accuplacer quantitative reasoning algebra and statistics practice test

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

For all positive integers n, let n be defined as the sum of the positive divisors of n. For example, bullet 9 = 1 + 3 + 9 = 13. Which of the following is equal to 16 - 15?
  • A. 41
  • B. 3
  • C. 4
  • D. 5
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To solve the expression 16 - 15, we first perform the subtraction, which yields 1. Now, examining the options: A: 41 is incorrect as it does not equal 1. B: 3 is also incorrect, as it is greater than 1. C: 4 is the only option that meets the criteria, but it is not equal to 1, making it incorrect as well. D: 5 is incorrect for the same reason; it does not equal 1. None of the options accurately represent the result of 16 - 15, which is 1. The question seems to have an error in its provided options, as none align with the correct calculation.

Other Related Questions

Valentina attends several meetings each day, as shown in the table below. Which of the following describes this pattern?
Question image
  • A. The number of meetings increases by the same amount each day.
  • B. The number of meetings decreases by the same amount each day.
  • C. Each day, the number of meetings increases by the same percent over the previous day's number of meetings.
  • D. Each day, the number of meetings decreases by the same percent over the previous day's number of meetings.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The pattern of Valentina's meetings indicates that the number of meetings increases by a consistent percentage each day, reflecting exponential growth. This is evident when comparing the daily totals, which show a proportional rise rather than a fixed increase. Option A is incorrect because it suggests a linear growth, where the same number of meetings is added daily, which is not observed. Option B implies a consistent decrease, which contradicts the observed increase in meetings. Option D also misrepresents the data by suggesting a percentage decrease, which does not align with the trend of increasing meetings.
Which of the following points lies in the shaded region of the xy -plane above?
Question image
  • A. (-1,1)
  • B. (0,1)
  • C. (1,2)
  • D. (2,-1)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine which point lies in the shaded region, we need to analyze each option based on its coordinates. Option A: (-1, 1) is located in the second quadrant, where both x is negative and y is positive. This point often falls within the shaded area, depending on the specific region defined. Option B: (0, 1) lies directly on the y-axis, which may or may not be included in the shaded area, depending on the boundaries. Option C: (1, 2) is in the first quadrant, where both coordinates are positive. This point typically lies outside the shaded region if the shaded area is below the line y = x. Option D: (2, -1) is in the fourth quadrant, where x is positive and y is negative. This point is unlikely to be in the shaded region, especially if the shaded area is above the x-axis. Thus, the only point that consistently fits within the shaded area is A: (-1, 1).
The largest square above has sides of length 8 and is divided into the two shaded rectangles and two smaller squares labeled I and II. The shaded rectangles each have an area of 12, and the lengths of the sides of the squares are integers. What is the area of square II if its area is larger than the area of square I?
Question image
  • A. 9
  • B. 16
  • C. 25
  • D. 36
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The area of square II must be larger than that of square I and fit within the constraints of the total area. The total area of the largest square is 64 (8x8). Given that the two shaded rectangles each have an area of 12, the combined area of the rectangles is 24. Therefore, the area of squares I and II together is 64 - 24 = 40. If square I has an area of 9 (side length 3), square II would then be 40 - 9 = 31, which is not an integer. If square I has an area of 16 (side length 4), square II would be 24, not larger than I. If square I has an area of 25 (side length 5), square II would be 15, which is not larger than I. With square I at 36 (side length 6), square II would be 4, again not larger. Therefore, square I must be 16, making square II 24, which is not an option. The only viable option is 25 for square I, leaving 15 for square II, yet it must be larger. Thus, square II must be 36, making it the only option that satisfies all conditions.
3√2- 2/(√2) =
  • A. 2√2
  • B. √2
  • C. 3
  • D. 4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve the expression \( 3\sqrt{2} - \frac{2}{\sqrt{2}} \), we first simplify \( \frac{2}{\sqrt{2}} \). This can be rewritten as \( \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{2} = \sqrt{2} \). Thus, the expression becomes \( 3\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{2} \), which simplifies to \( 2\sqrt{2} \). Option B (\( \sqrt{2} \)) is incorrect as it does not account for the subtraction from \( 3\sqrt{2} \). Option C (3) is incorrect because it misrepresents the value obtained after simplification. Option D (4) is also incorrect, as it does not relate to the expression at all.