Free Rise Placement Test Exponents and Polynomials Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following expressions is equivalent to (3x²y⁻³)⁻²?

Accepted Answer

y⁶ / (9x⁴)

Answer

To simplify (3x²y⁻³)⁻², first distribute the outer exponent -2 to each factor inside the parentheses. This gives 3⁻²(x²)⁻²(y⁻³)⁻². Using the power of a power rule (multiply exponents), this becomes 3⁻²x⁻⁴y⁶. A negative exponent means to take the reciprocal of the base. So, 3⁻² becomes 1/3² = 1/9, and x⁻⁴ becomes 1/x⁴. The y⁶ term remains in the numerator. Combining these gives y⁶ / (9x⁴).

Question 2

What is the product of the binomials (2a - 5) and (3a + 4)?

Accepted Answer

6a² - 7a - 20

Answer

To multiply the two binomials, use the FOIL method (First, Outer, Inner, Last). First: (2a)(3a) = 6a². Outer: (2a)(4) = 8a. Inner: (-5)(3a) = -15a. Last: (-5)(4) = -20. Then, combine the like terms (the Outer and Inner products): 8a - 15a = -7a. The final product is 6a² - 7a - 20.

Question 3

A rectangular garden has a length represented by the expression (4x + 3) feet and a width represented by (x - 2) feet. Which polynomial represents the total area of the garden in square feet?

Accepted Answer

4x² - 5x - 6

Answer

The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length by its width. In this case, Area = (4x + 3)(x - 2). Using the FOIL method: First: (4x)(x) = 4x². Outer: (4x)(-2) = -8x. Inner: (3)(x) = 3x. Last: (3)(-2) = -6. Combine the like terms: -8x + 3x = -5x. The polynomial representing the area is 4x² - 5x - 6.

Question 4

Which of the following correctly classifies the polynomial 8x³ - 12x + 5 by its degree and number of terms?

Accepted Answer

Cubic Trinomial

Answer

The degree of a polynomial is determined by the highest exponent of the variable, which is 3 in this case, making it 'cubic'. The number of terms is found by counting the parts separated by plus or minus signs. There are three terms (8x³, -12x, and 5), which makes it a 'trinomial'. Therefore, the polynomial is a cubic trinomial.

Question 5

Perform the subtraction: (7x² - 3x + 9) - (4x² + 2x - 5)

Accepted Answer

3x² - 5x + 14

Answer

To subtract the polynomials, distribute the negative sign to each term in the second parenthesis: (7x² - 3x + 9) - 4x² - 2x + 5. Then, combine like terms: (7x² - 4x²) + (-3x - 2x) + (9 + 5). This simplifies to 3x² - 5x + 14.

Rise Placement Test Practice Test

Rise Placement Test Practice Test

Free Rise Placement Test Exponents and Polynomials Questions and Answers