Technical Math I Penn Foster

[Geezer]

I just wanted to give some input for those going this route in order to get College Algebra credit for the Excelsior Business Degree. The Technical Math I course is broken down into 6 sections. You get a booklet for each section, which contains study and review material and a 20-25 question multiple choice test at the end. When you have completed the test, you go online, fill in the test answers and voila you get your score.

Now the way your grade breaks down is important. Your final grade is 2/3 based on the average of your 6 section tests, and 1/3 based on your final exam. As I sit waiting for my final exam to arrive, I've managed an 85 average on the 6 sections. So 2/3's of my grade is already set at an average of 85. A passing grade of a C = 75 points. So using my new found Math skills, since the final grade is 2/3 sections and 1/3 final, and a passing grade is 75 out of 100. Then I will need a combined score of at least 225 for the three parts that make up the final grade. Since I already have an 85 average for each of the first 2/3's of the grade or 170, then all I need to pass the class is to score 225-170= 55 on the final. Now if I score less than a 55 on the final, I am still able to retake it, with a maximum top score of given of 70.

Here are the sections:

Formulas
Algebra Pt 1
Algebra Pt 2
Algebra Pt 3
Logarithms
Metric System

Here is the good news: The tests are OPEN BOOK. The final is OPEN BOOK, but timed. On all tests including the final, you can retake and get a maximum of 70.


Here is my advice:
You can do them in any order. If you are as rusty at Algebra as I am, you'll need to take advantage of every angle, and maximize your scoring ability.
There are three sections that with preperation you should nail and score close to 100. The Formulas section is basic. The Logarithm section takes a while to figure out, however you do have a calculator as backup to help you out. I repeat you have a calculator to help you out. The Metric System is the third very doable section.

So if you do well on those three sections, then you have some margin of error on the 3 Algebra sections.

Now the final is only 25-30 questions.... and since the final reflects the 6 sections, then if you know the Formulas, Logarithms and Metric System, then it is quite possible to pass with less than stellar Algebra skills.

I'll let you know about the final when it comes.

[mjno]

Hey Geezer,

Congratulations, I am sure you did great on the final.

I have to start this pretty soon and I have no experience with Algebra so thanks for the feedback.

One question, does Penn Foster restrict you time wise to complete the course (can you go as fast or as slow as you want)?

Thanks,
Mike

[Geezer]

One question, does Penn Foster restrict you time wise to complete the course (can you go as fast or as slow as you want)?

The short answer is no, there are no time restrictions. You can move at your own pace. The methodolgy is good and the lessons are to the point, with plenty of examples. I made it through the entire course in less than three weeks. My goal is to pass the class and move on to the next one. I did learn enough to boost my confidence to the point, where I now am not fearing either Principles of Finance or Operations Management.

[Geezer]

Adding to original post.....

Upon a PM from another member and rereading the proctored exam requirements...you are required to pass the PENN FOSTER proctored test with at least a 70. If you fail the first time, you can try a second.

The Technical Math I format has been very straightforward. On the 25-30 question final, I'm expecting to see questions on each section ranging from basic to difficult. If I can ace the 3 easy sections and half of the questions for the harder 3, then that would put me in a position to pass.

Since the final is OPEN BOOK, and the sections are free of fluff, then if you mark and reference each section before the final, you SHOULD be able to quickly reference similar problems to see how the problems are worked out. I did this already while completing the section work, so I think that this is key. In other words, if you are stumped, you look up a similar example in the books and follow that formula to figure the problem.

My theory is know everything about the easy 3 sections of the course, know the easier portions of the 3 Algebra sections and know how to quickly look up similar examples in the harder sections. Like so many of the DANTES and CLEP exams, I will immediately skip difficult questions and concentrate on those that are easily solvable, then go back and tackle the hard ones on the second go round.

I'm still waiting for the proctored exam, so I'll keep you posted.

[jec959]

I am still awaiting the proctorored exams for both courses. It took me a little longer because I took Priniciples of Finance and Tech Math at the same time. I agree with the feedback on the Tech Math and Geezer compared to the Tech Math course you are going to breeze through the Principles of Finance course, I actually had to slow myself down on this one because that way I can take the 2 finals together and use the extra time from finance for the Algebra. I will let everyone know about the proctored exams as well.

