Greetings,

Welcome to MATH 1120, Fundamentals of College Math. This is a mathematics course, rather than an arithmetic course.

"Arithmetic" is concerned with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of numerical values. It is very functional and direct. You should either have learned it by now, or should be able to use a calculator to complete its requirements.

"Mathematics" is concerned with the relationships between items of value. Those items may be expressed as numbers, variables, or words. From "mathematics" we get the foundations for every other great discipline: logic, investigation, and proportion.

In this course, we will be investigating mathematical precepts and concepts. We will do relatively few calculations, and those will be designed to illustrate a greater idea or relationship.

Our work is to understand the principles--the "Fundamentals"--upon which mathematics are based.

As you complete your assignments for this course, be sure to consider and articulate underlying principles and concepts. They are the essence of mathematics and the keys to success in this course.