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.
3(1/2) * 2(1/3) =
  • A. 8(1/6)
  • B. 7(5/6)
  • C. 6(1/6)
  • D. 5(5/6)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 3(1/2) * 2(1/3), first convert the mixed numbers to improper fractions: 3(1/2) becomes 7/2 and 2(1/3) becomes 7/3. Multiplying these fractions yields (7/2) * (7/3) = 49/6. Converting 49/6 back to a mixed number gives 8(1/6). Option B, 7(5/6), results from incorrect multiplication. Option C, 6(1/6), miscalculates the product as well. Option D, 5(5/6), reflects a misunderstanding of fraction multiplication. The proper method confirms that 8(1/6) is indeed the accurate result.

Other Related Questions

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.
2(1/2 + 1/3) =
  • A. 1(2/3)
  • B. 1(5/6)
  • C. 2(1/6)
  • D. 2(5/6)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 2(1/2 + 1/3), first find a common denominator for the fractions 1/2 and 1/3, which is 6. Rewrite the fractions: 1/2 becomes 3/6 and 1/3 becomes 2/6. Adding these gives 5/6. Now, multiply by 2: 2 * 5/6 equals 10/6, which simplifies to 1(2/3). Option B, 1(5/6), results from miscalculating the addition. Option C, 2(1/6), misinterprets the multiplication step. Option D, 2(5/6), incorrectly applies the multiplication to the wrong sum. Each incorrect option reflects a misunderstanding of the operations involved.
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).
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.