CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

Introduction - Algebra I

The following released test questions are taken from the Algebra I Standards Test. This test is one of the
California Standards Tests administered as part of the Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program
under policies set by the State Board of Education.

All questions on the California Standards Tests are evaluated by committees of content experts, including
teachers and administrators, to ensure their appropriateness for measuring the California academic content
standards in Algebra I. In addition to content, all items are reviewed and approved to ensure their adherence to
the principles of fairness and to ensure no bias exists with respect to characteristics such as gender, ethnicity,
and language.

This document contains released test questions from the California Standards Test forms in 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, and 2007. First on the pages that follow are lists of the standards assessed on the Algebra I Test. Next are
released test questions. Following the questions is a table that gives the correct answer for each question, the
content standard that each question is measuring, and the year each question last appeared on the test.

The following table lists each reporting cluster, the number of items that appear on the exam, and the number
of released test questions that appear in this document. Some of the released test questions for Algebra I are
the same test questions found in different combinations on the Integrated Mathematics 1 and 2 California
Standards Tests and the Summative High School Mathematics California Standards Test.

NUMBER OF NUMBER OF
REPORTING QUESTIONS ON RELEASED TEST
CLUSTER EXAM QUESTIONS
Number Properties, Operations, and Linear Equations 17 22
Graphing and Systems of Linear Equations 14 16
Quadratics and Polynomials 21 25
Functions and Rational Expressions 13 17
TOTAL 65 80

In selecting test questions for release, three criteria are used: (1) the questions adequately cover a selection of
the academic content standards assessed on the Algebra I Test; (2) the questions demonstrate a range of
difficulty; and (3) the questions present a variety of ways standards can be assessed. These released test
questions do not reflect all of the ways the standards may be assessed. Released test questions will not appear
on future tests.

For more information about the California Standards Tests, visit the California Department of Education’s
Web site at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/resources.asp.

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This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

THE NUMBER PROPERTIES, OPERATIONS, AND LINEAR EQUATIONS

REPORTING CLUSTER
The following 11 California content standards are included in the Number Properties, Operations, and Linear
Equations reporting cluster and are represented in this booklet by 22 test questions. These questions represent
only some ways in which these standards may be assessed on the Algebra I California Mathematics Standards
Test.

CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER

Algebra I
Standard Set 1.0 Students identify and use the arithmetic properties of subsets of integers
and rational, irrational, and real numbers, including closure properties for
the four basic arithmetic operations where applicable:
1.1 Students use properties of numbers to demonstrate whether assertions are true
or false.
2.0* Students understand and use such operations as taking the opposite, finding the
reciprocal, taking a root, and raising to a fractional power. They understand and
use the rules of exponents.
3.0 Students solve equations and inequalities involving absolute values.
4.0* Students simplify expressions prior to solving linear equations and inequalities in
one variable, such as 3(2x – 5) + 4(x – 2) = 12.
5.0* Students solve multistep problems, including word problems, involving linear
equations and linear inequalities in one variable and provide justification for
each step.
Standard Set 24.0 Students use and know simple aspects of a logical argument:
24.1 Students explain the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning and
identify and provide examples of each.
24.2 Students identify the hypothesis and conclusion in logical deduction.
24.3 Students use counterexamples to show that an assertion is false and recognize
that a single counterexample is sufficient to refute an assertion.
Standard Set 25.0 Students use properties of the number system to judge the validity of
results, to justify each step of a procedure, and to prove or disprove
statements:
25.1 Students use properties of numbers to construct simple, valid arguments (direct
and indirect) for, or formulate counterexamples to, claimed assertions.
25.2 Students judge the validity of an argument according to whether the properties
of the real number system and the order of operations have been applied
correctly at each step.
25.3 Given a specific algebraic statement involving linear, quadratic, or absolute value
expressions or equations or inequalities, students determine whether the
statement is true sometimes, always, or never.

