Free University Project
College Algebra
Last update: Sept. 17, 2006

Exam type:
CLEP: 60 multiple choice questions in 90 minutes
Typical credits: 3 units

The CLEP Exam

The CLEP Exam in Algebra is similar to a one semester course taught at many colleges.

NOTE: There are three online sites that appear to cover much of this exam, and many additional resources are available on the Web. Featured faculty and their home pages can be found at the end of this page.

(I didn't promise you a rose garden. See disclaimer.)

The topics in bold face are those The College Board indicates will be found on the exams. The percentages given after the main topic headings are only approximate. Always contact The College Board for the latest information. (Click on description.)

Basic algebraic operations -- 25%

Combining algebraic expressions
Factoring
Simplifying algebraic functions
Operating with powers and roots

Equations, inequalities and their graphs -- 20%

Algebraic, exponential and logarithmic functions and their graphs -- 25%

Domain
Range
Composition
Inverse of functions

Miscellaneous topics -- 30%

Sets
Real numbers
Complex numbers
Systems of equations
Theory of equations
Sequence and series

Getting Started

Here is one way that you can begin. (If you haven't read a general step-by-step guide, this might be a good time. See also How to Budget Your Time)

Using the Free University Project Study Guide

A) Read the Introductory Material suggested in the Study Guide.

B) Read the material in the first two or three topics in the Study Guide. In order to stay focussed, only follow those links within the lectures and outlines that seem to be directly related to the subject matter at hand. Take your own notes. If you print out the material, highlight key definitions and concepts for review. Add your own marginal notes.

C) Read corresponding material in a textbook of your choice.

D) Read the next two or three topics as you did in B)

E) Take the on-line quizzes.

Repeat the cycle. Periodically take time to review; do suggested exercises; take a practice CLEP exam and review areas of weakness.

Remember to keep your journal up to date.

PLEASE NOTE: Free Online video series -- A complete listing of a 26 part Annenberg/CPB series is provided on a separate page.

click here for the video links.

Introduction

Math for Morons Like Us
Pre Algebra

Basic Equations
Basic Graphing
Fractions

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
The Numbers of Arithmetic

The Real Number System
Addition and Subtraction of Real Numbers
Multiplication and Division
Positive Integer Exponents
Order of Operations
Properties of Real Numbers
Fractions
Decimals
Percents

Algebra from Pink Monkey

Introduction

Chapter 1 Pre-requisites and Basic Operations
1.1 Pre-requisites
1.2 Common Mathematical Symbols
1.3 Some Properties of Basic Mathematical Operations
1.4 Real Numbers
Chapter 2 Sets
2.1 Sets
2.2 Operations on Sets
2.3 The Algebra of Sets
Chapter 3 The use of Literal Symbols
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Monomial, Polynomials
3.3 H.C.F and L.C.M
Chapter 4 Quadratic Equations
4.1 Theorem
4.2 Definition
4.3 Methods of Solving Quadratic Equations
Chapter 5 Rational Algebraic Expressions
5.1 Definitions
5.2 Reduction
Chapter 6 Relations, Functions and Variation
6.1 Relation
6.2 Functions
6.3 Variation
Chapter 7 Equations, Inequations, Graphing and Absolute Value
7.1 Definition
7.2 Simultaneous Equations
7.3 Inequations (Inequalities)
7.4 Absolute Values
Chapter 8 Analytic Geometry
8.1 Definition
8.2 Relations, Graphs and Symmetry
8.3 Slopes and Intercepts
Chapter 9 Word Problems [Optional: not covered on the CLEP]
9.1 Definition and Solving Techniques
9.2 Use of Simultaneous Linear Equations

