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I used the official objectives and sample test to construct these questions, but cannot promise that they accurately reflect what’s on the real test.   Some of the sample questions were more convoluted than I could bear to write.   See terms of use.   See the MTEL Practice Test main page to view questions on a particular topic or to download paper practice tests.

MTEL General Curriculum Mathematics Practice


Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1

Use the table below to answer the question that follows:

Gordon wants to buy three pounds of nuts.  Each of the stores above ordinarily sells the nuts for $4.99 a pound, but is offering a discount this week.  At which store can he buy the nuts for the least amount of money?

A

Store A

Hint:
This would save about $2.50. You can quickly see that D saves more.
B

Store B

Hint:
This saves 15% and C saves 25%.
C

Store C

D

Store D

Hint:
This is about 20% off, which is less of a discount than C.
Question 1 Explanation: 
Topic: Understand the meanings and models of integers, fractions, decimals,percents, and mixed numbers and apply them to the solution of word problems (Objective 0017).
Question 2

A sales companies pays its representatives $2 for each item sold, plus 40% of the price of the item.   The rest of the money that the representatives collect goes to the company.  All transactions are in cash, and all items cost $4 or more.   If the price of an item in dollars is p, which expression represents the amount of money the company collects when the item is sold?

A
\( \large \dfrac{3}{5}p-2\)
Hint:
The company gets 3/5=60% of the price, minus the $2 per item.
B
\( \large \dfrac{3}{5}\left( p-2 \right)\)
Hint:
This is sensible, but not what the problem states.
C
\( \large \dfrac{2}{5}p+2\)
Hint:
The company pays the extra $2; it doesn't collect it.
D
\( \large \dfrac{2}{5}p-2\)
Hint:
This has the company getting 2/5 = 40% of the price of each item, but that's what the representative gets.
Question 2 Explanation: 
Topic: Use algebra to solve word problems involving fractions, ratios, proportions, and percents (Objective 0020).
Question 3

On a map the distance from Boston to Detroit is 6 cm, and these two cities are 702 miles away from each other. Assuming the scale of the map is the same throughout, which answer below is closest to the distance between Boston and San Francisco on the map, given that they are 2,708 miles away from each other?

A

21 cm

Hint:
How many miles would correspond to 24 cm on the map? Try adjusting from there.
B

22 cm

Hint:
How many miles would correspond to 24 cm on the map? Try adjusting from there.
C

23 cm

Hint:
One way to solve this without a calculator is to note that 4 groups of 6 cm is 2808 miles, which is 100 miles too much. Then 100 miles would be about 1/7 th of 6 cm, or about 1 cm less than 24 cm.
D

24 cm

Hint:
4 groups of 6 cm is over 2800 miles on the map, which is too much.
Question 3 Explanation: 
Topic: Apply proportional thinking to estimate quantities in real world situations (Objective 0019).
Question 4

The following story situations model \( 12\div 3\):

I)  Jack has 12 cookies, which he wants to share equally between himself and two friends.  How many cookies does each person get?

II) Trent has 12 cookies, which he wants to put into bags of 3 cookies each.  How many bags can he make?

III) Cicely has $12.  Cookies cost $3 each.  How many cookies can she buy?

Which of these questions illustrate the same model of division, either partitive (partioning) or measurement (quotative)?

A

I and II

B

I and III

C

II and III

Hint:
Problem I is partitive (or partitioning or sharing) -- we put 12 objects into 3 groups. Problems II and III are quotative (or measurement) -- we put 12 objects in groups of 3.
D

All three problems model the same meaning of division

Question 4 Explanation: 
Topic: Understand models of operations on numbers (Objective 0019).
Question 5

Here are some statements:

I) 5 is an integer    II)\( -5 \)  is an integer    III) \(0\) is an integer

Which of the statements are true?

A

I only

B

I and II only

C

I and III only

D

I, II, and III

Hint:
The integers are ...-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ....
Question 5 Explanation: 
Topic: Characteristics of Integers (Objective 0016)
Question 6

A family went on a long car trip.  Below is a graph of how far they had driven at each hour.

Which of the following is closest to their average speed driving on the trip?

 
A
\( \large d=20t\)
Hint:
Try plugging t=7 into the equation, and see how it matches the graph.
B
\( \large d=30t\)
Hint:
Try plugging t=7 into the equation, and see how it matches the graph.
C
\( \large d=40t\)
D
\( \large d=50t\)
Hint:
Try plugging t=7 into the equation, and see how it matches the graph.
Question 6 Explanation: 
Topic: Select the linear equation that best models a real-world situation (Objective 0022).
Question 7

Cell phone plan A charges $3 per month plus $0.10 per minute. Cell phone plan B charges $29.99 per month, with no fee for the first 400 minutes and then $0.20 for each additional minute.