* Denotes key standards

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This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

THE GRAPHING AND SYSTEMS OF LINEAR EQUATIONS REPORTING CLUSTER

The following four California content standards are included in the Graphing and Systems of Linear Equations
reporting cluster and are represented in this booklet by 16 test questions. These questions represent only some
ways in which these standards may be assessed on the Algebra I California Mathematics Standards Test.

CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER

Algebra I
6.0* Students graph a linear equation and compute the x- and y-intercepts (e.g., graph
2x + 6y = 4). They are also able to sketch the region defined by linear inequality
(e.g., they sketch the region defined by 2x + 6y < 4).
7.0* Students verify that a point lies on a line, given an equation of the line. Students
are able to derive linear equations using the point-slope formula.
8.0 Students understand the concepts of parallel lines and perpendicular lines and
how those slopes are related. Students are able to find the equation of a line
perpendicular to a given line that passes through a given point.
9.0* Students solve a system of two linear equations in two variables algebraically and
are able to interpret the answer graphically. Students are able to solve a system
of two linear inequalities in two variables and to sketch the solution sets.

* Denotes key standards

— 3 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

THE QUADRATICS AND POLYNOMIALS REPORTING CLUSTER

The following eight California content standards are included in the Quadratics and Polynomials reporting
cluster and are represented in this booklet by 25 test questions. These questions represent only some ways in
which these standards may be assessed on the Algebra I California Mathematics Standards Test.

CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER

Algebra I
10.0* Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide monomials and polynomials.
Students solve multistep problems, including word problems, by using these
techniques.
11.0 Students apply basic factoring techniques to second- and simple third-degree
polynomials. These techniques include finding a common factor for all terms in a
polynomial, recognizing the difference of two squares, and recognizing perfect
squares of binomials.
14.0* Students solve a quadratic equation by factoring or completing the square.
19.0* Students know the quadratic formula and are familiar with its proof by completing
the square.
20.0* Students use the quadratic formula to find the roots of a second-degree
polynomial and to solve quadratic equations.
21.0* Students graph quadratic functions and know that their roots are the x-intercepts.
22.0 Students use the quadratic formula or factoring techniques or both to determine
whether the graph of a quadratic function will intersect the x-axis in zero, one, or
two points.
23.0* Students apply quadratic equations to physical problems, such as the motion of
an object under the force of gravity.

* Denotes key standards

— 4 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

THE FUNCTIONS AND RATIONAL EXPRESSIONS REPORTING CLUSTER

The following six California content standards are included in the Functions and Rational Expressions
reporting cluster and are represented in this booklet by 17 test questions. These questions represent only
some ways in which these standards may be assessed on the Algebra I California Mathematics Standards Test.

CALIFORNIA CONTENT STANDARDS IN THIS REPORTING CLUSTER

Algebra I
12.0* Students simplify fractions with polynomials in the numerator and denominator
by factoring both and reducing them to the lowest terms.
13.0* Students add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions and functions.
Students solve both computationally and conceptually challenging problems by
using these techniques.
15.0* Students apply algebraic techniques to solve rate problems, work problems, and
percent mixture problems.
16.0 Students understand the concepts of a relation and a function, determine
whether a given relation defines a function, and give pertinent information about
given relations and functions.
17.0 Students determine the domain of independent variables and the range of
dependent variables defined by a graph, a set of ordered pairs, or a symbolic
expression.
18.0 Students determine whether a relation defined by a graph, a set of ordered pairs,
or a symbolic expression is a function and justify the conclusion.

* Denotes key standards

— 5 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

�
1 Is the equation 3(2 x − 4) = −18 equivalent to
6 x −12 = −18?
�
4 Which number does not have a reciprocal?

A Yes, the equations are equivalent by the A –1

Associative Property of Multiplication.
B Yes, the equations are equivalent by the
B 0
Commutative Property of Multiplication.
C Yes, the equations are equivalent by the
1
Distributive Property of Multiplication over C
Addition. 1000

D No, the equations are not equivalent.

D 3
CSA10108

CSA10152

�
2 16 + 3 8 =

A 4 �
5 What is the multiplicative inverse of
1
2
?

