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.
If (2w + 7)(3w - 1) = 0 which of the following is a possible value of w?
  • A. -3
  • B. -0.28571
  • C. 01-Mar
  • D. 07-Feb
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To solve the equation (2w + 7)(3w - 1) = 0, we set each factor to zero. 1. For 2w + 7 = 0, solving gives w = -3. This corresponds to option A, which is a valid solution. 2. For 3w - 1 = 0, solving gives w = 1/3, approximately 0.333. Option B, -0.28571, does not match this value. 3. Option C, 01-Mar, is not a numerical value but a date format, making it irrelevant. 4. Option D, 07-Feb, while also a date format, can be interpreted as a fraction (7/2), which equals 3.5, not a solution to the equation. Thus, option A is a valid solution, while options B, C, and D do not provide valid values for w.

Other Related Questions

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.
If the values of x and y are negative, which of the following values must be positive?
  • A. x²-y²
  • B. x/y
  • C. x+y
  • D. x-y
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

When both x and y are negative, the quotient \( x/y \) results in a positive value. This is because dividing a negative number by another negative number yields a positive outcome. Option A, \( x^2 - y^2 \), can be either positive or negative depending on the magnitudes of x and y; thus, it is not guaranteed to be positive. Option C, \( x + y \), is the sum of two negative numbers, which will always be negative. Option D, \( x - y \), involves subtracting a negative (y) from another negative (x), which can also yield a negative or zero result, depending on their values. Only \( x/y \) is assuredly positive.
Which equation is a correct way to calculate x?
  • A. sin x=5,000 /7,000
  • B. sin x= 7,000 /5,000
  • C. tan x= 5,000/7,000
  • D. tan x=7,000/5,000
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To solve for \( x \), the correct relationship involves the tangent function, as \( \tan \) is defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle. Option C, \( \tan x = \frac{5,000}{7,000} \), accurately represents this ratio. Option A misapplies the sine function, which should represent the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse, not the adjacent side. Similarly, option B incorrectly uses sine but with the sides reversed, leading to an inaccurate representation. Option D misuses tangent, suggesting the opposite and adjacent sides are swapped, which does not align with the definition of tangent. Thus, only option C correctly applies the tangent function to find \( x \).
Which of the following is equivalent to 12x +8?
  • A. 4(3x+2)
  • B. 4(3x+8)
  • C. 4(3x+2x)
  • D. 20x
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the equivalent expression for \(12x + 8\), we can factor out the greatest common factor, which is 4. Option A, \(4(3x + 2)\), simplifies to \(12x + 8\) when distributed, making it equivalent to the original expression. Option B, \(4(3x + 8)\), simplifies to \(12x + 32\), which is not equivalent. Option C, \(4(3x + 2x)\), simplifies to \(4(5x)\) or \(20x\), which is also not equivalent. Option D, \(20x\), does not match the original expression either. Thus, only option A is correct.