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100+ Free ALEKS Math Practice Questions

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Which ordered pair satisfies y = 2x - 1?

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C
D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ALEKS Math Exam

25 or fewer

Adaptive assessment questions

McGraw Hill ALEKS PPL

Open response

Question format

McGraw Hill ALEKS PPL

About 90 minutes

Completion time

McGraw Hill ALEKS PPL

ALEKS PPL is an adaptive open-response math placement assessment, not a multiple-choice exam. McGraw Hill says the placement assessment uses 25 questions or less, covers hundreds of topics, and can be completed in about 90 minutes. Local institutions decide score cutoffs and course placement rules.

Sample ALEKS Math Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ALEKS Math exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Evaluate -18 + 7 - (-5).
A.-26
B.-16
C.-6
D.30
Explanation: Subtracting a negative is the same as adding: -18 + 7 + 5. First -18 + 7 = -11, and then -11 + 5 = -6.
2Which number is the greatest?
A.0.67
B.2/3
C.0.607
D.0.7
Explanation: Compare all values as decimals: 2/3 is about 0.666..., while the others are 0.67, 0.607, and 0.7. The largest is 0.7.
3Simplify 3/4 + 5/6.
A.8/10
B.19/12
C.9/10
D.15/24
Explanation: Use a common denominator of 12: 3/4 = 9/12 and 5/6 = 10/12. Adding gives 19/12, or 1 7/12.
4A jacket originally costs $80 and is discounted 25%. What is the sale price?
A.$20
B.$55
C.$60
D.$100
Explanation: A 25% discount on $80 is 0.25(80) = $20. Subtract the discount from the original price: $80 - $20 = $60.
5What is the absolute value of -13?
A.-13
B.0
C.13
D.1/13
Explanation: Absolute value measures distance from 0 on the number line. The distance from -13 to 0 is 13.
6Write 0.00042 in scientific notation.
A.4.2 x 10^-4
B.4.2 x 10^-5
C.42 x 10^-5
D.0.42 x 10^-3
Explanation: Move the decimal 4 places to the right to get 4.2. Because the original number is small, the exponent is negative: 4.2 x 10^-4.
7Which expression is equivalent to 5(2x - 3) - 4x?
A.6x - 15
B.10x - 15
C.6x - 3
D.14x - 15
Explanation: Distribute first: 5(2x - 3) = 10x - 15. Then combine like terms: 10x - 4x - 15 = 6x - 15.
8A recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of flour for 5 batches. How many cups are needed for 1 batch?
A.1/2
B.2
C.7/2
D.5
Explanation: Convert 2 1/2 to 5/2 cups, then divide by 5 batches. (5/2) / 5 = (5/2)(1/5) = 1/2 cup per batch.
9The value of a stock changes from $40 to $34. What is the percent decrease?
A.6%
B.15%
C.17.6%
D.85%
Explanation: The decrease is 40 - 34 = 6 dollars. Percent decrease is 6/40 = 0.15 = 15%.
10Simplify (2/3) / (5/9).
A.10/27
B.6/5
C.2/5
D.15/18
Explanation: Dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal. (2/3) / (5/9) = (2/3)(9/5) = 18/15 = 6/5.

About the ALEKS Math Exam

ALEKS PPL is McGraw Hill's adaptive math placement, preparation, and learning system. It uses open-response questions in 25 items or fewer to assess readiness across hundreds of math topics and place students into courses ranging from basic math through Calculus I.

Assessment

Adaptive open-response math placement assessment in 25 questions or less, with a personalized learning module and reassessment options configured by the institution.

Time Limit

About 90 minutes to complete; local institutions may set proctoring or access rules

Passing Score

No universal passing score; institutions map ALEKS scores to local math course placement

Exam Fee

Varies by institution; many schools include ALEKS PPL access or charge a local placement fee (McGraw Hill ALEKS; administered through participating colleges and universities)

ALEKS Math Exam Content Outline

Varies adaptively

Real Numbers and Proportional Reasoning

Fractions, decimals, integers, percents, ratios, proportions, and numerical fluency.

Varies adaptively

Equations, Inequalities, and Functions

Linear equations, inequalities, systems, quadratics, graphs, function notation, and transformations.

Varies adaptively

Exponents, Polynomials, and Rational Expressions

Exponent rules, polynomial operations, factoring, rational expressions, and rational equations.

Varies adaptively

Radicals, Exponentials, Logarithms, Geometry, and Trigonometry

Radicals, rational exponents, logarithms, coordinate geometry, measurement, trigonometric functions, identities, and equations.

How to Pass the ALEKS Math Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No universal passing score; institutions map ALEKS scores to local math course placement
  • Assessment: Adaptive open-response math placement assessment in 25 questions or less, with a personalized learning module and reassessment options configured by the institution.
  • Time limit: About 90 minutes to complete; local institutions may set proctoring or access rules
  • Exam fee: Varies by institution; many schools include ALEKS PPL access or charge a local placement fee

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ALEKS Math Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practice entering exact answers, not just recognizing a correct option, because the actual ALEKS assessment is open response.
2Review prerequisite algebra before advanced topics; ALEKS adapts quickly when foundational skills are weak.
3Work through equations carefully on paper and check by substitution whenever possible.
4Use your institution's placement table to decide whether to emphasize college algebra, precalculus, statistics, or calculus-readiness topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ALEKS Math Placement multiple choice?

No. McGraw Hill describes ALEKS PPL as an adaptive open-response assessment. The practice questions here are multiple-choice skill drills because the OpenExamPrep practice engine is multiple-choice.

How many questions are on ALEKS PPL?

McGraw Hill says the ALEKS PPL placement assessment determines readiness in 25 questions or less. The exact questions adapt to what the student shows they know.

How long does ALEKS Math Placement take?

McGraw Hill says the assessment can be completed in about 90 minutes. Your institution may also set proctoring, access-window, calculator, or retake rules.

What score do I need on ALEKS?

There is no universal passing score. Each college maps ALEKS placement scores to its own math courses, so check your school's placement table before setting a target.