Preparation Guidelines for the Accuplacer Elementary Algebra Test

Order of the TestsThe Accuplacer tests are presented in the following order: Reading Comprehension, Sentence Skills, Arithmeticand, if applicable, Elementary Algebra. If you are retaking an Accuplacer test, be sure to specify which test(s)you need to retake when you check in with the proctor. The test administrator will set up the computer so thatit presents only the test(s) that you need to retake.Score ReportingWhen you have completed all the tests, the test administrator will print out a report of your scores for you. Youmay then meet with an advisor. He or she will explain the results and make recommendations.Testing FeeThe Accuplacer test fee is $21 for one full battery of exams plus one re-test of any desired exams in the batteryof tests within one year’s time. Before you can be placed on the waiting list for a degree/certificate program,you must submit a Degree/Certificate Program Admissions Application in addition to passing the Accuplacertest. Certain programs have additional requirements.Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:If you have a documented disability that requires testing accommodations, such as use of a calculator, reader,and/or private testing room, please make an intake appointment with the Accessibility Resources Office at(360) 752-8576 or (360) 752-8450. After your initial intake and review of your documentation by AR, you willbe contacted and your Accuplacer appointment will be made at that time.NOTE: Please allow 2-4 weeks after documentation review for testing. If you have any questions regardingAccessibility Resources, please refer to our website at www.btc.ctc.edu/ARAccuplacer WebsiteFor more information about the test (how it works, sample questions, etc.) go towww.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/index.html. Sample questions and some hints about theassessment are included at this site. Remember that your questions will differ from these because thecomputer will select questions that challenge you without making the test too difficult.Other ResourcesBellingham Technical College recommends www.khanacademy.com, a free math tutorial resource. Also, anonline version of this study guide appears at www.btc.ctc.edu/Assessment and the Bellingham TechnicalCollege Library and Basic Academic Skills department both have resources listed at the end of this study guide.Page 2 of 7 O: Accuplacer Related/Handouts/Accuplacer Prep Guides/ Acc Test Prep-Algebra.doc 07/24/2014

Elementary AlgebraThis portion of the Accuplacer test is required for Civil Engineering, Surveying and Mapping, andInstrumentation. Previous coursework can satisfy this test requirement. The algebra test also determinesstudent placement into MATH099. The Elementary Algebra section of the Accuplacer test has 12 questionsbased on the following areas. This list is not meant to be inclusive, it is only a guide to help you prepare.Compute with integers and rational numbers.Apply order of operations to problems involving integers and rational numbers.Find the absolute value of a numerical expression.Evaluate simple formulas and expressions.Apply rules of exponents to an algebraic expression.Add/subtract/multiply/divide monomials and polynomials.Translate a written phrase into an algebraic expression.Translate an algebraic expression into a written phrase.Square an algebraic expression involving a radical.Find the square root of an algebraic expression.Add/subtract algebraic expressions involving fractions with unlike denominators.Solve a linear equation.Solve a word problem by creating a linear equation.Given the area of a rectangle and the relationship between the length and width, find either the length or width.Subtract two fractional expressions in two variablesSolve a system of linear equations in two variables.Multiply two binomials.Square a binomial.Factor a quadratic expression.Simplify a rational (fraction) expression by factoring.Simplify a complex rational expression. (Know that an expression “over” an expression means to divide.)Solve an equation involving a rational expression.ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA PRACTICE TESTThe following problems are merely suggested practice problems for this section of the Accuplacer Test. Someof them may or may not be similar to the problems on the actual test. The answers are given at the end of thishandout. Note: Not all of the types of problems listed above are represented here.1. Which is greater than –4? A) 5 B) -5 C) -½ D) -25 Choose all that apply.2. Which is the smallest? A) -1 B) -½ C) 0 D) 33. Combine terms: 12a + 26b – 4b – 16aPage 3 of 7 O: Accuplacer Related/Handouts/Accuplacer Prep Guides/ Acc Test Prep-Algebra.doc 07/24/2014

