Algebra basics for the IBEW aptitude test

You’ll work with formulas, powers, square roots, and comparisons between quantities.

Union Aptitude PrepOrder of operations

Finding a formula’s value

Several operations in one formula
An order for the calculations
A value to find

A = B + 3(4 − C)
A = 5 + 3(4 − 2)
A = 5 + 3 × 2
A = 5 + 6
A = 11

Which calculation next?You face a formula with several operations.Replace the lettersThe sample question gives you B equals 5 and C equals 2.

Lessons in this chapter

3 lessons, about 5 minutes each

Sample questions

From the class’s practice bank. Pick an answer, then check it.

Question 1

8x + 15 = 71. What is x?

−7
56
7
9

Show the answer

C. 7. Subtract 15: 8x = 71 − 15 = 56. Divide by 8: x = 56 ÷ 8 = 7. Check: 8 × 7 + 15 = 71.

Question 2

f(x) = 2x² + 4x − 5. What is f(−4)?

13
11
−53
43

Show the answer

B. 11. With x = −4: 2 · (−4)² + 4 · (−4) − 5 = 32 − 16 − 5 = 11. A negative squared is positive: (−4)² = 16.

Question 3

9 + 2 × 6 − 24 ÷ 4 = ?

60
15
36
−3

Show the answer

B. 15. Multiply and divide first: 2 × 6 = 12, 24 ÷ 4 = 6. Then 9 + 12 − 6 = 15. Working strictly left to right gives 36.

The full class, $39 once.

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Number series trainer
Algebra & functions with worked steps
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Algebra basics for the IBEW aptitude test

Lessons in this chapter

Sample questions

The full class, $39 once.

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