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DSST® Study Guide
Printable PDF · 29 pages
DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra Study Guide
Everything the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam tests, in one PDF you can print. Built from Prometric's official outline, heaviest topics first.
- 181 key terms, each with an example
- 43 practice questions with every answer explained
- A 2-page cram sheet for the night before
- 2-, 4- and 8-week study plans built from the exam weights
Last updated 2026 · exam details checked against Prometric's published exam information in 2026
Look inside the guide
Real pages from the 29-page PDF.
What you get for $5
One chapter for each official content area, in the order the exam weighs them.
- 📘29pages, printable
- 🧭4chapters, heaviest first
- 🔑181terms with examples
- ✍️43practice questions, answers explained
- ⚠️12exam traps to avoid
- 📄2page cram sheet
Try 10 free Fundamentals of College Algebra questions
In the style of the real exam, from all 4 areas. About 10 minutes, with every answer explained and a score by area.
10 questions
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Question 1 · Equations and Inequalities
If 3(2x − 1) − 4 = 5x + 2, then x =
Show the answer
Answer: B. 9. Distribute the 3: 6x − 3 − 4 = 5x + 2, so 6x − 7 = 5x + 2 and x = 9.
The trap: 7 comes from multiplying the 3 by 2x but not by −1, giving 6x − 1 − 4 = 5x + 2.
Distribute the 3: 6x − 3 − 4 = 5x + 2, so 6x − 7 = 5x + 2 and x = 9.
The trap: 7 comes from multiplying the 3 by 2x but not by −1, giving 6x − 1 − 4 = 5x + 2.
-
Question 2 · Properties of Functions and their Graphs
What is the distance between the points (−2, 3) and (4, −5)?
Show the answer
Answer: D. 10. d = √((4 − (−2))² + (−5 − 3)²) = √(36 + 64) = √100 = 10.
The trap: 14 adds the horizontal and vertical changes (6 + 8) instead of using the square root of the sum of squares.
d = √((4 − (−2))² + (−5 − 3)²) = √(36 + 64) = √100 = 10.
The trap: 14 adds the horizontal and vertical changes (6 + 8) instead of using the square root of the sum of squares.
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Question 3 · Fundamental Algebraic Operations
Which expression equals 3/(x − 2) − 2/(x + 2) for x ≠ ±2?
Show the answer
Answer: A. (x + 10)/(x² − 4). The LCD is (x − 2)(x + 2) = x² − 4. The numerator is 3(x + 2) − 2(x − 2) = 3x + 6 − 2x + 4 = x + 10.
The trap: The choice with numerator x + 2 forgets to distribute the minus sign, giving 3x + 6 − 2x − 4. Subtraction changes both terms of 2(x − 2).
The LCD is (x − 2)(x + 2) = x² − 4. The numerator is 3(x + 2) − 2(x − 2) = 3x + 6 − 2x + 4 = x + 10.
The trap: The choice with numerator x + 2 forgets to distribute the minus sign, giving 3x + 6 − 2x − 4. Subtraction changes both terms of 2(x − 2).
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Question 4 · Complex Numbers
What is the product (3 − 2i)(4 + i), written in the form a + bi?
Show the answer
Answer: C. 14 − 5i. FOIL gives 12 + 3i − 8i − 2i². Since i² = −1, the −2i² term becomes +2, so the product is 14 − 5i.
The trap: 10 − 5i comes from treating −2i² as −2. Because i² = −1, the term is −2(−1) = +2.
FOIL gives 12 + 3i − 8i − 2i². Since i² = −1, the −2i² term becomes +2, so the product is 14 − 5i.
The trap: 10 − 5i comes from treating −2i² as −2. Because i² = −1, the term is −2(−1) = +2.
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Question 5 · Equations and Inequalities
Which is the solution set of 5 − 3x ≥ 20?
Show the answer
Answer: C. (−∞, −5]. Subtract 5 to get −3x ≥ 15. Dividing by −3 reverses the sign, so x ≤ −5, which is (−∞, −5].
