Tutor Center & Placement Test Center
_____________________________________________________________
Thomas Rousseau, M.Ed. – Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services
160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
trousseau@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: 978-665-3499
Algebra Placement Test
Free Online Preparation Resources
www.khanacademy.org
Extensive Algebra instructional videos that feature a step-by-step process to solving Algebra problems
and includes written transcripts and video sub-titles.
www.number2.com
Create an account and access a free customized test preparation course that includes user-friendly
tutorials and practice sessions that dynamically adapt to each student's ability level.
Free Mathematics Tutoring
(walk-in) at the
Math Center
2nd floor Hammond – Room 218 & 220
Monday & Tuesday
11:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Wednesday & Thursday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Math Center opens the first full week of school each semester and closes on the last day
of class. The Math Center is not open during the summer or intersessions.
Online Courseware
Prepare to Pass the Algebra Placement Test and Place out of Basic Math I or II
To prepare to pass the Algebra Placement Test you may want to use or ADVANCER – College
Readiness Online Courseware along with free Mathematics Tutoring offered at the Tutor Center to help
you refresh and sharpen your understanding of Arithmetic and Algebra.
ADVANCER
A solution that begins with a 35 question diagnostic assessment of the actual Algebra and Arithmetic
objectives on the Algebra Placement Test.
Prescriptive Lesson Plan - aligned with the results of the diagnostic assessment.
Instruction – step-by-step lessons on the topics that you specifically need to learn to pass the
Algebra Placement Test.
Mastery Quiz – passing the mastery quiz at 80% at the end of each lesson unit is required to continue
with the course.
What is the Cost ? $37 for the Assessment and Online Courseware for 90 days.
Please provide the following information and enclose a check for $37.00 payable to
Fitchburg State University. I will then authorize the Log on name, password and User ID
that you select and provide you the website and directions for using ADVANCER for 90 days.
Name:
Log on name:
Phone:
Password:
e-mail:
User ID:
Please mail this form to: Thomas Rousseau, M.Ed., Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services
Tutor Center & Placement Test Center
Fitchburg State University
160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Placement Test Center
_____________________________________________________________
Thomas Rousseau, M.Ed. – Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services
160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
trousseau@fitchburgstate.edu
Phone: 978-665-3499
Prepare to Pass the Algebra Placement Test and Place out of Basic Math I or II using free or low
cost Algebra and Mathematics web resources and/or Math Center Tutors.
 Effective study habits will make a significant difference in how fast
and how well you will improve your Arithmetic and Algebra knowledge.
 Schedule study sessions to help you discipline yourself to develop a
routine.
 Study 4-6 days a week for 30 – 60 minute sessions using online
websites.
 Keep a notebook, date every study session, write each problem and
show in detail all the steps to the solution.
 Note the problems that you cannot solve and ask the Math Center
Tutor for help. Write all study strategies and problem solving steps
that the tutor reviews with you.
 Before starting every new study session, spend 10 minutes reviewing
previously learned material. Ongoing review is critical to proving to
yourself that you really know how to solve each type of Arithmetic and
Algebra problem.
 Always study without a calculator. A calculator is not allowed on the
test.
 Say aloud the process and steps to solving each problem. This process
of challenging yourself to explain how to solve the problem gives you
accurate feedback on your level of understanding.
ALGEBRA PLACEMENT TEST PREPARATION TOPICS
Basic Operations 1
Basic Operations 2
Positive and negative rational numbers, equivalent fractions, cross products,
absolute value, order of operations, fractions to decimals, comparing and ordering.
The distributive property used to simplify expressions. Comparison of solving
problems by using the distributive property and by using order of operations.
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Integer Operations
Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of integers.
Like Terms
Identification and examples of like terms and solving expressions by collecting like
terms. Identify single numbers, numbers containing products of variables, and
similar terms.
Using the distributive property. FOIL method of multiplying binomials. Squaring
binomials.
Evaluate expressions using order of operations, distributive property, addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division of real numbers and solving for unknowns.
Definition of square root, cube root, radical, radicand, index.
Distributive Property
Polynomials
Evaluating
Expressions
Roots and Radicals
Rational Operations 1
Rational Operations 2
Complex Rationals
Trinomial Squares
Factoring Trinomials
Methods of Factoring
Difference of Squares
Polynomial
Operations 1
Polynomial
Operations 2
Polynomial
Operations 3
Solving Equations
Properties of Equality
From Words to
Equations
Solving Word
Problems
Common denominators, finding higher variables, step by step factoring and
solving, adding and subtracting rations by simplifying.
Products of rational expressions, factoring numerators and denominators of
polynomials, using rational expressions to solve practical problems.
Definition and examples of complex rational using shortcuts to simplify and solve
complex rationals.
