MATH 1225 Course Page
MATH 1225 is a four-credit first-semester calculus course that is included in the Pathways curriculum for Quantitative and Computational Thinking. The main topics covered are limits, continuity, differentiation, and integration.
Text: Calculus: Early Transcendentals by Stewart (9th edition) with WebAssign access
Prerequisites: To be eligible to enroll in MATH 1225 at VT, you must
- earn a score of 80 or higher on a MATH 1225 Placement Assessment. Read more information in the MATH 1225 Placement FAQs.
- OR-
- earn a C- or better in MATH 1214.
- OR-
- have a qualifying score on one of the following exams:
| Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 4 or 5 |
| AP Calculus BC | 3, 4, or 5 |
| CLEP Calculus | 64 - 80 |
| IB Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches | Completion of the Certificate or Diploma AND 5, 6, or 7 |
IMPORTANT: Your score must be reported to Virginia Tech and appear on your VT academic record in Hokie Spa.
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 2.2 | The Limit of a Function |
| 2.3 | Calculating Limits using Limit Laws |
| 2.5 | Continuity |
| 2.6 | Limits at Infinity; Horizontal Asymptotes |
| 2.7 | Derivatives and Rates of Change |
| 2.8 | The Derivative as a Function |
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 3.1 | Derivatives of Polynomials and Exponentials |
| 3.2 | The Product and Quotient Rules |
| 3.3 | Derivatives of Trigonometric Functions |
| 3.4 | The Chain Rule |
| 3.5 | Implicit Differentiation |
| 3.6 | Derivatives of Logarithmic Functions |
| 3.9 | Related Rates |
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Maximum and Minimum Values |
| 4.2 | The Mean Value Theorem |
| 4.3 | What Derivatives Tell Us about the Shape of a Graph |
| 4.5 | Summary of Curve Sketching |
| 4.7 | Optimization Problems |
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 4.9 | Antiderivatives |
| 5.1 | Areas and Distances |
| 5.2 | The Definite Integral |
| 5.3 | The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus |
| 5.4 | Indefinite Integrals and the Net Change Theorem |
| 5.5 | The Substitution Rule |
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 3.10 | Linear Approximations |
| 4.8 | Newton's Method |
| 3.7 | Rates of Change in the Natural and Social Sciences (Particle Motion) |
Math 1225 has 4 common-time midterms and a common final exam.
The 4 midterm exams are administered in person outside of regular class time.
- The midterm exams are 1 hour and 15 minutes in length, and they consist of both free response and multiple choice questions.
- All midterm exams should be completed without a textbook or any other course materials including a calculator.
Students who need accommodations or have scheduling conflicts should contact their instructor. The makeup exam policy can be found on your instructor's course policy sheet.
The Math 1225 Midterm Tests will be given on the following dates:
| Exam | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Test 0 | Wednesday, September 3, 2026 | 7-8:15 pm |
| Test 1 | Monday, September 22, 2026 | 7-8:15 pm |
| Test 2 | Monday, October 20, 2026 | 7-8:15 pm |
| Test 3 | Monday, November 10, 2026 | 7-8:15 pm |
| Test 4 | Wednesday, December 3, 2026 | 7-8:15 pm |
The exam location is often different than your lecture classroom. Midterm Exams 0 - 4 will be given in the following rooms, listed by teacher:
| INSTRUCTOR | ROOM | TEST |
|---|---|---|
| Bender | MCB 113 | 0-4 |
| Bruncati | MCB 232 | 0-4 |
| Buttemere | HAHN N 130 | 0-4 |
| Downs | MCB 129 | 0-4 |
| Evans | MCB 100 | 0-4 |
| Garzon Gutierrez | MCB 307 | 0-4 |
| Hartman | MCB 126 | 0-4 |
| Jain | NCB 260 | 0-4 |
| Parija | HITT 338 | 0-4 |
| Pham | HITT 340 | 0-4 |
| Sharpe | TORG 2150 | 0-4 |
| Tilki | MCB 209 | 0-4 |
| Accommodations | NCB 250 | 0-4 |
| Time Conflict | WMS 120 | 0-4 |
The final exam is a Common Time Exam and consists of two parts:
- Common Exam
This test is a multiple choice exam taken by all sections of MATH 1225. Samples of Common Time Final Exams given in previous years are available here. - Free Response Exam
Your instructor will give you information on what to expect for the second portion of the exam.
Note:
- Both portions of this exam will be administered in person. The exam is NOT scheduled in your regular classroom. Rooms for the exam will be announced near the end of the semester.
- The final exam time is fixed and will not be rescheduled for discretionary reasons, including conflicts with work schedules or exams for classes at other colleges.
- If there is a conflict with the final in another class, follow the procedures proposed by your college to reschedule an exam. Exams of courses that have a common-time final have priority and the exam for the other course should be rescheduled.
Check the timetable or your instructor's Canvas course site for the date and time of your final exam.
See the Timetable of classes for information on current offerings of Math 1225
The Undergraduate Honor Code pledge that each member of the university community agrees to abide by states:
“As a Hokie, I will conduct myself with honor and integrity at all times. I will not lie, cheat, or steal, nor will I accept the actions of those who do.”
Students enrolled in this course are responsible for abiding by the Honor Code. A student who has doubts about how the Honor Code applies to any assignment is responsible for obtaining specific guidance from the course instructor before submitting the assignment for evaluation. Ignorance of the rules does not excuse any member of the University community from the requirements and expectations of the Honor Code.
Your instructor may indicate additional Honor Code conditions. Please refer to your instructor's course policy sheet for additional information.
For additional information about the Honor Code, please visit https://www.honorsystem.vt.edu/
If you need extra help with course materials:
- Check your course Canvas site for your instructor's office hours.
- Come to the Wednesday Night Help Sessions from 7 - 8:15 pm in TORG 3100.
- Visit the Mathematics Department Tutoring Information Page.
If you are currently enrolled in MATH 1225, you can contact your instructor through your Canvas course website.
If you have questions about MATH 1225 Placement at Virginia Tech or the VT ALEKS Placement Assessment, please review the MATH 1225 Placement FAQs. If your question is not answered on the FAQs page, contact the MATH 1225 Placement Coordinator at 1225placement@math.vt.edu.
If you have any general questions or concerns about MATH 1225, you can email the course coordinators at 1225coordinator@math.vt.edu.