Math 30-1 or Math 30-2: How to Choose the Right Path
By Grade 10, every Alberta student who passes Math 10C has to choose a path: the -1 stream (Math 20-1, then Math 30-1) or the -2 stream (Math 20-2, then Math 30-2). It’s one of the most important choices in high school, because it decides which post-secondary programs are open after Grade 12. Here’s how the two courses differ and how to choose the right one for your child.
Math 30-1 vs Math 30-2 at a glance
| Math 30-1 | Math 30-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Also called | Pre-calculus stream | Foundations of mathematics stream |
| Path | Math 10C → 20-1 → 30-1 | Math 10C → 20-2 → 30-2 |
| Focus | Algebra, functions, trigonometry, logarithms and the skills needed for calculus | Logical reasoning, set theory, probability, functions and real-world problem solving |
| Leads to | Math 31 (calculus); engineering, science, health and business programs | Many arts, education, trades and college programs |
| Diploma exam | Yes, worth 30% of the final mark | Yes, worth 30% of the final mark |
What’s in Math 30-1?
Math 30-1 is the pre-calculus course. Students work with transformations of functions, polynomial, radical and rational functions, exponents and logarithms, trigonometry (including the unit circle, identities and equations), and permutations and combinations. It’s more abstract and algebra-heavy. Students need to be comfortable rearranging equations and working without step-by-step examples.
What’s in Math 30-2?
Math 30-2 is the foundations course. It covers logical reasoning, probability, set theory, rational expressions and equations, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and sinusoidal functions, and research projects. It uses more real-world problems and less heavy algebra, though it is still a real academic math course.
Which programs need Math 30-1?
Most university programs built on calculus ask for Math 30-1, and some also ask for Math 31. That usually includes:
- engineering (which usually also needs Math 31)
- computer science
- physical and life sciences, including many pre-medicine and pharmacy routes
- business and commerce
Where a program names Math 30-1, Math 30-2 will not count in its place.
Which programs accept Math 30-2?
Many arts, humanities, social science and general studies degrees accept Math 30-2, or don’t require math at all. Many college, polytechnic and trades programs also accept it. Requirements change, so always check the program page for each school your child is considering, such as the University of Alberta, MacEwan, NAIT or the University of Calgary.
How to choose: five questions to ask
- What does your child want to study after high school? If the answer is engineering, sciences, health or business, choose the -1 stream. If they’re unsure, the -1 stream keeps more doors open.
- How did Math 10C go? A mark in the 70s or higher, with solid algebra, usually means a student can handle Math 20-1. A mark near 50 often signals that Math 20-2 is the better fit, or that some gaps need fixing first.
- Is algebra the problem, or the whole subject? Many students who struggle in 10C are missing one or two skills, like factoring or solving equations. Those can be fixed. A weak start isn’t always a reason to drop to the -2 stream.
- Does your child want Math 31? Math 31 requires Math 30-1 (some schools allow taking them together). It’s often needed for engineering and recommended for science.
- What do the teacher and counsellor recommend? They’ve seen your child’s work and know how students with similar marks usually do.
Can you switch between Math 30-1 and 30-2?
Moving down is usually easy. A student who finishes Math 20-1 can take Math 30-2 instead of Math 30-1. Moving up is harder. A student who took Math 20-2 normally has to complete Math 20-1 before Math 30-1, through summer school, an extra semester or a distance learning course. That adds time, which is why choosing carefully in Grade 10 matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is Math 30-2 easier than Math 30-1?
Most students find Math 30-2 less abstract, but it isn’t a “free” course. Students still write a diploma exam and need steady practice to do well.
Do universities prefer Math 30-1?
Only where a program requires it. For a program that accepts either, a strong Math 30-2 mark helps an application more than a weak Math 30-1 mark.
How much is the Math 30-1 diploma exam worth?
Both Math 30-1 and Math 30-2 diploma exams are worth 30% of the final course mark. The other 70% is the school mark.
Get help choosing, and help succeeding
At A+ Math Academy in Castle Downs, north Edmonton, we tutor Math 10C, the 20-1 and 20-2 courses, Math 30-1, Math 30-2 and Math 31, in person or live online. Every new student starts with a free 30-minute assessment, so you’ll know exactly where your child stands before choosing a stream. Call or text 825-966-7690 or book a free assessment. If your child is younger, read signs your child is falling behind in math.