B 6
A −2

C 9
D 10
1

B −
CSA00471
2

1
C
�
3 Which expression is equivalent to x6 x 2?
2

A x 4 x3 D 2

B x5 x3
CSA10153

C x7 x3
D x9 x3
CSA20167
�
6 What is the solution for this equation?

2 x −3 = 5

A x = −4 or x = 4

B x = −4 or x = 3

C x = −1 or x = 4

D x = −1 or x = 3

CSA00264

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This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

7 What is the solution set of the inequality

5 − x + 4 ≤−3?
�
10 The total cost (c) in dollars of renting a sailboat
for n days is given by the equation
A −2 ≤ x ≤ 6 c = 120 + 60n.

B x ≤ − 2 or x ≥ 6 If the total cost was $360, for how many days

was the sailboat rented?
C −12 ≤ x ≤ 4
D x ≤ −12 or x ≥ 4 A 2

CSA10036
B 4
C 6
D 8
�

8 Which equation is equivalent to

5x −2( 7 x + 1) = 14 x?
CSA00485

A −9x − 2 = 14 x
B −9x + 1 = 14 x �
11 Solve: 3( x + 5) = 2 x + 35
C −9x + 2 = 14 x Step 1: 3x + 15 = 2 x + 35

D 12x −1 = 14 x Step 2: 5x + 15 = 35

Step 3: 5x = 20

x = 4

CSA00206
Step 4:

9 Which equation is equivalent to

4 ( 2 − 5x ) = 6 − 3 (1 − 3x )?
Which is the first incorrect step in the solution
shown above?

A Step 1

A 8x = 5
B Step 2

B 8 x = 17
C Step 3

C 29 x = 5
D Step 4

D 29 x = 17
CSA00332
CSA00059

�
12 A 120-foot-long rope is cut into 3 pieces. The
first piece of rope is twice as long as the second
piece of rope. The third piece of rope is three
times as long as the second piece of rope.
What is the length of the longest piece of rope?

A 20 feet

B 40 feet

C 60 feet

D 80 feet

CSA10052

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This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

�
13 The cost to rent a construction crane is $750
per day plus $250 per hour of use. What is the
�
16 Which number serves as a counterexample to
the statement below?
maximum number of hours the crane can be
used each day if the rental cost is not to exceed
$2500 per day? All positive integers are divisible by 2 or 3.

A 2.5

A 100
B 3.7

B 57
C 7.0

C 30
D 13.0

D 25
CSA10057

CSG10197

�
14 What is the solution to the inequality
x − 5 > 14? �
17 What is the conclusion of the statement in the
box below?
A x>9
If x 2 = 4, then x = −2 or x = 2.
B x >19
C x<9
D x <19
A x2 = 4
CSA00487

B x = −2
C x=2

�
15 The lengths of the sides of a triangle are
y, y + 1, and 7 centimeters. If the perimeter is
D x = −2 or x = 2
56 centimeters, what is the value of y? CSA30045

A 24
B
C
25
31
�
18 Which of the following is a valid conclusion to
the statement “If a student is a high school band
D 32 member, then the student is a good musician”?

CSA10046 A All good musicians are high school band

members.
B A student is a high school band member.
C All students are good musicians.
D All high school band members are good
musicians.
CSA30095

— 8 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

�
19 The chart below shows an expression evaluated
for four different values of x.
�
21 Stan’s solution to an equation is shown below.

Given: n + 8( n + 20) = 110

Step 1: n + 8n + 20 = 110
x x 2+ x + 5
Step 2: 9n + 20 = 110
1 7
Step 3: 9n = 110 −20
2 11
Step 4: 9n = 90
6 47
7 61 9n 90
Step 5: =
9 9
Josiah concluded that for all positive values of Step 6: n = 10
x, x 2 + x + 5 produces a prime number.
Which value of x serves as a counterexample to Which statement about Stan’s solution is true?
prove Josiah’s conclusion false?
A Stan’s solution is correct.

A 5
B Stan made a mistake in Step 1.

B 11
C Stan made a mistake in Step 3.

