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

Last year Joan's salary was $18,000. If she receives a $900 raise for this year, what percent of last year's salary is her raise?
  • A. 2%
  • B. 5%
  • C. 20%
  • D. 50%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the percentage of last year's salary that Joan's raise represents, divide the raise amount by last year's salary and then multiply by 100. Here, $900 (raise) divided by $18,000 (last year's salary) equals 0.05. Multiplying by 100 gives 5%, which is the correct answer. Option A (2%) miscalculates the raise as a smaller fraction of the salary. Option C (20%) incorrectly interprets the raise as a larger proportion, perhaps confusing it with a different calculation. Option D (50%) vastly overestimates the raise, suggesting it is half of last year's salary, which is not accurate.
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.
If 32% of n is 20.8, what is n?
  • A. 64
  • B. 65
  • C. 66
  • D. 154
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find n, we start with the equation derived from the problem: \(0.32n = 20.8\). Dividing both sides by 0.32 gives \(n = \frac{20.8}{0.32}\), which simplifies to 65. This confirms that option B is accurate. Option A (64) results from an incorrect calculation of \(0.32n\). Option C (66) overestimates n, suggesting a misunderstanding of the percentage relationship. Option D (154) is far too high, indicating a significant miscalculation. Thus, only option B aligns correctly with the mathematical solution.
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.