Placement tests in mathematics are often wrong. Consider the following graph with DWF% (the percent of students who got a D, W, or F in beginning algebra) on the vertical axis and the students’ placement scores on the horizontal axis. According to the publisher of the placement test, a higher score should indicate increased success in beginning algebra.

Graph with DWF% (the percent of students who got a D, W, or F in beginning algebra).

answer the following questions:

Is it a positive or negative correlation?

Does the placement test work? Provide a reason for your answer.

Should the college make the business decision to purchase another placement system or are there other factors they should consider? Justify your answers.