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.
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.

Other Related Questions

In triangle ABC above, AC ||DE. If AD = 2x - 1 and AC = 3x - 1 , what is the value of x ?
Question image
  • A. 3
  • B. 4
  • C. 5
  • D. 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

In triangle ABC, since AC is parallel to DE, the segments AD and AC are proportional. This relationship can be expressed as AD = AC. Substituting the expressions gives us the equation: 2x - 1 = 3x - 1. Solving for x, we simplify to 2x - 3x = -1 + 1, leading to -x = 0, or x = 3. Option B (4), C (5), and D (6) do not satisfy the equation derived from the parallel lines, making them incorrect. Only x = 3 maintains the equality, confirming the proportional relationship in the triangle.
The system of equations above has how many solutions? x+4y=3, 2x+8y=4
  • A. None
  • B. One
  • C. Two
  • D. Infinitely many
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the number of solutions for the system of equations, we first analyze the equations: \(x + 4y = 3\) and \(2x + 8y = 4\). The second equation can be simplified by dividing all terms by 2, resulting in \(x + 4y = 2\). Now, we have two equations: \(x + 4y = 3\) and \(x + 4y = 2\). Since both equations represent parallel lines (same slope, different y-intercepts), they will never intersect, indicating there are no solutions. Option B suggests one solution, which is incorrect as parallel lines do not meet. Option C suggests two solutions, which is also incorrect for the same reason. Option D proposes infinitely many solutions, which applies only to identical lines, not parallel ones. Thus, the system has no solutions.
For what values of x does 5x ^ 2 + 4x - 4 = 0 ?
  • A. x = 1/5 and x = - 1
  • B. x = - 4/5 and x = 1
  • C. x = (- 2±6 * √(2))/5
  • D. x = (- 2±2 * √(6))/5
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To solve the quadratic equation \(5x^2 + 4x - 4 = 0\), one can apply the quadratic formula \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\). Here, \(a = 5\), \(b = 4\), and \(c = -4\). Calculating the discriminant gives \(b^2 - 4ac = 16 + 80 = 96\), leading to \(x = \frac{-4 \pm \sqrt{96}}{10} = \frac{-4 \pm 4\sqrt{6}}{10} = \frac{-2 \pm 2\sqrt{6}}{5}\), which matches option D. Option A provides incorrect roots not derived from the quadratic formula. Option B also presents incorrect values, failing to satisfy the equation. Option C miscalculates the discriminant, leading to an incorrect expression. Thus, D accurately reflects the solution to the equation.
Which of the following is NOT a factor of x^4 +x^3?
  • A. X
  • B. X + 1
  • C. X^3
  • D. X^4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine which option is not a factor of \(x^4 + x^3\), we can factor the expression itself. Factoring out the greatest common factor, we have \(x^3(x + 1)\). - **Option A: X** is a factor since \(x\) is part of \(x^3\). - **Option B: X + 1** is a factor as it is the remaining term after factoring \(x^3\). - **Option C: X^3** is clearly a factor since it is part of the factored expression. **Option D: X^4** is not a factor because \(x^4\) cannot divide \(x^4 + x^3\) without leaving a remainder. Thus, it does not fit into the factorization.