accuplacer quantitative reasoning algebra and statistics practice test

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If the length of a rectangle is increased by 30% and the width of the same rectangle is decreased by 30%, what is the effect on the area of the rectangle?
  • A. It is increased by 60%.
  • B. It is unchanged.
  • C. It is decreased by 15%.
  • D. It is decreased by 9%.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Increasing the length of a rectangle by 30% results in a new length of 1.3L, while decreasing the width by 30% gives a new width of 0.7W. The new area can be calculated as A' = (1.3L)(0.7W) = 0.91LW, indicating a decrease in area. Option A is incorrect because a 60% increase does not occur; the area actually decreases. Option B is wrong as the area changes due to the modifications in dimensions. Option C suggests a decrease of 15%, which miscalculates the area change. The area decreases by 9%, confirming the effect of the opposing percentage changes in length and width.

Other Related Questions

Square S has area 2√2 square units. What is the length of a side of square S?
  • A. ∜128
  • B. ∜32
  • C. ∜8
  • D. ∜2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To find the length of a side of square S, we use the formula for the area of a square, which is \( \text{Area} = \text{side}^2 \). Given that the area is \( 2\sqrt{2} \), we set up the equation \( \text{side}^2 = 2\sqrt{2} \). Taking the square root gives us \( \text{side} = \sqrt{2\sqrt{2}} = \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt[4]{2} = \sqrt{2^2} = \sqrt{8} = 2\sqrt{2} \), which simplifies to \( \sqrt{8} \), leading to option C as the correct answer. Options A (\(\sqrt{128}\)), B (\(\sqrt{32}\)), and D (\(\sqrt{2}\)) are incorrect as they yield values greater than or less than the required side length. Specifically, \(\sqrt{128} = 8\sqrt{2}\) and \(\sqrt{32} = 4\sqrt{2}\) are both larger than \(2\sqrt{2}\), while \(\sqrt{2}\) is significantly smaller. Thus, option C accurately represents the side length of square S.
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 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.
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).