accuplacer arithmetic diagnostic practice test

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

Choose the best answer. If necessary, use the paper you were given.
Of the following, which is closest to (2(12/15) - 1/10) / (16/6)?
  • B. 1
  • C. 2
  • D. 3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To evaluate the expression (2(12/15) - 1/10) / (16/6), we first simplify the numerator. Calculating 2(12/15) gives us 16/15. Next, we convert 1/10 to a common denominator of 30, resulting in 3/30. Thus, the numerator becomes (16/15 - 3/30). Converting 16/15 to a denominator of 30 yields 32/30, leading to (32/30 - 3/30) = 29/30. Now, simplifying the denominator, 16/6 reduces to 8/3. Dividing (29/30) by (8/3) is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal: (29/30) * (3/8) = 87/240, which approximates to 0.36, closest to 1. Options C (2) and D (3) are incorrect as they overshoot the calculated value, while option B (1) accurately reflects the result.

Other Related Questions

Maria worked 2 weeks, earning $435.50 the first week and $278.38 the second week. If she paid one-half of her two-week earnings for tuition, how much did she pay for tuition?
  • A. $713.88
  • B. $356.94
  • C. $217.75
  • D. $139.19
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the amount Maria paid for tuition, first calculate her total earnings for the two weeks. Adding her earnings from both weeks: $435.50 + $278.38 = $713.88. Since she paid one-half of her total earnings for tuition, divide this amount by 2: $713.88 / 2 = $356.94. Option A ($713.88) represents her total earnings, not the tuition amount. Option C ($217.75) and Option D ($139.19) do not correctly reflect half of her total earnings. Therefore, $356.94 accurately represents the amount she paid for tuition.
Which of the following is equal to 3 * 9?
  • A. 6 * 6
  • B. 9 * 3
  • C. 3 * 3 * 6
  • D. 3 * 3 * 3 * 3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B, 9 * 3, is equal to 3 * 9 due to the commutative property of multiplication, which states that changing the order of factors does not change the product. Option A, 6 * 6, equals 36, which does not match 27 (the product of 3 * 9). Option C, 3 * 3 * 6, calculates to 54, also not equal to 27. Option D, 3 * 3 * 3 * 3, equals 81, further confirming it is not equivalent to 27. Thus, only option B accurately represents the value of 3 * 9.
Which of the following is equivalent to 1.04?
  • A. 52/51
  • B. 51/50
  • C. 27/25
  • D. 26/25
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine which option is equivalent to 1.04, we convert each fraction to a decimal. A: 52/51 equals approximately 1.0196, which is less than 1.04. B: 51/50 equals 1.02, also below 1.04. C: 27/25 equals 1.08, exceeding 1.04. D: 26/25 calculates to 1.04 exactly, matching the target value. Thus, option D accurately represents 1.04, while the other options do not meet the requirement.
What is rounded to the nearest hundredth? 48/27
  • A. 1.7
  • B. 1.77
  • C. 1.78
  • D. 1.8
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To find the value of \( \frac{48}{27} \), we perform the division, resulting in approximately 1.7778. Rounding this number to the nearest hundredth involves looking at the third decimal place (7) to determine whether to round up or down. Since 7 is 5 or greater, we round up, resulting in 1.78. - Option A (1.7) is too low, as it does not reflect the precise value. - Option B (1.77) rounds down incorrectly, failing to account for the third decimal. - Option D (1.8) rounds up too far, exceeding the correct value. Thus, 1.78 accurately represents the rounded result.