IBEW Aptitude Test Algebra and Functions Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Solve for x: 2x + 9 = 3x - 4

x = 11
x = 12
x = 13 (Correct answer)
x = 14

Correct answer: x = 13

9 + 4 = 3x - 2x. 13 = x.

2x + 9 = 3x - 4. Subtract 2x from both sides: 9 = x - 4. Add 4: 13 = x. Check: 2(13)+9=35, 3(13)-4=35 ✓. Solving equations with variables on both sides is a fundamental algebra skill on the IBEW NJATC aptitude test.

Question 2: If f(x) = 5x - 2, find x when f(x) = 18.

x = 3
x = 4 (Correct answer)
x = 5
x = 6

Correct answer: x = 4

5x - 2 = 18. 5x = 20. x = 4.

Set f(x) = 18: 5x - 2 = 18. Add 2: 5x = 20. Divide: x = 4. Check: f(4) = 5(4)-2 = 18 ✓. Finding the input that produces a given output (inverse function evaluation) is tested on IBEW aptitude exams.

Question 3: Simplify: 4(2x - 3) - 2(x + 5)

6x - 22 (Correct answer)
6x - 2
8x - 22
6x + 2

Correct answer: 6x - 22

8x - 12 - 2x - 10 = 6x - 22.

4(2x-3) = 8x-12. 2(x+5) = 2x+10. Subtract: (8x-12)-(2x+10) = 8x-12-2x-10 = 6x-22. Sign errors when distributing a negative are common — always write out each distributed term separately.

Question 4: The power in a circuit is P = V²/R. If V = 120 and R = 60, what is P?

120 watts
180 watts
240 watts (Correct answer)
300 watts

Correct answer: 240 watts

P = 120² / 60 = 14400 / 60 = 240 watts.

P = V²/R = 120²/60 = 14400/60 = 240 watts. This applies algebra to a real electrical formula. P = V²/R is derived from P = VI and Ohm's Law V = IR combined. Understanding these relationships is practical knowledge for electricians.

Question 5: Graph of f(x) = 2x + 1. What is the y-intercept?

x = 2
y = 1 (Correct answer)
y = 2
y = -1

Correct answer: y = 1

In y = mx + b form, the y-intercept is b = 1. The point is (0, 1).

In f(x) = mx + b (slope-intercept form), b is the y-intercept. For f(x) = 2x + 1, m=2 (slope) and b=1 (y-intercept). The line crosses the y-axis at (0, 1). Understanding linear function graphs is tested on IBEW aptitude exams as part of algebra and functions.

Question 6: If g(x) = x/3 + 4, what is g(12)?

6
7
8 (Correct answer)
9

Correct answer: 8

g(12) = 12/3 + 4 = 4 + 4 = 8.

g(12) = 12/3 + 4 = 4 + 4 = 8. Following order of operations (division before addition) is essential. This function maps an input to its third and then shifts it up by 4 — the kind of linear transformation that appears in proportional electrical calculations.

IBEW Aptitude Test Algebra and Functions Questions and Answers 2

Solve for x: 2x + 9 = 3x - 4

Select your answer