WGU Applied-Algebra Practice Exam Questions & Answers

6 Free Questions · Last reviewed: October 1, 2026 · Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team

Exam Facts

WGU Applied-Algebra Exam Details

Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline

94 Practice Questions (Our Bank)
USD 150 Official Exam Fee (United States)
Exam Code
Applied-Algebra
Full Name
WGU Applied Algebra FXO2 PFXP C957
Issuing Body
Western Governors University
Question Format (Our Bank)
Multiple Choice
Practice Questions

Free Applied-Algebra Practice Questions

Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right

VA
ValidExamDumps Editorial Team Every question and its answer is checked by our Applied-Algebra exam preparation team, who also write the explanation shown with each one. How we research and review these pages

The function models the number of subscribers to a virtual newsletter over time. The graph of is shown. The horizontal axis represents the number of years since the newsletter started, and the vertical axis represents the number of subscribers, in thousands.

How is the number of subscribers changing over time based on the graph?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

The graph shows an increasing exponential curve.

The number of subscribers is going up as time passes, so the function is increasing.

Also, the graph becomes steeper as time increases. This means the rate of increase is getting larger.

So the number of subscribers is:

This is a key feature of exponential growth.

The number of letters processed daily at a mail center is modeled by the decreasing exponential function shown in the graph.

Which value is the number of letters processed per day trending toward as time progresses, based on the equation of the horizontal asymptote?

Correct Answer: B
Explanation

The graph shows a decreasing exponential function.

The vertical axis represents:

The horizontal axis represents:

For an exponential decay graph, the value decreases quickly at first and then begins to level off. The value it approaches in the long run is called the horizontal asymptote.

From the graph, the curve levels off near:

So the number of letters processed per day is trending toward:

This does not mean the mail center immediately processes exactly 2,500 letters per day. It means that as time continues, the number gets closer and closer to 2,500.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

The spread of two viruses within a single population is modeled using the functions in the graph.

What is a correct conclusion based on the graph?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

The graph compares the spread of two viruses over time.

The horizontal axis represents:

The vertical axis represents:

The graph shows:

Virus A as the solid blue curve.

Virus B as the dashed blue curve.

To determine which statement is correct, compare when each virus reaches the same population percentage.

At , Virus A reaches that level earlier than Virus B. The solid curve is already at before the dashed curve reaches .

However, for higher percentages like and , Virus B reaches those levels before Virus A because the dashed curve becomes steeper and rises above the solid curve after about .

So the correct conclusion is:

Therefore, the correct answer is:

The graph shows the number of people waiting in a virtual queue to buy tickets for an event.

What does the horizontal asymptote mean?

Correct Answer: D
Explanation

The graph shows the queue size changing over time.

The horizontal axis represents:

The vertical axis represents:

The graph is a decreasing exponential curve. It starts near people and decreases quickly at first. Then the curve begins to flatten near:

A horizontal asymptote is the horizontal line that the graph approaches as time continues.

Here, the graph approaches the horizontal line:

This means that as time passes, the number of people in the virtual queue gets closer and closer to .

It does not mean the queue decreases to , because the graph levels off near , not near .

Therefore, the correct interpretation is:

The value of a painting is represented by the function

In this function, xrepresents the number of years since 2004, and f(x)represents the value of the painting in dollars.

Which value represents the average yearly rate of change of the painting's value from 2013 to 2018?

Correct Answer: A
Explanation

Since represents the number of years since 2004:

so:

Also:

so:

The average yearly rate of change from 2013 to 2018 is:

Now evaluate the function:

Now calculate the average rate of change:

So the painting's value increased by an average of about:

Therefore, the correct answer is:

A new company just launched and is using the function to predict its market share after years. The graph of is shown.

When should the company expect to have a market share of ?

Correct Answer: C
Explanation

The function represents the company's market share after years.

The horizontal axis represents:

The vertical axis represents:

We need to find when the market share reaches:

From the graph, locate on the vertical axis. Then move horizontally to the blue curve and read the corresponding value on the horizontal axis.

