free accuplacer arithmetic practice test

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

If 3 < a < 7 < b, which of the following must be greater than 20?
  • A. a²
  • B. 2b
  • C. ab
  • D. b + a
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine which option must be greater than 20, we analyze each one based on the inequalities provided (3 < a < 7 < b). **Option A: a²** Since a is less than 7, the maximum value for a² is 49 (when a=7), and the minimum value is 16 (when a=4). Thus, a² can be less than 20. **Option B: 2b** With b being greater than 7, the minimum value for 2b is 16 (when b=8). Therefore, 2b can also be less than 20. **Option C: ab** Given a is at least 4 and b is at least 8, the minimum value of ab is 32 (4*8). This must be greater than 20. **Option D: b + a** The minimum value for b + a is 11 (when a=4 and b=7), which is less than 20. Thus, only ab must consistently exceed 20.

Other Related Questions

3 × (1/2 + 1/3) =
  • A. 2,1/2
  • B. 2,5/6
  • C. 3,1/6
  • D. 3,5/6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 3 × (1/2 + 1/3), first find a common denominator for the fractions 1/2 and 1/3, which is 6. This gives us (3/6 + 2/6) = 5/6. Multiplying by 3 results in 3 × (5/6) = 15/6, which simplifies to 2 1/2 (Option A). Option B (2 5/6) incorrectly adds an extra fraction. Option C (3 1/6) miscalculates the multiplication. Option D (3 5/6) also misinterprets the original problem, leading to an incorrect total. Thus, only Option A accurately represents the solution.
165 is what percent of 150?
  • A. 95%
  • B. 110%
  • C. 111%
  • D. 115%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find what percent 165 is of 150, divide 165 by 150 and then multiply by 100. This calculation yields 110%, indicating that 165 is 110% of 150. Option A (95%) underestimates the value, as it suggests 165 is less than 150. Option C (111%) slightly overestimates the percentage, as it does not accurately reflect the calculation. Option D (115%) also exaggerates the value, implying that 165 exceeds 150 by a larger margin than it actually does. Therefore, 110% is the precise representation of 165 in relation to 150.
A record store sold 100 copies of a CD in January. In February, the store's sales of the CD increased by 10 percent over the January sales. In March, the store sold 20 percent more copies of the CD than it sold in February. How many copies of the CD did the store sell in March?
  • A. 120
  • B. 122
  • C. 130
  • D. 132
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To find the number of CDs sold in March, start with January's sales of 100 copies. February's sales increased by 10%, resulting in 100 + (10% of 100) = 110 copies sold. In March, the store sold 20% more than February's sales: 110 + (20% of 110) = 110 + 22 = 132 copies. Option A (120) incorrectly assumes a lower percentage increase in February. Option B (122) miscalculates the increase in March. Option C (130) underestimates the sales for March by not applying the correct percentage increase. Thus, the accurate calculation leads to 132 copies sold in March.
The large square above has area 1 and is divided into 25 squares of equal area. Which of the following represents the area of the shaded region?
Question image
  • A. 0.8
  • B. 0.16
  • C. 0.24
  • D. 0.32
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

In a large square with an area of 1, each of the 25 smaller squares has an area of \( \frac{1}{25} = 0.04 \). To find the area of the shaded region, count the number of shaded squares. If there are 8 shaded squares, then the area of the shaded region is \( 8 \times 0.04 = 0.32 \). Option A (0.8) is incorrect as it exceeds the total area of the large square. Option B (0.16) represents 4 shaded squares, which is not consistent with the given information. Option C (0.24) suggests 6 shaded squares, which also does not match. Thus, the area of the shaded region is accurately represented by option D, 0.32.