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.
Doreen bought a dress priced at $89 and a skirt priced at $36. She paid a total of $135 for the dress and the skirt, including sales tax. What was the sales tax rate?
  • A. 6%
  • B. 7%
  • C. 8%
  • D. 9%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the sales tax rate, first calculate the total cost of the dress and skirt without tax: $89 + $36 = $125. Doreen paid $135, which means the sales tax was $135 - $125 = $10. To find the sales tax rate, divide the tax amount by the pre-tax total: $10 / $125 = 0.08, or 8%. Option A (6%) is incorrect as it would result in a lower tax amount. Option B (7%) also yields a tax amount that is too low. Option D (9%) would produce a tax amount exceeding $10, making it incorrect. Thus, the only option that accurately reflects the calculated sales tax rate is 8%.

Other Related Questions

The sum of n and the product 3 times n is 12. What is the value of n?
  • A. 2
  • B. 3
  • C. 4
  • D. 4 ½
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To solve the equation formed by the problem statement, we express it as \( n + 3n = 12 \), which simplifies to \( 4n = 12 \). Dividing both sides by 4 gives \( n = 3 \). Option A (2) does not satisfy the equation, as substituting it results in \( 2 + 6 = 8 \), which is incorrect. Option C (4) leads to \( 4 + 12 = 16 \), also incorrect. Option D (4 ½) results in \( 4.5 + 13.5 = 18 \), which is too high. Thus, only \( n = 3 \) fulfills the original equation, confirming its validity.
If the function g is defined by g (x) = x/(x+1)', which of the following is true?
  • A. g (10) <g (20)
  • B. g (20) <g (10)
  • C. g(0) =1
  • D. g(1)=0
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To analyze the function \( g(x) = \frac{x}{x+1} \), we first observe its behavior as \( x \) increases. The function \( g(x) \) is a rational function that approaches 1 as \( x \) approaches infinity. For option A, evaluating \( g(10) \) and \( g(20) \): - \( g(10) = \frac{10}{11} \approx 0.909 \) - \( g(20) = \frac{20}{21} \approx 0.952 \) Since \( 0.909 < 0.952 \), option A is true. For option B, it incorrectly suggests \( g(20) < g(10) \), which contradicts the findings. Option C states \( g(0) = 1 \), but \( g(0) = 0 \), making this option false. Option D claims \( g(1) = 0 \), while \( g(1) = \frac{1}{2} \), which is also incorrect. Thus, only option A holds true.
What is the range of her scores?
  • A. 100
  • B. 120
  • C. 440
  • D. 2,250
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine the range of her scores, we subtract the lowest score from the highest score. If the highest score is 220 and the lowest is 100, the calculation is 220 - 100 = 120, which represents the range. Option A (100) misrepresents the range as it does not account for the difference between the highest and lowest scores. Option C (440) and Option D (2,250) are excessively high and do not reflect the actual spread of scores based on the provided data. Thus, 120 accurately represents the range of her scores.
(a ^ 9 * b ^ 12)/(a ^ 3 * b) =
  • A. a ^ 3 * b ^ 11
  • B. a ^ 6 * b ^ 12
  • C. a ^ 3 * b ^ 12
  • D. a ^ 6 * b ^ 11
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To simplify the expression \((a^9 * b^{12})/(a^3 * b)\), apply the laws of exponents. For the \(a\) terms, subtract the exponents: \(9 - 3 = 6\), giving \(a^6\). For the \(b\) terms, also subtract the exponents: \(12 - 1 = 11\), resulting in \(b^{11}\). Thus, the simplified expression is \(a^6 * b^{11}\). Option A is incorrect because it miscalculates the exponent of \(b\). Option B incorrectly maintains the exponent of \(b\) at 12. Option C fails to adjust the exponent of \(a\) correctly. Only option D accurately reflects the simplification.