Which equation can be used to solve for the number of minutes, m (with m>400) that a person would have to spend on the phone each month in order for the bills for plan A and plan B to be equal?

A
\( \large 3.10m=400+0.2m\)
Hint:
These are the numbers in the problem, but this equation doesn't make sense. If you don't know how to make an equation, try plugging in an easy number like m=500 minutes to see if each side equals what it should.
B
\( \large 3+0.1m=29.99+.20m\)
Hint:
Doesn't account for the 400 free minutes.
C
\( \large 3+0.1m=400+29.99+.20(m-400)\)
Hint:
Why would you add 400 minutes and $29.99? If you don't know how to make an equation, try plugging in an easy number like m=500 minutes to see if each side equals what it should.
D
\( \large 3+0.1m=29.99+.20(m-400)\)
Hint:
The left side is $3 plus $0.10 times the number of minutes. The right is $29.99 plus $0.20 times the number of minutes over 400.
Question 7 Explanation: 
Identify variables and derive algebraic expressions that represent real-world situations (Objective 0020).
Question 8

What is the least common multiple of 540 and 216?

A
\( \large{{2}^{5}}\cdot {{3}^{6}}\cdot 5\)
Hint:
This is the product of the numbers, not the LCM.
B
\( \large{{2}^{3}}\cdot {{3}^{3}}\cdot 5\)
Hint:
One way to solve this is to factor both numbers: \(540=2^2 \cdot 3^3 \cdot 5\) and \(216=2^3 \cdot 3^3\). Then for each prime that's a factor of either number, use the largest exponent that appears in one of the factorizations. You can also take the product of the two numbers divided by their GCD.
C
\( \large{{2}^{2}}\cdot {{3}^{3}}\cdot 5\)
Hint:
216 is a multiple of 8.
D
\( \large{{2}^{2}}\cdot {{3}^{2}}\cdot {{5}^{2}}\)
Hint:
Not a multiple of 216 and not a multiple of 540.
Question 8 Explanation: 
Topic: Find the least common multiple of a set of numbers (Objective 0018).
Question 9

Taxicab fares in Boston (Spring 2012) are $2.60 for the first \(\dfrac{1}{7}\) of a mile or less and $0.40 for each \(\dfrac{1}{7}\) of a mile after that.

Let d represent the distance a passenger travels in miles (with \(d>\dfrac{1}{7}\)). Which of the following expressions represents the total fare?

A
\( \large \$2.60+\$0.40d\)
Hint:
It's 40 cents for 1/7 of a mile, not per mile.
B
\( \large \$2.60+\$0.40\dfrac{d}{7}\)
Hint:
According to this equation, going 7 miles would cost $3; does that make sense?
C
\( \large \$2.20+\$2.80d\)
Hint:
You can think of the fare as $2.20 to enter the cab, and then $0.40 for each 1/7 of a mile, including the first 1/7 of a mile (or $2.80 per mile).

Alternatively, you pay $2.60 for the first 1/7 of a mile, and then $2.80 per mile for d-1/7 miles. The total is 2.60+2.80(d-1/7) = 2.60+ 2.80d -.40 = 2.20+2.80d.
D
\( \large \$2.60+\$2.80d\)
Hint:
Don't count the first 1/7 of a mile twice.
Question 9 Explanation: 
Topic: Identify variables and derive algebraic expressions that represent real-world situations (Objective 0020), and select the linear equation that best models a real-world situation (Objective 0022).
Question 10

Which of the numbers below is a fraction equivalent to \( 0.\bar{6}\)?

A
\( \large \dfrac{4}{6}\)
Hint:
\( 0.\bar{6}=\dfrac{2}{3}=\dfrac{4}{6}\)
B
\( \large \dfrac{3}{5}\)
Hint:
This is equal to 0.6, without the repeating decimal. Answer is equivalent to choice c, which is another way to tell that it's wrong.
C
\( \large \dfrac{6}{10}\)
Hint:
This is equal to 0.6, without the repeating decimal. Answer is equivalent to choice b, which is another way to tell that it's wrong.
D
\( \large \dfrac{1}{6}\)
Hint:
This is less than a half, and \( 0.\bar{6}\) is greater than a half.
Question 10 Explanation: 
Topic: Converting between fraction and decimal representations (Objective 0017)
Question 11

The picture below represents a board with pegs on it, where the closest distance between two pegs is 1 cm.  What is the area of the pentagon shown?

