Are you trying to figure out how to study and what you need to know for the Algebra 2 Regents exam?
Good news: this comprehensive guide has the best Algebra 2 Regents learning tips and things to remember!
We cover graphing calculator tricks, tips for multiple choice questions and constructed answers, the most frequently asked questions on the Regents exam, and key algebra 2 vocabulary to remember.
Read everything you need to pass the Algebra 2 Regents exam!
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The 5 Most Common Algebra 2 Regents Exam Topics
Although each Algebra 2 Regents exam has different questions, there are clear patterns in the most frequently tested topics. Are you curious about specific topics to review and practice with before test day?
We are protecting you!
We've analyzed hundreds of official questions from recent Algebra 2 Regents exams and found trends in specific top-tested topics. Below are the top five topics tested on the Algebra 2 Regents exam:
#1 Most common topic: Rewriting expressions
Description:Use the structure of an expression to rewrite it in new ways.
frequency: This topic has been rated 100% in the latest exams.
professional advice: This topic is almost always classified asmultiple selectionPart I exam question.
mathematical pattern: HS.A.SSE.2 //Use the structure of an expression to find ways to rewrite it. see for examplex ^ 4 - y ^ 4with(x ^ 2) ^ 2 - (y ^ 2) ^ 2, so it is recognized as a difference of squares, which can be factored as(x^2 - y^2)(x^2 + y^2).
Example:
Source:Algebra Regents Test August 2, 2019 Question #1
#2 Most common topic: solving equations
Description:Solve rational and radical questions in one variable.
frequency: This topic has been rated 100% in the latest exams.
professional advice: This topic usually appears as a multiple-choice question in Part I and as a constructed response question in Part II, III, or IV.
mathematical pattern: HS.A.REI.2 //Solve simple rational and radical equations in one variable and give examples showing how strange solutions can arise.
Example:
Source:2 Regents Algebra Test, June 2019, question #26
#3 Most common topic: Displaying special functions graphically
Description:Plot and analyze exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions.
frequency: This topic has been rated 100% in the latest exams.
professional advice: This topic usually appears as a multiple choice question in Part I and as a constructed response question.
mathematical pattern: HS.F.IF.7e //Graph exponential and logarithmic functions showing intersections and final responses, and trigonometric functions showing period, centerline, and range.
Example:
Source:Algebra Regents Test 2 January 2019 Question #13
#4 Most common topic: sequences
Description:Write arithmetic and geometric progressions.
frequency: This topic has been rated 100% in the latest exams.
professional advice: This topic usually appears as a multiple-choice question in Part I of the exam.
mathematical pattern: HS.F.BF.2 //Write arithmetic and geometric progressions recursively and with an explicit formula, use them to model situations, and translate between the two forms.
Example:
Source:Algebra Regents Test 2, August 2019, question #9
#5 Most common topic: Interpreting charts and tables
Description:Interpret the main characteristics of function graphs and tables and draw diagrams with the main characteristics.
frequency: This topic has been rated 100% in the latest exams.
professional advice: This topic usually appears as a constructed answer question, usually as the Big 6 credit question in Part 4 of the exam.
mathematical pattern: HS.F.IF.4 //For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret the main characteristics of the graphs and tables in terms of the quantities and draw graphs showing the main characteristics when describing the relationship verbally. Key features include: interception; Intervals when the function is increasing, decreasing, positive or negative; relative maximums and minimums; symmetries; final behavior; and periodicity.
Example:
Source:Algebra Regents Test 2 June 2019 Question #37
Key Algebra Questions Vocabulary Reference Sheet 2 Regents
When we think of math, we usually don't think of vocabulary. However, incorporating vocabulary into Algebra 2 Regents exercises is an effective way to increase your confidence on the exam and improve your score.
We analyzed published Algebra 2 Regents exams to find the most important vocabulary to study. Our vocabulary cheat sheet gives you the words and phrases you need to know.
1. If your message saysINTEREST,Think exponential growth.
Algebra 2 students are probably already familiar with the simple compound interest formula, but that's not the interest rate you need to know for the Algebra 2 Regents exam.
Rather, you need to meet them.compound interest formulafor the Regents Algebra 2 Exam.NOone of the equations listed inAlgebra 2 Regents Formula Sheet, so take the time to study this formula.
keep this in mindArepresents the final value,PAGrepresents the original principal amount,Ris the interest rate as a decimal number,norteis the frequency with which interest is compounded per period, andTis the number of elapsed periods.
Example question:
Source:Algebra Regents Test 2, August 2019, question #17
2. If your message saysREVERSAL,Consider changing your variables.
In Algebra 2 you will learn about the existence ofinverse functions,or functions that are inverses of each other. We can express the inverse of a functionf(x)withf^{-1}(x).
The easiest way to find the inverse of a function is to change that function's variables. For example, the reverse ofy=6x+2is easyx=6y+2. Note that the only difference is that thexjjVariables have switched places.
If your message asks about inverse functions, you may need to use inverse operations to isolate the dependent variable in the inverse function.
You can check if you found the correct inverse of a functionCheck out our calculator hacks below.
