If I could take one math class for DAT?

[digzthis]

Hi, all. So plan on taking the dat in January and i can afford to take one math class over fall semester and looking for the best overall class if there is one. I'm non traditional so its been awhile since i've had any formal math but have most of the pre reqs done. I was thinking of taking an algebra class but came across this course which is literally called quantitative reasoning so just wanted to get your opinion. Here's the description for the course:


MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning)
Intended for Non STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Topics include introductory treatments of sets and logic, financial mathematics, probability and statistics with appropriate applications. Number sense, proportional reasoning, estimation, technology, and communication should be embedded throughout the course. Additional topics may be covered. Additionally, this course is NOT intended to prepare students for calculus, business, or engineering courses. Prerequisite: Meet TSI college-readiness standard for Mathematics; or equivalent. 3 credit hours.

What would you recommend? Thanks for the help!

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[Roy Williams]

I would take an intro level statistics class if I were you. The straight up math needed for the exam can be self taught but some of the statistics and probability stuff can be hard to wrap your head around.

 

[digzthis]

So there's a considerable amount of statistics on there?

 

[Roy Williams]

So there's a considerable amount of statistics on there?

Yup and in my opinion that is harder to self teach than just normal math principles.

 

[digzthis]

Cool that makes sense, thanks for the help!

 

[Alpha Centauri]

Yup and in my opinion that is harder to self teach than just normal math principles.

What about stats is so hard in your opinion? I don't think it's too hard. The only stats I have encountered are probability questions, Gausian distributions, and some of the mean/median/mode ones

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I mean I majored in statistics. I don't think intro stats is hard (higher level stuff is ridiculous). I just feel that that if you had to pick one or the other, it's easier to teach yourself simple math rules regarding algebra, trig, geometry, etc. than it is to teach yourself probability theory which a stats class would touch on. Combinations and permutations aren't easy to someone who hasn't had a lot of experience with stuff like that. Of course this is just my opinion so the OP is welcome to do as he likes; this is just what I would do.

For sure! I think if anything at least for me, I would've taken a trig class (except take it seriously this time), or maybe an algebra class that does all word problems. My hardest topics for me are trig and organizing algebraic word problems

 

[Roy Williams]

For sure! I think if anything at least for me, I would've taken a trig class (except take it seriously this time), or maybe an algebra class that does all word problems. My hardest topics for me are trig and organizing algebraic word problems

Yeah haha I don't even know if there are any classes that are solely trig unless you get something really advances in upper level math. Trig isn't fun though. The best class would probably be something similar to pre-call. Once you memorize the unit circle it makes it much easier though lol

 

[redhotchiligochu]

Hi, all. So plan on taking the dat in January and i can afford to take one math class over fall semester and looking for the best overall class if there is one. I'm non traditional so its been awhile since i've had any formal math but have most of the pre reqs done. I was thinking of taking an algebra class but came across this course which is literally called quantitative reasoning so just wanted to get your opinion. Here's the description for the course:


MATH 1332 - Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning)
Intended for Non STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) majors. Topics include introductory treatments of sets and logic, financial mathematics, probability and statistics with appropriate applications. Number sense, proportional reasoning, estimation, technology, and communication should be embedded throughout the course. Additional topics may be covered. Additionally, this course is NOT intended to prepare students for calculus, business, or engineering courses. Prerequisite: Meet TSI college-readiness standard for Mathematics; or equivalent. 3 credit hours.

What would you recommend? Thanks for the help!

I'm not sure what introductory math classes your university has, but like someone mentioned above, take intro stats wouldn't be a bad option. If your uni offers business math or intro to finance-type math, I would think that is more beneficial because there's a lot of word problems and you'll be working more with multiplication, division, percentages, probability and ratios (along with comprehending the actual question), instead of working on double-integration or matricies 😛

IMHO, my best advice for acing the QR would be to pull out an SAT/ACT Math prep book from any company (Princeton, Kaplan, Barron's etc.) and work on that, since the questions there would be the most similar and you will be pressured for time 😉

 

[digzthis]

Thats a good idea, thank you! Will I see the similar statistics questions in those books as well?