of the evaluation is paramount for making certain applicable course placement.
A powerful understanding of the arithmetic evaluation and diligent preparation symbolize crucial steps in direction of tutorial success. Using the data offered herein can empower college students to method the analysis with confidence, facilitating correct placement and maximizing their potential for achievement in future arithmetic coursework.
