WHAT ARE THE TEST QUESTIONS LIKE? (SAMPLE QUESTIONS)

MATH (Math Placement)

All students will begin in the intermediate algebra portion of the math test. Keep in mind that the test administers questions based on your answers. If you answer difficult questions incorrectly the test will adjust to a lower math level and likewise if you answer easy questions correctly, the test will adjust to a higher math level and give you more difficult questions.

Here are some rules and sample problems:

• You are permitted to use an approved scientific calculator on mathematics portion of the test. See the section on calculator guidelines.
  
• Paper and Pencil will be provided.
  
• Once you choose an answer you cannot go back and change it.
  
• You may not skip any problems and come back to them.
  
• Multiple-choice items in each of the five mathematics placement areas test the following:
  
  • basic skills—performing a sequence of basic operations
    
  • application—applying sequences of basic operations to novel settings or in complex ways
    
  • analysis—demonstrating conceptual understanding of principles and relationships in mathematical operations

Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra Practice Test

(Averages: Means, Medians, and Modes)
1. What is the average (arithmetic mean) of 8, 7, 7, 5, 3, 2, and 2?

1. 3 4/7
2. 4 5/6
3. 4 6/7
4. 5
5. 6 4/5

(Basic Operations with Decimals)
2. Ben is making wooden toys for the next arts and crafts sale. Each toy costs Ben $1.80 to make. If he sells the toys for $3.00 each, how many will he have to sell to make a profit of exactly $36.00 ?

1. 12
2. 20
3. 30
4. 60
5. 108

(Basic Operations with Fractions)
3. How many yards of material from a 24-yard length of cloth remain after 3 pieces, each 3 1/2 yards long, and 5 pieces, each 2 1/4 yards long, are removed?

1. 2 1/4
2. 4 1/4
3. 4 5/6
4. 10 1/4
5. 10 5/6

(Percentages)
4. Phillip charged $400 worth of goods on his credit card. On his first bill, he was not charged any interest, and he made a payment of $20. He then charged another $18 worth of goods. On his second bill a month later, he was charged 2% interest on his entire unpaid balance. How much interest was Phillip charged on his second bill?

1. $8.76
2. $7.96
3. $7.60
4. $7.24
5. $6.63

Answers:
1. C 2. C 3. A 4. B

 

Algebra Practice Test

(Elementary Algebra: Linear Equations in One Variable)
1. A student has earned scores of 87, 81, and 88 on the first 3 of 4 tests. If the student wants an average (arithmetic mean) of exactly 87, what score must she earn on the fourth test?

1. 85
2. 86
3. 87
4. 92
5. 93

(Elementary Algebra: Basic Operations with Polynomials)
2. Which of the following expressions represents the product of 3 less than twice x and 2 more than the quantity 3 times x ?

1. –6x2 + 25x + 6
2. 6x2 + 5x + 6
3. 6x2 – 5x + 6
4. 6x2 – 5x – 6
5. 6x2 – 13x – 6

(Elementary Algebra: Substituting Values into Algebraic Expressions)
3. If x = –1 and y = 2, what is the value of the expression 2x3 – 3xy ?

1. 8
2. 4
3. –1
4. –4
5. –8

(Intermediate Algebra: Rational Expressions)
4. For all r is not equal to - or +2, 2-5r+6 / r2-4= ?

1. A. r-3 / r+2
2. r-2 / r+2
3. r-2/ r+3
4. r+3 / r-2
5. r+3 / r+2

 

(Coordinate Geometry: Linear Equations in Two Variables)
5. What is the equation of the line that contains the points with (x,y) coordinates (–3,7) and (5,–1) ?

1. A. y = 3x – 2
   B. y = x + 10
   C. y = –1/3 x + 8
   D. y = –3/2 x + 11/4
   E. y = –x + 4

Answers:
1. D 2. D 3. B 4. A 5. E

College Algebra Practice Test

(Complex Numbers)
1. For i =square root of -1, if 3i (2 + 5i) = x + 6i, then x = ?

1. A. –15
2. 5
3. 5i
4. 15i
5. 27i

(Functions)
2. If f(4) = 0 and f(6) = 6, which of the following could represent f(x) ?

1. 2/3 x – 4
2. x + 2
3. x – 4
4. 3/2x + 6
5. 3x – 12

Answers:
1. A 2. E

 

Trigonometry Practice Test

(Trigonometric Functions and Identities)
1. Which of the following is equivalent to ?

1. sec2
2. (csc2 ) - 1
3. tan2 0
4. sin2 0
5. 1/ sin2 0

(Right-Triangle Trigonometry)
2. From a point on the ground the angle of elevation to a ledge on a building is 27o, and the distance to the base of the building is 45 meters. How many meters high is the ledge?

45 / sin 27degree 45 / tan 27degree 45 sin 27 degree 45 cos 27degree 45 tan 27 degree

Answers:
1. C 2. E

Items in the practice sections are not actual items from COMPASS® but are similar in content and format. These items are presented for illustrative purposes and do not constitute a full representation of item content.