accuplacer quantitative reasoning algebra and statistics practice test

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

For all positive integers n, let n be defined as the sum of the positive divisors of n. For example, bullet 9 = 1 + 3 + 9 = 13. Which of the following is equal to 16 - 15?
  • A. 41
  • B. 3
  • C. 4
  • D. 5
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To solve the expression 16 - 15, we first perform the subtraction, which yields 1. Now, examining the options: A: 41 is incorrect as it does not equal 1. B: 3 is also incorrect, as it is greater than 1. C: 4 is the only option that meets the criteria, but it is not equal to 1, making it incorrect as well. D: 5 is incorrect for the same reason; it does not equal 1. None of the options accurately represent the result of 16 - 15, which is 1. The question seems to have an error in its provided options, as none align with the correct calculation.

Other Related Questions

The x-and y- coordinates of point P are each to be chosen at random from the set of integers 1 through 10. What is the probability that P will be in quadrant II?
Question image
  • B. 01-Oct
  • C. 01-Apr
  • D. 01-Feb
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the probability that point P is in quadrant II, we need to consider the coordinate system. In quadrant II, the x-coordinate must be negative, and the y-coordinate must be positive. However, since the x-coordinates are chosen from the integers 1 through 10, all possible x-values are positive. This means point P cannot be in quadrant II, making the probability 0. Option A correctly reflects this conclusion with a probability of 0. Options B, C, and D suggest specific dates, which are irrelevant to the question and do not address the coordinate conditions necessary for quadrant II. Thus, they are incorrect.
Square S has area 2√2 square units. What is the length of a side of square S?
  • A. ∜128
  • B. ∜32
  • C. ∜8
  • D. ∜2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To find the length of a side of square S, we use the formula for the area of a square, which is \( \text{Area} = \text{side}^2 \). Given that the area is \( 2\sqrt{2} \), we set up the equation \( \text{side}^2 = 2\sqrt{2} \). Taking the square root gives us \( \text{side} = \sqrt{2\sqrt{2}} = \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt[4]{2} = \sqrt{2^2} = \sqrt{8} = 2\sqrt{2} \), which simplifies to \( \sqrt{8} \), leading to option C as the correct answer. Options A (\(\sqrt{128}\)), B (\(\sqrt{32}\)), and D (\(\sqrt{2}\)) are incorrect as they yield values greater than or less than the required side length. Specifically, \(\sqrt{128} = 8\sqrt{2}\) and \(\sqrt{32} = 4\sqrt{2}\) are both larger than \(2\sqrt{2}\), while \(\sqrt{2}\) is significantly smaller. Thus, option C accurately represents the side length of square S.
Which of the following could be an equation of the line graphed in the xy-plane above?
Question image
  • A. y=-x-3
  • B. y=-x+3
  • C. y=x-3
  • D. y=x+3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine the equation of the line, we analyze its slope and y-intercept. The line in the graph has a positive slope, indicating that as \(x\) increases, \(y\) also increases. Option D, \(y = x + 3\), has a positive slope of 1 and a y-intercept of 3, aligning with the graph's characteristics. Option A, \(y = -x - 3\), has a negative slope and would decrease as \(x\) increases, which contradicts the graph. Option B, \(y = -x + 3\), also has a negative slope, leading to a downward trend. Option C, \(y = x - 3\), has a positive slope but a y-intercept of -3, placing it below the graph. Thus, D is the only option that fits the observed line.
If |x|+|y| = 4 and x ≠ y, then x CANNOT be equal to
  • A. 2
  • C. -2
  • D. -5
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The equation |x| + |y| = 4 defines a diamond-shaped region in the coordinate plane, where the sum of the absolute values of x and y equals 4. Option A (2) is possible since |2| + |y| = 4 allows y to be 2 or -2. Option C (-2) is also valid, as |-2| + |y| = 4 permits y to be 2 or -2. Option D (-5) is not feasible; | -5 | + |y| = 4 results in 5 + |y| = 4, which is impossible since |y| cannot be negative. Thus, -5 cannot satisfy the given equation while ensuring x ≠ y.