Sparknotes Mathematics Study Guides

Prealgebra
+ Prealgebra: Operations
+ Whole Numbers
+ Decimals
+ Fractions
+ Percents
+ Integers and Rationals
+ Powers, Exponents, and Roots
+ Prealgebra: Measurements
+ Perimeter and Area
+ Prealgebra: Variables
+ Review of Prealgebra
Algebra I
+ Expressions and Equations
+ Applications of Solving Equations
+ Inequalities
+ Compound Inequalities
+ Absolute Value
+ Probability
+ Graphing Data
+ Graphing Equations
+ Writing Equations
+ Systems of Equations
+ Algebra I: Variation
+ Exponents
+ Scientific Notation
+ Polynomials
+ Quadratics
+ Review of Algebra I
Algebra II
+ Binomial Expansion
+ Algebra II: Factoring
+ Matrices
+ Rational Expressions
+ Complex Numbers
+ Algebra II: Functions
+ Operations on Functions
+ Discrete Functions
+ Inequalities
+ Operations with Functions
+ Special Graphs
+ Exponential Functions
+ Logarithmic Functions
+ Algebra II: Polynomials
+ Systems of Three Equations
+ Review of Algebra II

Study Guide

Math for Morons Like Us
Algebra

Exponents
Single Variable Equations
Multi-Variable Equations
Word Problems
Factoring
Fractions
Ratios
Number Lines
Coordinate Plane
Square Roots
Scientific Notation

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
Introduction to Algebra

Variables and Algebraic Expressions
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Algebraic Equations
Solutions
The Addition Principle
The Multiplication Principle
Using the Principles Together

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
Word Problems [NOTE: Optional Word Problems are not covered on the CLEP]

Problem Solving Strategies
Words for Operations
Common Types of Word Problems

Math for Morons Like Us
Algebra II

Equalities and Inequalities
Graphs & Functions.
Systems of Equations and Inequalities
Polynomials & Factoring
Fractional Expressions
Powers & Roots
Complex Numbers

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
Graphing and Straight Lines

Rectangular Coordinates
Graphing Functions
Straight Lines

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
Systems of Linear Equations

The Solutions of a System of Equations
Addition Method
Substitution Method

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
Polynomials

Addition and Subtraction of Polynomials
Multiplication of Polynomials
Special Products of Binomials
Factoring Polynomials
Factoring Quadratic Trinomial by Grouping
Summary of Steps to Factor Quadratic Trinomials

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
Rational Expressions

Definition
Simplifying Rational Expressions

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
Exponents & Roots

Exponents
Roots
Simplifying Radical Expressions
Rationalizing the Denominator

Math for Morons Like Us
Algebra II

Quadratic Equations
Quadratic Functions
Coordinate Geomentry
Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
Probability
Matrices

Understanding Algebra (Brennan)
Quadratic Equations

Solving by Square Roots
Solving by Factoring
Completing the Square
The Quadratic Formula

Math for Morons Like Us
Algebra II

Trigonometry
Trigonometric Identities
Equations & Triangles Miscellaneous

Links to faculty home pages
NOTE: Please don't bug the professors. They have been generous enough just by taking the time and effort to put their material on the Web. And please don't e-mail responses to their tests. Such responses are limited to students actually enrolled in the class.

Math for Morons Like Us
Understanding Algebra James Brennan

Internet Resources

Math for Morons Like Us
Geometry

Parallel Lines
Congruent Triangles
Congruent Right Triangles
Isoscolese and Equilateral Triangles
Quadrilaterals
Parallelograms
Ratios
Similar Polygons
Special Triangles
Circles
Area
Coordinate Geometry
Triangle Inequalities
Solids

WebMath A major site which provides guidance and problem solving for many topics from basic math through Algebra.

Mathematics Archives from the University of Kentucky.

Math to Build On book excerpts of basic math and geometry. Contains a good glossary.

Good Luck!

and let us know how you are doing.


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Copyright © 1999, 2003 Free University Project
Home Page URL = http://www.freeuniv.com
Created: Sept. 10, 1999
Partial update Nov.1 2003
Prior update May 15, 2004
Emergency Update: Nov. 15, 2004
Latest update: Sept. 17, 2006