accuplacer arithmetic full length practice test

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

4/9 (3/16 - 1/12) =
  • A. 5/108
  • B. 5/48
  • C. 2/9
  • D. 20/48
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve \( \frac{4}{9} \left( \frac{3}{16} - \frac{1}{12} \right) \), first calculate \( \frac{3}{16} - \frac{1}{12} \). Finding a common denominator (48), we convert the fractions: \( \frac{3}{16} = \frac{9}{48} \) and \( \frac{1}{12} = \frac{4}{48} \). Thus, \( \frac{9}{48} - \frac{4}{48} = \frac{5}{48} \). Next, multiply \( \frac{4}{9} \) by \( \frac{5}{48} \): \[ \frac{4 \times 5}{9 \times 48} = \frac{20}{432} = \frac{5}{108} \] Option B (5/48) is incorrect as it misrepresents the multiplication step. Option C (2/9) ignores the subtraction and multiplication entirely. Option D (20/48) fails to simplify the fraction correctly.

Other Related Questions

Of the following, which is closest to (2,12/15 - 1/10) ÷ 16/6 ?
  • B. 1
  • C. 2
  • D. 3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To solve (2, 12/15 - 1/10) ÷ (16/6), first, convert the mixed number 2, 12/15 to an improper fraction: 2 = 30/15, so 2, 12/15 = 30/15 + 12/15 = 42/15. Next, simplify 12/15 - 1/10. Finding a common denominator (30), we have 24/30 - 3/30 = 21/30, which simplifies to 7/10. Thus, we compute (42/15 - 7/10) = (28/10 - 21/30) = (84/30 - 21/30) = 63/30 = 21/10. Dividing by (16/6) equals (21/10) ÷ (8/3) = (21/10) × (3/8) = 63/80, which is closest to 1. Options C and D (2 and 3) are incorrect as they overshoot the calculated value, while option B (1) accurately reflects the result of the division.
At the Crest Coffee Shop, the cost of a plain bagel was $0.75 last year. This year the cost of a plain bagel is $0.90. By what percent did the cost of a plain bagel increase from last year to this year?
  • A. 10%
  • B. 15%
  • C. 17%
  • D. 20%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine the percent increase in the cost of a plain bagel, the formula used is: \[ \text{Percent Increase} = \left( \frac{\text{New Price} - \text{Old Price}}{\text{Old Price}} \right) \times 100 \] Substituting the given values: \[ \text{Percent Increase} = \left( \frac{0.90 - 0.75}{0.75} \right) \times 100 = \left( \frac{0.15}{0.75} \right) \times 100 = 20\% \] Option A (10%) underestimates the increase, while B (15%) and C (17%) also fail to reflect the correct calculation. Therefore, the accurate calculation confirms a 20% increase in cost.
Linda has borrowed 8 more books than Susan from the school library. Richard has borrowed half as many books as Linda has. If Richard has borrowed 17 books from the library, how many books has Susan borrowed?
  • A. 25
  • B. 26
  • C. 34
  • D. 42
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine how many books Susan has borrowed, start with Richard's 17 books. Since Richard has borrowed half as many books as Linda, Linda must have borrowed 34 books (17 x 2). Given that Linda has borrowed 8 more books than Susan, we can set up the equation: Linda's books = Susan's books + 8. Therefore, if Linda has 34 books, we find Susan's total by subtracting 8: 34 - 8 = 26. Option A (25) is incorrect as it underestimates Susan's total. Option C (34) mistakenly suggests Susan borrowed the same amount as Linda. Option D (42) overestimates Susan's total by not accounting for the difference of 8 books. Thus, the only valid option is 26.
Which of the following integers, when rounded to the nearest thousand, results in 2,000?
  • A. 2,567
  • B. 1,499
  • C. 1,097
  • D. 1,601
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: d

When rounding to the nearest thousand, we look at the hundreds digit. If it is 5 or higher, we round up; if it is 4 or lower, we round down. Option D (1,601) rounds to 2,000 because the hundreds digit (6) is greater than 5, leading to an increase in the thousands place. Option A (2,567) rounds to 3,000, as the hundreds digit (5) prompts rounding up. Option B (1,499) rounds to 1,000 since the hundreds digit (4) indicates rounding down. Option C (1,097) also rounds to 1,000 for the same reason as B. Thus, only D rounds to 2,000.