CLEP Algebra Exam
Exam Description: Additional Information
The College Algebra examination covers material that is usually taught in a one-semester college course in algebra. Nearly half of the test is made up of routine problems requiring basic algebraic skills; the remainder involves solving nonroutine problems in which candidates must demonstrate their understanding of concepts. The test includes questions on basic algebraic operations; linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and graphs; algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and miscellaneous other topics.It is assumed that candidates are familiar with currently taught algebraic vocabulary, symbols, and notation. The test places little emphasis on arithmetic calculations. However, an online scientific calculator (nongraphing) will be available during the examination.
The examination contains approximately 60 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored. Any time candidates spend on tutorials and providing personal information is in addition to the actual testing time.
The Breakdown of the exam is as follows:
25%
Algebraic operations
- Factoring and expanding polynomials
- Operations with algebraic expressions
- Operations with exponents
- Properties of logarithms
25%
Equations and inequalities
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Quadratic equations and inequalities
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Systems of equations and inequalities
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
30%
Functions and their properties*
- Definition and interpretation
- Representation/modeling (graphical, numerical, symbolic, and verbal representations of functions)
- Domain and range
- Algebra of functions
- Graphs and their properties (including intercepts, symmetry, and transformations)
- Inverse functions
20%
Number systems and operations
- Real numbers
- Complex numbers
- Sequences and series
- Factorials and Binomial Theorem
- Determinants of 2-by-2 matrices
