CLEP® College Mathematics Book + Online

By Stu Schwartz

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Two full-length practice exams
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• Language: English
• Publisher: Research & Education Association
• Release date: Mar 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9780738687469

Book preview

Mel Friedman, M.S.

and

Stu Schwartz

Research & Education Association

61 Ethel Road West

Piscataway, New Jersey 08854

E-mail: [e-mail]

CLEP® College Mathematics with Online Practice Exams

Copyright © 2016 by Research & Education Association, Inc.

Prior editions copyright © 2013, 2008. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number 2015956926

ISBN-13: 978-0-7386-1205-8

ISBN-10: 0-7386-1205-7

LIMIT OF LIABILITY/DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY: Publication of this work is for the purpose of test preparation and related use and subjects as set forth herein. While every effort has been made to achieve a work of high quality, neither Research & Education Association, Inc., nor the authors and other contributors of this work guarantee the accuracy or completeness of or assume any liability in connection with the information and opinions contained herein and in REA’s software and/or online materials. REA and the authors and other contributors shall in no event be liable for any personal injury, property or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use or reliance upon this work.

CLEP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product. All other trademarks cited in this publication are the property of their respective owners.

Cover image: © iStockphoto.com/cisale

CLEP® COLLEGE MATHEMATICS

Access Your Online Exams

by following the instructions found at the back of this book.

CONTENTS

About Our Authors

About REA

Acknowledgments

CHAPTER 1

Passing the CLEP College Mathematics Exam

Getting Started

The REA Study Center

An Overview of the Exam

All About the CLEP Program

Options for Military Personnel and Veterans

SSD Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities

6-Week Study Plan

Test-Taking Tips

The Day of the Exam

Online Diagnostic Test www.rea.com/studycenter

CHAPTER 2

Numbers

Properties of Real Numbers

Components of Real Numbers

Fractions

Odd and Even Numbers

Factors and Divisibility Numbers

Absolute Value

Integers

Inequalities

Scientific Notation

Unit Conversions

Drill Questions

CHAPTER 3

Algebra and Functions

Equations

Linear Equations

Simultaneous Linear Equations

Dependent Equations

Parallel Lines

Perpendicular Lines

Absolute Value Equations

Inequalities

Linear Inequalities

Complex Numbers

Quadratic Equations

Quadratic Formula

Advanced Algebraic Theorems

Relations and Graphs

Functions: Definition and Notation

Linear Equations

Transformation of Graphs

Exponents

Exponential Equations

Logarithms

Linear and Exponential Growth

Drill Questions

CHAPTER 4

Counting and Probability

Sample Spaces and Counting

The Counting Principle

Factorial

Permutations

Combinations

Probability

Odds

Mutually Exclusive and Complementary Events

Conditional Probability

Independent Events

Expected Value

Drill Questions

CHAPTER 5

Statistics and Data Analysis

Measures of Central Tendency

Comparing the Mean, Median, and Mode in a Variety of Distributions

Measures of Variability

Normal Distributions

Data Analysis

Bivariate Data

Drill Questions

CHAPTER 6

Financial Mathematics

Rates

Percents

Taxes

Markups and Markdowns

Types of Interest

Future Value and Maturity Value

Present Value

Inflation

Drill Questions

CHAPTER 7

Geometry Topics

Triangles

The Pythagorean Theorem

Quadrilaterals

Similar Polygons

Circles

Formulas for Area and Perimeter

Drill Questions

CHAPTER 8

Logic and Sets

Logic

Sentences

Statements

Basic Principles, Laws, and Theorems

Necessary and Sufficient Conditions

Deductive Reasoning

Truth Tables and Basic Logical Operations

Logical Equivalence

Sentences, Literals, and Fundamental Conjunctions

Sets

Subsets

Union and Intersection of Sets

Laws of Set Operations

Cartesian Product

Drill Questions

Practice Test 1 (also available online at www.rea.com/studycenter)

