tsia2 math practice test

A placement test used in Texas to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing.

Choose the best answer. If necessary, use the paper you were given.
A playground at a mall is in the shape of a rectangle, and there is a 144 foot long fence around it. If the rectangle is 6 feet longer than it is wide, what is the width, in feet, of the rectangle?
  • A. 33
  • B. 39
  • C. 69
  • D. 75
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the width of the rectangle, let the width be represented as \( w \). The length, being 6 feet longer, can be expressed as \( w + 6 \). The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula \( P = 2(l + w) \). Here, the perimeter is 144 feet, leading to the equation \( 2(w + (w + 6)) = 144 \). Simplifying this gives \( 2(2w + 6) = 144 \), which reduces to \( 4w + 12 = 144 \), and further simplifies to \( 4w = 132 \), resulting in \( w = 33 \). Option B (39) is incorrect as it gives a perimeter of 156 feet. Option C (69) would lead to an impossible perimeter of 150 feet. Option D (75) results in a perimeter of 162 feet, which exceeds the given value. Thus, only option A satisfies all conditions, confirming the width as 33 feet.

Other Related Questions

If the trend shown in the graph above continued into the next year, approximately how many sport utility vehicles were sold in 1999?
Question image
  • A. 3 million
  • B. 2.5 million
  • C. 2 million
  • D. 3 thousand
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the approximate number of sport utility vehicles sold in 1999, analyzing the trend in the graph is essential. If the upward trend continued, sales would likely increase compared to previous years. Given the data, 3 million aligns with the projected growth rate, reflecting a significant rise consistent with market trends. Option B, 2.5 million, underestimates the growth, while C, 2 million, does not account for the upward trajectory. Option D, 3 thousand, is far too low and unrealistic, failing to represent the scale of SUV sales during that period. Thus, 3 million is the most reasonable estimate.
If an item regularly costs d dollars and is discounted 12 percent, which of the following represents the discounted price in dollars?
  • A. 0.12d
  • B. 0.88d
  • C. 1.12d
  • D. d-0.12
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the discounted price after a 12 percent discount on an item that costs d dollars, we first calculate the amount of the discount, which is 12% of d, or 0.12d. To determine the final price, we subtract this discount from the original price: d - 0.12d = 0.88d. Option A (0.12d) represents only the discount amount, not the final price. Option C (1.12d) incorrectly suggests an increase in price. Option D (d - 0.12) does not account for the percentage; it inaccurately represents the discount as a flat dollar amount rather than a percentage of the original price. Thus, 0.88d correctly reflects the discounted price.
An airplane is 5,000 ft above ground and has to land on a runway that is 7,000 ft away as shown above. Let x be the angle the pilot takes to land the airplane at the beginning of the runway. Which equation is a correct way to calculate x?
Question image
  • A. sin x = 5000/7000
  • B. sin x = 7000/5000
  • C. tan x = 5000/7000
  • D. tan x = 7/5000
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the angle \( x \) for landing, we need to consider the relationship between the height of the airplane and the distance to the runway. The height (5000 ft) is the opposite side of the right triangle formed, while the distance to the runway (7000 ft) is the adjacent side. The tangent function relates these two sides, hence \( \tan x = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} \) leads to \( \tan x = \frac{5000}{7000} \). Option A incorrectly uses the sine function, which relates the opposite side to the hypotenuse. Option B also misapplies sine but swaps the sides, leading to an incorrect ratio. Option D incorrectly uses tangent but misrepresents the sides, making it invalid. Thus, option C accurately represents the relationship needed to calculate angle \( x \).
How many cups of peanut butter must be used in order to make exactly enough peanut butter balls for the children at the party?
  • A. 10
  • B. 12
  • C. 18
  • D. 24
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the number of cups of peanut butter needed for the peanut butter balls, one must consider the recipe's requirements and the number of children attending the party. Option C (18 cups) aligns with the recipe's proportion to yield the exact quantity necessary for all children. Option A (10 cups) is insufficient, likely resulting in fewer peanut butter balls than required. Option B (12 cups) may also fall short, leading to a shortage. Option D (24 cups) exceeds the needed amount, creating waste. Thus, C is the optimal choice, ensuring each child receives a peanut butter ball without excess or deficit.