Apr 10, 2026  
2026-2027 IHCC Catalog 
  
2026-2027 IHCC Catalog

MATH 1101 - Math for Liberal Arts



3 Credits
Gives non-mathematicians an appreciation of mathematical ideas and the power and utility of mathematical skills in the modern world. Topics will be selected from: voting and weighted voting systems, fair division and apportionment; routing, minimum network and scheduling problems; mathematical growth and math of finance; descriptive statistics and data analysis; basic probability and normal distributions.

Pre-Requisites Both of these groups:

1.One of these two: EAP 0099, ENG 0099  (Minimum grade: 1.67 GPA Equivalent)

And

2. Any one of these three: READ 0093, READ 0094, READ 0099  

OR

ENG 1108  

Major Content Areas
Graph theory: routing, minimum network and scheduling problems: 25-30%

Fair division and apportionment: 10-15%

Data analysis: descriptive and graphical statistics: 10-20%

Basic probability and normal distribution: 0-20%

Voting and weighted voting systems: 10-15%

Mathematical growth and math of finance: 15-25%

Learning Outcomes
Applications of basic graph theory through routing, minimum network and scheduling problems. Ability to explain the distinction between efficient versus optimal algorithms

Models of linear, exponential and logistic growth. Apply the concept of exponential growth to math of finance; including both present and future values of compound interest, annuities, and installment loans

Applications of various fair division and apportionment methods. Analyze the pitfalls and paradoxes of using various methods

Applications of various voting and weighted voting methods. Determine advantages and disadvantages of using various methods

Applications of basic principles of probability and the normal probability distribution to everyday experiences

Applications of descriptive measures and graphical procedures to investigate those measures. Determine advantages and disadvantages of using various descriptive statistics measures. Determine advantages and disadvantage of use of various graphical methods such as histograms, box-plots, and other methods of analyzing data. Recognize errors inherent in the design of surveys and experiments

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MNTC) Goals
04 - Mathematical/Logical Reasoning

02 - Critical Thinking