A
\( \large 8\text{ c}{{\text{m}}^{2}} \)
Hint:
Don't just count the dots inside, that doesn't give the area. Try adding segments so that the slanted lines become the diagonals of rectangles.
B
\( \large 11\text{ c}{{\text{m}}^{2}}\)
Hint:
Try adding segments so that the slanted lines become the diagonals of rectangles.
C
\( \large 11.5\text{ c}{{\text{m}}^{2}}\)
Hint:
An easy way to do this problem is to use Pick's Theorem (of course, it's better if you understand why Pick's theorem works): area = # pegs inside + half # pegs on the border - 1. In this case 8+9/2-1=11.5. A more appropriate strategy for elementary classrooms is to add segments; here's one way.

There are 20 1x1 squares enclosed, and the total area of the triangles that need to be subtracted is 8.5
D
\( \large 12.5\text{ c}{{\text{m}}^{2}}\)
Hint:
Try adding segments so that the slanted lines become the diagonals of rectangles.
Question 11 Explanation: 
Topics: Calculate measurements and derive and use formulas for calculating the areas of geometric shapes and figures (Objective 0023).
Question 12

What set of transformations will transform the leftmost image into the rightmost image?

 
A

A 90 degree clockwise rotation about (2,1) followed by a translation of two units to the right.

Hint:
Part of the figure would move below the x-axis with these transformations.
B

A translation 3 units up, followed by a reflection about the line y=x.

Hint:
See what happens to the point (5,1) under this set of transformations.
C

A 90 degree clockwise rotation about (5,1), followed by a translation of 2 units up.

D

A 90 degree clockwise rotation about (2,1) followed by a translation of 2 units to the right.

Hint:
See what happens to the point (3,3) under this set of transformations.
Question 12 Explanation: 
Topic:Analyze and apply geometric transformations (e.g., translations, rotations, reflections, dilations) (Objective 0024).
Question 13

Use the problem below to answer the question that follows:

T shirts are on sale for 20% off. Tasha paid $8.73 for a shirt.  What is the regular price of the shirt? There is no tax on clothing purchases under $175.

Let p represent the regular price of these t-shirt. Which of the following equations is correct?

A
\( \large 0.8p=\$8.73\)
Hint:
80% of the regular price = $8.73.
B
\( \large \$8.73+0.2*\$8.73=p\)
Hint:
The 20% off was off of the ORIGINAL price, not off the $8.73 (a lot of people make this mistake). Plus this is the same equation as in choice c.
C
\( \large 1.2*\$8.73=p\)
Hint:
The 20% off was off of the ORIGINAL price, not off the $8.73 (a lot of people make this mistake). Plus this is the same equation as in choice b.
D
\( \large p-0.2*\$8.73=p\)
Hint:
Subtract p from both sides of this equation, and you have -.2 x 8.73 =0.
Question 13 Explanation: 
Topics: Use algebra to solve word problems involving percents and identify variables, and derive algebraic expressions that represent real-world situations (Objective 0020).
Question 14

Below is a portion of a number line:

 Point B is halfway between two tick marks.  What number is represented by Point B?

 
A
\( \large 0.645\)
Hint:
That point is marked on the line, to the right.
B
\( \large 0.6421\)
Hint:
That point is to the left of point B.
C
\( \large 0.6422\)
Hint:
That point is to the left of point B.
D
\( \large 0.6425\)
Question 14 Explanation: 
Topic: Using Number Lines (Objective 0017)
Question 15

What fraction of the area of the picture below is shaded?

A
\( \large \dfrac{17}{24}\)
Hint:
You might try adding segments so each quadrant is divided into 6 pieces with equal area -- there will be 24 regions, not all the same shape, but all the same area, with 17 of them shaded (for the top left quarter, you could also first change the diagonal line to a horizontal or vertical line that divides the square in two equal pieces and shade one) .
B
\( \large \dfrac{3}{4}\)
Hint:
Be sure you're taking into account the different sizes of the pieces.
C
\( \large \dfrac{2}{3}\)
Hint:
The bottom half of the picture is 2/3 shaded, and the top half is more than 2/3 shaded, so this answer is too small.
D
\( \large \dfrac{17}{6} \)
Hint:
This answer is bigger than 1, so doesn't make any sense. Be sure you are using the whole picture, not one quadrant, as the unit.
Question 15 Explanation: 
Topic: Models of Fractions (Objective 0017)
Question 16
I. \(\large \dfrac{1}{2}+\dfrac{1}{3}\) II. \( \large   .400000\)  III. \(\large\dfrac{1}{5}+\dfrac{1}{5}\)
     
IV. \( \large 40\% \) V. \( \large 0.25 \) VI. \(\large\dfrac{14}{35}\)

 

Which of the lists below includes all of the above expressions that are equivalent to \( \dfrac{2}{5}\)?

