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.

Choose the best answer. If necessary, use the paper you were given.
(a ^ 9 * b ^ 12)/(a ^ 3 * b) =
  • A. a ^ 3 * b ^ 11
  • B. a ^ 6 * b ^ 12
  • C. a ^ 3 * b ^ 12
  • D. a ^ 6 * b ^ 11
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To simplify the expression \((a^9 * b^{12})/(a^3 * b)\), apply the laws of exponents. For the \(a\) terms, subtract the exponents: \(9 - 3 = 6\), giving \(a^6\). For the \(b\) terms, also subtract the exponents: \(12 - 1 = 11\), resulting in \(b^{11}\). Thus, the simplified expression is \(a^6 * b^{11}\). Option A is incorrect because it miscalculates the exponent of \(b\). Option B incorrectly maintains the exponent of \(b\) at 12. Option C fails to adjust the exponent of \(a\) correctly. Only option D accurately reflects the simplification.

Other Related Questions

The average of 4 numbers is 9. If one of the numbers is 7, what is the sum of the other 3 numbers?
  • A. 2
  • B. 12
  • C. 29
  • D. 36
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To find the sum of the other three numbers, start by calculating the total sum of all four numbers. Since the average is 9, multiply this by 4, yielding a total of 36. Given that one of the numbers is 7, subtract this from the total: 36 - 7 = 29. Therefore, the sum of the other three numbers is 29. Option A (2) is too low, as it does not account for the total sum needed. Option B (12) underestimates the remaining numbers. Option D (36) mistakenly includes the known number, rather than calculating the sum of the others.
Allison drives her car at an average speed of x miles per hour for y hours and travels 150 miles. Which of the following equations represents this situation?
  • A. x + y = 150
  • B. xy = 150
  • C. y/x = 150
  • D. x/y = 150
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The relationship between speed, time, and distance is expressed by the formula: distance = speed × time. In this scenario, Allison travels 150 miles at an average speed of x miles per hour for y hours, which translates to the equation xy = 150. Option A (x + y = 150) incorrectly suggests that speed and time add up to distance, which is not accurate. Option C (y/x = 150) misrepresents the relationship by implying that the ratio of time to speed equals distance, which is incorrect. Option D (x/y = 150) also misinterprets the relationship, suggesting that the ratio of speed to time equals distance. Thus, option B correctly captures the relationship among the variables.
Which equation is a correct way to calculate x?
  • A. sin x=5,000 /7,000
  • B. sin x= 7,000 /5,000
  • C. tan x= 5,000/7,000
  • D. tan x=7,000/5,000
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To solve for \( x \), the correct relationship involves the tangent function, as \( \tan \) is defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle. Option C, \( \tan x = \frac{5,000}{7,000} \), accurately represents this ratio. Option A misapplies the sine function, which should represent the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse, not the adjacent side. Similarly, option B incorrectly uses sine but with the sides reversed, leading to an inaccurate representation. Option D misuses tangent, suggesting the opposite and adjacent sides are swapped, which does not align with the definition of tangent. Thus, only option C correctly applies the tangent function to find \( x \).
If the function g is defined by g (x) = x/(x+1)', which of the following is true?
  • A. g (10) <g (20)
  • B. g (20) <g (10)
  • C. g(0) =1
  • D. g(1)=0
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To analyze the function \( g(x) = \frac{x}{x+1} \), we first observe its behavior as \( x \) increases. The function \( g(x) \) is a rational function that approaches 1 as \( x \) approaches infinity. For option A, evaluating \( g(10) \) and \( g(20) \): - \( g(10) = \frac{10}{11} \approx 0.909 \) - \( g(20) = \frac{20}{21} \approx 0.952 \) Since \( 0.909 < 0.952 \), option A is true. For option B, it incorrectly suggests \( g(20) < g(10) \), which contradicts the findings. Option C states \( g(0) = 1 \), but \( g(0) = 0 \), making this option false. Option D claims \( g(1) = 0 \), while \( g(1) = \frac{1}{2} \), which is also incorrect. Thus, only option A holds true.