College Algebra
College Algebra Exam Info
The College Algebra exam covers material that's usually taught in a one-semester college course in algebra. Nearly half the test is made up of routine problems requiring basic algebraic skills; the remainder involves solving nonroutine problems in which test takers must demonstrate their understanding of concepts. The test includes questions on basic algebraic operations; linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and graphs; algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and miscellaneous other topics.
50Recommended Score for Credit
3Semester Hours
Knowledge and Skills Required
Algebraic operations25%
- Operations with exponents
- Factoring and expanding polynomials
- Operations with algebraic expressions
- Absolute value
- Properties of logarithms
Equations and inequalities25%
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Quadratic equations and inequalities
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Systems of equations and inequalities
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
Functions and their properties*30%
- Definition, interpretation, and representation/modeling (graphical, numerical, symbolic, and verbal)
- Domain and range
- Evaluation of functions
- Algebra of functions
- Graphs and their properties (including intercepts, symmetry, and transformations)
- Inverse functions
Number systems and operations20%
- Real numbers
- Complex numbers
- Factorials and binomial theorem
*Each test may contain a variety of functions, including linear, polynomial (degree ≤ 5), rational, absolute value, power, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise defined.