What this skill covers
Algebraic Reasoning covers the core algebra skills needed for college coursework: isolating a variable in a linear equation, solving a system of two equations, and evaluating a function at a given input.
For a two-step equation, always undo addition or subtraction before undoing multiplication or division — doing the steps out of order is the single most common source of errors under time pressure.
Worked examples
Example 1
Solve for x: 4x − 5 = 11.
A. 4
B. 3
C. 6
D. 16
Why: Add 5 to both sides: 4x = 16. Divide by 4: x = 4.
Example 2
If f(x) = 2x + 3, what is f(5)?
A. 13
B. 10
C. 11
D. 16
Why: Substitute 5: 2(5) + 3 = 10 + 3 = 13 — the most common slip is forgetting to add the constant after multiplying.
How to practice this on TSI Practice Prep
Open TSIA2 Practice to answer original TSIA2 questions on tSIA2 Algebraic Reasoning, get an explanation for every choice, and see this skill tracked separately in your progress and mistake review.
Practice score estimates are learning indicators, not official scores or admission guarantees.
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