Unit 2 Self-Efficacy Assessment

Listed below are types of math problems which you will be exposed to during the first unit
of this course. We would like you to quickly look at each problem (don’t actually solve it)
and then, using the rating scale described below, circle then number on the scale next to
each problem that accurately describes how confident you are in your ability to solve that
type of problem.

0-----1-----2-----3-----4-----5-----6-----7-----8-----9
Scale: no confidence some confidence Complete
at all confidence

1. Monomials and polynomials

Ex: Identify the monomials in this list.
(5x2 ) , (5x + 4), (3x2 + 6x -3) , 24 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

2. Monomials and polynomials

Ex: Identify the polynomials in this list.
(-36), (a2 + b2), (26x3), (x2y5z2) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3. Multiplying binomials using the FOIL method

Ex: Multiply these binomials:
(4n-3)(3n+2) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

4. Roots of a quadratic equations

Ex: Find the roots of this quadratic
equation, w2+2W=48 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

5. Identifying the constants in a quadratic equation in order to use them in the quadratic
formula
Ex: To solve the quadratic equation, 5x2+2x-3=0, using the quadratic formula, what are
the values
of a, b, and c? 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

6. Solving a quadratic equation using two different methods

Ex: Use two different methods to
solve the following quadratic equation:
x2-4x+1=0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
7. Multiplying binomials
Ex: The area of a sector of an electromagnet formed by two circles of radii, r1 and r2,
whose angle is is given by:
(r1+r2) (r1-r2)
Multiply out this expression. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

8. Solving a quadratic equation using the quadratic formula.

Ex: The voltage across the capacitor, C, shown in the figure below is given by the
quadratic equation v(t) = t2 – 6t. Using the quadratic formula, find t when
v(t) =16V.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

9. Writing a quadratic equation in standard form

Ex:The power P delivered by the voltage source shown in the figure below is given as P
= I2R + IV. For particular values of R, V, and P, the current I satisfies the quadratic
equation 210 = 10I2 + 40I. Write the quadratic equation for I in the standard form as aI2
+ bI + c = 0.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10. Represent a geometry problem using a quadratic equation. Ex: The area of a solar panel
installed on the roof of a house is 600cm2. If the length is 5 cm more than the width,
what are the dimensions of the solar panel? Set up and solve the
quadratic equation which describes
this scenario. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
11. Represent an electric circuit scenario using a quadratic equation.
Ex: The equivalent capacitance, C, of two capacitors connected in series as shown in the
figure below is given by

C=

Suppose C2 = C1 + 100 and that

the equivalent capacitance is C= .
Substitute these values into C= and
obtain the quadratic equation for C1.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

12. Solve a quadratic equation using three methods.

Ex: The energy dissipated by a resistor shown in the figure below varies with time t in
seconds according to the equation W = 3t2 +6t. Solve for t if W=3 joules, using all three
methods: factoring, completing the square, and solving the quadratic formula.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9