free accuplacer arithmetic practice test

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

If 3 < a < 7 < b, which of the following must be greater than 20?
  • A. a²
  • B. 2b
  • C. ab
  • D. b + a
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine which option must be greater than 20, we analyze each one based on the inequalities provided (3 < a < 7 < b). **Option A: a²** Since a is less than 7, the maximum value for a² is 49 (when a=7), and the minimum value is 16 (when a=4). Thus, a² can be less than 20. **Option B: 2b** With b being greater than 7, the minimum value for 2b is 16 (when b=8). Therefore, 2b can also be less than 20. **Option C: ab** Given a is at least 4 and b is at least 8, the minimum value of ab is 32 (4*8). This must be greater than 20. **Option D: b + a** The minimum value for b + a is 11 (when a=4 and b=7), which is less than 20. Thus, only ab must consistently exceed 20.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following inequalities is true?
  • A. 0.7 < 0.1 < 0.11 < 0.101
  • B. 0.1 < 0.7 < 0.101 < 0.11
  • C. 0.1 < 0.7 < 0.11 < 0.101
  • D. 0.1 < 0.101 < 0.11 < 0.7
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Option D accurately represents the correct order of the numbers. When comparing the values, 0.1 is the smallest, followed by 0.101, then 0.11, and finally 0.7, which is the largest. Option A is incorrect as it mistakenly places 0.7 as less than both 0.1 and 0.11, which is not true. Option B incorrectly suggests that 0.101 is less than 0.11, which is also inaccurate. Option C places 0.11 before 0.101, misrepresenting their actual values. Thus, D is the only option that correctly orders the numbers from smallest to largest.
3 × (1/2 + 1/3) =
  • A. 2,1/2
  • B. 2,5/6
  • C. 3,1/6
  • D. 3,5/6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 3 × (1/2 + 1/3), first find a common denominator for the fractions 1/2 and 1/3, which is 6. This gives us (3/6 + 2/6) = 5/6. Multiplying by 3 results in 3 × (5/6) = 15/6, which simplifies to 2 1/2 (Option A). Option B (2 5/6) incorrectly adds an extra fraction. Option C (3 1/6) miscalculates the multiplication. Option D (3 5/6) also misinterprets the original problem, leading to an incorrect total. Thus, only Option A accurately represents the solution.
60 ÷ 3/3 =
  • A. 20
  • B. 21
  • C. 23
  • D. 24
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 60 ÷ 3/3, first simplify the expression. Dividing by a fraction involves multiplying by its reciprocal. Therefore, 3/3 equals 1, and dividing by 1 does not change the value. Thus, the equation simplifies to 60 ÷ 1, which equals 60. Now, let's analyze the options: A: 20 is incorrect as it does not represent the result of the division. B: 21 is also incorrect, being too low compared to the actual value. C: 23 is incorrect for the same reason, as it underestimates the result. D: 24 is incorrect and does not reflect the correct division outcome. The only accurate interpretation leads to the conclusion that 60 divided by 1 remains 60.
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%) underestimates the value, as it suggests 165 is less than 150. Option C (111%) slightly overestimates the percentage, as it does not accurately reflect the calculation. Option D (115%) also exaggerates the value, implying that 165 exceeds 150 by a larger margin than it actually does. Therefore, 110% is the precise representation of 165 in relation to 150.