Answer Key

Detailed Explanations of Answers

Practice Test 2 (also available online at www.rea.com/studycenter)

Answer Key

Detailed Explanations of Answers

Answer Sheets

Glossary

Index

ABOUT OUR AUTHORS

Mel Friedman, M.S., has a diverse background in mathematics, having taught both high school and college-level mathematics courses. Mr. Friedman was awarded his B.A. in Mathematics from Rutgers University and received his M.S. in Mathematics (with honors) from Fairleigh Dickinson University. A former adjunct professor at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Friedman also developed test items for Educational Testing Service and ACT, Inc.

Stu Schwartz has been teaching mathematics since 1973. For 35 years he taught in the Wissahickon School District, in Ambler, Pennsylvania, specializing in AP Calculus AB and BC and AP Statistics. Mr. Schwartz received his B.S. degree in Mathematics from Temple University, Philadelphia. Mr. Schwartz was a 2002 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and also won the 2007 Outstanding Educator of the Year Award for the Wissahickon School District.

Mr. Schwartz’s website, www.mastermathmentor.com, is geared toward helping educators teach AP Calculus, AP Statistics, and other math courses. Mr. Schwartz is always looking for ways to provide teachers with new and innovative teaching materials, believing that it should be the goal of every math teacher not only to teach students mathematics, but also to find joy and beauty in math as well.

ABOUT REA

Founded in 1959, Research & Education Association (REA) is dedicated to publishing the finest and most effective educational materials—including study guides and test preps—for students of all ages. Today, REA’s wide-ranging catalog is a leading resource for students, teachers, and other professionals. Visit www.rea.com to see a complete listing of all our titles.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank Pam Weston, Publisher, for setting the quality standards for production integrity and managing the publication to completion; John Paul Cording, Vice President, Technology, for coordinating the design and development of the REA Study Center; Larry B. Kling, Vice President, Editorial, for overall direction; Diane Goldschmidt, Managing Editor, for coordinating development of this edition; Transcend Creative Services for typesetting this edition; and Eve Grinnell, Graphic Designer, for designing our cover.

In addition, we would like to thank Mary Berlinghieri Willi for technically reviewing the manuscript, Linda Robbian for copyediting, and Ellen Gong for proofreading.

CHAPTER 1

Passing the CLEP College Mathematics Exam

CHAPTER 1

PASSING THE CLEP COLLEGE MATHEMATICS EXAM

Congratulations! You’re joining the millions of people who have discovered the value and educational advantage offered by the College Board’s College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP. This test prep focuses on what you need to know to succeed on the CLEP College Mathematics exam, and will help you earn the college credit you deserve while reducing your tuition costs.

GETTING STARTED

There are many different ways to prepare for a CLEP exam. What’s best for you depends on how much time you have to study and how comfortable you are with the subject matter. To score your highest, you need a system that can be customized to fit you: your schedule, your learning style, and your current level of knowledge.

This book, and the online tools that come with it, allow you to create a personalized study plan through three simple steps: assessment of your knowledge, targeted review of exam content, and reinforcement in the areas where you need the most help.

Let’s get started and see how this system works.

THE REA STUDY CENTER

The best way to personalize your study plan is to get feedback on what you know and what you don’t know. At the online REA Study Center, you can access two types of assessment: a diagnostic exam and full-length practice exams. Each of these tools provides true-to-format questions and delivers a detailed score report that follows the topics set by the College Board.

Diagnostic Exam

Before you begin your review with the book, take the online diagnostic exam. Use your score report to help evaluate your overall understanding of the subject, so you can focus your study on the topics where you need the most review.

Full-Length Practice Exams

Our full-length practice tests give you the most complete picture of your strengths and weaknesses. After you’ve finished reviewing with the book, test what you’ve learned by taking the first of the two online practice exams. Review your score report, then go back and study any topics you missed. Take the second practice test to ensure you have mastered the material and are ready for test day.