C 16
D Stan made a mistake in Step 5.

D 21 CSA20035

CSA20027

�
20 John’s solution to an equation is shown below.
�
22 When is this statement true?

Given: x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0 The opposite of a number is less than the

original number.
Step 1: ( x + 2 )( x + 3) = 0
Step 2: x + 2 = 0 or x + 3 = 0 A This statement is never true.

Step 3: x = −2 or x = −3 B This statement is always true.

Which property of real numbers did John use C This statement is true for positive numbers.

for Step 2?
D This statement is true for negative numbers.

A multiplication property of equality

CSA20147

B zero product property of multiplication

C commutative property of multiplication
D distributive property of multiplication over
addition
CSA20034

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This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions


23 What is the y-intercept of the graph of
4x + 2 y = 12?

25 Which best represents the graph of y = 2 x − 2?

y y
A –4
7 7
6 6
B –2 5 5
4 4

C 6 3
2
3
2
1 1
D 12 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
x -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
x
-1 -1
-2 -2
CSA00239 -3 -3
-4 -4
-5 -5
-6 -6
-7 -7


24 Which inequality is shown on the graph below? A
y y
C

7 7
y 6 6
5 5
4 4
7 3 3
2 2
6 1 1
5 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
x -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
x
-1 -1
4 -2 -2
-3 -3
3 -4 -4
-5 -5
2 -6 -6
1 -7 -7

x
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-1
B D
CSA00299
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
-7

1
A y < x −1
2

1
B y ≤ x −1
2

1
C y > x −1
2

1
D y ≥ x −1
2
CSA10130

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This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

� �
y
26 Which inequality does the shaded region of the 27
graph represent? 5

4
y 3

7 2
6 1
5
4 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
x
1 2 3 4 5
3 -1
2 -2
1
-3
x
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-1 -4
-2 -5
-3
-4
-5
-6
Which equation best represents the graph
-7
above?

A y= x

A 3x + y ≤ 2 B y = 2x

B 3x + y ≥ 2 C y= x+2

C 3x + y ≤ −2 D y = 2x + 2

D 3x + y ≥ −2 CSA00508

CSA20055

�
28 Which point lies on the line defined by
3x + 6 y = 2?

A (0, 2)

B (0, 6)

⎛ ⎞
C ⎜⎜1, − 1 ⎟⎟
⎝⎜ 6⎠⎟

⎛ ⎞
D ⎜⎜1, − 1 ⎟⎟
⎝⎜ 3⎠⎟
CSA00009

— 11 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

�
29 What is the equation of the line that has a slope
of 4 and passes through the point ( 3,−10) ?
�
31 Some ordered pairs for a linear function of x
are given in the table below.
A y = 4x − 22
B y = 4x + 22 x y
1 1
C y = 4x − 43
3 7
D y = 4x + 43
5 13
CSA10150
7 19

�
30 The data in the table show the cost of renting a
bicycle by the hour, including a deposit.
Which of the following equations was used to
generate the table above?

A y = 2x +1
Renting a Bicycle B y = 2x −1
Hours (h) Cost in dollars (c) C y = 3x − 2
2 15 D y = 4x − 3
5 30
CSA10181
8 45

If hours, h, were graphed on the horizontal axis

and cost, c, were graphed on the vertical axis,
what would be the equation of a line that fits
�
32 The equation of line l is 6 x + 5 y = 3, and the
equation of line q is 5x −6 y = 0. Which
the data? statement about the two lines is true?

A Lines l and q have the same y-intercept.

A c = 5h B Lines l and q are parallel.

C Lines l and q have the same x-intercept.

1
B c= h+5 D Lines l and q are perpendicular.

5
CSA00241

C c = 5h + 5

D c = 5h − 5

CSA10005

— 12 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

�
33 Which equation represents a line that is �
34 Which graph best represents the solution to this
system of inequalities?
5
parallel to y = − x + 2? ⎧⎪⎪ 2 x ≥ y −1
4
⎨
⎪⎪⎩ 2 x −5 y 10
5 y y
A y = − x +1
4
5 5
4 4
3 3
4

B y =− x +2 2

1
2

5
x
1
x
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
-1 -1

4
-2 -2
C y= x +3 -3 -3
5
-4 -4
-5 -5

D y= x+4 A C
4
y y
CSA10112

5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 x -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 x
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
-1 -1
-2 -2
-3 -3
-4 -4
-5 -5

B D
CSA00516

�
35 What is the solution to this system of
equations?

