DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra study plan

Define i as the square root of negative one and rewrite radicals of negative numbers in terms of i

Add, subtract, and multiply complex numbers in standard form a + bi, including expanding products with FOIL

Compute the conjugate of a complex number and use it to divide two complex numbers into a + bi form

Simplify integer powers of i by reducing exponents modulo 4

Apply the laws of exponents to simplify products, quotients, and powers of monomials with integer exponents

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide polynomials, including long division by a linear binomial

Factor out the greatest common factor and factor trinomials by grouping and by trial factors

Recognize and apply special products: difference of squares, perfect-square trinomials, sum and difference of cubes

Simplify rational expressions by factoring numerator and denominator and canceling common factors

Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of rational expressions, finding least common denominators

Solve rational equations and identify extraneous solutions by checking against the original denominators

Rewrite expressions with rational (fractional) exponents as radicals and back, and simplify radical expressions

Solve linear equations and literal equations for a specified variable

Solve linear inequalities and compound inequalities and express solution sets in interval notation

Solve absolute-value equations and inequalities, including cases with no solution

Set up and solve word problems that translate to a single linear equation or inequality

Solve quadratic equations by factoring, by completing the square, and by the quadratic formula

Use the discriminant to classify the number and type of roots of a quadratic

Solve polynomial equations of degree three or higher by factoring and the zero-product property

Solve systems of two linear equations by substitution and by elimination, including inconsistent and dependent systems

Determine domain and range of functions given as equations, including square-root and rational functions

Evaluate functions and compose two functions, and find the inverse of a one-to-one function

Identify slope, intercepts, and equations of lines, and write parallel and perpendicular line equations

Sketch parabolas by locating the vertex, axis of symmetry, and intercepts from standard and vertex form

Interpret function notation and graph transformations: shifts, reflections, and vertical stretches

Solve quadratic and absolute-value inequalities by analyzing sign on a number line or graph

Find zeros of quadratic functions with complex roots and connect them to the graph having no x-intercepts

Read and answer questions from function graphs without relying on a calculator

Take two full-length timed practice tests under exam conditions and score them by domain

Re-work every missed item from both tests and write the corrected reasoning

Drill the two weakest domains with 30 targeted problems each

Memorize the formula sheet items you must supply yourself: quadratic formula, discriminant, vertex form, slope, and exponent rules