Math Equations for Educator Licensing Tests
Setting up basic algebraic equations
In order to set up basic math equations, you will be given some data in narrative format, and then will be asked to write an equation based on the information provided.
Typical problems include data on students’ grades or personal information.
Basic equation problems also frequently include questions about prices, weight, or length. You will need to complete math equations both with and without parentheses on this part of the exam.
Solving algebraic equations with unknown variables
Equations for these types of questions will look something like the one below.
If 3x + 5 − x = 25, then x = ?
For the equation above, you have to assign a numerical value to the variable x.
You may also see equations involving multiple variables, such as A, B, and C.
Questions on equivalents will provide an algebraic expression and then ask you which other algebraic expression is equivalent to the one provided.
While equations contain the equals sign, inequalities contain the less than or greater than signs.
So, inequalities problems include questions that contain the less than or greater than symbols.
Inequalities may involve fractions or decimals.
Math Equations for College Entrance and Placement
In addition to the basic math equations skills listed in the “educator” section above, you will also be tested on intermediate algebra for most college placement tests.
Intermediate algebra includes the following areas:
Binomials, polynomials, and the FOIL method
These types of questions will include equations that might look something like this:
(x + 6)(y + 2) = ?
Factoring
You may need to know how to do basic factoring or factor an equation in order to find the values of a variable or term.
Your examination might also include advanced problems on factoring.
Radicals
Radicals include square and cube roots. If you have to take a college algebra or advanced math exam, you will definitely see these types of questions.
Other algebra concepts
If you are trying to get advanced placement in a particular math class, then you will also need to know college-level algebra and advanced math.
If you are taking a math exam on college algebra, it may also include problems on complex numbers, functions, imaginary numbers, exponents, logarithms, matrices, scientific notation, systems of equations, and arithmetic or geometric series and series.
You should check the “Algebra” category of our blog for intermediate to advanced algebra problems.