The curve reaches at approximately:

So the company should expect to have a market share of after about:

Therefore, the correct answer is:

Full Access

Get the complete Applied-Algebra question set

  • 94 questions covering all exam domains
  • Correct answers with explanations, like the free questions above
  • PDF and online practice test
  • 90 days of free updates
Starting from 50% OFF
$20 $40
Get Full Access

One-time payment · Instant download

Study Guide

What the WGU Applied-Algebra Exam Covers

5 domains from the WGU Applied-Algebra exam outline, with approximate weightings. Every sample question above is tagged with the domain it comes from

Domain 1: Algebraic Expressions and Operations

Simplify expressions using order of operations and like terms. Apply properties such as distributive, associative, and commutative. Evaluate expressions for given variable values.

Domain 2: Linear Equations and Inequalities

Solve single-variable linear equations step by step. Work with inequalities and represent solutions on number lines. Translate word problems into equations and solve them.

Sample questions from this domain above: Q5Q6

Domain 3: Graphing and Functions

Understand function notation and evaluate functions. Graph linear equations on the coordinate plane. Interpret slope and intercepts in real-world context.

Sample questions from this domain above: Q1Q2Q3Q4

Domain 4: Systems of Equations

Solve systems using substitution and elimination methods. Interpret solutions graphically and algebraically. Apply systems to real-life problem scenarios.

Domain 5: Exponents and Polynomials

Apply exponent rules to simplify expressions. Add, subtract, and multiply polynomials. Factor basic polynomial expressions.

FAQ

Applied-Algebra Exam FAQ

Common questions about the exam itself

What is the relationship between C957 Applied Algebra and other math courses at WGU?
Applied Algebra is a foundation course for advanced mathematics at WGU. It covers functions, algebra of functions, and applied properties that prepare you for courses like Discrete Math-Logic and other quantitative programs. WGU recommends completing Applied Probability and Statistics before taking Applied Algebra.
How long does preparation for the C957 Applied Algebra exam typically take?
WGU indicates that if you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 30 to 40 hours on the course content. The course is self-paced, so your timeline depends on your background and how much time you can dedicate each week.
What makes the Graphing and Functions domain challenging in Applied Algebra?
Candidates often struggle with interpreting slope and intercepts, especially when translating real-world scenarios into graphical representations. Success requires careful attention to labeling axes, checking domain and range, and recognizing what the question is actually asking for.
Which domains make up the majority of questions on the C957 exam?
Linear Equations and Inequalities and Graphing and Functions typically represent 40 to 50 percent of exam questions. However, all five domains are tested, so balanced preparation across all topics is essential for best results.
What algebra topics require the most careful study for C957?
Algebraic Expressions and Operations form the foundation for all other topics in Applied Algebra. Complex fraction simplification and factoring identities appear frequently and reward quick pattern recognition. Additionally, remember that inequalities flip when you divide by negative numbers.
What types of functions does C957 Applied Algebra cover?
The course explores several families of functions including linear, polynomial, exponential, and logistic functions. You learn about rate of change, concavity, maximizing and minimizing, and asymptotes as they apply to real-world problem scenarios.
Is there a prerequisite for enrolling in C957 Applied Algebra?
While no prerequisite is formally required, WGU recommends that students complete Applied Probability and Statistics or its equivalent before taking Applied Algebra. This helps ensure you have a solid foundation for the material.
What job roles or career paths benefit from Applied Algebra certification?
Applied Algebra is relevant for anyone in data analysis, information technology, business, science, and engineering fields where mathematical modeling and problem solving are essential. It strengthens the quantitative skills needed across many professional roles.
How does C957 differ from other algebra courses?
Applied Algebra focuses on practical applications rather than pure theory. It emphasizes working with functions in real-life contexts, modeling phenomena using different function families, and solving problems that reflect everyday professional and personal situations.