The mathematics component of general education focuses on quantitative reasoning to provide a base for developing a quantitatively literate college graduate. Every college graduate should be able to apply simple mathematical methods to the solution of real-world problems. A quantitatively literate college graduate should be able to:

• interpret mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics, and draw inferences from them;
• represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically and verbally;
• use arithmetic, algebraic, geometric and statistical methods to solve problems;
• estimate and check answers to mathematical problems in order to determine reasonableness, identify alternatives and select optimal results; and
• recognize the limitations of mathematical and statistical models.