tsia2 math practice test

A placement test used in Texas to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing.

Which of the following could be the function graphed above?
  • A. f(x)=x+1
  • B. f(x)=x-1
  • C. f(x)=|x|+1
  • D. f(x)=x-1
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C, \( f(x) = |x| + 1 \), accurately represents a V-shaped graph that opens upwards, with its vertex at (0, 1). This aligns with the characteristics of the graph shown. Option A, \( f(x) = x + 1 \), is a linear function with a slope of 1, resulting in a straight line, which does not match the V-shape. Option B, \( f(x) = x - 1 \), is another linear function with a slope of 1, also producing a straight line that does not fit the graph. Option D, \( f(x) = x - 1 \), is identical to Option B and shares the same linear characteristics, further confirming it cannot represent the V-shaped graph.

Other Related Questions

An airplane is 5,000 ft above ground and has to land on a runway that is 7,000 ft away as shown above. Let x be the angle the pilot takes to land the airplane at the beginning of the runway. Which equation is a correct way to calculate x?
Question image
  • A. sin x = 5000/7000
  • B. sin x = 7000/5000
  • C. tan x = 5000/7000
  • D. tan x = 7/5000
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the angle \( x \) for landing, we need to consider the relationship between the height of the airplane and the distance to the runway. The height (5000 ft) is the opposite side of the right triangle formed, while the distance to the runway (7000 ft) is the adjacent side. The tangent function relates these two sides, hence \( \tan x = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} \) leads to \( \tan x = \frac{5000}{7000} \). Option A incorrectly uses the sine function, which relates the opposite side to the hypotenuse. Option B also misapplies sine but swaps the sides, leading to an incorrect ratio. Option D incorrectly uses tangent but misrepresents the sides, making it invalid. Thus, option C accurately represents the relationship needed to calculate angle \( x \).
If an item regularly costs d dollars and is discounted 12 percent, which of the following represents the discounted price in dollars?
  • A. 0.12d
  • B. 0.88d
  • C. 1.12d
  • D. d-0.12
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the discounted price after a 12 percent discount on an item that costs d dollars, we first calculate the amount of the discount, which is 12% of d, or 0.12d. To determine the final price, we subtract this discount from the original price: d - 0.12d = 0.88d. Option A (0.12d) represents only the discount amount, not the final price. Option C (1.12d) incorrectly suggests an increase in price. Option D (d - 0.12) does not account for the percentage; it inaccurately represents the discount as a flat dollar amount rather than a percentage of the original price. Thus, 0.88d correctly reflects the discounted price.
In the figure above, what is the average (arithmetic mean) of w, x, y, and z?
  • A. 90
  • B. 100
  • C. 120
  • D. It cannot be determined from the information given.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To find the average of w, x, y, and z, all values must be known. Option D is valid since the problem does not provide specific values or relationships between these variables, making it impossible to calculate their average. Option A (90), Option B (100), and Option C (120) suggest definitive averages, but without concrete data on w, x, y, and z, these answers cannot be substantiated. Each of these options assumes values that may not exist or be accurate, highlighting the necessity of complete information for such calculations.
If the trend shown in the graph above continued into the next year, approximately how many sport utility vehicles were sold in 1999?
Question image
  • A. 3 million
  • B. 2.5 million
  • C. 2 million
  • D. 3 thousand
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the approximate number of sport utility vehicles sold in 1999, analyzing the trend in the graph is essential. If the upward trend continued, sales would likely increase compared to previous years. Given the data, 3 million aligns with the projected growth rate, reflecting a significant rise consistent with market trends. Option B, 2.5 million, underestimates the growth, while C, 2 million, does not account for the upward trajectory. Option D, 3 thousand, is far too low and unrealistic, failing to represent the scale of SUV sales during that period. Thus, 3 million is the most reasonable estimate.