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.
If 40 is 20 percent of a number, then the number is what percent of 40?
  • A. 500%
  • B. 200%
  • C. 80%
  • D. 20%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine what percent a number (let's call it X) is of 40, we first establish that 40 is 20% of X. This can be represented as the equation: 40 = 0.2X. Solving for X gives us X = 200. Now, to find out what percent 200 is of 40, we use the formula (part/whole) × 100, which results in (200/40) × 100 = 500%. Option B (200%) is incorrect as it mistakenly uses X instead of calculating the percentage of 40. Option C (80%) and Option D (20%) are also incorrect for similar reasons; they do not accurately reflect the relationship between 200 and 40.

Other Related Questions

If 32% of n is 20.8, what is n?
  • A. 64
  • B. 65
  • C. 66
  • D. 154
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find n, we start with the equation derived from the problem: \(0.32n = 20.8\). Dividing both sides by 0.32 gives \(n = \frac{20.8}{0.32}\), which simplifies to 65. This confirms that option B is accurate. Option A (64) results from an incorrect calculation of \(0.32n\). Option C (66) overestimates n, suggesting a misunderstanding of the percentage relationship. Option D (154) is far too high, indicating a significant miscalculation. Thus, only option B aligns correctly with the mathematical solution.
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).
2(1/2 + 1/3) =
  • A. 1(2/3)
  • B. 1(5/6)
  • C. 2(1/6)
  • D. 2(5/6)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 2(1/2 + 1/3), first find a common denominator for the fractions 1/2 and 1/3, which is 6. Rewrite the fractions: 1/2 becomes 3/6 and 1/3 becomes 2/6. Adding these gives 5/6. Now, multiply by 2: 2 * 5/6 equals 10/6, which simplifies to 1(2/3). Option B, 1(5/6), results from miscalculating the addition. Option C, 2(1/6), misinterprets the multiplication step. Option D, 2(5/6), incorrectly applies the multiplication to the wrong sum. Each incorrect option reflects a misunderstanding of the operations involved.
Last year Joan's salary was $18,000. If she receives a $900 raise for this year, what percent of last year's salary is her raise?
  • A. 2%
  • B. 5%
  • C. 20%
  • D. 50%
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the percentage of last year's salary that Joan's raise represents, divide the raise amount by last year's salary and then multiply by 100. Here, $900 (raise) divided by $18,000 (last year's salary) equals 0.05. Multiplying by 100 gives 5%, which is the correct answer. Option A (2%) miscalculates the raise as a smaller fraction of the salary. Option C (20%) incorrectly interprets the raise as a larger proportion, perhaps confusing it with a different calculation. Option D (50%) vastly overestimates the raise, suggesting it is half of last year's salary, which is not accurate.