accuplacer arithmetic diagnostic practice test

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

Choose the best answer. If necessary, use the paper you were given.
Charlotte is drilling three holes of different sizes in a bird house that she is making. The diameters of the holes are 1(1/2) inches, 1(3/4) inches, and 1(3/8) inches. Which of the following gives the diameters, in inches, in order from least to greatest?
  • A. 1(1/2), 1(3/4), 1(3/8)
  • B. 1(1/2), 1(3/8), 1(3/4)
  • C. 1(3/8), 1(3/4), 1(1/2)
  • D. 1(3/8), 1(1/2), 1(3/4)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine the correct order of the hole diameters from least to greatest, we first convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions for easier comparison. - 1(1/2) = 3/2 - 1(3/4) = 7/4 - 1(3/8) = 11/8 By comparing these values, we find that 11/8 (1(3/8)) is the smallest, followed by 3/2 (1(1/2)), and finally 7/4 (1(3/4)). Option A incorrectly lists 1(1/2) as the smallest. Option B misplaces 1(3/8) and 1(3/4). Option C arranges the sizes incorrectly, placing the largest first. Therefore, the correct order is D: 1(3/8), 1(1/2), 1(3/4).

Other Related Questions

2(1/2 + 1/3) =
  • A. 1(2/3)
  • B. 1(5/6)
  • C. 2(1/6)
  • D. 2(5/6)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 2(1/2 + 1/3), first find a common denominator for the fractions 1/2 and 1/3, which is 6. Rewrite the fractions: 1/2 becomes 3/6 and 1/3 becomes 2/6. Adding these gives 5/6. Now, multiply by 2: 2 * 5/6 equals 10/6, which simplifies to 1(2/3). Option B, 1(5/6), results from miscalculating the addition. Option C, 2(1/6), misinterprets the multiplication step. Option D, 2(5/6), incorrectly applies the multiplication to the wrong sum. Each incorrect option reflects a misunderstanding of the operations involved.
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 evaluate the expression (2(12/15) - 1/10) / (16/6), we first simplify the numerator. Calculating 2(12/15) gives us 16/15. Next, we convert 1/10 to a common denominator of 30, resulting in 3/30. Thus, the numerator becomes (16/15 - 3/30). Converting 16/15 to a denominator of 30 yields 32/30, leading to (32/30 - 3/30) = 29/30. Now, simplifying the denominator, 16/6 reduces to 8/3. Dividing (29/30) by (8/3) is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal: (29/30) * (3/8) = 87/240, which approximates to 0.36, closest to 1. Options C (2) and D (3) are incorrect as they overshoot the calculated value, while option B (1) accurately reflects the result.
What is rounded to the nearest hundredth? 48/27
  • A. 1.7
  • B. 1.77
  • C. 1.78
  • D. 1.8
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To find the value of \( \frac{48}{27} \), we perform the division, resulting in approximately 1.7778. Rounding this number to the nearest hundredth involves looking at the third decimal place (7) to determine whether to round up or down. Since 7 is 5 or greater, we round up, resulting in 1.78. - Option A (1.7) is too low, as it does not reflect the precise value. - Option B (1.77) rounds down incorrectly, failing to account for the third decimal. - Option D (1.8) rounds up too far, exceeding the correct value. Thus, 1.78 accurately represents the rounded result.
Of the following, which is greatest?
  • A. -0.75
  • B. 5/-2
  • C. -3
  • D. -2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A, -0.75, is the greatest value among the choices since it is the least negative number. Option B, 5/-2, simplifies to -2.5, which is less than -0.75. Option C, -3, is clearly more negative than both -0.75 and -2. Option D, -2, is greater than -3 but still less than -0.75. In summary, -0.75 is the highest value among negative numbers, making it the greatest option in this comparison.