Encourage math program graphic

ENcourage Engineering Math Program

Summer 2025

The Encourage Engineering Math Program is a self-paced course and tutoring program to help incoming students prepare for the Math Placement Tool. 

Students will learn and review algebra, trigonometry, and logarithmic and exponential functions.

Did you get our Orientation Math postcard? Find the solution below!
Complete the
Math Placement Tool
Register for
Ram Orientation

Sign up for ENcourage here!

Click the link above or send us an email at encourage@colostate.edu to get started.

Why be ready for calculus in your first year?

All CSU engineering degrees begin with Calculus 1 as the first required math class and a vital prerequisite for future courses. Visit our Orientation page to find out how being ready for Calculus helps your experience at CSU.
Questions?

If you would like support with the math placement tool, please contact us at encourage@colostate.edu.

Did you receive our Orientation Math Postcard?

We want to help you get you ready for CSU's Math Placement Tool with this test problem.
Rumor has it that aiming our Ram Laser Beam at the center of the CSU logo next to the Academic Village clock will make Cam the Ram magically appear! We know the center of the logo is 8 meters off the ground, and we can set the laser 10 meters away.
At what angle should the laser be aimed for the beam to hit the center?
Visual illustration of math problem with rams icon on one side of triangle, theta symbol representing angle, text 10m on the bottom line and 8m on the vertical line, with clock icon at top.
Photo illustration of CSU orientation and math postcards on a table.

Solution

Review the answer below, or watch our solution video. Let us know if you have questions!

What is the angle (θ)?

This is a trigonometry problem. We will use the tangent trigonometric function to solve for θ. 
Postcard math problem with text tangent equals side opposite theta over side adjacent to theta.
Postcard math problem with text tangent theta equals 8 meters over 10 meters.
We take the inverse tangent of both sides to isolate θ.
Postcard math problem with text theta equals tangent to the negative one power with 8 meters over 10 meters in parenthesis.
Using our calculator…
Postcard math problem with text input tangent to the negative one power with 8 meters over 10 meters in parenthesis.
..we obtain the answer:
θ = 38.66 degrees

The ENcourage Engineering Math Program includes:

3 weeks of self-paced pre-calculus review
Live support from engineering and math learning assistants
No cost for students!
Other questions?

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at encourage@colostate.edu.