Math Self-Assessment Test—Fall 1999

Which Math Class Should You Take Next Semester?

Are you trying to decide which math class to enroll in next term? Your ACT score is what places you in a math class, but many students wonder whether they can skip ahead to another course. Unfortunately, many students are not ready for the course that they select and fail their first college math class. This self-assessment test can help you decide which is the right class for you to take--so you can have the best chance at succeeding.

Math 120, Intermediate Algebra

Do you know the difference between an algebraic expression and an equation? Can you factor polynomials? Can you solve a quadratic equation? If not, these are some of the things you will learn in Math 120.

A solution to an equation is a number or numbers that satisfy the equation. Is  a solution to the equation below?

There are many kinds of equations. Can you tell the difference between a linear and a quadratic equation? Can you solve the equations below? 1. 

2. 

3. 

 Many people are intimidated by word problems, but in all math courses you will be expected to do them. Can you figure out the answer to the next question using algebra? 4. Last year Boris invested $15,000 in two different accounts. One made 6% interest and the other made 12% interest for the year. The combined interest from both accounts was $1,605. How much did he have invested at 12%? If you can't answer all of the problems above, then you should take Math 120.

Answers: 1) t=2   2) y=2.5   3) x=2 or -5   4) Boris invested $11,750 at 12%.

Math 121, College Algebra

Do you know what a function is? Can you draw the graph of a quadratic function? Do you know what exponents and logarithms are all about? If not, these are some of the things you will learn about in Math 121.

1. Roughly speaking, a function is a rule that takes an input and assigns it a unique output. For instance,  defines a function that assigns the number -7 to the number 1. Mathematically we can write this as .

a) Can you figure out what is?

b) Can you draw the graph of this function? Can you find the x-intercepts or the y-intercept? Can you find the vertex?

2. A rational function is a function that looks like a fraction. A graph of a rational function has vertical asymptotes where the function is not defined. Can you find the vertical asymptote for the following function?

3. Can you figure out how long it would take for $10,000 to be worth $100,000 if it is invested at an annual interest rate of 8% that is compounded continuously? If you can’t answer all of the questions above, then you should take Math 121.

Answers: 1a) f(-1) = -27    b) x-intercepts: (2,0) and (8,0). y-intercepts (0,-16). Vertex: (5,9)   2) x=3   3) Almost 29 years.

Math 150, Pre-calculus

Note: Math 150 is a pre-requisite for Math 162, Calculus I. If you plan on taking Math 180, Calculus for Business and Social Sciences, then you need to take Math 121 instead.

Do you know how to find the domain and range of a function? Can you compose functions? Can you find roots of polynomials? Do you know the laws of exponents and logarithms? If not, then you should take Math 150. Look at the questions below to check your understanding of functions.

1. What is the domain and range ?

2. Can you graph ? Can you find the x-intercept algebraically?

3. Can you compute the difference quotient  for the function below?

4. In 1980, the population of Mexico was 67.4 million and has been growing by about 2.6% each year since then. Assuming that the population continues to grow at this rate, when will the population reach 200,000,000? If you can’t answer all of the questions above, then you should take Math 150.

Answers: 1) Domain: All Reals except 1. Range: All Reals except -1.    2) x-intercept (-7,0)   3) -2x-h    4) Sometime in 2022.