⎧⎪⎪ y = −3x − 2
⎨
⎪⎪⎩6 x + 2 y = −4

A (6, 2)
B (1, –5)
C no solution
D infinitely many solutions
CSA00027

— 13 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

�
36 Which ordered pair is the solution to the
system of equations below?
�
39 5 x3
10x 7
=

⎧
⎪x + 3 y = 7
⎪ A 2x 4
⎨
⎪
⎩ x + 2 y = 10
⎪
1
B
⎛ 7 13 ⎞ 2x 4
A ⎜⎜ , ⎟⎟
⎜⎝2 4 ⎟⎠
1
⎛ 7 17 ⎞ C
B ⎜⎜ , ⎟⎟⎟ 5x 4
⎜⎝2 5 ⎠
x4
C (−2,
D
5
CSA00303
D (16, − 3)

�
CSA10131

40 ( 4x 2 − 2 x + 8) − ( x 2 + 3x − 2 ) =

A
3x 2 + x + 6

37 Marcy has a total of 100 dimes and quarters. If

the total value of the coins is $14.05, how many B
3x 2 + x + 10
quarters does she have? C
3x 2 − 5x + 6
A 27
D
3x 2 − 5x +10
B 40
CSA00086

C 56

D 73

41 The sum of two binomials is 5x 2 − 6 x. If one of

CSA20083
the binomials is 3x 2 − 2 x, what is the other
binomial?

�
38 Which of the following best describes the graph
of this system of equations?
A 2x 2 − 4x

B 2x 2 −8x
⎧⎪⎪ y = −2 x + 3
⎨ C 8x 2 + 4x
⎪⎪⎩ 5 y = −10x + 15
D 8x 2 −8x
A two identical lines
CSA10160
B two parallel lines
C two lines intersecting in only one point
D two lines intersecting in only two points
CSA00509

— 14 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

�
42 Which of the following expressions is equal to �
45 Which is a factor of x 2
−11x + 24?

(x + 2 )+ (x − 2 )(2 x + 1)? A x +3
B x −3
A 2x 2 − 2x
C x+4
B 2x 2 − 4x
D x−4
C 2x 2 +x CSA00503

D 4x 2 + 2x
CSA10191

�
46 Which of the following shows 9t 2 + 12 t + 4
factored completely?

� (3t + 2)
2

A
43 A volleyball court is shaped like a rectangle.
It has a width of x meters and a length of 2x B (3t + 4)(3t +1)
meters. Which expression gives the area of the C (9t + 4)(t +1)
court in square meters?
D 9t 2 +12t + 4

A 3x
CSA20106

B 2x 2

D
3x 2

2x 3

47 What is the complete factorization of 32 −8z 2?

A −8(2 + z )(2 − z )
CSA00496
B 8(2 + z )(2 − z )
−8(2 + z )
2

�
2

D 8( 2 − z )
44 Which is the factored form of
3a2 −24 ab + 48 b2 ?
CSA20105

A (3a −8b)(a − 6b)

B
C
(3a −16b)(a − 3b)

3(a − 4b)(a − 4b)

�
48 If x 2 is added to x, the sum is 42. Which of the
following could be the value of x?

D 3(a −8b)(a −8b)

A –7

CSA00066
B –6

C 14

D 42

CSA10171

— 15 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

�
49 What quantity should be added to both sides of
this equation to complete the square?
�
52 Carter is solving this equation by factoring.

