Quantitative Reasoning

What is Quantitative Reasoning?

According to The Mathematical Association of America, "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 arithmetical, 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.
• Recognize that mathematical and statistical methods have limits."

• Interpret mathematical models such as formulas, graphs, tables, and schematics, and draw inferences from them.
• Represent mathematical information symbolically, visually, numerically, and verbally. Use arithmetical, 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.
• Recognize that mathematical and statistical methods have limits.

The MAA guidelines further explain quantitative literacy expectations of college students: "The level of sophistication and maturity of thinking expected of a college student should extend to a capability for quantitive reasoning which is commensurate with the college experience. College students should be expected to go beyond routine problem solving to handle problem situations of greater complexity and diversity, and to connect ideas and procedures more readily with other topics both within and outside mathematics."