ACCUPLACER - Concepts Tested

Arithmetic Test

17 questions are administered divided into 3 types containing the following concepts:

1. Operations with whole numbers and factions. Topics included are addition , subtraction,
multiplication, division, recognizing equivalent factions and mixed numbers, and estimating.
2. Operations with decimals and percents . Topics included are addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division with decimals. Percent problems, recognition of decimals, fraction
and percent equivalencies, and problems involving estimation are also given.
3. Applications and problem solving. Topics included are rate, percent, and measurement
problems, simple geometry problems, and distribution of a quantity into its fractional parts.

Questions from all three categories are always presented to the student although the number
of questions from each category varies with the student's skill level. For example, if the
student's responses show minimal arithmetic skills, presenting too many applications problems
is pointless. On the other hand, a student exhibiting good skills with whole numbers and
fractions will be presented with more of these types of problems. Thus, the proportion of
questions in the various categories will automatically vary according to the student's
responses.

Elementary Algebra Test

12 questions are administered divided into 3 types containing the following concepts:

1. Operations with integers and rational numbers, computation with integers and negative
rational numbers, the use of absolute values, and ordering. These questions test minimal
skill levels of the student.

2. Operations with algebraic expressions tests minimal skill levels using evaluation of simple
formulas and expressions , and adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials. At all
sill levels, questions are provided involving multiplying and dividing monomials and
polynomials, the evaluation of positive rational roots and exponents , simplifying algebraic
fractions and factoring.

3. Solution of equations , inequalities, and word problems. As with the Arithmetic Test, few
questions from this category are presented to the student unless he or she shows skill in
this area. When a high degree of competence is indicated, questions from this category
include solving linear equations and inequalities, the solution of quadratic equations by
factoring, solving verbal problems presented in an algebraic context, including geometric
reasoning and graphing, and the translation of written phrases into algebraic expressions.

College-Level Mathematics Test

This test enables institutions to place students into intermediate algebra, college algebra, precalculus,
and introductory calculus courses.

20 questions are administered divided into 6 types containing the following concepts:

1. Algebraic operations including simplifying rational algebraic expressions, factoring and
expanding polynomials, and manipulating roots and exponents.
2. Solutions of equations and inequalities including the solution of linear and quadratic
equations and inequalities, systems of equations , and other algebraic equations.
3. Coordinate geometry including plane geometry, the coordinate plane, straight lines,
conics, sets of points in he plane, and graphs of algebraic functions.
4. Applications and other algebra topics including complex numbers, series and
sequences, determinants, permutations and combinations, factorials, and word
problems.
5. Functions including questions involving polynomial, algebraic, exponential, and
logarithmic functions .
6. Trigonometry including trigonometric functions.