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.
0.4/0.04 =
  • A. 100
  • B. 10
  • C. 0.1
  • D. 0.01
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To solve 0.4 divided by 0.04, it’s helpful to convert both numbers to whole numbers for easier calculation. Multiplying both by 100 gives us 40 divided by 4. This simplifies to 10, confirming option B as the solution. Option A (100) results from miscalculating the division, possibly by incorrectly interpreting the decimal places. Option C (0.1) and Option D (0.01) suggest a misunderstanding of division, as they reflect values far smaller than the actual quotient. Thus, only option B accurately represents the result of the division.

Other Related Questions

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 \( n \).
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.
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.
Of the following, which best expresses 52 as a percent of 170?
  • A. 30% of 170
  • B. 33% of 170
  • C. 35% of 170
  • D. 40% of 170
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine what percent 52 is of 170, divide 52 by 170 and multiply by 100. This calculation yields approximately 30.59%, which rounds to 30%. Option A (30% of 170) is correct, as it closely matches this percentage. Option B (33% of 170) results in 56.1, which is higher than 52. Option C (35% of 170) equals 59.5, also above 52. Option D (40% of 170) gives 68, significantly exceeding 52. Thus, only option A accurately reflects 52 as a percent of 170.