4. Simplify: (4 – 5) – (13 – 18 + 2)5. Simplify: 49 ÷ 7 – 2 x 26. What is | -26 | ?7. Find the value of x(y – 3z) if x = 3, y = -4, and z = 2.8. 16x – 8 = A) 8x B) 8(2x –x) C) 8(2x – 1) D) 8(2x – 8)9. Multiply: (x – 4) (x + 5)10. Factor 5x² - 15x – 2011. Factor 3y(x – 3) – 2(x – 3)12. Factor 9x² + 15x – 1413. Solve for x: 2x – y = ¾ x + 614. Subtract and simplify: 2/(x + 1) – 3/(x – 3)15. Multiply and simplify: (4x³ / 2y) (10y² / 36x)16. If x/2 + y/5 = 1, solve for y.17. Simplify: (6x³y 5 )²18. Simplify: 2x/3 – 3x/5 + x/219. Solve for x: -5x/7 = -10/2120. Simplify: 24s/3s21. Solve for x: 2x/5 = 12 – 3x/222. If x represents the number of apples purchased at 15 cents each and y represents the number of bananaspurchased at 10 cents each, which of the following represents the total value of the purchase?A) x + y B) 25 (x + y) C) 10x + 15 y D) 15x + 10y23. Six less than five times a number is subtracted from three times the number. If the result is 12, find thenumber.24. The length of a rectangle is 3 cm longer than twice the width. The area of the rectangle is 90 sq cm. Findthe length and the width of the rectangle.Page 4 of 7 O: Accuplacer Related/Handouts/Accuplacer Prep Guides/ Acc Test Prep-Algebra.doc 07/24/2014

25. If x² - x – 6 = 0, then x is: A) -2 or 3 B) -1 or 6 C) 1 or –6 D) 2 or -3Page 5 of 7 O: Accuplacer Related/Handouts/Accuplacer Prep Guides/ Acc Test Prep-Algebra.doc 07/24/2014

RESOURCES FOR MATH REVIEWStudents may choose from a variety of resources that can assist in refreshing basic academic skills. Dependingon your time schedule, learning style, or the level of assistance needed, choose the option that will work for you.You may also choose to meet with a counselor or advisor to obtain their recommendation.1. INDEPENDENT STUDYLIBRARYListed are some of the resources located in our library. Some of these are available for checkout andsome are for use in the LIBRARY. Our library is open to the community. You do not have to be a studentat BTC to use the resources. The LIBRARY is located in A Building and is open during the following daysand times.Monday to ThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.ClosedThe LIBRARY has a variety of materials available for basic skill review. Those listed below are a smallsampling. Please feel free to ask our LIBRARY staff for assistance.ALGEBRA MATERIALS SPECTRUM math workbooks Key to Algebra Algebra Tutor A math tutorial is also available on the computer. It provides instruction and practice for avariety of math applications. Assorted GED preparation materials2. SELF-PACED - OPEN ENROLLMENTBasic Academic SkillsAdult Basic Education classes are taught in the Learning Center in an individualized and small group studyatmosphere. Basic Academic Skills is open from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. as wellas evening hours. Please check our quarterly schedule for current registration information or contact theAdmissions Office for assistance from our advising staff. Running Start students are not eligible to use BASand should seek assistance at their high school.3. STRUCTURED CLASSESBASIC ACADEMIC SKILLS REFRESHER COURSESMath 090 – Pre -Algebra at BTC. Passing this course counts for passing the Arithmetic portion of theAccuplacer test. This is strongly recommended for those with little or no previous course work inarithmetic or for whom it has been a long time. Pre-requisite: Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 38 or higher.Page 6 of 7 O: Accuplacer Related/Handouts/Accuplacer Prep Guides/ Acc Test Prep-Algebra.doc 07/24/2014

ALGEBRA ANSWER KEY1. A and C2. A3. –4a + 22b or 22b – 4a4. 25. 36. 267. –308. C9. x² + x – 2010. 5(x + 1)(x – 4)11. (3y – 2)(x – 3)12. (3x – 2)(3x + 7)13. x = 4/5(y + 6) or 4(y + 6)/514. –(x + 9)/(x + 1)(x – 3)15. 5x²y/916. y = 5/2(2 – x) or 5(2 – x)/217. 36x 6 y 1018. 17x/3019. x = 2/320. 821. x = 120/1922. D23. –324. Length = 15, width = 625. AMission Statement: BTC’s mission is to deliver superior professional technical education for today’s needs andtomorrow’s opportunitiesBellingham Technical College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, nationalorigin, disability, sex, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs,services and activities, or in employment. All Inquiries regarding compliance with access, equal opportunityand/or grievance procedures should be directed to the Associate Director of Human Resources, BellinghamTechnical College, 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225, or call (360) 752-8354 or 752-8515/TTY.EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COLLEGEPage 7 of 7 O: Accuplacer Related/Handouts/Accuplacer Prep Guides/ Acc Test Prep-Algebra.doc 07/24/2014