Miscellaneous Test Topics

We’ll use the questions on the Miscellaneous Topics Diagnostic Test to point out more topics you’ll
need to be prepared to deal with on the Math 2 test.

SYMBOLISM, DEFINITIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS

One miscellaneous question type that turns up with great regularity is the type that presents you
with a new symbol representing an unfamiliar operation, or a new word with an unfamiliar
definition, or a new procedure with unfamiliar steps. In Example 1 you have a new symbol and
operation:

Example 1

For all nonzero numbers x   and y,  the operation       is  defined by  the equation    

when    x   >   y   and by  the equation        when    x   ≤   y.  If  x y <   0,  then    which   of  the

following   could   be  true?

1.

I. x^3  =   y^3

II. (y  +   x)(y    –   x)  >   0

III. x  –   y   >   0

(A) I   only

(B) II  only

(C) III only