The trap: [−5, ∞) forgets to reverse the inequality when dividing by the negative number −3.
Subtract 5 to get −3x ≥ 15. Dividing by −3 reverses the sign, so x ≤ −5, which is (−∞, −5].
The trap: [−5, ∞) forgets to reverse the inequality when dividing by the negative number −3.
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Question 6 · Properties of Functions and their Graphs
The graph of x² + y² − 6x + 4y − 12 = 0 is a circle. What are its center and radius?
Show the answer
Answer: A. Center (3, −2), radius 5. Complete the square: (x − 3)² + (y + 2)² = 12 + 9 + 4 = 25. The center is (3, −2) and the radius is √25 = 5.
The trap: Radius 25 reads the right side as r instead of r². The number 25 is the radius squared.
Complete the square: (x − 3)² + (y + 2)² = 12 + 9 + 4 = 25. The center is (3, −2) and the radius is √25 = 5.
The trap: Radius 25 reads the right side as r instead of r². The number 25 is the radius squared.
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Question 7 · Fundamental Algebraic Operations
Which of the following is a factor of 2x² − 5x − 12?
Show the answer
Answer: B. 2x + 3. 2x² − 5x − 12 = (2x + 3)(x − 4); check: 2x² − 8x + 3x − 12 = 2x² − 5x − 12.
The trap: 2x − 3 has the right pieces with the wrong sign. Expanding (2x − 3)(x + 4) gives 2x² + 5x − 12, which has the wrong middle term.
2x² − 5x − 12 = (2x + 3)(x − 4); check: 2x² − 8x + 3x − 12 = 2x² − 5x − 12.
The trap: 2x − 3 has the right pieces with the wrong sign. Expanding (2x − 3)(x + 4) gives 2x² + 5x − 12, which has the wrong middle term.
-
Question 8 · Complex Numbers
Which expression equals (5 + 2i)/(1 − 3i)?
Show the answer
Answer: D. (−1 + 17i)/10. Multiply top and bottom by the conjugate 1 + 3i. The top is 5 + 15i + 2i + 6i² = −1 + 17i and the bottom is 1 + 9 = 10.
The trap: (11 + 17i)/10 treats 6i² as +6 instead of −6, so the real part of the top comes out wrong.
Multiply top and bottom by the conjugate 1 + 3i. The top is 5 + 15i + 2i + 6i² = −1 + 17i and the bottom is 1 + 9 = 10.
The trap: (11 + 17i)/10 treats 6i² as +6 instead of −6, so the real part of the top comes out wrong.
-
Question 9 · Equations and Inequalities
What is the solution of the equation x/(x − 2) = 2/(x − 2) + 3?
Show the answer
Answer: A. There is no solution. Multiplying by x − 2 gives x = 2 + 3x − 6, so x = 2. But x = 2 makes both denominators zero, so it is extraneous and there is no solution.
The trap: x = 2 is what the algebra gives, but that value makes the denominators zero, so it must be rejected.
Multiplying by x − 2 gives x = 2 + 3x − 6, so x = 2. But x = 2 makes both denominators zero, so it is extraneous and there is no solution.
The trap: x = 2 is what the algebra gives, but that value makes the denominators zero, so it must be rejected.
-
Question 10 · Properties of Functions and their Graphs
What is the domain of f(x) = √(x + 4)/(x − 2)?
Show the answer
Answer: B. x ≥ −4 and x ≠ 2. The root needs x + 4 ≥ 0, so x ≥ −4. The denominator needs x ≠ 2. Both conditions must hold.
The trap: Listing only x ≠ 2 ignores the even root. Values below −4 put a negative number under the square root.
The root needs x + 4 ≥ 0, so x ≥ −4. The denominator needs x ≠ 2. Both conditions must hold.
The trap: Listing only x ≠ 2 ignores the even root. Values below −4 put a negative number under the square root.
The DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam at a glance
The DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam is a 120-minute, computer-based test from Prometric with about 100 multiple-choice questions. A score of 400 on the 200–500 scale earns an ACE credit recommendation of 3 semester hours, though each college sets its own policy. The exam covers 4 content areas; the heaviest is Equations and Inequalities at 47%.
- Questions
- About 100multiple choice
- Time
- 120 minabout 72 seconds a question
- Passing score
- 400on a 200–500 scale
- ACE credit
- 3semester hours
- Exam fee
- $100paid to Prometric
- Calculator
- Yesnon-programmable allowed
Source: official DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam page.
What the exam covers
4 areas, heaviest first. The guide's chapters follow this order.
- Equations and Inequalities47%
- Properties of Functions and their Graphs32%
- Fundamental Algebraic Operations16%
- Complex Numbers5%
How it works
- 1Buy once, $5Secure checkout. No subscription needed.
- 2Download the PDFFrom your TransferCredit.org account, right away and any time later.
- 3Study the heaviest areas firstFollow the 2-, 4- or 8-week plan, then read the cram sheet the night before.
Questions students ask
What's in the full DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra study guide?
29 pages: 4 chapters, one per official content area, heaviest first. 181 terms, each with a plain-English definition and an example, common traps and memory tricks, 43 practice questions with an answer key that explains every answer, question tactics, 2-, 4- and 8-week study plans and a 2-page cram sheet.
How much is the full DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra study guide?
The full 29-page PDF is $5, a one-time payment. The 10 practice questions on this page are free, with no account.
What does the $29 plan include?
$29 a month gives you all DSST subjects: every DSST study guide plus the full prep course for each subject, and you can cancel anytime. If you only need this exam, the guide on its own is a one-time $5.
How do I get the full guide?
Choose Buy this guide ($5) and check out. Then sign in to your TransferCredit.org account, then open the course and its Download Your Study Guide lesson. The PDF is yours to keep, and you can download it again from your account at any time.
Can I print the guide or use it on my phone?
Yes. It's a PDF, so it opens on phones, tablets and computers, and printing is allowed. Its tick boxes and answer bubbles work in PDF readers that support forms. Copying and editing are turned off.
Is this an official DSST study guide?
No. DSST® is a registered trademark of Prometric, which was not involved in producing this guide and does not endorse it. TransferCredit.org is independent. We built the guide from the official exam outline, and the exam details were checked against Prometric's published exam information in 2026.
Why is this study guide better than a generic review?
It follows the official outline area by area and spends the most pages on what the exam weighs most. Every term comes with an example, each chapter names the traps the exam sets, and the answer key explains why the most tempting wrong answer is wrong, not just which answer is right. It ends with a 2-page cram sheet for the night before.
What is the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam?
The DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam is a 120-minute, computer-based test from Prometric with about 100 multiple-choice questions. A score of 400 on the 200–500 scale earns an ACE credit recommendation of 3 semester hours, though each college sets its own policy. The exam covers 4 content areas; the heaviest is Equations and Inequalities at 47%.
More questions about the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam (22)
How many questions are on the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam, and how long is it?
It has 100 questions to be answered in 2 hours.
What is the passing score for DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra?
The passing score is 400 on a 200–500 scale. At 400 or above, the American Council on Education (ACE) recommends 3 semester hours. Each college sets its own passing score and credit award, so check your school's policy before you book.
How much does the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam cost?
The exam fee is $100, paid to Prometric. Test centers may add their own administration fee. Eligible U.S. military service members can usually test for free through DANTES.
How many college credits is DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra worth?
ACE recommends 3 semester hours for a passing score of 400. Your college decides how many credits it awards and which course they replace. Check your college's policy.
Can I use a calculator on the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam?
A non-programmable calculator is permitted.
Is there a penalty for guessing on DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra?
No. Your score counts only correct answers, so a wrong answer costs nothing. Never leave a question blank: rule out what you can and pick your best guess.
