accuplacer arithmetic full length practice test

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

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.

Other Related Questions

50.50 ÷ 0.25
  • A. 202
  • B. 2.2
  • C. 2.02
  • D. 0.22
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 50.50 ÷ 0.25, converting the division into a simpler form is helpful. Dividing both numbers by 0.25 effectively transforms the problem into 50.50 ÷ 0.25 = 50.50 × 4, which equals 202. Option B (2.2) is incorrect as it misrepresents the scale of the division, resulting from a misunderstanding of decimal placement. Option C (2.02) also miscalculates the division, likely stemming from incorrect multiplication or division steps. Option D (0.22) is far too low, indicating a significant error in understanding the relationship between the dividend and divisor.
165 is what percent of 150?
  • A. 95%
  • B. 110%
  • C. 111%
  • D. 115%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find what percent 165 is of 150, divide 165 by 150 and then multiply by 100. This calculation yields 110%, indicating that 165 is 110% of 150. Option A (95%) is incorrect as it underestimates the relationship between the two numbers. Option C (111%) slightly overestimates the value, while Option D (115%) significantly exaggerates it. Each of these options fails to accurately represent the proportion of 165 to 150, reinforcing that 110% is the precise measure of this relationship.
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.
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.