PreCalculus Diagnostic Test

Am I ready for precalculus? Maybe that’s a question you’re asking yourself?

Jenn, Founder Calcworkshop^®, 15+ Years Experience (Licensed & Certified Teacher)

Are you are about to take a Trig class for the first time and you want to determine your strengths and weaknesses before starting your course?

Or maybe you’re preparing to take a precalculus diagnostic test, like UC San Diego has, in order to see if you have the sufficient mathematics background to do well in the course.

If so, you’re in the right place!

Precalculus is a high school or college level course that is designed to prepare students for Calculus.

It’s divided into two major categories: Trigonometry and Math Analysis, and is solidify concepts previously taught in Algebra and Geometry.

Therefore, pre-calculus dabbles with concepts that are both familiar and different and encourages students to think outside the box to explore big ideas rather than just memorizing facts.

So as a student who is about to journey through the exciting waters of precalculus, what should you know? How should you prepare? How do you know if you are ready for precalculus?

Well, after teaching precalculus for over 15 years, I have come to realize that having a solid understanding of some basic concepts makes for a much more smooth and enjoyable math experience.

For example, during your study of Trigonometry, you will need to convert units, add and subtract fractions, solve right triangles, and solve and transform various algebraic formulas and equations.

And Math Analysis, which I like to think of as Algebra 3, digs much deeper into concepts that have been previously taught but adds another layer of complexity to specific topics.

Therefore, just knowing how to factor, solve polynomial and rational equations using a variety of methods, remembering properties of exponential and logarithmic functions, as well as graphing and evaluating basic functions will all be invaluable skills.

PreCalculus Assessment Test

This readiness test will give you a taste of some of the major concepts that any precalculus teacher finds essential, and will give you a wonderful baseline for determining how ready you are for the journey ahead…the exhilarating world of precal!

Pre-Test & Answer Key

• PreCalculus Assessment Test: Practice your skills as you get ready for PreCalculus (Trigonometry or Math Analysis). This readiness test includes 30 practice problems.
• PreCalculus Assessment Key: Check your answers and determine your areas of strength or weakness.

Video Solutions

1 hr 30 min

• 00:00:00 – For #1-4: Convert the measuring units as indicated
• 00:06:15 – For #5-6: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing side length
• 00:13:55 – For #7-8: Solve the right triangle
• 00:24:13 – For #9-12: Perform the indicated operation and reduce to simplest form
• 00:30:55 – For #13-14: Perform the indicated operation and reduce to simplest form
• 00:40:43 – For #15-16: Solve for the indicated variable
• 00:45:14 – For #17-18: Factor completely
• 00:49:02 – For #19-22: Solve each equation by the most efficient method and write answers in simplest form
• 01:05:26 – For #23-25: Solve each equation by the most efficient method and write answers in simplest form
• 01:12:50 – For #26-29: Graph each function
• 01:21:58 – For #30: Evaluate the function