Physics and Astronomy Department
San Francisco State University
Physics Readiness Exam
Math Qualification Test for Introductory Physics
Physics 111
In addition to meeting course prerequisites, students wishing to enroll in Physics 111 must demonstrate
adequate competence in mathematics by achieving a satisfactory score on the Physics Readiness Exam. This exam will
be given during the second lecture (see below). The passing score is set by the faculty teaching the course; typically it is
about 50%. It is our experience that students who cannot pass this test will not be able to successfully complete
introductory physics and will not be allowed to continue with the course.
Topics covered:
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Exponents, roots, and scientific notation - ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and take powers and roots of
variables and numbers expressed in scientific notation.
Algebra – Ability to solve linear and quadratic algebraic equations, including use of the quadratic formula. Ability
to solve for one variable in terms of other variables. Ability to solve a set of two simultaneous equations.
Geometry – Basic knowledge of angles, triangles, perimeters and areas of figures.
Trigonometry – Ability to use sin, cos, and tan functions and the Pythagorean theorem.
Graphing – Knowledge and ability to work with graphs of linear and quadratic functions, including understanding
slopes and intercepts and ability to write the equation for a straight line based on knowledge of the coordinates of
two points on the line.
NO CALCULATORS MAY BE USED ON THIS TEST.
When the test will be held: (during the second lecture)
SECTION 3: Thurs 8/30 – 1-1:50pm*
*Note that the exam will not take entire lecture period. I will lecture for about 25 minutes first.
Make-up possibilities—require instructor approval:
Section 1 (MWF): Friday, 8/31. 11:10-12 (SCI 101)
Section 2 (TTh): Thurs 8/30. 9:35-10:50am (SCI 210)
Who is exempt from this exam?
Those who have previously passed this exact same Physics Readiness Exam within the last academic year. (Usually,
due to a previous attempt to take the class.)
If you are exempt, please make sure to sign up on the exemptions sheet, so you do not accidentally get dropped. Your
instructor will verify your exemption prior to the exam. If you want to doublecheck on the validity of your exemption
status, email the instructor prior to your exam—it is your responsibility to be sure you are definitely exempt before you
miss the exam.
All other previous coursework in physics and mathematics and/or a passing ELM exam score do NOT exempt
you from taking the Physics Readiness Exam.
Sources of Study:
Appendix A of course textbook (Physics, by James Walker). Study everything except for the material on vectors,
trigonometric identities, logarithms, and mathematical expansions.
If you need additional materials, below are several suggestions for math review books that might be helpful. Many other
books would work just fine, and your previous math course materials would work well also.
• Maths, by Jenny Olive
• Just-in-Time Algebra and Trigonometry, by Mueller and Brent
• Precalculus – A Self-Teaching Guide, by Slavin, Crisonino, and Slavin