MAT137 Week 4: Take-Home Test

Hello Intermediate Algebra students! This week, you'll be working on your take-home test, designed to assess your understanding of the concepts we've covered so far. Don't worry; this is a great opportunity to solidify your knowledge and practice your skills. Remember to show all your work clearly!

You can download the test in either Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF format, whichever works best for you. Choose your preferred format here:

Submission Options:

You have two options for submitting your completed test:

  1. Email: You can scan or photograph your completed test and email it to me directly.
  2. In-Person: Bring your completed test to class next Friday.

Key Concepts to Review:

Based on our recent lectures and assignments, here are some key concepts that will be particularly helpful for the test:

  • Solving Equations: Make sure you're comfortable with solving linear and quadratic equations. This includes techniques like factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula: $$x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}$$.
  • Systems of Equations: Review how to solve systems of equations using substitution, elimination, and graphing. Remember that a system can have one solution, no solution, or infinitely many solutions.
  • Inequalities: Understand how to solve and graph linear inequalities, including compound inequalities. Pay attention to the direction of the inequality sign when multiplying or dividing by a negative number.
  • Functions: Be familiar with the definition of a function, domain, range, and function notation ($f(x)$). Practice evaluating functions for given input values.
  • Graphing: Brush up on your skills in graphing linear equations, quadratic equations (parabolas), and inequalities. Understanding intercepts and slopes is crucial.

Tips for Success:

  • Read Carefully: Take your time to read each question thoroughly and make sure you understand what is being asked.
  • Show Your Work: Clearly show all the steps you take to solve each problem. This will allow me to give you partial credit even if your final answer is incorrect.
  • Check Your Answers: Whenever possible, check your answers to make sure they are reasonable and accurate.
  • Don't Panic: If you get stuck on a problem, don't spend too much time on it. Move on to the next problem and come back to it later.

I am confident that you all will do well on this take-home test. Remember to utilize your notes, textbook, and online resources. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me during office hours or via email.

Good luck, and happy problem-solving!

- Professor Baker