ACCUPLACER Placement Testing

Elementary Algebra - Sample Questions

• The first category, operations with integers and rational numbers, includes computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of absolute values, and ordering.

• The second category is operations with algebraic expressions. It tests your skills in evaluating simple formulas and expressions, and in adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials.

Both of the preceeding categories include questions about multiplying and dividing monomials and polynomials, evaluating positive rational roots and exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions, and factoring.

• The third category tests skill in solving equations, inequalities, and word problems. These questions include solving systems of linear equations, quadratic equations by factoring, verbal problems presented in algebraic context, geometric reasoning, the translation of written phrases into algebraic expressions, and graphing.

NOTE: Not every student will take the Elementary Algebra test.

Solve each problem and choose your answer from the alternatives given. You may use scratch paper to work problems, but no calculators are allowed on the Elementary Algebra test.

Sample Question 1:

If a number is divided by 4, then 3 is subtracted, the result is 0. What is the number?

1. 12
   
2. 4
   
3. 3
   
4. 2

16x - 8 =

1. 8x
   
2. 8(2x-x)
   
3. 8(2x-1)
   
4. 8(2x-8)

If x² - x - 6 = 0, then x is

1. -2 or 3
   
2. -1 or 6
   
3. 1 or -6
   
4. 2 or -3