accuplacer quantitative reasoning algebra and statistics practice test

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

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.

Other Related Questions

Lanelle traveled 9.7 miles of her delivery route in 1.2 hours. At this same rate, which of the following is closest to the time it will take for Janelle to travel 20 miles?
  • A. 2 hours
  • B. 2.5 hours
  • C. 5 hours
  • D. 5.5 hours
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine the time it will take for Janelle to travel 20 miles, we first calculate Lanelle's speed. She traveled 9.7 miles in 1.2 hours, giving a speed of approximately 8.08 miles per hour (9.7 miles ÷ 1.2 hours). Using this speed, we can find the time for 20 miles by dividing the distance by the speed: 20 miles ÷ 8.08 mph ≈ 2.48 hours, which rounds to about 2.5 hours. Option A (2 hours) underestimates the time based on Lanelle's speed. Options C (5 hours) and D (5.5 hours) greatly overestimate the time needed. Thus, 2.5 hours is the most accurate estimate for Janelle's travel time.
For how many values of k is (x, y) = (k, -k) a solution to the equation 2x +2y = 0?
  • A. None
  • B. One
  • C. Two
  • D. More than two
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To determine how many values of \( k \) make \( (x, y) = (k, -k) \) a solution to the equation \( 2x + 2y = 0 \), substitute \( x \) and \( y \) into the equation. This gives \( 2k + 2(-k) = 0 \), which simplifies to \( 0 = 0 \). This statement is always true, meaning any value of \( k \) satisfies the equation. Option A (None) is incorrect; there are indeed solutions. Option B (One) is also wrong since infinitely many values of \( k \) work. Option C (Two) is insufficient, as there are not just two but infinitely many solutions. Hence, the correct interpretation is that there are more than two values of \( k \) that satisfy the equation.
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.
A salesperson's commission is k percent of the selling price of a car. Which of the following represents the commission, in dollars, on 2 cars that sold for $14,000 each?
  • A. 280k
  • B. 28,000k
  • C. 14,000/(100+2k)
  • D. (28,000+k)/100
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the commission on 2 cars sold for $14,000 each, first calculate the total selling price: 2 × $14,000 = $28,000. The commission, being k percent of this total, is expressed as (k/100) × $28,000, which simplifies to $280k. Option B, 28,000k, incorrectly suggests the commission is k percent of the total without dividing by 100. Option C, 14,000/(100+2k), misrepresents the calculation entirely by altering the formula. Option D, (28,000+k)/100, incorrectly adds k to the total selling price before calculating the percentage, which is not aligned with commission calculation principles.