If you already know a good deal of algebra but for whatever reason have not received credit for it, you may want to take the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam. Passing this exam will help you earn college credit for this course, without spending additional money and time in the classroom. And because college algebra is a stepping-stone to upper-level math and science courses, taking the DSST exam will help you move more quickly through the prerequisites.
When you are studying for the exam you should review a DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra study guide.
The DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam covers these eleven principles of algebra:
- Fundamental algebraic operations
- Factoring polynomials over real numbers
- Rational expressions
- Exponential and radical expressions
- Linear equations
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Quadratic equations and inequalities
- Equations involving radicals
- Complex numbers
- Functions
- Two-dimensional graphing.
You should focus your study efforts on all these principles, but especially on the areas with the highest percentage of questions. For the Fundamentals of College Algebra exam, 20% of the questions cover functions (domain and range, coordinate systems, inverse functions, operations and functions, rational functions, and exponential and logarithmic functions). Other areas with a high percentage of questions include two dimensional graphing, linear equations, and quadratic equations and inequalities.
You will be permitted to use a nonprogrammable calculator during the test, and scratch paper is provided.
Before registering for the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam, you should check with your college to make sure the DSST exam is an acceptable form of college credit. Then you may register for the exam with any college or university that administers DSST exams.
DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra Practice Questions
1. Given the five integers 6, 7, 12, 13, 32, which of the following statements is most accurate?
A. The mean is 1 less than the median
B. The mean is 1 greater than the median
C. The median is 2 less than the mean
D. The median is 2 greater than the mean
2. If A is greater than B, C is less than A, and B is greater than C, then which of the following is true?
A. C<A<B
B. C<B<A
C. B<C<A
D. A<B<C
3. What is the area of a rectangle with a length of 45 and diagonals of 51?
A. 1080
B. 1224
C. 2025
D. 2295
4. The sales tax rate in Jackson is 8%, of which the town keeps all the proceeds. The town is saving for a new traffic meter which costs $124. How much must the Jackson sell to earn enough money to purchase the new traffic meter?
A. $992
B. $644
C. c $1148
D. $1550
5. A builder has a wooden board measuring 231″ long. She needs to cut this board into 20 separate boards. What should the length of each board be?
A. 11.1
B. 11.6
C. 13.2
D. 12.6
6. John has 4 pants and 6 shirts ready for wear on a particular day. How many different outfits can John choose?
A. 10
B. 12
C. 18
D. 24
7. 34.49 is closest to:
A. 35
B. 34
C. 34.5
D. 34.4
8. (-2)2 – 4(-2) =
A. -4
B. 4
C. -12
D. 12
9. Find the median for this set of data: 66 73 65 81 71 62 92 85
A. 66
B. 72
C. 81
D. 73
10. What is the ratio to compare 2 pounds to 8 ounces?
A. 2/8
B. 16/32
C. 4/8
D. 4/1
DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra Practice Questions Answer Key