accuplacer quantitative reasoning algebra and statistics practice test

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

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.

Other Related Questions

Square S has area 2√2 square units. What is the length of a side of square S?
  • A. ∜128
  • B. ∜32
  • C. ∜8
  • D. ∜2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To find the length of a side of square S, we use the formula for the area of a square, which is \( \text{Area} = \text{side}^2 \). Given that the area is \( 2\sqrt{2} \), we set up the equation \( \text{side}^2 = 2\sqrt{2} \). Taking the square root gives us \( \text{side} = \sqrt{2\sqrt{2}} = \sqrt{2} \cdot \sqrt[4]{2} = \sqrt{2^2} = \sqrt{8} = 2\sqrt{2} \), which simplifies to \( \sqrt{8} \), leading to option C as the correct answer. Options A (\(\sqrt{128}\)), B (\(\sqrt{32}\)), and D (\(\sqrt{2}\)) are incorrect as they yield values greater than or less than the required side length. Specifically, \(\sqrt{128} = 8\sqrt{2}\) and \(\sqrt{32} = 4\sqrt{2}\) are both larger than \(2\sqrt{2}\), while \(\sqrt{2}\) is significantly smaller. Thus, option C accurately represents the side length of square S.
If the length of a rectangle is increased by 30% and the width of the same rectangle is decreased by 30%, what is the effect on the area of the rectangle?
  • A. It is increased by 60%.
  • B. It is unchanged.
  • C. It is decreased by 15%.
  • D. It is decreased by 9%.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

Increasing the length of a rectangle by 30% results in a new length of 1.3L, while decreasing the width by 30% gives a new width of 0.7W. The new area can be calculated as A' = (1.3L)(0.7W) = 0.91LW, indicating a decrease in area. Option A is incorrect because a 60% increase does not occur; the area actually decreases. Option B is wrong as the area changes due to the modifications in dimensions. Option C suggests a decrease of 15%, which miscalculates the area change. The area decreases by 9%, confirming the effect of the opposing percentage changes in length and width.
Point C is the center of the regular hexagon shown above. Which of the following expressions represents the area of this hexagon?
Question image
  • A. 12xy
  • B. 6xy
  • C. 3xy
  • D. xy
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The area of a regular hexagon can be calculated using the formula \( \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2} s^2 \), where \( s \) is the length of a side. The expression \( 6xy \) aligns with this area formula when considering specific dimensions of the hexagon defined by \( x \) and \( y \). Option A, \( 12xy \), overestimates the area, suggesting a larger hexagon than the dimensions allow. Option C, \( 3xy \), and Option D, \( xy \), both underestimate the area, not accounting for the full extent of the hexagon's geometry. Thus, \( 6xy \) accurately represents the area based on the given variables.
0.034÷(10)^(-1) =
  • A. 0.0034
  • B. 0.034
  • C. 0.34
  • D. 3.4
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To solve 0.034 ÷ (10)^(-1), we first recognize that (10)^(-1) is equivalent to 1/10 or 0.1. Dividing by 0.1 is the same as multiplying by 10. Therefore, 0.034 ÷ 0.1 equals 0.034 × 10, which results in 0.34. Option A (0.0034) misinterprets the division, mistakenly moving the decimal too far left. Option B (0.034) fails to account for the division by 0.1, leaving the original number unchanged. Option D (3.4) incorrectly multiplies instead of dividing, moving the decimal point too far right. Thus, the only accurate calculation leads to 0.34.