Unit 1 of 5

Unit 1: Algebraic Expressions & Equations

Study guide for CLEP CLEP PrecalculusUnit 1: Algebraic Expressions & Equations. Practice questions, key concepts, and exam tips.

159

Practice Questions

15

Flashcards

4

Key Topics

Key Concepts to Study

Polynomial operations and factoring
Rational expressions and equations
Systems of equations and inequalities
Complex numbers and quadratic formula

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 5 questions from this unit. Sign up for full access to all 159.

Q1MEDIUM

What is the focus of a parabola with equation x² = 20y?

A.

(0,4)

B.

(0,5)

C.

(0,2)

D.

(0,6)

E.

(0,8)

Show Answer

Answer: B(0,5) is correct because the standard equation of a parabola with vertex (0,0) and focus (0,p) is x² = 4py, and since x² = 20y, 4p = 20, so p = 20/4 = 5.

Q2EASY

If sec(x) = 2, what is the value of cos(x)?

A.

0.25

B.

0.5

C.

0.75

D.

1

E.

1.5

Show Answer

Answer: B0.5 is correct because sec(x) is the reciprocal of cos(x), so cos(x) = 1 / sec(x) = 1 / 2 = 0.5.

Q3EASY

What is the tabular representation of the function f(x) = 3x - 2 for x-values -2, -1, 0, 1, 2?

A.

x: -2, -1, 0, 1, 2; f(x): -2, 1, 4, 7, 10

B.

x: -2, -1, 0, 1, 2; f(x): -6, -3, 0, 3, 6

C.

x: -2, -1, 0, 1, 2; f(x): -4, -1, 2, 5, 8

D.

x: -2, -1, 0, 1, 2; f(x): -8, -5, -2, 1, 4

E.

x: -2, -1, 0, 1, 2; f(x): 0, 3, 6, 9, 12

Show Answer

Answer: Dx: -2, -1, 0, 1, 2; f(x): -8, -5, -2, 1, 4 is correct because the function f(x) = 3x - 2 is evaluated at each x-value to obtain the corresponding f(x) values, resulting in the given table.

Q4EASY

If h(x) = |x| + 2, what is h(-5)?

A.

3

B.

5

C.

7

D.

9

E.

11

Show Answer

Answer: C7 is correct because since h(x) = |x| + 2, then h(-5) = |-5| + 2 = 5 + 2 = 7.

Q5EASY

If f(x) = 2x + 1, what is the value of f(-3)?

A.

-5

B.

-4

C.

-3

D.

-2

E.

-1

Show Answer

Answer: A-5 is correct because substituting -3 into the equation f(x) = 2x + 1 gives f(-3) = 2(-3) + 1 = -6 + 1 = -5.

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Study Tips for Unit 1: Algebraic Expressions & Equations

  • Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing facts — CLEP tests application
  • Practice with timed questions to build exam-day speed
  • Review explanations for wrong answers — they reveal common misconceptions
  • Use flashcards for key terms, practice questions for deeper understanding

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