Example question:
Source:Algebra Test 2 Regents June 2019 Question #9
3. If your message saysNORMAL DISTRIBUTION, remember the rule of thumb.
A tricky concept in Algebra 2 rulers is the normal distribution and standard deviation. This is another fact to know if you are cold how is itNOabout itAlgebra 2 Regents Formula Sheet.
ANDGolden Ruleessentially states that if the data has a normal distribution:
- About 68% of the values are within one standard deviation of the mean.
- About 95% of the values are within two standard deviations of the mean.
- About 99.7% of the values are within three standard deviations of the mean.
If you remember these three percentages, you can solve standard deviation problems without having to do any real calculations.
You can alsoUse our Standard Deviation Calculator Trickto solve problems and review your work.
Example question:
Source:2 Regents Algebra Test, June 2019, question #18
4. If your message saysSEQUENCEÖSERIES, get your formula sheet.
Algebra 2 Regents contains many sequence and series questions. Lucky for you thatAlgebra 2 Regent Equation Sheetcontains the formulas needed to solve these types of problems.
The trick is knowing when to use which equation. Consider your options:
If your problem involves a list of terms or a specific number of terms in a list, you are dealing with aSequence.There are two types of sequences:geometricjArithmetic.
If the terms are a list extended by a common difference, their order is arithmetic. Can you remember why you areAdd toto get each additional term and "add" and "arithmetically" start with A. When terms increase in a common proportion, their order is geometric.
If you need to identify the sum of terms in a list, consider aSeriesand you need to use the series formula.
Example question:
Source:Algebra Regents Test 2 January 2019 Question #4
5. If your message saysPERIODÖAMPLITUDE, think of graphs of trigonometric functions.
Working with trigonometric functions and their graphs is likely to be a new experience for Algebra 2 students. Two key terms that appear frequently on the Algebra 2 Regents exam arePeriodjAmplitude,So familiarize yourself with what this means in terms of trigonometric functions.
Consider the graph of a trigonometric function:
ANDPeriodis the horizontal length of one complete "cycle" of the function, or the distance between equivalentsjValues.
ANDAmplitudeis half the distance between the maximum and the minimumjValues.
There's a lot more to know about trigonometric functions, but understanding these two vocabulary words will give you a head start on the Algebra 2 Regents exam.
Example question:
Source:Algebra Regents Test 2, August 2019, question #12
3 Strategies and Tips for Multiple Choice Questions in Algebra 2 Regents Exams
1. Use the removal process
Whenever you are faced with a wide range of possible answers, it can be helpful to cross out all possible answers that you know are incorrect. This is called the "process of elimination".
For the Algebra 2 Regents exam, you will be given 4 possible answers to all multiple choice questions. It is very likely that you can easily eliminate at least one, and perhaps even two, of the possible answers. As you go through each possible answer choice, literally draw a line through each answer choice.he mustit's wrong.
If you can't decide on a definitive answer, take a guess or try a new strategy. Whatever you do, don't leave any question unanswered on your regents exam. You don't lose credit for an incorrect answer, so just guessing is much better than leaving something blank.
What makes the removal process such a great hack?
You originally start with a 25% chance of randomly guessing the correct answer (1 out of 4). If you can eliminate two of the possible answers, that means you've doubled your chances of getting the question right to 50% (1 in 2)!
2. Constantly ask yourself, "Is my answer logical?"
Finding sensible answers is especially important when solving word problems or real-life application problems. When you think you've found your definitive answer, stop for a moment. Check that your response makes sense given the situation in the message.
Think to yourself, "Does my answer make sense?" or "Is my answer logical?"
For example, if a question asks you to find the slope of a line that descends from left to right on a graph and you choose a positive slope, your answer will be unreasonable because of the slope of that line.he mustbe negative.
3. Don't get stuck on a single problem
Most students have enough time to answer all of the Regents Algebra 2 exam questions. In fact, most students have too many minutes left in the 3 hour time frame!
However, that doesn't mean you should "get stuck" on a single multiple-choice question while working on the exam. It's important to stay confident and focus on the issues you know very well. You can always go back to the tough questions and spend more time thinking through different options. In fact, we often get new ideas for solving complicated problems simply by working on other problems elsewhere in the exam.
We typically recommend around 3 minutes for each multiple choice question. For more details on how the exam works, seeCheck out our complete Algebra 2 Regents review guide.
3 Strategies and Tips for Answering Built-in Questions on Algebra 2 Regents Exams
1. Don't be lazy (show your work)
One of the best parts of constructed answer questions is that you can get partial points for questions even if your final answer is not correct.
To earn partial credit, it is imperative that you show as much work as possible on each Constructed Response question. This means that you should always write down anything that you feel is relevant to solving the problem. The more accurate the work you demonstrate in your test book, the more likely the test evaluator will be able to recognize you.
2. Answer ALL parts of the question
The built-in response questions on the Algebra 2 Regents exam often have multiple parts.
