The ENcourage Engineering Math Program is a summer program intended to help incoming engineering students who did not place “calculus ready” through the math placement tool to improve pre-calculus math skills.
Students will learn and review algebra, trigonometry, and logarithmic and exponential functions.
Be ready for calculus in your first year:
Registration for the summer 2023 sessions has ended. If you have questions about the program, please contact us at ENcourage@colostate.edu.
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.
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?
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.
We take the inverse tangent of both sides to isolate θ.
Using our calculator…
..we obtain the answer:
θ = 38.66 degrees
Program Information
The ENcourage Engineering Math Program can be used by any incoming engineering student who would like a refresher on pre-calculus topics over the summer.
Students will take the math placement tool after the program, with the possibility of placing out of one or more of the pre-calculus modules, and the possibility of placing into calculus (MATH 160).
If you have questions or topic areas you would like us to address, please contact us at ENcourage@colostate.edu.
The ENcourage Engineering Math Program includes:
4 weeks of self-paced pre-calculus review
Live support from engineering and math learning assistants
Opportunity to meet and work with fellow incoming engineering students
No cost for students!
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I need to attend the program?
All incoming first-year students who do not place as “calculus-ready” are invited to join the virtual program. It is highly recommended to all students who qualify.
This would apply to anyone who placed in precalculus courses MATH 117, MATH 118, MATH 124, MATH 125, and/or MATH 126.
While it is not a required program, the college sees higher success rates with students who complete calculus (MATH 160) by the fall or spring semester of their first year.
ENcourage is designed to support students in this goal, and is provided at no cost to the student.
What is the cost of the ENcourage Engineering Math Program?
The ENcourage Engineering Math Program is available to incoming first year engineering students who do not place into calculus, at no cost to the students.
I want/need to do the ENcourage program, but have accessibility or cost issues that may interfere with my ability to participate.
Please reach out directly to the ENcourage coordinator if there are barriers to your ability to access ENcourage. CSU and the college are committed to supporting students in their access to academic success, and we will work with you to address identified issues.
Other questions?
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.