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Numerical Skills/Pre-algebra and Algebra Tests
Numerical Skills/Pre-algebra Placement Test
Questions in the Numerical Skills/Pre-algebra Placement Test range in content from basic
arithmetic concepts and skills to the knowledge and skills considered prerequisites for a first
algebra course. The Numerical Skills/Pre-algebra Placement Test includes items from more than a
dozen content areas; however, a majority of the questions come from the following categories:
1. Operations with Integers
2. Operations with Fractions
3. Operations with Decimals
4. Positive Integer Exponents, Square Roots, and Scientific Notation
5. Ratios and Proportions
6. Percentages
7. Averages (Means, Medians, and Modes)
Sample items for each of these categories are presented later in this section.
Algebra Placement Test
The Algebra Placement Test is composed of items from three curricular areas: elementary
algebra, coordinate geometry, and intermediate algebra. Each of these three areas is further
subdivided into a number of more specific content areas. Overall, the Algebra Placement Test
includes items from more than 20 content areas; however, the majority of test questions fall
within the following eight content areas:
1. Substituting Values into Algebraic Expressions
2. Sett
ing Up Equations for Given Situations
3. Basic Operations with Polynomials
4. Factoring Polynomials
5. Linear Equations in One Variable
6. Exponents and Radicals
7. Rational Expressions
8. Linear Equations in Two Variables
Sample items for each of these categories are presented later in this section.
NUMERICAL SKILLS/PRE-ALGEBRA PLACEMENT TEST SAMPLE QUESTIONS
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