High school math problems to see if you’re cut out for college

You may know that pi equals 3.141592653589793238462643383... But can you really math?

The following are several high school level algebra problems, which are generally required before you go to college. Regardless of how far away college was (or is), see if these slices of math don't slip you up:

1. Something simple. Factor out this bad boy: 18x2 + 9x - 20

2. Find the distance between (0, 2) and (-1, -5) without drawing a graph on your screen.

3. Divide this double-decker equation into a single story, and don't forget the remainder:

(221x3 + 154x2 + 228x + 41) / (17x + 4)

4. Find the equation that has intercepts (0, -8) and (7, 0).

5. Multiply these imaginary numbers into a real solution (which still has imaginary numbers):

(-7 + i)(-3 + 6i).

The answers are below. Take a moment to work out your answers on whatever free space is available:

Credit: Getty Images/amazon

And, the answer key:

1. (3x + 4)(6x - 5). Some help with factoring.

2. 7.07. Some help on distance between points.

3. 13x2 + 6x + 12, remainder of -7. Some help on dividing polynomials.

4. -8x + 7y = -56. Some help on slope-intercepts.

5. 15 - 45i. Some help on complex numbers. 

How did you do? Did you just disappoint your high school math teacher, or did you make them proud? 

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