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.
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).

Other Related Questions

The number p is obtained by moving the decimal point 2 places to the left in the positive number n. The number s is obtained by moving the decimal point 1 place to the right in the number n. The number p + s how many times n?
  • A. 1.01
  • B. 10.001
  • C. 10.01
  • D. 10.1
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

When the decimal point in \( n \) is moved 2 places to the left, \( p \) becomes \( \frac{n}{100} \). Moving the decimal point 1 place to the right gives \( s \) as \( 10n \). Therefore, \( p + s = \frac{n}{100} + 10n \). To combine these, convert \( 10n \) to a fraction: \( 10n = \frac{1000n}{100} \). Thus, \( p + s = \frac{n}{100} + \frac{1000n}{100} = \frac{1001n}{100} \). This simplifies to \( 10.01n \). Option A (1.01) is too low, as it does not account for the large contribution from \( s \). Option B (10.001) and D (10.1) are also incorrect; they either underestimate or overestimate the sum of \( p \) and \( s \). Thus, the correct answer, \( 10.01 \), accurately reflects the relationship between \( p + s \) and \( n \).
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.
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.
Which of the following is equal to 3 * 9?
  • A. 6 * 6
  • B. 9 * 3
  • C. 3 * 3 * 6
  • D. 3 * 3 * 3 * 3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

Option B, 9 * 3, is equal to 3 * 9 due to the commutative property of multiplication, which states that changing the order of factors does not change the product. Option A, 6 * 6, equals 36, which does not match 27 (the product of 3 * 9). Option C, 3 * 3 * 6, calculates to 54, also not equal to 27. Option D, 3 * 3 * 3 * 3, equals 81, further confirming it is not equivalent to 27. Thus, only option B accurately represents the value of 3 * 9.