tsia2 math practice test

A placement test used in Texas to assess a student's readiness for college-level coursework in math, reading, and writing.

Choose the best answer. If necessary, use the paper you were given.
The price P, in dollars, that a store sets for an item is given by the equation P = C + 1/10 * C where C dollars is the store's cost for the item. If the store sets a price of $55.00 for an item, what is the store's cost for the item?
  • A. $50.00
  • B. $54.90
  • C. $55.10
  • D. $60.50
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the store's cost \( C \), we start with the equation \( P = C + \frac{1}{10}C \). This can be simplified to \( P = 1.1C \). Given that \( P = 55 \), we can set up the equation \( 55 = 1.1C \). Solving for \( C \) gives \( C = \frac{55}{1.1} = 50 \). Option A ($50.00) is correct, as it satisfies the equation. Option B ($54.90) incorrectly suggests a cost that would lead to a higher price than $55 when applying the markup. Option C ($55.10) implies a cost greater than the set price, which is illogical. Option D ($60.50) is also incorrect as it would result in a price far exceeding $55, making it unfeasible.

Other Related Questions

Which of the following could be the function graphed above?
  • A. f(x)=x+1
  • B. f(x)=x-1
  • C. f(x)=|x|+1
  • D. f(x)=x-1
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Option C, \( f(x) = |x| + 1 \), accurately represents a V-shaped graph that opens upwards, with its vertex at (0, 1). This aligns with the characteristics of the graph shown. Option A, \( f(x) = x + 1 \), is a linear function with a slope of 1, resulting in a straight line, which does not match the V-shape. Option B, \( f(x) = x - 1 \), is another linear function with a slope of 1, also producing a straight line that does not fit the graph. Option D, \( f(x) = x - 1 \), is identical to Option B and shares the same linear characteristics, further confirming it cannot represent the V-shaped graph.
Which of the following is a factor of x ^ 3 * y ^ 3 + x * y ^ 5 ?
  • A. x ^ 3 - y ^ 3
  • B. x ^ 3 + y ^ 3
  • C. x ^ 2 + y ^ 2
  • D. x + y
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the factors of the expression \(x^3y^3 + xy^5\), we can factor out the common term \(xy^3\), yielding \(xy^3(x^2 + y^2)\). Option A, \(x^3 - y^3\), represents a difference of cubes and does not apply here. Option B, \(x^3 + y^3\), is a sum of cubes, which is not a factor of the given expression. Option D, \(x + y\), does not appear in the factorization derived from the original expression. Thus, \(x^2 + y^2\) is the only viable factor, confirming its role in the factorization of the expression.
If the values of x and y are negative, which of the following values must be positive?
  • A. x²-y²
  • B. x/y
  • C. x+y
  • D. x-y
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

When both x and y are negative, the quotient \( x/y \) results in a positive value. This is because dividing a negative number by another negative number yields a positive outcome. Option A, \( x^2 - y^2 \), can be either positive or negative depending on the magnitudes of x and y; thus, it is not guaranteed to be positive. Option C, \( x + y \), is the sum of two negative numbers, which will always be negative. Option D, \( x - y \), involves subtracting a negative (y) from another negative (x), which can also yield a negative or zero result, depending on their values. Only \( x/y \) is assuredly positive.
The average of 5 numbers is 11. Which of the following must be true?
  • A. The range of the 5 numbers is 55.
  • B. The sum of the 5 numbers is 55.
  • C. The median of 5 numbers is 11.
  • D. The mode of 5 numbers is 11.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the average of 5 numbers, you sum them and divide by 5. If the average is 11, the total sum must be 5 times 11, which equals 55. Thus, option B is true. Option A is incorrect; the range is the difference between the highest and lowest numbers, which can vary regardless of the average. Option C is also not necessarily true; the median, or middle value, can differ from the average depending on the distribution of the numbers. Option D is incorrect; the mode, or most frequently occurring number, does not have to be the same as the average.