free accuplacer arithmetic practice test

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

John worked at a bookstore for two weeks. The second week he earned 20 percent more than he did the first week. If he earned $300 the second week, how much did he earn the first week?
  • A. 240
  • B. 250
  • C. 280
  • D. 380
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine John’s earnings for the first week, we know that his second week earnings were 20% more than the first week. If he earned $300 in the second week, we can calculate his first week earnings by setting up the equation: Let x be the first week’s earnings. Then, x + 0.2x = 300. This simplifies to 1.2x = 300. Dividing both sides by 1.2 gives x = 250. Option A ($240) is too low, as it would not result in a $300 second week. Option C ($280) would imply a second week earning of $336, which exceeds $300. Option D ($380) is also incorrect as it suggests a second week earning of $456. Thus, $250 is the only viable answer.

Other Related Questions

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.
2,3/8 + 5,5/6 =
  • A. 7,5/24
  • B. 7,4/7
  • C. 8,5/24
  • D. 8,4/7
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To solve 2,3/8 + 5,5/6, first convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions. For 2,3/8, this becomes (2 * 8 + 3)/8 = 19/8. For 5,5/6, it is (5 * 6 + 5)/6 = 35/6. Next, find a common denominator, which is 24. Convert the fractions: 19/8 becomes 57/24, and 35/6 becomes 140/24. Adding these gives 197/24, which converts back to a mixed number as 8,5/24. Options A and B do not match this result. Option D, while close, inaccurately represents the fraction.
The fraction x/24 is equal to 0.75. What is the value of x?
  • A. 3
  • B. 6
  • C. 9
  • D. 18
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To find the value of x in the equation x/24 = 0.75, we start by converting 0.75 to a fraction, which is 75/100 or 3/4. Setting the two fractions equal gives us x/24 = 3/4. Cross-multiplying leads to 4x = 72. Dividing both sides by 4 results in x = 18. Option A (3) is too low; substituting it back yields 3/24 = 0.125. Option B (6) also falls short, as 6/24 = 0.25. Option C (9) gives 9/24 = 0.375, still incorrect. Only option D (18) satisfies the original equation, confirming its validity.
60 ÷ 3/3 =
  • A. 20
  • B. 21
  • C. 23
  • D. 24
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve 60 ÷ 3/3, first simplify the expression. Dividing by a fraction involves multiplying by its reciprocal. Therefore, 3/3 equals 1, and dividing by 1 does not change the value. Thus, the equation simplifies to 60 ÷ 1, which equals 60. Now, let's analyze the options: A: 20 is incorrect as it does not represent the result of the division. B: 21 is also incorrect, being too low compared to the actual value. C: 23 is incorrect for the same reason, as it underestimates the result. D: 24 is incorrect and does not reflect the correct division outcome. The only accurate interpretation leads to the conclusion that 60 divided by 1 remains 60.