For example, read this 4-point question from an actual Regents exam:
Source:Algebra Regents Test August 2, 2019 Question #33
You must answer BOTH parts of this question for full credit. A helpful tip can be to skim through each question in Parts II, III, and IV of your test before taking it to make sure you haven't skipped any part of a question.
3. Start with your strengths
Some students like to read all of the answer prompts built into their Regents exam before writing the answers. When Part II of the exam begins, quickly go over all the questions in Part II. This can be helpful as it allows you to find the questions you feel most confident with and remove them first.
You'll feel motivated when you start with the constructed response questions, and you'll have more time for questions that take longer to solve. If you decide to answer the questions in your own order for the test, simply be sure to answer all the questions provided.
Remember: you should never leave a constructed answer question with a blank answer.
Algebra 2 Regents Graphing Calculator Tips and Tricks
New York State Department of EducationInstructions for performing the testAllow students to use graphing calculators for the entire Regents Algebra 2 exam. Don't let this amazing opportunity pass you by!
We've created a cheat sheet of graphing calculator tricks and things to remember to help you improve your Algebra 2 Regents score. This list is based on ourAlgebra 1 Regents Calculator Tips and Tricks, so be sure to check it out to really maximize your score.
1. Identify odd and even functions using your calculator's function graph
One thing to keep in mind for your Algebra 2 rulers is the difference between even and odd functions.
- is a functionautowhen it comes to symmetryj-Axle.
- is a functionstrangeif it is symmetric about the origin.
If you remember these two things, your graphing calculator can do the rest. just pasteS=, type your function and pressGRAPHICto see if your function is even or odd.
| ruling question | Calculator Tip (click to enlarge) |
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2. Find inverse functions graphically
functions that arego backeach other have graphs that are symmetric about the liney=x.
If you are given a function and asked to find its inverse, you can do it with your calculator using function graphing. blowS= and enter the specified functionY_1. EmY_2, just enterx.
Then type each answer choice individually asY_3. blowGRAPHICto check if the functions are symmetric about the liney=x. If you can find the symmetric function, you've found the inverse function!
| ruling question | Calculator Tip (click to enlarge) |
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3. Find solutions to systems of equations in seconds
Remember that the solution to any system of equations is the ordered pair (or pairs) where the graphs of the equations intersect.
So to solve systems on your graphing calculator, just pressS= and type each function on a different line. then hitGRAPHICto see where the graphs intersect.
to find themExactlycrossing, hittingmake 2followed byCALCULATIONand then toggle down to selectOverlay.Move the cursor so that it is close to the intersection of each line. blowTO ENTERObserve-osxjjintersection values.
Tip: If you're having trouble seeing the graphs clearly, tryVENTANAto adjust the size of the chart.
| ruling question | Calculator Tip (click to enlarge) |
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4. Evaluate expressions with imaginary numbers quickly
Did you know your graphing calculator is equipped for this?imaginary numbers? Follow our tips and you'll save valuable time on the Algebra 2 Regents exam.
This calculator trick works best for questions with imaginary numbers.sinvariables, but remember that you can also use imaginary numbers in function graphing.
If you have problems with imaginary numbers, press firstABSENTand then toggle down to toggle from the default "REAL".a+bi. so come inEUwhere necessary and treat the rest of the expression as normal.
Note: On most computers, theEUThe button is above the decimal button.
blowTO ENTERto see the result. The output also includes an imaginary number.
| ruling question | Calculator Tip (click to enlarge) |
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5. Solve standard deviation problems with a calculator command
resolverstandard deviationThe problems at hand can be time-consuming and error-prone for students. Try using your calculator's offset function instead.
To enter your values, pressmake 2followed byDISTRIBUTIONThen scroll down to select "normalcdf". Enter the lower and upper bounds of your target population, as well as the mean and standard deviation.
Then select "Paste" to return to the main screen. blowTO ENTERto determine the percentage of the population that falls within these limits. If you are looking for a population value, multiply the percentage by the total population.
| ruling question | Calculator Tip (click to enlarge) |
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Summary: Things to consider for Algebra 2 Regents
Algebra 2 Regents is a high risk test for many students. This guide to study tips, tricks, and things to remember can help you pass the exam with flying colors.
Here are some of the key takeaways from our comprehensive guide:
- Make sure you know how to answer the most frequently asked questions.We can almost guarantee that certain types of questions will appear on the test, so do yourself a favor and master these skills and concepts.
- Remember the most important vocabulary from Algebra 2.Let's be honest: there are many terms and expressions used in mathematics that we are not used to in everyday life. Take the time to memorize a few key terms and phrases from our Algebra 2 cheat sheet to set yourself up for test success.
- Familiarize yourself with questioning strategies.Taking exams can be a stressful experience for anyone. By building your repertoire of strategies for multiple choice and constructed response questions, you can approach the Regents Exam with confidence and improve your score at the end.
- Make your calculator your best friend.You can save time and improve your Regents Score using your graphing calculator. Take the time to learn and practice our calculator tips and tricks to maximize your Regents score.
We know you have what it takes to pass the Algebra 2 Regents exam! For more information on how to increase your score, seeCheck out our Algebra 2 Regents review guide.
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