The relationship betwee n a composite of student entry characteristics--unit pretest score, number of skills to be mastered in the unit, the student's intelligence quotient and age, units previously mastered--and the amount of time required to complete one of four units of D or E level mathematics was investigated. Beta weights for the regression equations associated with eight samples of student performance were computed. Results of the study indicated that the number of days required to master a given unit was related to the student's initial entering state; the most important factors being the student's unit pretest score, the number of skills that must be mastered, and the student's age. (Author/GO)