The questions are multiple-choice. Once the student is done with the test, he/she must click on “Submit Assignment”.
The Placement Exam is designed to be taken without a calculator. Hence, a calculator is NOT to be used during the test. The questions are designed to test knowledge and understanding of algebra, as well as calculation skills, and the test results are most helpful in determining ‘best fit’ when a calculator is NOT used.
The student may choose one of the following five tests. The student should review the list of topics and select the highest test he/she feels comfortable taking. The time allotted for each test varies from 30 to 45 minutes.
1. Basic Algebra The topics covered include:
- Arithmetic of Rational Numbers
- Order of Operations
- Operations with Algebraic Expressions
- Algebraic Fractions
- Exponents and Radicals
- Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Systems of Linear Equations
- Fractional and Quadratic Equations
- Word Problems
- Graphing
Passing this test places the student into MATH 0095 (Intermediate Algebra). If a student does not pass this test, he/she should take remedial coursework at a community college. Please talk to your advisor for other options that may be available to you.
2. Algebra The topics covered include:
- Arithmetic of Rational Numbers
- Operations with Algebraic Expressions
- Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Factoring and Algebraic Fraction
Passing this test places the student into a Basic Skills math course (MATH 1105, 1108, 1110 or 1112). If a student does not pass this test, he/she should take the Basic Algebra Test.
3. Advanced Algebra The topics covered include:
- Arithmetic of Rational Numbers
- Operations with Algebraic Expressions
- Linear Equations and Inequalities
- Factoring and Algebraic Fractions
- Exponents and Radicals
- Graphing
- Fractional and Quadratic Equations and Quadratic Inequalities
- Logarithms
- Functions
- Complex Numbers
- Absolute Value
- Systems of Equations
Passing this test places the student into MATH 1111 (College Trigonometry-QCM), MATH 1115 (Business Calculus – QCM), or MATH 1131 (The Mathematical Universe – QCM). If a student does not pass this test, he/she should take the Algebra Test.
4. Trigonometry and Elementary Functions The topics covered include:
- Definition of Trigonometric Functions
- Right Triangles
- Co-functions
- Evaluation of Special Angles
- Related Angles
- Radian Measure
- Graphing
- Identities
- Laws of Sines and Cosines
- Trigonometric Equations
- Inverse Trigonometric Functions
- Distance
- Straight Line
- Conics
- Functions: Notation, Composition
- Graphs and Their Properties
- Logarithmic and Exponential Functions
- Higher Degree Polynomials
- Absolute Value
- Inequalities
Passing this test with a high score places the student into MATH 2210 (Calculus I– QCM) . Passing this test with a midrange score places the student into MATH 1111 (College Trigonometry – QCM), MATH 1115 (Business Calculus – QCM), MATH 1131 (The Mathematical Universe – QCM), or MATH 1170 (Introduction to Calculus I – QCM). The student should consult his/her adviser to decide which course is appropriate for his/her major. If a student does not pass this test, he/she should take the Advanced Algebra Test.
5. Calculus Readiness The topics covered include:
- Geometry and Measurement
- Graphs of Functions
- Word Problems, Modeling
- Concept Formulation
- Numerical Awareness
- Exponential Functions
- Exponents and Logarithms
- Equations and Factoring
- Functional Notation
- Inequalities, Absolute Value
- Trigonometry
Passing this test places the student into a version of Calculus (either MATH 1115 – QCM, MATH 1170-QCM, or MATH 2210 – QCM) or MATH 1131 (The Mathematical Universe – QCM). The student should consult his/her adviser to decide which course is appropriate for his/her major. If a student does not pass this test, he/she should take the Trigonometry and Elementary Functions test.