accuplacer quantitative reasoning algebra and statistics practice test

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

Each of the following is a solution to the equation x- 2y = 4 EXCEPT
  • A. (-2,-3)
  • B. (0,2)
  • C. (4,0)
  • D. (8,2)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine which option is not a solution to the equation \(x - 2y = 4\), we can substitute each pair into the equation. - For A: \((-2, -3)\), substituting gives \(-2 - 2(-3) = -2 + 6 = 4\), which is correct. - For B: \((0, 2)\), substituting gives \(0 - 2(2) = 0 - 4 = -4\), which does not equal 4, making this option incorrect. - For C: \((4, 0)\), substituting gives \(4 - 2(0) = 4\), which is correct. - For D: \((8, 2)\), substituting gives \(8 - 2(2) = 8 - 4 = 4\), which is correct. Thus, option B is the only pair that does not satisfy the equation.

Other Related Questions

Fred, Norman, and Dave own a total of 128 comic books. If Dave owns 44 of them, what is the average (arithmetic mean) number of comic books owned by Fred and Norman?
  • A. 42
  • B. 44
  • C. 46
  • D. 48
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the average number of comic books owned by Fred and Norman, first determine how many comic books they collectively own. Since Dave has 44 comic books, subtract this from the total: 128 - 44 = 84. Fred and Norman together own 84 comic books. To find the average for the two, divide this number by 2: 84 ÷ 2 = 42. Option B (44) incorrectly assumes Fred and Norman have more than they actually do. Option C (46) miscalculates the average by not considering the correct total for Fred and Norman. Option D (48) similarly overestimates their combined ownership. Thus, the average is accurately calculated as 42.
For how many values of k is (x, y) = (k, -k) a solution to the equation 2x +2y = 0?
  • A. None
  • B. One
  • C. Two
  • D. More than two
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine how many values of \( k \) make \( (x, y) = (k, -k) \) a solution to the equation \( 2x + 2y = 0 \), substitute \( x \) and \( y \) into the equation. This gives \( 2k + 2(-k) = 0 \), which simplifies to \( 0 = 0 \). This statement is always true, meaning any value of \( k \) satisfies the equation. Option A (None) is incorrect; there are indeed solutions. Option B (One) is also wrong since infinitely many values of \( k \) work. Option C (Two) is insufficient, as there are not just two but infinitely many solutions. Hence, the correct interpretation is that there are more than two values of \( k \) that satisfy the equation.
Malia collected information about whether the members of the 36 households on her block subscribed to cable television and home phone services. Her results are shown in the table below.\nIf a household on Malia's block is selected at random and does subscribe to cable television, what is the probability the members of the household also subscribe to home phone service?
Question image
  • A. 14/18
  • B. 14/26
  • C. 18/36
  • D. 14/36
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the probability that a household subscribes to home phone service given that it subscribes to cable television, we focus on the relevant subset of households. Malia found 18 households that subscribe to cable, out of which 14 also subscribe to home phone service. Thus, the probability is calculated as the number of households with both services (14) divided by the total number of households with cable (18), resulting in 14/18. Option B (14/26) incorrectly uses the total number of households with home phone service instead of just those with cable. Option C (18/36) misinterprets the probability as a ratio of all households rather than those who subscribe to cable. Option D (14/36) inaccurately represents the total number of households instead of focusing on the cable subscribers.
Which of the following could be an equation of the line graphed in the xy-plane above?
Question image
  • A. y=-x-3
  • B. y=-x+3
  • C. y=x-3
  • D. y=x+3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine the equation of the line, we analyze its slope and y-intercept. The line in the graph has a positive slope, indicating that as \(x\) increases, \(y\) also increases. Option D, \(y = x + 3\), has a positive slope of 1 and a y-intercept of 3, aligning with the graph's characteristics. Option A, \(y = -x - 3\), has a negative slope and would decrease as \(x\) increases, which contradicts the graph. Option B, \(y = -x + 3\), also has a negative slope, leading to a downward trend. Option C, \(y = x - 3\), has a positive slope but a y-intercept of -3, placing it below the graph. Thus, D is the only option that fits the observed line.