If you’re studying and don’t have Internet access, you can take the printed tests in the book. These are the same practice tests offered at the REA Study Center, but without the added benefits of timed testing conditions and diagnostic score reports. Because the actual exam is Internet-based, we recommend you take at least one practice test online to simulate test-day conditions.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE EXAM

The CLEP College Mathematics exam consists of approximately 60 questions to be answered in 90 minutes.

The exam covers the material one would find in an introductory college-level class for nonmathematics majors in fields not requiring knowledge of advanced mathematics.

The approximate breakdown of topics is as follows:

Scientific Calculator

A scientific (nongraphing) calculator is integrated into the exam software, and is available to students during the entire testing time. Students are expected to know how and when to make appropriate use of the calculator. The scientific calculator, together with a brief video tutorial, is available to students as a free download for a 30-day trial period. Visit www.collegeboard.org/clep for more information.

ALL ABOUT THE CLEP PROGRAM

What is the CLEP?

CLEP is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program in North America. The CLEP program’s 33 exams span five subject areas. The exams assess the material commonly required in an introductory-level college course. Examinees can earn from three to twelve credits at more than 2,900 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada. For a complete list of the CLEP subject examinations offered, visit the College Board website: www.collegeboard.org/clep.

Who takes CLEP exams?

CLEP exams are typically taken by people who have acquired knowledge outside the classroom and who wish to bypass certain college courses and earn college credit. The CLEP program is designed to reward examinees for learning—no matter where or how that knowledge was acquired.

Although most CLEP examinees are adults returning to college, many graduating high school seniors, enrolled college students, military personnel, veterans, and international students take CLEP exams to earn college credit or to demonstrate their ability to perform at the college level. There are no prerequisites, such as age or educational status, for taking CLEP examinations. However, because policies on granting credits vary among colleges, you should contact the particular institution from which you wish to receive CLEP credit.

How is my CLEP score determined?

Your CLEP score is based on two calculations. First, your CLEP raw score is figured; this is just the total number of test items you answer correctly. After the test is administered, your raw score is converted to a scaled score through a process called equating. Equating adjusts for minor variations in difficulty across test forms and among test items, and ensures that your score accurately represents your performance on the exam regardless of when or where you take it, or on how well others perform on the same test form.

Your scaled score is the number your college will use to determine if you’ve performed well enough to earn college credit. Scaled scores for the CLEP exams are delivered on a 20-80 scale. Institutions can set their own scores for granting college credit, but a good passing estimate (based on recommendations from the American Council on Education) is generally a scaled score of 50, which usually requires getting roughly 66% of the questions correct.

For more information on scoring, contact the institution where you wish to be awarded the credit.

Who administers the exam?

CLEP exams are developed by the College Board, administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), and involve the assistance of educators from throughout the United States. The test development process is designed and implemented to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the test are appropriate.

When and where is the exam given?

CLEP exams are administered year-round at more than 1,200 test centers in the United States and can be arranged for candidates abroad on request. To find the test center nearest you and to register for the exam, contact the CLEP Program:

CLEP Services

P.O. Box 6600

Princeton, NJ 08541-6600

Phone: [phone] (8 A.M. to 6 P.M. ET)

Fax: [phone]

Website: www.collegeboard.org/clep

The CLEP iBT Platform

To improve the testing experience for both institutions and test-takers, the College Board’s CLEP Program has transitioned its 33 exams from the eCBT platform to an Internet-based testing (iBT) platform. All CLEP test-takers may now register for exams and manage their personal account information through the My Account feature on the CLEP website. This new feature simplifies the registration process and automatically downloads all pertinent information about the test session, making for a more streamlined check-in.

OPTIONS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL AND VETERANS

CLEP exams are available free of charge to eligible military personnel and eligible civilian employees. All the CLEP exams are available at test centers on college campuses and military bases. Contact your Educational Services Officer or Navy College Education Specialist for more information. Visit the DANTES or College Board websites for details about CLEP opportunities for military personnel.