A

I, III, V, VI

Hint:
I and V are not at all how fractions and decimals work.
B

III, VI

Hint:
These are right, but there are more.
C

II, III, VI

Hint:
These are right, but there are more.
D

II, III, IV, VI

Question 16 Explanation: 
Topic: Converting between fractions, decimals, and percents (Objective 0017)
Question 17

What is the greatest common factor of 540 and 216?

A
\( \large{{2}^{2}}\cdot {{3}^{3}}\)
Hint:
One way to solve this is to factor both numbers: \(540=2^2 \cdot 3^3 \cdot 5\) and \(216=2^3 \cdot 3^3\). Then take the smaller power for each prime that is a factor of both numbers.
B
\( \large2\cdot 3\)
Hint:
This is a common factor of both numbers, but it's not the greatest common factor.
C
\( \large{{2}^{3}}\cdot {{3}^{3}}\)
Hint:
\(2^3 = 8\) is not a factor of 540.
D
\( \large{{2}^{2}}\cdot {{3}^{2}}\)
Hint:
This is a common factor of both numbers, but it's not the greatest common factor.
Question 17 Explanation: 
Topic: Find the greatest common factor of a set of numbers (Objective 0018).
Question 18

Use the samples of a student's work below to answer the question that follows:

\( \large \dfrac{2}{3}\times \dfrac{3}{4}=\dfrac{4\times 2}{3\times 3}=\dfrac{8}{9}\) \( \large \dfrac{2}{5}\times \dfrac{7}{7}=\dfrac{7\times 2}{5\times 7}=\dfrac{2}{5}\) \( \large \dfrac{7}{6}\times \dfrac{3}{4}=\dfrac{4\times 7}{6\times 3}=\dfrac{28}{18}=\dfrac{14}{9}\)

Which of the following best describes the mathematical validity of the algorithm the student is using?

A

It is not valid. It never produces the correct answer.

Hint:
In the middle example,the answer is correct.
B

It is not valid. It produces the correct answer in a few special cases, but it‘s still not a valid algorithm.

Hint:
Note that this algorithm gives a/b divided by c/d, not a/b x c/d, but some students confuse multiplication and cross-multiplication. If a=0 or if c/d =1, division and multiplication give the same answer.
C

It is valid if the rational numbers in the multiplication problem are in lowest terms.

Hint:
Lowest terms is irrelevant.
D

It is valid for all rational numbers.

Hint:
Can't be correct as the first and last examples have the wrong answers.
Question 18 Explanation: 
Topic: Analyze Non-Standard Computational Algorithms (Objective 0019).
Question 19

Which property is not shared by all rhombi?

A

4 congruent sides

Hint:
The most common definition of a rhombus is a quadrilateral with 4 congruent sides.
B

A center of rotational symmetry

Hint:
The diagonal of a rhombus separates it into two congruent isosceles triangles. The center of this line is a center of 180 degree rotational symmetry that switches the triangles.
C

4 congruent angles

Hint:
Unless the rhombus is a square, it does not have 4 congruent angles.
D

2 sets of parallel sides

Hint:
All rhombi are parallelograms.
Question 19 Explanation: 
Topic: Classify and analyze polygons using attributes of sides and angles, and symmetry (Objective 0024).
Question 20

In each expression below  N represents a negative integer. Which expression could have a negative value?

A
\( \large {{N}^{2}}\)
Hint:
Squaring always gives a non-negative value.
B
\( \large 6-N\)
Hint:
A story problem for this expression is, if it was 6 degrees out at noon and N degrees out at sunrise, by how many degrees did the temperature rise by noon? Since N is negative, the answer to this question has to be positive, and more than 6.
C
\( \large -N\)
Hint:
If N is negative, then -N is positive
D
\( \large 6+N\)
Hint:
For example, if \(N=-10\), then \(6+N = -4\)
Question 20 Explanation: 
If you are stuck on a question like this, try a few examples to eliminate some choices and to help you understand what the question means. Topic: Characteristics of integers (Objective 0016).
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