free accuplacer arithmetic practice test

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

John worked at a bookstore for two weeks. The second week he earned 20 percent more than he did the first week. If he earned $300 the second week, how much did he earn the first week?
  • A. 240
  • B. 250
  • C. 280
  • D. 380
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine John’s earnings for the first week, we know that his second week earnings were 20% more than the first week. If he earned $300 in the second week, we can calculate his first week earnings by setting up the equation: Let x be the first week’s earnings. Then, x + 0.2x = 300. This simplifies to 1.2x = 300. Dividing both sides by 1.2 gives x = 250. Option A ($240) is too low, as it would not result in a $300 second week. Option C ($280) would imply a second week earning of $336, which exceeds $300. Option D ($380) is also incorrect as it suggests a second week earning of $456. Thus, $250 is the only viable answer.

Other Related Questions

The large square above has area 1 and is divided into 25 squares of equal area. Which of the following represents the area of the shaded region?
Question image
  • A. 0.8
  • B. 0.16
  • C. 0.24
  • D. 0.32
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

In a large square with an area of 1, each of the 25 smaller squares has an area of \( \frac{1}{25} = 0.04 \). To find the area of the shaded region, count the number of shaded squares. If there are 8 shaded squares, then the area of the shaded region is \( 8 \times 0.04 = 0.32 \). Option A (0.8) is incorrect as it exceeds the total area of the large square. Option B (0.16) represents 4 shaded squares, which is not consistent with the given information. Option C (0.24) suggests 6 shaded squares, which also does not match. Thus, the area of the shaded region is accurately represented by option D, 0.32.
3/8 expressed as a percent is
  • A. 3.75%
  • B. 37.50%
  • C. 38%
  • D. 38,1/3%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To convert a fraction to a percent, multiply by 100. For 3/8, the calculation is (3 ÷ 8) × 100, which equals 37.5%. This aligns with option B: 37.50%. Option A (3.75%) results from miscalculating the fraction, likely confusing the decimal representation. Option C (38%) rounds up incorrectly, as it does not accurately reflect the precise conversion. Option D (38, 1/3%) misrepresents the fraction by suggesting a value that exceeds the actual percentage, further indicating a misunderstanding of the conversion process. Thus, option B is the only accurate representation of 3/8 as a percent.
Frederica used 13.4 gallons of gasoline to drive 448.9 miles. What was the average number of miles she drove per gallon of gasoline?
  • A. 3.4 mpg
  • B. 33.5 mpg
  • C. 60.15 mpg
  • D. 435.5 mpg
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the average miles per gallon (mpg), divide the total miles driven by the gallons used. Here, 448.9 miles divided by 13.4 gallons equals approximately 33.5 mpg. Option A (3.4 mpg) is incorrect as it significantly underestimates the fuel efficiency. Option C (60.15 mpg) overestimates the efficiency, suggesting an unrealistic performance for a typical vehicle. Option D (435.5 mpg) is also incorrect, as it implies an implausibly high efficiency that is not achievable with conventional vehicles. Thus, the calculation confirms that 33.5 mpg accurately represents Frederica's fuel efficiency.
7.50 ÷ 0.125 =
  • A. 60
  • B. 6
  • C. 0.6
  • D. 1/6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 7.50 ÷ 0.125, it's helpful to convert the division into a more manageable form. Dividing by 0.125 is the same as multiplying by 8 (since 1 ÷ 0.125 = 8). Therefore, 7.50 × 8 equals 60, confirming option A as the right choice. Option B (6) is incorrect; it underestimates the quotient significantly. Option C (0.6) is also wrong, as it suggests a much smaller result than what is obtained. Lastly, option D (1/6) misrepresents the division entirely, implying a fractional outcome that does not align with the calculations.