Note: Previously, this exercise was used as an exam. So, references to "Test 1" may be ignored and the problems may simply be worked by way of review.
In order to succeed at Pre-calculus, you will need strong algebraic skills. These skills are reviewed briefly and used extensively in this class, but you are expected to have these skills when you enter the class – that is, algebra is prerequisite to Pre-calculus. Therefore, the first test is designed to test some of the skills that I expect you to have. In order to solve these problems, you will have to practice, and then practice some more.
So that you know what you are practicing for, I will explain a bit about Test #1. Test #1 will be different from all subsequent tests in:
a.) Structure. The first test will contain 10 equations for you to solve: 2 linear, 2 quadratic, 2 literal equations, 2 rational equations, and 2 radical,. Examples of linear equations are practice problems #1 and #8, quadratic: #2 and #9, literal #6 and #7, rational #3 and #4, and , radical: #5 and #10.
b.) Practice. The attached problems are sample problems like those that will be on the test. The practice problems are similar but are not exactly like those the test will contain.
c.) Grading. Accuracy is very important in math – especially in areas that are prerequisite to this course. Therefore, no partial credit will be given on the first test.
d.) Calculators. Calculators will be allowed on most (if not all) subsequent tests, however they will not be allowed on Test 1.
Linear and quadratic equations and functions are the bread and butter of pre-calculus. When we learn new concepts, they will often be illustrated with linear and/or quadratics prior to using more complex examples. We will solve quadratic and linear equations most every day of the quarter.
Literal equations will directly prepare you for finding inverse functions in section 2.6.
Rational equations are covered on this test because we will study rational functions in chapter 3.
Radical Equations are covered since, of the material you have covered, they are most similar to exponentials and logarithms which we will cover in chapter 4.
Be sure to check all answers – not every ‘solution’ actually works. This is especially important because you will receive no credit for a problem in which you list too many or too few solutions. If there is no answer that satisfies the equation, write “no solution.”
a.) The following information was prepared by the math department.
In order to access the CD's and videos referenced in these documents, go to the area of the 6th floor of the library called the Multimedia Commons. The computers in the Multimedia Commons are available on a first come, first serve basis and they are not connected to printers. If you needs to checkout Algebra CD's, you have to present your student ID card. You will need to checkout headphones to use these programs. (Again, you will need your ID card for this.)
Problem Type |
||
| Overview | Word (30 kb) | pdf (10 kb) |
| Linear | Word (76 kb) | pdf (13 kb) |
| Quadratic | Word (78 kb) | pdf (15 kb) |
b.) The following examples are in the form of PowerPoint presentations. (50 - 125kb). If you do not own PowerPoint, download a free viewer (Google search on "PowerPoint Viewer").
Problem Type |
||
| Literal | ex. 1 | ex. 2 |
| Rational | ex. 1 | ex. 2 |
| Radical | ex. 1 |
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last modified September 05, 2007