Algebra 1A
Examination for Acceleration/Credit By Exam Study Guide
This Credit By Exam Study Guide can help you prepare for the exam by giving you an idea of
what you need to study, review, and learn. To succeed, you should be thoroughly familiar with
the subject matter before you attempt to take the exam.
Every question that appears on the Credit by Exam/Examination for Acceleration is grounded in
the knowledge and skills statements and student expectations within the state-mandated
standards, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). It should be noted that an exam
will not test every student expectation. However, it is important that students study and know
the entire scope of the TEKS so that they can develop a complete understanding of the content.
The CBE/EAs are a global exam grounded in the TEKS and are not designed to be a final exam
for the University of Texas high school courses. You can view the TEKS for this exam online at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/. Since questions are not taken from any one source, you can
prepare by reviewing any of the state-adopted textbooks.
About the exam
The Credit By Exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that are equally weighted. The
exam may consist of multiple-choice, true-false, and matching type questions. You will be
allowed 3 hours to take the exam and you will be allowed to use a graphing calculator.
Materials Provided
For paper-based exams, a formula sheet will be provided with your test. For computer-based
exams, the proctor will provide to you a paper copy of the formula sheet immediately prior to
testing. You will return the sheet after the exam. The following formulas will be on the formula
sheet.
y −y
• Slope of a line: m = 2 1
x2 − x1
• Slope-Intercept Form of an Equation: y = mx + b
• Point-Slope Form of an Equation: y − y1 = m(x − x1 )
• Area of a Rectangle: A = lw
Concepts and Objectives
The bulleted list and sample questions below may not refer to all the material that will be in the
exam. This list only provides additional information for some of the student expectations tested
in the Algebra I First Semester Credit by Exam. Ultimately, you should use the TEKS to guide
your exam preparation.
The University of Texas at Austin Continuing and Innovative Education
K-16 Education Center
1
ALG 1A
CBE/EA
Review Sheet
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Work with linear functions;
Describe a functional relationship by selecting an equation or inequality that describes
one variable in terms of another variable;
Match a representation of a functional relationship with an interpretation of the results for
a given situation;
Translate functional relationships among numerous forms;
Work with linear equations in different forms, such as slope intercept, standard, etc.
Identify a valid decision or judgment based on a given set of data;
Write an expression or equation describing a pattern
work with both x- and y-intercepts;
select an equation or inequality that can be used to find the solution;
find a solution expressed as a number or a range of numbers;
evaluate a solution in terms of a given context and determine whether the solution is
reasonable
Sample Questions
These sample questions will give you a better idea of the types of questions you can expect on
the Credit By Exam. These questions are provided to illustrate the format of the exam; they are
not a duplicate of the actual exam. In order to be successful on the exam, you must study and
review all of the concepts listed above.
Multiple-Choice
This part contains 5 multiple-choice questions. Circle the letter of the correct response to each of
the following questions.
1. Jessica is making beaded bracelets to give to her friends. She is able to make 3 bracelets
per hour. What are the independent and dependent variables in this situation?
A The independent variable is the number of bracelets made and the dependent
variable is the time.
B The independent variable is the time and the dependent variable is the number of
beads on each bracelet.
C The independent variable is the time and the dependent variable is the number of
bracelets made.
D The independent variable is the number of bracelets made and the dependent
variable is the rate at which she can make the bracelets.
2. Find the solution to the inequality 3w – 6 > –4w +1.
A w>1
B w<1
C w<7
The University of Texas at Austin Continuing and Innovative Education
K-16 Education Center
2
ALG 1A
CBE/EA
Review Sheet
D w>7
3. Which inequality best describes the graph shown below?
3
x–2
5
3
B y ≥ x–2
5
5
C y ≤ x+2
3
5
D y ≥ x+2
3
A y≤
4. Which of the following is equivalent to the expression (5 x2 + 2x + 3) – (2 x2 – 8x –1)?
A
B
C
D
3x2 + 6x + 2
3x2 – 6x + 4
3x2 + 10x + 2
3x2 + 10x + 4
5. Which of the following ordered pairs is the x-intercept of the function 4x – 3y = 12?
A (3, 0)
B (4, 0)
The University of Texas at Austin Continuing and Innovative Education
K-16 Education Center
3
ALG 1A
CBE/EA
Review Sheet
C (0, 3)
D (4, 0)
Answer Key
Item Number
Correct Answer
1
2
3
4
5
C
A
B
D
A
TEKS
expectation
A.1.A
A.7.A
A.1.D
A.4.B
A.6.E
TAKS
objective
1
4
1
2
3
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K-16 Education Center
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