45 Random Questions

Hints will display for most wrong answers; explanations for most right answers. You can attempt a question multiple times; it will only be scored correct if you get it right the first time.

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

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Question 1

Here is a student's work solving an equation:

$ x-4=-2x+6$

$ x-4+4=-2x+6+4$

$ x=-2x+10$

$ x-2x=10$

$ x=10$

Which of the following statements is true?

A	The student‘s solution is correct. Hint: Try plugging into the original solution.
B	The student did not correctly use properties of equality. Hint: After $ x=-2x+10$, the student subtracted 2x on the left and added 2x on the right.
C	The student did not correctly use the distributive property. Hint: Distributive property is $a(b+c)=ab+ac$.
D	The student did not correctly use the commutative property. Hint: Commutative property is $a+b=b+a$ or $ab=ba$.

Question 1 Explanation:

Topic: Justify algebraic manipulations by application of the properties of equality, the order of operations, the number properties, and the order properties (Objective 0020).

Question 2

A teacher has a list of all the countries in the world and their populations in March 2012. She is going to have her students use technology to compute the mean and median of the numbers on the list. Which of the following statements is true?

A	The teacher can be sure that the mean and median will be the same without doing any computation. Hint: Does this make sense? How likely is it that the mean and median of any large data set will be the same?
B	The teacher can be sure that the mean is bigger than the median without doing any computation. Hint: This is a skewed distribution, and very large countries like China and India contribute huge numbers to the mean, but are counted the same as small countries like Luxembourg in the median (the same thing happens w/data on salaries, where a few very high income people tilt the mean -- that's why such data is usually reported as medians).
C	The teacher can be sure that the median is bigger than the mean without doing any computation. Hint: Think about a set of numbers like 1, 2, 3, 4, 10,000 -- how do the mean/median compare? How might that relate to countries of the world?
D	There is no way for the teacher to know the relative size of the mean and median without computing them. Hint: Knowing the shape of the distribution of populations does give us enough info to know the relative size of the mean and median, even without computing them.

Question 2 Explanation:

Topic: Use measures of central tendency (e.g., mean, median, mode) and spread to describe and interpret real-world data (Objective 0025).

Question 3

A car is traveling at 60 miles per hour. Which of the expressions below could be used to compute how many feet the car travels in 1 second? Note that 1 mile = 5,280 feet.

A	$ \large 60\dfrac{\text{miles}}{\text{hour}}\cdot 5280\dfrac{\text{feet}}{\text{mile}}\cdot 60\dfrac{\text{minutes}}{\text{hour}}\cdot 60\dfrac{\text{seconds}}{\text{minute}} $ Hint: This answer is not in feet/second.
B	$ \large 60\dfrac{\text{miles}}{\text{hour}}\cdot 5280\dfrac{\text{feet}}{\text{mile}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{60}\dfrac{\text{hour}}{\text{minutes}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{60}\dfrac{\text{minute}}{\text{seconds}} $ Hint: This is the only choice where the answer is in feet per second and the unit conversions are correct.
C	$ \large 60\dfrac{\text{miles}}{\text{hour}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{5280}\dfrac{\text{foot}}{\text{miles}}\cdot 60\dfrac{\text{hours}}{\text{minute}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{60}\dfrac{\text{minute}}{\text{seconds}}$ Hint: Are there really 60 hours in a minute?
D	$ \large 60\dfrac{\text{miles}}{\text{hour}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{5280}\dfrac{\text{mile}}{\text{feet}}\cdot 60\dfrac{\text{minutes}}{\text{hour}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{60}\dfrac{\text{minute}}{\text{seconds}}$ Hint: This answer is not in feet/second.

Question 3 Explanation:

Topic: Use unit conversions and dimensional analysis to solve measurement problems (Objective 0023).

Question 4

If x is an integer, which of the following must also be an integer?

A	$ \large \dfrac{x}{2}$ Hint: If x is odd, then $ \dfrac{x}{2} $ is not an integer, e.g. 3/2 = 1.5.
B	$ \large \dfrac{2}{x}$ Hint: Only an integer if x = -2, -1, 1, or 2.
C	$ \large-x$ Hint: -1 times any integer is still an integer.
D	$\large\sqrt{x}$ Hint: Usually not an integer, e.g. $ \sqrt{2} \approx 1.414 $.

Question 4 Explanation:

Topic: Integers (Objective 0016)

Question 5

In the triangle below, $\overline{AC}\cong \overline{AD}\cong \overline{DE}$ and $m\angle CAD=100{}^\circ $. What is $m\angle DAE$?

A	$ \large 20{}^\circ $ Hint: Angles ACD and ADC are congruent since they are base angles of an isosceles triangle. Since the angles of a triangle sum to 180, they sum to 80, and they are 40 deg each. Thus angle ADE is 140 deg, since it makes a straight line with angle ADC. Angles DAE and DEA are base angles of an isosceles triangle and thus congruent-- they sum to 40 deg, so are 20 deg each.
B	$ \large 25{}^\circ $ Hint: If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then it's isosceles, and the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.
C	$ \large 30{}^\circ $ Hint: If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then it's isosceles, and the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.
D	$ \large 40{}^\circ $ Hint: Make sure you're calculating the correct angle.

Question 5 Explanation:

Topic: Classify and analyze polygons using attributes of sides and angles, including real-world applications. (Objective 0024).

