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

If the combined amount of donations collected by Kevin, Fran, and Brooke exceeded the amount Lamar collected by $250, what was the total amount of donations collected by all five club members?
  • A. $500
  • B. $1,200
  • C. $2,500
  • D. $3,200
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the total amount of donations collected by all five club members, we start with the information that the combined donations of Kevin, Fran, and Brooke exceeded Lamar's by $250. If we denote Lamar's donations as \( L \), then the amount collected by Kevin, Fran, and Brooke is \( L + 250 \). Thus, the total donations from all five members can be expressed as \( L + (L + 250) = 2L + 250 \). To find a plausible total, we consider the options. - A: $500 is too low, as it doesn't allow for both \( L \) and the excess amount. - B: $1,200 also falls short since it would imply \( L \) is negative. - D: $3,200 would require \( L \) to be too high, exceeding reasonable donation limits. C: $2,500 fits perfectly, allowing \( L \) to be $1,125, which is a feasible figure. Therefore, the total amount is logically $2,500.
If a number from set M is selected at random, what is the probability that the number selected will be a factor of 12?
  • A. 0.1
  • B. 0.2
  • C. 0.4
  • D. 0.5
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the probability that a randomly selected number from set M is a factor of 12, we first identify the factors of 12, which are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12. If set M consists of 6 numbers (1 through 6), then 4 of these (1, 2, 3, and 4) are factors of 12. Thus, the probability is 4 out of 6, simplifying to 0.4. Option A (0.1) underestimates the number of factors. Option B (0.2) suggests only 2 factors, which is incorrect. Option D (0.5) implies 3 factors, also inaccurate. Therefore, 0.4 accurately represents the proportion of factors of 12 in the set.
During a sale, the regular price of a pair of running shoes is reduced by 20 percent. $64.00, what is the regular price of the running shoes?
  • A. $48.00
  • B. $51.20
  • C. $76.80
  • D. $80.00
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To find the regular price of the running shoes, we need to determine what amount, when reduced by 20%, equals $64.00. This can be calculated using the formula: Sale Price = Regular Price × (1 - Discount Rate). Here, the discount rate is 20%, or 0.20. Therefore, the equation becomes $64.00 = Regular Price × 0.80. Solving for Regular Price gives us $64.00 / 0.80 = $80.00. Option A ($48.00) is incorrect because it suggests a much larger discount than 20%. Option B ($51.20) miscalculates the reduction, indicating a 36% discount. Option C ($76.80) inaccurately reflects a smaller discount, resulting in an incorrect sale price. Thus, only option D correctly represents the regular price before the 20% reduction.
A playground at a mall is in the shape of a rectangle, and there is a 144 foot long fence around it. If the rectangle is 6 feet longer than it is wide, what is the width, in feet, of the rectangle?
  • A. 33
  • B. 39
  • C. 69
  • D. 75
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the width of the rectangle, let the width be represented as \( w \). The length, being 6 feet longer, can be expressed as \( w + 6 \). The perimeter of a rectangle is given by the formula \( P = 2(l + w) \). Here, the perimeter is 144 feet, leading to the equation \( 2(w + (w + 6)) = 144 \). Simplifying this gives \( 2(2w + 6) = 144 \), which reduces to \( 4w + 12 = 144 \), and further simplifies to \( 4w = 132 \), resulting in \( w = 33 \). Option B (39) is incorrect as it gives a perimeter of 156 feet. Option C (69) would lead to an impossible perimeter of 150 feet. Option D (75) results in a perimeter of 162 feet, which exceeds the given value. Thus, only option A satisfies all conditions, confirming the width as 33 feet.