10x 2 −25x + 15 = 0
x2 −8x = 5
Which expression could be one of his correct
A 4 factors?
B –4 A x +3
C 16 B x −3
D –16 C 2x + 3
CSA00478
D 2x − 3
CSA00162

�
50 What are the solutions for the quadratic

�
equation x 2 + 6 x = 16?
53 Toni is solving this equation by completing the
A −2,
−8 square.
B −2, 8

ax 2 + bx + c = 0 (where a ≥0)
C 2, −8
D 2, 8 Step 1: ax 2 + bx = −c

b c

CSA10062
Step 2: x2 + x = −
a a
Step 3: ?

�
51 Leanne correctly solved the equation
x 2 + 4x = 6 by completing the square.
Which should be Step 3 in the solution?

Which equation is part of her solution? c b

A x2 = − − x
(x + 2
) = 8
2 b a
A
(x + 2
) = 10

2
B b c
B x+ =−
(x + 4
) = 10

2
C a ax
(x + 4) = 22

2
D b b c b
C x2 + x+ =− +
CSA20139 a 2a a 2a

b ⎛ b ⎞⎟2 c ⎛⎜ b ⎞⎟
2
D x2 ⎜
+ x + ⎜ ⎟⎟ = − + ⎜ ⎟⎟
a ⎜
⎝2a⎠ ⎜
a ⎝2a⎠
CSA00072

— 16 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

�
54 Four steps to derive the quadratic formula are
shown below.
�
56 Which statement best explains why there is no
real solution to the quadratic equation
2 x2 + x + 7 = 0 ?
A The value of 12 − 4 i 2 i 7 is positive.
B The value of 12 − 4 i 2 i 7 is equal to 0.
C The value of 12 − 4 i 2 i 7 is negative.
D The value of 12 − 4 i 2 i 7 is not a perfect
square.
CSA10147

What is the correct order for these steps?

�
57 What is the solution set of the quadratic
equation 8x 2 + 2 x + 1 = 0?
A I, IV, II, III
⎧⎪ 1 1 ⎫⎪
B I, III, IV, II A ⎨− , ⎬
⎩⎪⎪ 2 4 ⎪⎪⎭
C II, IV, I, III
D II, III, I, IV B {−1 + 2, − 1 − 2 }
CSA20062

⎧⎪−1 + 7 −1 − 7 ⎫⎪
C ⎨⎪ , ⎪⎬
⎪⎪ 8 8 ⎪⎪
⎩ ⎭
�
55 Which is one of the solutions to the equation
2 x 2 − x − 4 = 0? D no real solution

CSA10179
1
A − 33
4

1
B − + 33
4

1+ 33

C
4

−1 − 33

D
4
CSA00314

— 17 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

�
58 The graph of the equation y = x 2 −3x −4 is
shown below.
�
59 Which best represents the graph of
y = −x 2 + 3?

y y y
5 5
9 4
4
8
3 3
7
2 2
6
1 1
5
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
x -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
x
4
-1 -1
3
-2 -2
2
-3 -3
1
-4
-9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
x -4
-5 -5
-1
-2
-3 A C
-4
-5 y y
-6
-7 5 5
-8 4 4
-9 3 3
2 2
1 1

-5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
x -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
x
1 2 3 4 5
For what value or values of x is y = 0? -1 -1
-2
-2
-3 -3
A x = −1 only -4 -4
-5 -5
B x = −4 only
C x = −1 and x = 4 B D
CSA00519
D x = 1 and x = −4
CSA00514

�
60 Which quadratic function, when graphed, has
x-intercepts of 4 and −3?

A y = ( x − 3)( x + 4)
B y = ( x + 3)(2x −8
)
C y = (3x −1)(4x +1)
D y = (3x +1)(8x − 2)
CSA20115

— 18 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

� �
2
x −4xy + 4 y2
61 How many times does the graph of 64 What is reduced to lowest
y = 2 x 2 −2 x + 3 intersect the x-axis? 3xy −6 y2
terms?
A none
x − 2y
A
B one 3

C two
x − 2y
D three B
3y
CSA10084

x + 2y
C
3

�
62 An object that is projected straight downward
with initial velocity v feet per second travels a D
x + 2y
3y
distance s = vt + 16t 2 , where t = time in seconds.
CSA00463
If Ramón is standing on a balcony 84 feet above
the ground and throws a penny straight down
with an initial velocity of 10 feet per second, in
how many seconds will it reach the ground?

