Algebra Test Topics

The questions in the Algebra Diagnostic Test are typical of the Mathematics subject tests. They cover
a wide range of algebra topics, from simple expressions to quadratic equations to inequalities with
absolute value signs. In this chapter, we’ll use these questions to review the algebra you need to
know. We will also use these questions to demonstrate effective problem-solving techniques,
alternative methods, and test-taking strategies that apply to algebra questions.

EVALUATING EXPRESSIONS

The simplest algebra questions on Math 2 are like Example 1:

Example 1

Answering a question like this is basically a matter of plugging in the numbers and cranking out the
arithmetic. You are given an expression for a in terms of b, an expression for b in terms of c, and the
value of c.

Plug into the second equation and find b:

1. If a = b (^3) , and , what is the value of a when ?

(A) 0.42

(B) 1.89

(C) 60.37

(D) 100.62

(E) 301.87