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.
The number p is obtained by moving the decimal point 2 places to the left in the positive number n. The number s is obtained by moving the decimal point 1 place to the right in the number n. The number p + s how many times n?
  • A. 1.01
  • B. 10.001
  • C. 10.01
  • D. 10.1
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

When the decimal point in \( n \) is moved 2 places to the left, \( p \) becomes \( \frac{n}{100} \). Moving the decimal point 1 place to the right gives \( s \) as \( 10n \). Therefore, \( p + s = \frac{n}{100} + 10n \). To combine these, convert \( 10n \) to a fraction: \( 10n = \frac{1000n}{100} \). Thus, \( p + s = \frac{n}{100} + \frac{1000n}{100} = \frac{1001n}{100} \). This simplifies to \( 10.01n \). Option A (1.01) is too low, as it does not account for the large contribution from \( s \). Option B (10.001) and D (10.1) are also incorrect; they either underestimate or overestimate the sum of \( p \) and \( s \). Thus, the correct answer, \( 10.01 \), accurately reflects the relationship between \( p + s \) and \( n \).

Other Related Questions

1,500 / (15 + 5) =
  • A. 75
  • B. 130
  • C. 315
  • D. 400
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve the expression 1,500 / (15 + 5), first calculate the sum in the parentheses: 15 + 5 equals 20. Next, divide 1,500 by 20. Performing the division gives 1,500 รท 20 = 75, confirming option A as the correct answer. Option B (130) results from an incorrect division or miscalculation. Option C (315) likely stems from misunderstanding the order of operations, possibly miscalculating the sum before division. Option D (400) may arise from mistakenly multiplying instead of dividing. Understanding the correct order of operations is crucial for accurate calculations.
At the factory where he works, Mr. Lopez must make a minimum of 48 circuit boards per day. On Wednesday, he made 60 circuit boards. What percent of the required minimum did he make?
  • A. 125%
  • B. 112%
  • C. 80%
  • D. 25%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the percentage of the required minimum that Mr. Lopez made, divide the number of circuit boards he produced (60) by the minimum required (48) and then multiply by 100. \[ \text{Percentage} = \left(\frac{60}{48}\right) \times 100 = 125\% \] Option A is correct as it reflects that he made 125% of the minimum requirement. Option B (112%) is incorrect because it underestimates his production relative to the minimum. Option C (80%) is also wrong, as it suggests he produced only a fraction of the required amount. Option D (25%) is far too low, indicating a misunderstanding of the basic calculation.
Of the following, which is greatest?
  • A. -0.75
  • B. 5/-2
  • C. -3
  • D. -2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

Option A, -0.75, is the greatest value among the choices since it is the least negative number. Option B, 5/-2, simplifies to -2.5, which is less than -0.75. Option C, -3, is clearly more negative than both -0.75 and -2. Option D, -2, is greater than -3 but still less than -0.75. In summary, -0.75 is the highest value among negative numbers, making it the greatest option in this comparison.
Charlotte is drilling three holes of different sizes in a bird house that she is making. The diameters of the holes are 1(1/2) inches, 1(3/4) inches, and 1(3/8) inches. Which of the following gives the diameters, in inches, in order from least to greatest?
  • A. 1(1/2), 1(3/4), 1(3/8)
  • B. 1(1/2), 1(3/8), 1(3/4)
  • C. 1(3/8), 1(3/4), 1(1/2)
  • D. 1(3/8), 1(1/2), 1(3/4)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine the correct order of the hole diameters from least to greatest, we first convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions for easier comparison. - 1(1/2) = 3/2 - 1(3/4) = 7/4 - 1(3/8) = 11/8 By comparing these values, we find that 11/8 (1(3/8)) is the smallest, followed by 3/2 (1(1/2)), and finally 7/4 (1(3/4)). Option A incorrectly lists 1(1/2) as the smallest. Option B misplaces 1(3/8) and 1(3/4). Option C arranges the sizes incorrectly, placing the largest first. Therefore, the correct order is D: 1(3/8), 1(1/2), 1(3/4).