A 2 seconds

� 65 Simplify
6 x 2 + 21 x + 9
4x 2 −1
to lowest terms.

3( x +1)
B 3 seconds
A
2x −1

C 6 seconds

3( x + 3)
D 8 seconds
B
2x −1

CSA00158

3(2 x + 3
)
C
4 ( x −1)

�
63 The height of a triangle is 4 inches greater
than twice its base. The area of the triangle is D
3( x + 3)
168 square inches. What is the base of the 2x +1
triangle? CSA10025

A 7 in.

B 8 in.

C 12 in.

D 14 in.

CSA00104

— 19 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

66 What is
x 2 − 4x + 4
x 2 − 3x + 2
reduced to lowest terms? �

68

7( z − 2)
x −2 A
A 4 ( z +1)
x −1
7( z + 2)
B
x −2 4 ( z −1)
B
x +1
7z ( z +1
)
C
4 ( z + 2)
x+2
C
x −1 7z ( z − 1
)
D
4 ( z + 2)
x+2
D CSA00067

x +1
CSA10189

�
69
Which fraction equals the product

�
67
What is
12 a3 −20 a2
16a2 + 8a
reduced to lowest terms? ⎛ x + 5
⎞⎛
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ ⎜⎜ 2
x − 3
⎞⎟⎟ ?

⎜⎝ 3x + 2
⎟⎠⎝⎜ x − 5
⎟⎠

A
a 2x − 3
A
2
3x + 2
3a − 5
3x + 2
B B
2a +1
4x − 3
2a
C − x 2 − 25
4 + 2a
C
6 x2 − 5x − 6
a (3a − 5
)
D 2 x 2 + 7 x − 15
2 (2 a +1) D
3 x 2 − 13 x − 10
CSA00013
CSA10029

— 20 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

�
70 x 2 + 8x + 16 2 x + 8
x+3
÷ 2

x − 9

=
�

72 A pharmacist mixed some 10%-saline solution

with some 15%-saline solution to obtain
100 mL of a 12%-saline solution. How much of
the 10%-saline solution did the pharmacist use
2 (x + 4)
2

in the mixture?
A
(x − 3)(x + 3)
2

A 60 mL

B 45 mL

2 (x + 3)(x − 3)
B
x + 4
C 40 mL

D 25 mL

C
(x + 4)(x − 3) CSA00333

D (x + 4)(x − 3)
2 (x + 3)
2

73 Andy’s average driving speed for a 4-hour trip

was 45 miles per hour. During the first 3 hours
CSA20164 he drove 40 miles per hour. What was his
average speed for the last hour of his trip?

3x
A 50 miles per hour

�
71 Which fraction is equivalent to 5
?
x x

+
B
C
60 miles per hour

65 miles per hour

4 2

D 70 miles per hour

x 2

A CSA00576
5

B
9x 2

20

74 One pipe can fill a tank in 20 minutes, while

another takes 30 minutes to fill the same tank.
How long would it take the two pipes together
to fill the tank?
4

C A 50 min

B 25 min

9
C 15 min

D
5
D 12 min

CSA10141
CSA00161

— 21 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

�
75 Two airplanes left the same airport traveling
in opposite directions. If one airplane averages
�
78 For which equation graphed below are all the
y-values negative?
400 miles per hour and the other airplane
averages 250 miles per hour, in how many
y y
hours will the distance between the two planes 9 9
be 1625 miles? 8
7
8
7
6 6
5 5
A 2.5
4
3
4
3
2 2
B 4
1
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 x
1
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 x
1 1
2 2
C 5
3 3
4 4
5 5
D 10.8
6
7
6
7
8 8
9 9
CSA10055