What topics are on the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam?
4 content areas, from the official outline: Equations and Inequalities (47%); Properties of Functions and their Graphs (32%); Fundamental Algebraic Operations (16%); Complex Numbers (5%).
Which DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra topics should I study first?
Start with the three heaviest: Equations and Inequalities (47%), Properties of Functions and their Graphs (32%) and Fundamental Algebraic Operations (16%). Together they are about 95% of the exam, roughly 95 of 100 questions. The guide's chapters run in that order, heaviest first.
Is the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam hard?
It depends on what you already know. The exam has only 4 content areas, so each one carries real weight: Equations and Inequalities (47%), Properties of Functions and their Graphs (32%), Fundamental Algebraic Operations (16%) and Complex Numbers (5%). Take the free diagnostic above to see where you stand in about 10 minutes.
What kinds of questions are on the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam?
The guide sorts them into 5 types: “Simplify or combine an expression”, “Solve and identify a solution”, “Interpret a formula or rate”, “Match an equation to a graph description” and “Apply a function rule”. Every question has 4 answer choices. Try the 10 free questions above to see the style.
How long should I study for DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra?
Use the diagnostic to decide. If you already know most areas, two weeks of daily review is often enough; if the subject is new to you, plan on eight. The full guide has 2-, 4- and 8-week plans built from the exam weights.
How should I pace myself on the DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra exam?
On average you have about 72 seconds per question (120 minutes for 100 questions). Be past question 33 a third of the way through and past question 67 two-thirds through. If a question takes more than a minute, pick your best guess, mark it and come back.
What happens if I don't pass DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra?
You can retake a DSST exam after 30 days. Use the wait to work through the areas the score report and the diagnostic show you missed.
Do colleges accept DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra for credit?
DSST exams are accepted at more than 1,500 colleges and universities, but each school decides which exams it accepts, the score it requires and the credit it gives. Look up your college's DSST policy before you book.
Should I take DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra or CLEP College Algebra?
Both cover the same subject. DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra: about 100 questions, 120 minutes, passing score 400, fee $100. CLEP College Algebra: about 60 questions, 90 minutes, passing score 50, fee $97. Take the one your college accepts; most colleges award the credit once, not for both. See the CLEP College Algebra study guide.
How up to date is this DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra guide?
Last updated 2026. The exam details were checked against Prometric's published exam information in 2026. Exams change, so confirm the details on the official exam page before you register.
What should I do the night before the exam?
Read the cram sheet once, slowly. Check your test time, the location or remote-proctoring setup, and the ID you need. Then sleep: a rested brain recalls more than a crammed one. In the morning, skim the memory tricks and common traps, then stop studying.
Can I take DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra online?
Yes. DSST exams can be taken at a test center or online with a remote Prometric proctor.
Which topic matters most on DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra?
Equations and inequalities, at 47% of the exam. The outline covers linear, quadratic (including quadratic forms and quadratic inequalities) and absolute value equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations and inequalities, exponential and logarithmic equations, and equations involving radicals.
Which formulas should I know for DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra?
Know the quadratic formula and discriminant, the rules of exponents and rational exponents, the product, quotient and power rules of logarithms and the change-of-base formula, the difference of squares and sum and difference of cubes factoring patterns, and long and synthetic division of polynomials.
Are there word problems on DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra?
Yes. DSST's official sample questions include applied problems, such as interpreting a formula for how many hours of sleep a child needs, so practice translating a described situation into an equation.
Are complex numbers on DSST Fundamentals of College Algebra?
Yes, but only 5% of the exam, covering the conjugate of a complex number and basic operations. Know that i² = −1 and how to multiply by a conjugate.
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DSST® is a registered trademark of Prometric, which was not involved in producing this guide and does not endorse it. TransferCredit.org is independent and not affiliated with Prometric. © 2026 UPI Globale Edu Inc.