Factor trinomials by factoring out monomials. Identification and traits of trinomial
squares. Patterns in trinomial factoring. Write trinomials in factored form.
Factoring trinomials that are not square, quadratic trinomials with positive or
negative constants, factoring quadratic trinomials with coefficient integers other
than one.
Determine steps to take in factoring and solve problems by factoring polynomials
in descending order.
Review of guidelines for factoring polynomials, importance of number of terms in
factors, determining square terms, factoring binomials, determining difference of
squares. Choose terms that are difference of squares.
Use the distributive property to multiply polynomials by using rules of multiplying
variables with exponents.
Using the FOIL method for multiplying a binomial by a binomial. Relating the
distributive property to polynomial multiplication. Students multiply binomials by
trinomials and arrange polynomials in descending order.
Graphing and factoring quadratic trinomials, linear terms, ascending and
decreasing order of polynomials.
Rules for solving equations, combining like terms, step-by-step examples of
simplifying and solving equations.
Solve equations involving multiple operations. Review of steps for solving
equations. Importance of balance in equations.
Use words to write equations. Students identify terms used in equations and use
alternative methods to solve problems.
Solve equations using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division,
parentheses, and fractions. Students find correct information needed to solve
problems. Importance of relative value in solving problems.
ACCUPLACER Algebra Placement Test Description
The following Algebra placement test results determine the first level Mathematics course that
students can enroll at Fitchburg State University they are:
82 + = Passing! Students can enroll in the first level course required for their major.
50 to 81 = Basic Math II. This is a pre-requisite Algebra course. Students earn 3 college credits
that count toward their overall Grade Point Average (GPA) but do not count towards the
Mathematics requirement for graduation. Passing this course allows students to enroll in the
first level mathematics course required for the major.
20 to 49 = Basic Math I. This is a pre-requisite mathematics course. Students earn 3 college
credits that count toward the overall Grade Point Average (GPA) but do not count towards the
Mathematics requirement for graduation. Passing this course allows students to enroll in Basic
Math II.
Elementary Algebra Content Areas Tested
Integers and Rationals
Ordering
Operations with signed numbers
Absolute value
Algebraic Expressions
Evaluating formulas and other algebraic expressions
Addition and subtraction of monomials and polynomials
Multiplication of monomials and polynomials
Positive rational roots and exponents
Squaring a binomial
Factoring difference of squares
Factoring ax2 + bx + c over the integers
Factoring polynomials that are not quadratics
Operations with algebraic fractions involving addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division
Division of monomials and polynomials including simplification of algebraic
fractions
Equations, Inequalities, and Word Problems
Solving linear equations and inequalities
Systems of linear equations
Quadratic equations solution by factoring
Translating written phrases or sentences into algebraic expressions or
equations
Solving verbal problems in an algebraic context including geometric
reasoning
Graphing
ACCUPLACER Program Manual
ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA
A total of 12 questions of three types are
administered in this test.
•The first type involves operations with
integers and rational numbers, and
includes computation with integers and
negative rationals, the use of absolute
values, and ordering.
•The second type involves operations with
algebraic expressions using evaluation of
simple formulas and expressions, and
adding and subtracting monomials and
polynomials. Questions involve multiplying
and dividing monomials and polynomials,
the evaluation of positive rational roots and
exponents, simplifying algebraic fractions,
and factoring.
•The third type of question involves
translating written phrases into algebraic
expressions and solving equations,
inequalities, word problems, linear
equations and inequalities, quadratic
equations (by factoring), and verbal
problems presented in an algebraic
context.
www.accuplacer.org
ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA
PROFICIENCY STATEMENTS
Total Right Score of About 25
Students at this level have minimal prealgebra
skills. These students demonstrate:
•a sense of order relationships and the relative
size of signed numbers.
•the ability to multiply a whole number by a
binomial.
Total Right Score of About 57
Students scoring at this level have minimal
elementary algebra skills. These students can:
•perform operations with signed numbers
•combine like terms
•multiply binomials
•evaluate algebraic expressions
Total Right Score of About 76
Students at this level have sufficient
elementary algebra skills. By this level, the
skills that were beginning to emerge at a Total
Right Score of 57 have been developed.
Students at this level can:
•add radicals, add algebraic fractions, and
evaluate algebraic expressions.
•factor quadratic expressions in the form
𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐, where a =1
•factor the difference of squares
•square binomials
•solve linear equations with integer coefficients
Total Right Score of About 108
Students at this level have substantial
elementary algebra skills. These students can:
•simplify algebraic expressions
•factor quadratic expressions where a =1
•solve quadratic equations
•solve linear equations with fractional and
literal coefficients and linear inequalities with
integer coefficients.
•solve systems of equations
•identify graphical properties of equations and
inequalities.