Eligible U.S. veterans can claim reimbursement for CLEP exams and administration fees pursuant to provisions of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2004. For details on eligibility and submitting a claim for reimbursement, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.gibill.va.gov.

CLEP can be used in conjunction with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which applies to veterans returning from the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters of operation. Because the GI Bill provides tuition for up to 36 months, earning college credits with CLEP exams expedites academic progress and degree completion within the funded timeframe.

SSD ACCOMMODATIONS FOR CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES

Many test candidates qualify for extra time to take the CLEP exams, but you must make these arrangements in advance. For information, contact:

College Board Services for Students with Disabilities

P.O. Box 8060

Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864-0060

Phone: [phone] (Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 6 P.M. ET)

TTY: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Website: http://student.collegeboard.org/services-for-students-with-disabilities

E-mail: [e-mail]

6-WEEK STUDY PLAN

Although our study plan is designed to be used in the six weeks before your exam, it can be condensed to three weeks by combining each two-week period into one.

Be sure to set aside enough time—at least two hours each day—to study. The more time you spend studying, the more prepared and relaxed you will feel on the day of the exam.

TEST-TAKING TIPS

Know the format of the test. Familiarize yourself with the CLEP computer screen beforehand by logging on to the College Board website. Waiting until test day to see what it looks like in the pretest tutorial risks injecting needless anxiety into your testing experience. Also, familiarizing yourself with the directions and format of the exam will save you valuable time on the day of the actual test.

Read all the questions—completely. Make sure you understand each question before looking for the right answer. Reread the question if it doesn’t make sense.

Read all of the answers to a question. Just because you think you found the correct response right away, do not assume that it’s the best answer. The last answer choice might be the correct answer.

Work quickly and steadily. You will have 90 minutes to answer 60 questions, so work quickly and steadily. Taking the timed practice tests online will help you learn how to budget your time.

Use the process of elimination. Stumped by a question? Don’t make a random guess. Eliminate as many of the answer choices as possible. By eliminating just one answer choice, you give yourself a better chance of getting the item correct, since there will only be three choices left from which to make your guess. Remember, your score is based only on the number of questions you answer correctly.

Don’t waste time! Don’t spend too much time on any one question. Your time is limited so pacing yourself is very important. Work on the easier questions first. Skip the difficult questions and go back to them if you have the time.

Look for clues to answers in other questions. If you skip a question you don’t know the answer to, you might find a clue to the answer elsewhere on the test.

Be sure that your answer registers before you go to the next item. Look at the screen to see that your mouse-click causes the pointer to darken the proper oval. If your answer doesn’t register, you won’t get credit for that question.

THE DAY OF THE EXAM

On test day, you should wake up early (after a good night’s rest, of course) and have breakfast. Dress comfortably so you are not distracted by being too hot or too cold while taking the test. (Note that hoodies are not allowed.) Arrive at the test center early. This will allow you to collect your thoughts and relax before the test, and it will also spare you the anxiety that comes with being late.

Before you leave for the test center, make sure you have your admission form and another form of identification, which must contain a recent photograph, your name, and signature (i.e., driver’s license, student identification card, or current alien registration card). You may not wear a digital watch (wrist or pocket), alarm watch, or wristwatch camera. In addition, no cell phones, dictionaries, textbooks, notebooks, briefcases, or packages will be permitted, and drinking, smoking, and eating are prohibited.

Good luck on the CLEP College Mathematics exam!

CHAPTER 2

Numbers

CHAPTER 2

NUMBERS

Real numbers provide the basis for most precalculus mathematics topics.

Real numbers are all of the numbers on the number line (see Figure 2-1).

In fact, a nice way to visualize real numbers is that they can be put in a one-to-one correspondence with the set of all