This question is categorization and is easy to figure out with some close reading:
A fifth degree expression has a highest power of 5 so that takes out answers (2) and (3) leaving (1) and (4).
A leading coefficient of 7 is exactly what it sounds like — does answer choice (1) or (4) have a first term that starts with a 7?
A constant of 6 is 6 without any algebra or variables so find that to confirm your answer! :)
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June 2016 CC Alg I Regents #1
We can either recognize the factoring as DOTS Difference of Two Squares and see that the 16 would be 4 x 4 (not 8 x 8). Then by checking the signs of the remaining answers (3) and (4) we would see that answer (4) would give us a trinomial and not the binomial given.
Another way to do this would be to use the TI-84:
Here is answer (1) compared to the original expression, um, not a match!
Below is answer (2) compared to the original expression. Also not a match!!
And now to check answer (3) and from the table voila!! also we only see one graph which means the Y= are the same :)
Generous Scaled Score for CC Alg II Regents
Look at where the 65 is!!
The usual cut score for Alg 2/Trig has been in the 40’s. Don’t think anyone expected this to be at 25. Congrats to all the students who passed (and who even took it!) and to their teachers and families.
Here is a link to the Regents: http://www.jmap.org/JMAPRegentsExamArchives/ALGEBRAIIEXAMS/0616ExamAII.pdf
June 2016 Brain Teaser Solution
Q: The following equations are incorrect. Fix them using these rules.
No other numbers can be written.
No inequality symbols can be used like a “greater than” sign, a “less than” sign or “not equal to” sign.1 1 1 =6
2 2 2 =6
3 3 3 =6
4 4 4 =6
5 5 5 =6
6 6 6 =6
7 7 7 =6
8 8 8 =6
9 9 9 =6
0 0 0 =6There can be multiple answers for one equation.
No other numbers can be written.
No inequality symbols can be used like a “greater than” sign, a “less than” sign or “not equal to” sign.1 1 1 =6
2 2 2 =6
3 3 3 =6
4 4 4 =6
5 5 5 =6
6 6 6 =6
7 7 7 =6
8 8 8 =6
9 9 9 =6
0 0 0 =6There can be multiple answers for one equation.
Hint: you can use ! and square roots
A:
(1+1+1)! = 3! = 3 x 2 x 1 = 6
2 + 2 + 2 = 6
3 x 3 – 3 = 6
(1+1+1)! = 3! = 3 x 2 x 1 = 6
2 + 2 + 2 = 6
3 x 3 – 3 = 6
4 + 4/sqrt(4) = 6
5 + 5/5 = 6
6 + 6 – 6 = 6
7 – 7/7 = 6
8 – sqrt(sqrt(8 + 8) = 2
9/sqrt(9) + sqrt(9) = 6
(0! + 0! +0!)! = 6
5 + 5/5 = 6
6 + 6 – 6 = 6
7 – 7/7 = 6
8 – sqrt(sqrt(8 + 8) = 2
9/sqrt(9) + sqrt(9) = 6
(0! + 0! +0!)! = 6
Lower CC Algebra I Regents Cut Score
The passing grade for the first 6 Common Core Algebra I Regents has been 30/86.
For today’s Common Core Algebra I Regents which is the 7th administration, the cut score has been lowered to 27 which converts to a 65 below on the latest raw score conversion.. 
The exam will be released in the next few days — for now, click here to see the long answer questions and answers on Mr. Burke’s Math web site.
And click here for an analysis of the score changes from http://www.emathinstruction.com’s Kirk Weiler
Math Confidence by Robin the Math Lady 