The second part of the Math Placement Exam (MPT) covers intermediate algebra, commonly called "Algebra 2" in high school. A score of 15 or more out of 20 questions allows a student to be excused from Math 42 or 44. A scientific calculator is allowed in the test, but not a graphing calculator, a calculator with an alpha- numeric keypad or a lap-top computer. The following list of topics is described in terms of the textbook currently used in Math 42 and Math 44.
Math Placement Test Part II
Intermediate Algebra
Text: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra , 2nd edition by Martin-Gay .
| Section(s) | Topic |
| 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 | Real numbers and operations with them; Definition of absolute values |
| 2.1 | Linear equations |
| 2.2 | Formulas |
| 2.3 | Applications and problem solving |
| 2.4 | Solving linear inequalities |
| 2.5 | Equations and inequalities with absolute value |
| 3.1, 3.2 | Cartesian coordinates and graphing lines |
| 3.3, 3.4 | Slope of a line; Distance and midpoints |
| 3.5 | Forms of Linear Equations |
| 4.1 | 2x2 systems |
| 4.3 | Some applications of 2x2 systems |
| 5.1, 5.2 | Scientific notation, adding polynomials |
| 5.3 | Multiplication of polynomials |
| 5.4 | Common factors and factors by grouping |
| 5.5 | Factoring special polynomials |
| 5.6 | Factoring trinomials |
| 5.7 | Strategies of factoring |
| 5.8 | Division of polynomials |
| 6.1 | Simplification of rational expressions |
| 6.2 | Multiplication and division of rational expressions |
| 6.3 | Addition and subtraction of radical expressions |
| 6.4 | Complex fractions |
| 7.1, 7.2 | Radical expressions, simplifying |
| 7.3 | Addition and subtraction of radical expressions |
| 7.4 | Multiplication and division of radical expressions |
| 7.5 | Rational exponents |
| 7.6 | Complex numbers |
| 8.1 | Solving the quadratic equation by factoring |
| 8.2 | Solving the quadratic equation by completing square |
| 8.3 | Using the quadratic formula |
| 8.5 | Applications and problem solving |
| 9.1 | Equations and inequalities with rational expressions |
| 9.2 | Applications |
| 9.3 | Equations involving radicals |
| 11.4 | Variation |
| 12.1 | Exponential equations |
| 12.2 | Logarithmic equations |
| 12.3 | Properties of logarithms |
Update:
1/5/98