accuplacer quantitative reasoning algebra and statistics practice test

Commonly used by colleges and universities to place students into appropriate courses.

3√2- 2/(√2) =
  • A. 2√2
  • B. √2
  • C. 3
  • D. 4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve the expression \( 3\sqrt{2} - \frac{2}{\sqrt{2}} \), we first simplify \( \frac{2}{\sqrt{2}} \). This can be rewritten as \( \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{2} = \sqrt{2} \). Thus, the expression becomes \( 3\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{2} \), which simplifies to \( 2\sqrt{2} \). Option B (\( \sqrt{2} \)) is incorrect as it does not account for the subtraction from \( 3\sqrt{2} \). Option C (3) is incorrect because it misrepresents the value obtained after simplification. Option D (4) is also incorrect, as it does not relate to the expression at all.

Other Related Questions

Trevani bought a book. She paid a total of $13.50, including 8% sales tax. How much tax did Trevani pay on the book?
  • A. $0.96
  • B. $1.00
  • C. $1.04
  • D. $1.08
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the amount of sales tax Trevani paid, first determine the price before tax. The total amount paid, $13.50, includes an 8% tax. To find the pre-tax amount, divide the total by 1.08 (which accounts for the original price plus tax): $13.50 ÷ 1.08 = $12.50. Next, calculate the sales tax by subtracting the pre-tax amount from the total: $13.50 - $12.50 = $1.00. This confirms that Trevani paid $1.00 in tax. - Option A ($0.96) is incorrect as it underestimates the tax. - Option C ($1.04) slightly overestimates the tax. - Option D ($1.08) incorrectly assumes the total is all tax without accounting for the book's price.
0.034÷(10)^(-1) =
  • A. 0.0034
  • B. 0.034
  • C. 0.34
  • D. 3.4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To solve 0.034 ÷ (10)^(-1), we first recognize that (10)^(-1) is equivalent to 1/10 or 0.1. Dividing by 0.1 is the same as multiplying by 10. Therefore, 0.034 ÷ 0.1 equals 0.034 × 10, which results in 0.34. Option A (0.0034) misinterprets the division, mistakenly moving the decimal too far left. Option B (0.034) fails to account for the division by 0.1, leaving the original number unchanged. Option D (3.4) incorrectly multiplies instead of dividing, moving the decimal point too far right. Thus, the only accurate calculation leads to 0.34.
In the xy-plane above, the circle has center (0, 0) and AB is a diameter of the circle. What is the equation of the line passing through points A and B?
Question image
  • A. y=-2/3 x
  • B. y=2/3 x
  • C. y=3/2 x
  • D. y=4x
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The line passing through points A and B, which are endpoints of a diameter of the circle centered at (0, 0), must be a straight line that passes through the origin. Option B, \(y = \frac{2}{3}x\), represents a line with a positive slope, indicating that as x increases, y also increases, which is consistent with the properties of a diameter. Option A, \(y = -\frac{2}{3}x\), has a negative slope, suggesting a downward trend, which does not align with the upward direction of a diameter in the first quadrant. Option C, \(y = \frac{3}{2}x\), has a steeper slope than option B, which may not accurately represent the diameter's angle unless specified. Option D, \(y = 4x\), has an even steeper slope, making it unlikely to be the diameter unless A and B are positioned at extreme angles, which is not given in the problem.
If |x|+|y| = 4 and x ≠ y, then x CANNOT be equal to
  • A. 2
  • C. -2
  • D. -5
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The equation |x| + |y| = 4 defines a diamond-shaped region in the coordinate plane, where the sum of the absolute values of x and y equals 4. Option A (2) is possible since |2| + |y| = 4 allows y to be 2 or -2. Option C (-2) is also valid, as |-2| + |y| = 4 permits y to be 2 or -2. Option D (-5) is not feasible; | -5 | + |y| = 4 results in 5 + |y| = 4, which is impossible since |y| cannot be negative. Thus, -5 cannot satisfy the given equation while ensuring x ≠ y.