A C

�
76 Lisa will make punch that is 25% fruit juice by
adding pure fruit juice to a 2-liter mixture that y y
is 10% pure fruit juice. How many liters of pure 9 9
8 8
fruit juice does she need to add? 7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
A 0.4 liter 3 3
2 2
1 1
B 0.5 liter 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 10
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 x 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 10
1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 x
2 2

C 2 liters 3
4
3
4
5 5
6 6
D 8 liters 7 7
8 8
9 9
CSA10186

B D

�
77 Which relation is a function? CSA00522

A {(–1, 3), (–2, 6), (0, 0), (–2, –2)}

B {(–2, –2), (0, 0), (1, 1), (2, 2)}

C {(4, 0), (4, 1), (4, 2), (4, 3)}

D {(7, 4), (8, 8), (10, 8), (10, 10)}

CSA10070

— 22 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

�
79 What is the domain of the function shown on
the graph below?

y
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
x
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
-7

A {−1,− 2,− 3,− 4}

B {−1,− 2,− 4,− 5}
C {1, 2, 3, 4}
D {1, 2, 4, 5}
CSA10072

— 23 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

�
80 Which of the following graphs represents a relation that is not a function of x?

A y C y
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
x x
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-1 -1
-2 -2
-3 -3
-4 -4
-5 -5
-6 -6
-7 -7

B y D y
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
x x
-7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
-1 -1
-2 -2
-3 -3
-4 -4
-5 -5
-6 -6
-7 -7

CSA30002

— 24 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

Question Number Correct Answer Standard Year of Release

1 C 1.1 2006
2 B 2.0 2003
3 B 2.0 2005
4 B 2.0 2006
5 D 2.0 2007
6 C 3.0 2003
7 D 3.0 2004
8 A 4.0 2003
9 C 4.0 2005
10 B 5.0 2003
11 B 5.0 2004
12 C 5.0 2004
13 C 5.0 2006
14 B 5.0 2007
15 A 5.0 2007
16 D 24.1 2004
17 D 24.2 2006
18 D 24.2 2007
19 A 24.3 2005
20 B 25.1 2005
21 B 25.2 2006
22 C 25.3 2005
23 C 6.0 2003
24 D 6.0 2004
25 A 6.0 2006
26 A 6.0 2007
27 B 6.0 2007
28 C 7.0 2003
29 A 7.0 2004
30 C 7.0 2005
31 C 7.0 2007
32 D 8.0 2003
33 A 8.0 2004
34 C 9.0 2003
35 D 9.0 2004

— 25 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Algebra I Released Test Questions

Question Number Correct Answer Standard Year of Release

36 D 9.0 2006
37 A 9.0 2006
38 A 9.0 2007
39 B 10.0 2004
40 D 10.0 2005
41 A 10.0 2006
42 A 10.0 2006
43 B 10.0 2007
44 C 11.0 2003
45 B 11.0 2004
46 A 11.0 2005
47 B 11.0 2007
48 A 14.0 2004
49 C 14.0 2005
50 C 14.0 2005
51 B 14.0 2006
52 D 14.0 2007
53 D 19.0 2003
54 A 19.0 2005
55 C 20.0 2003
56 C 20.0 2005
57 D 20.0 2005
58 C 21.0 2003
59 B 21.0 2006
60 B 21.0 2007
61 A 22.0 2004
62 A 23.0 2003
63 C 23.0 2004
64 B 12.0 2003
65 B 12.0 2005
66 A 12.0 2006
67 D 12.0 2007
68 A 13.0 2003
69 D 13.0 2005
70 C 13.0 2006

— 26 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.
 CA L I F O R N I A S TA N DA R D S T E S T

Released Test Questions Algebra I

Question Number Correct Answer Standard Year of Release

71 C 13.0 2007
72 A 15.0 2003
73 B 15.0 2004
74 D 15.0 2006
75 A 15.0 2006
76 A 15.0 2007
77 B 16.0 2004
78 A 17.0 2004
79 D 17.0 2005
80 D 18.0 2007

— 27 —
This is a sample of California Standards Test questions. This is NOT an operational test form. Test scores cannot be projected
based on performance on released test questions. Copyright © 2008 California Department of Education.