University of Missouri
College of Arts & Science
Department of Mathematics
The MPECA is a test used at MU to help determine a student's readiness for College Algebra.
To place in College Algebra (Math 1100 or Math 1120), a student must achieve a scaled score of 22 or above out of 43 possible scaled points on the MPECA. Students whose scaled score is 21 or below, place in Intermediate Algebra, or Math 0110.
The MPECA is a 90-minute timed exam consisting of 75 multiple choice questions, all equally weighted. No calculators are allowed on this exam and there is no penalty for guessing.
Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should contact Testing Services (phone: 882-4801, e-mail: parnellh@missouri.edu) prior to the date they register for taking the MPECA.
The MPECA tests certain basic arithmetic skills that are fundamental in the study of College Algebra. For instance, to add rational algebraic expressions, one must possess a good knowledge of what a factor is and what a least common multiple is, and know the basic underlying principles for adding numeric fractions without the use of a calculator. Algebra is in many ways an extension of one's knowledge of arithmetic. Since students are tested on such fundamental arithmetic skills, calculators are not allowed on the MPECA.
The MPECA, covers topics from arithmetic, pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra and coordinate geometry.
A full set of objectives with examples similar to the problems on the MPECA can be found on the web page: http://www.math.missouri.edu/courses/placement/objectives.pdf
Another web site containing algorithmically generated practice problems similar to the ones on the MPECA, http://mathonline.missouri.edu/. On this site, it is best to request 75 questions and it is important that all problems be done without a calculator.
Mathematics Department
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Phone (573) 882-6221
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© 2008 — Curators of the University of Missouri
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