SKILLS ASSESSMENT PREPARATION: MATH
NEWNHAM & YORK LEARNING CENTRE
AGENDA FOR WORKSHOP
Introduction
• Purpose for testing
• Testing conditions
• Useful links
Testing types:
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Arithmetic
Algebra
Technical Math
Select practice problems
INTRODUCTION
Why skills assessment?
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Tool to determine academic placement;
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All new Seneca students take placement
tests;
Is done after acceptance to the program;
First-semester timetable depends on
assessment
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Important Links
TEST CENTRE
senecacollege.ca/testcentre
LEARNING CENTRE
senecacollege.ca/learningcentres
KNOW WHAT TESTS YOU WILL WRITE:
senecacollege.ca/testcentre/program-testing.html
SKILLS ASSESSMENT (SAMPLE QUESTIONS)
senecacollege.ca/testcentre/assessment-prep.html
ACCUPLACER (INFORMATION)
senecacollege.ca/testcentre/accuplacer.html
STUDY TIPS
senecacollege.ca/learningcentres/tips.html
Important Information
Please Note
scrap paper is not permitted
• You may use the paper you receive, during the exam, as
scrap paper
Calculators are not permitted
• You are not allowed to use a calculator during the exam
Cellphones or other communication devices are not
permitted in the Test Centre
Length of Math Examination
English/Math testing – approx. three hours
Arithmetic Testing
Arithmetic (17 questions)
Operations
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• With whole numbers;
• With fractions;
• With Decimals
General number facts
• Arranging in order
• Rounding
• Estimating
Percent calculations
Applications and problem solving
Algebra Testing (14 questions)
Number
• Expressions with absolute value
• Operations with integers and rational numbers
• Operations with roots (radicals) and simplifying expressions
with radicals
Expressions
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Evaluating
Solving equations
Solving and graphing Inequalities
Adding and subtracting polynomials
Solving quadratic equations (by factoring)
Word problems
• Translating written phrases into algebraic expressions
• Solving word problems
• Solving verbal problems presented in an algebraic context
Arithmetic and Algebra general expectations
Basic geometric facts:
• The sum of internal angles in a triangle, rectangle
• The area formula for a rectangle, square, triangle, circle
• The idea of perimeter
Basic number facts and properties
• Division by zero is not permitted
• Square root of negative numbers is not permitted
Properties of Operations
• Exponent properties
• Operations with negative numbers
• Order of operations
Percent
• Converting between fractions, decimals, and percent
• Calculating percent of a number, what percent is a number, and of what
number is given percent
Technical Math (CAT3 Level 19 Test)
For Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering Technology
students ONLY - Canadian Achievement Test 3rd Edition –
CAT3 - Mathematics
TEST TERMS/ FORMAT
• 40 min long, 30 multiple choice questions
• Calculators are not permitted
Technical Math (CAT3 Level 19 Test)
Expressions
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Evaluating
Solving equations
Adding and subtracting polynomials
Multiplying binomials
Word problems
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Translating written phrases into algebraic expressions
Solving word problems
Solving verbal problems presented in an algebraic context
Proportional reasoning questions (rates and proportions)
Graphing
• Slope
• Increasing and decreasing relationships
• Reading from and interpreting bar graphs, histograms, and other
Technical Math (CAT3 Level 19 Test)
General Expectations
Basic geometric facts:
• The sum of internal angles in a triangle, rectangle
• The area formula for a rectangle, square, triangle, circle
• The idea of perimeter
Basic number facts and properties
• Division by zero is not permitted
• Square root of negative numbers is not permitted
Properties of Operations
• Exponent properties
• Operations with negative numbers
• Order of operations
Percent
• Converting between fractions, decimals, and percent
• Calculating percent of a number, what percent is a number, and
of what number is given percent.
SELECT PRACTICE PROBLEMS
WILL FOLLOW…
Thank you for participating and good luck with your studies
The Learning Centre is here to assist you with your studies
through one-on-one tutoring, workshops, resources and more.
SenecaLC
www.senecacollege.ca/learningcentres