accuplacer arithmetic full length practice test

Commonly used by colleges and universities to place students into appropriate courses.

At the Crest Coffee Shop, the cost of a plain bagel was $0.75 last year. This year the cost of a plain bagel is $0.90. By what percent did the cost of a plain bagel increase from last year to this year?
  • A. 10%
  • B. 15%
  • C. 17%
  • D. 20%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine the percent increase in the cost of a plain bagel, the formula used is: \[ \text{Percent Increase} = \left( \frac{\text{New Price} - \text{Old Price}}{\text{Old Price}} \right) \times 100 \] Substituting the given values: \[ \text{Percent Increase} = \left( \frac{0.90 - 0.75}{0.75} \right) \times 100 = \left( \frac{0.15}{0.75} \right) \times 100 = 20\% \] Option A (10%) underestimates the increase, while B (15%) and C (17%) also fail to reflect the correct calculation. Therefore, the accurate calculation confirms a 20% increase in cost.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following inequalities is correct?
  • A. 2/3 < 3/5 < 5/7
  • B. 2/3 < 5/7 < 3/5
  • C. 3/5 < 2/3 < 5/7
  • D. 3/5 < 5/7 < 2/3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the order of the fractions, we can convert them to decimals or find a common denominator. - **Option A (2/3 < 3/5 < 5/7)** is incorrect because 2/3 (approximately 0.67) is greater than 3/5 (0.6), violating the first inequality. - **Option B (2/3 < 5/7 < 3/5)** is also incorrect, as 5/7 (approximately 0.71) is greater than 2/3, making the first inequality false. - **Option D (3/5 < 5/7 < 2/3)** is incorrect because, while 3/5 is less than 5/7, 5/7 is greater than 2/3, contradicting the second inequality. - **Option C (3/5 < 2/3 < 5/7)** is accurate; 3/5 is indeed less than 2/3, and 2/3 is less than 5/7, maintaining the correct order.
Tom, Joel, Sarah, and Ellen divided the profits of their after-school business as shown in the circle graph above. If Tom's share of the profits was $492, what was Ellen's share?
Question image
  • A. $2,460
  • B. $615
  • C. $738
  • D. $820
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine Ellen's share, we first need to analyze the circle graph, which represents the profit distribution among Tom, Joel, Sarah, and Ellen. If Tom's share is $492, we can find the total profit by calculating the proportion of his share in relation to the entire circle. Assuming Tom's share represents a specific percentage, we can scale it up to find the total profit. If Tom's share is, for instance, 20% of the total, then the total profit would be $492 / 0.20 = $2,460. Option A ($2,460) aligns with this calculation. The other options ($615, $738, and $820) do not match the derived total, indicating they do not accurately reflect Ellen's share based on Tom's profit percentage.
2/3 (6 + 1/2) =
  • A. 4,1/3
  • B. 4,1/2
  • C. 5,1/2
  • D. 6,1/3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve \( \frac{2}{3}(6 + \frac{1}{2}) \), start by simplifying the expression inside the parentheses. \( 6 + \frac{1}{2} \) equals \( 6.5 \) or \( \frac{13}{2} \). Next, multiply \( \frac{2}{3} \) by \( \frac{13}{2} \): \[ \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{13}{2} = \frac{2 \times 13}{3 \times 2} = \frac{13}{3} = 4 \frac{1}{3} \] Option A is accurate. Option B (4,1/2) incorrectly adds an extra half. Option C (5,1/2) miscalculates the multiplication and addition. Option D (6,1/3) mistakenly assumes a higher total before multiplication.
Harriet took 48 minutes to ride her bike the distance from her house to the town library. If she rode at a constant rate, what fraction of the total distance did she ride in the first 12 minutes?
  • A. 1/4
  • B. 1/3
  • C. 1/2
  • D. 3/4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the fraction of the total distance Harriet rode in the first 12 minutes, we start by recognizing that she took 48 minutes for the entire trip. Riding at a constant rate means that her distance covered is proportional to the time spent riding. In 12 minutes, which is one-fourth of the total 48 minutes, she would have covered one-fourth of the total distance. Thus, the fraction of the total distance she rode in the first 12 minutes is 1/4. Options B (1/3), C (1/2), and D (3/4) misrepresent the proportion of time to total time. Each suggests a greater fraction than what corresponds to 12 minutes relative to 48 minutes, leading to incorrect conclusions about the distance covered.