[Geezer]

Update. I scored a 60 on the proctored final. Bad news, I needed a 70 to pass. Taking Info Literacy at the same time did give me more time, however the additional time was only 1/2 hour, not 1 full hour. I ended up using most of that 1/2 hour to pass the IL exam.

The real culprit of course is the time limit. 2 of the questions remained unanswered because I ran out of time. To be honest, I'm highly motivated and p**ed off at coming so close. The good news is that I get to re-take the final one more time. I will try and combine it with the Fin. Mgmt final so that I can get a legitimate 2 hours, and if need be, then I'll devote the entire two hours to the Technical Math, and just retake the Fin Mgmt final in a couple of weeks.

I'll keep you posted.

BTW, the final was 15 questions...about 1/3 easy, 1/3 medium difficulty, and then my favorite...1/3 HARD.

[yutzyj]

Originally Posted by Geezer

Update. I scored a 60 on the proctored final. Bad news, I needed a 70 to pass. Taking Info Literacy at the same time did give me more time, however the additional time was only 1/2 hour, not 1 full hour. I ended up using most of that 1/2 hour to pass the IL exam.

The real culprit of course is the time limit. 2 of the questions remained unanswered because I ran out of time. To be honest, I'm highly motivated and p**ed off at coming so close. The good news is that I get to re-take the final one more time. I will try and combine it with the Fin. Mgmt final so that I can get a legitimate 2 hours, and if need be, then I'll devote the entire two hours to the Technical Math, and just retake the Fin Mgmt final in a couple of weeks.

I'll keep you posted.

BTW, the final was 15 questions...about 1/3 easy, 1/3 medium difficulty, and then my favorite...1/3 HARD.

You came so close to passing. Good luck on the retake.

[Geezer]

Update...I retook the Proctored test (you get one retake) and passed!!! I am done with the Algebra requirement! The retake consisted of seven questions. I believe that I nailed 6 of them. In reality you only need to get 5 out of 7 to pass the final.
2 were fairly basic....reducing the equation
2 were basic to medium.....solving the equation
1 involved identifying Prime factors....basic
1 involved multiplying then dividing logarithms....difficult until you figure out that when using log.....mutiply by adding and divide by subtracting...basic
1 difficult

The retake was definately easier than the original and the allotted time of 1 hour was just right. If you don't pass the first time, don't panic...just keep reviewing until your retake!

I last studied algebra in HS over 30 years ago....if I can do it, then you all definately can do it!

[hunter2115]

Originally Posted by Geezer

Update...I retook the Proctored test (you get one retake) and passed!!! I am done with the Algebra requirement! The retake consisted of seven questions. I believe that I nailed 6 of them. In reality you only need to get 5 out of 7 to pass the final.
2 were fairly basic....reducing the equation
2 were basic to medium.....solving the equation
1 involved identifying Prime factors....basic
1 involved multiplying then dividing logarithms....difficult until you figure out that when using log.....mutiply by adding and divide by subtracting...basic
1 difficult

The retake was definately easier than the original and the allotted time of 1 hour was just right. If you don't pass the first time, don't panic...just keep reviewing until your retake!

I last studied algebra in HS over 30 years ago....if I can do it, then you all definately can do it!

Congrats on the pass! I'm sure its a huge load off your mind. I'm studying for the proctored final for Business Stats and I'm definately following your advise. I know I can handle the questions as I did well on the other untimed exams, but I am very concerned about the 1 hour time limit. We will see!

[Geezer]

Congrats on the pass! I'm sure its a huge load off your mind. I'm studying for the proctored final for Business Stats and I'm definately following your advise. I know I can handle the questions as I did well on the other untimed exams, but I am very concerned about the 1 hour time limit. We will see!

I bet you do well! I did way better with Statistics. Penn Foster from my stand point, does everything to try and help you. BTW, none of the questions on the Technical Math were multiple choice and you had to show the workthroughs, so with your Statistics final, if you get even a handful of multiple choice questions, that will help with time.

You and I are in a similar boat in that we both have less than four classes remaining...I have the Financial Mgmt final this week (Penn Foster) and I take the two TECEP tests (OP's Mgmt and Business Policy) by the 19th. To say that I am relieved to have passed the Technical Math course is an understatement.

Good luck with your test!