Question 6

Which of the following is equivalent to $ \dfrac{3}{4}-\dfrac{1}{8}+\dfrac{2}{8}\times \dfrac{1}{2}?$

A	$ \large \dfrac{7}{16}$ Hint: Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction in the order of operations.
B	$ \large \dfrac{1}{2}$ Hint: Addition and subtraction are of equal priority in the order of operations -- do them left to right.
C	$ \large \dfrac{3}{4}$ Hint: $ \dfrac{3}{4}-\dfrac{1}{8}+\dfrac{2}{8}\times \dfrac{1}{2}$=$ \dfrac{3}{4}-\dfrac{1}{8}+\dfrac{1}{8}$=$ \dfrac{3}{4}+-\dfrac{1}{8}+\dfrac{1}{8}$=$ \dfrac{3}{4}$
D	$ \large \dfrac{3}{16}$ Hint: Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction in the order of operations.

Question 6 Explanation:

Topic: Operations on Fractions, Order of Operations (Objective 0019).

Question 7

The prime factorization of n can be written as n=pqr, where p, q, and r are distinct prime numbers. How many factors does n have, including 1 and itself?

A	$ \large3$ Hint: 1, p, q, r, and pqr are already 5, so this isn't enough. You might try plugging in p=2, q=3, and r=5 to help with this problem.
B	$ \large5$ Hint: Don't forget pq, etc. You might try plugging in p=2, q=3, and r=5 to help with this problem.
C	$ \large6$ Hint: You might try plugging in p=2, q=3, and r=5 to help with this problem.
D	$ \large8$ Hint: 1, p, q, r, pq, pr, qr, pqr.

Question 7 Explanation:

Topic: Recognize uses of prime factorization of a number (Objective 0018).

Question 8

Use the table below to answer the question that follows:

Each number in the table above represents a value W that is determined by the values of x and y. For example, when x=3 and y=1, W=5. What is the value of W when x=9 and y=14? Assume that the patterns in the table continue as shown.

A	$ \large W=-5$ Hint: When y is even, W is even.
B	$ \large W=4$ Hint: Note that when x increases by 1, W increases by 2, and when y increases by 1, W decreases by 1. At x=y=0, W=0, so at x=9, y=14, W has increased by $9 \times 2$ and decreased by 14, or W=18-14=4.
C	$ \large W=6$ Hint: Try fixing x or y at 0, and start by finding W for x=0 y=14 or x=9, y=0.
D	$ \large W=32$ Hint: Try fixing x or y at 0, and start by finding W for x=0 y=14 or x=9, y=0.

Question 8 Explanation:

Topic: Recognize and extend patterns using a variety of representations (e.g., verbal, numeric, pictorial, algebraic) (Objective 0021)

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

The histogram below shows the number of pairs of footware owned by a group of college students.

Which of the following statements can be inferred from the graph above?

A	The median number of pairs of footware owned is between 50 and 60 pairs. Hint: The same number of data points are less than the median as are greater than the median -- but on this histogram, clearly more than half the students own less than 50 pairs of shoes, so the median is less than 50.
B	The mode of the number of pairs of footware owned is 20. Hint: The mode is the most common number of pairs of footwear owned. We can't tell it from this histogram because each bar represents 10 different numbers-- perhaps 8 students each own each number from 10 to 19, but 40 students own exactly 6 pairs of shoes.... or perhaps not....
C	The mean number of pairs of footware owned is less than the median number of pairs of footware owned. Hint: This is a right skewed distribution, and so the mean is bigger than the median -- the few large values on the right pull up the mean, but have little effect on the median.
D	The median number of pairs of footware owned is between 10 and 20. Hint: There are approximately 230 students represented in this survey, and the 41st through 120th lowest values are between 10 and 20 -- thus the middle value is in that range.

Question 10 Explanation:

Topics: Analyze and interpret various graphic and data representations, and use measures of central tendency (e.g., mean, median, mode) and spread to describe and interpret real-world data (Objective 0025).

Question 11

Use the expression below to answer the question that follows.

$ \large \dfrac{\left( 4\times {{10}^{3}} \right)\times \left( 3\times {{10}^{4}} \right)}{6\times {{10}^{6}}}$

Which of the following is equivalent to the expression above?

A	2 Hint: $10^3 \times 10^4=10^7$, and note that if you're guessing when the answers are so closely related, you're generally better off guessing one of the middle numbers.
B	20 Hint: $ \dfrac{\left( 4\times {{10}^{3}} \right)\times \left( 3\times {{10}^{4}} \right)}{6\times {{10}^{6}}}=\dfrac {12 \times {{10}^{7}}}{6\times {{10}^{6}}}=$$2 \times {{10}^{1}}=20 $
C	200 Hint: $10^3 \times 10^4=10^7$
D	2000 Hint: $10^3 \times 10^4=10^7$, and note that if you're guessing when the answers are so closely related, you're generally better off guessing one of the middle numbers.

Question 11 Explanation:

Topics: Scientific notation, exponents, simplifying fractions (Objective 0016, although overlaps with other objectives too).

Question 12

Which of the following is an irrational number?

A	$ \large \sqrt[3]{8}$ Hint: This answer is the cube root of 8. Since 2 x 2 x 2 =8, this is equal to 2, which is rational because 2 = 2/1.
B	$ \large \sqrt{8}$ Hint: It is not trivial to prove that this is irrational, but you can get this answer by eliminating the other choices.
C	$ \large \dfrac{1}{8}$ Hint: 1/8 is the RATIO of two integers, so it is rational.
D	$ \large -8$ Hint: Negative integers are also rational, -8 = -8/1, a ratio of integers.

Question 12 Explanation:

Topic: Identifying rational and irrational numbers (Objective 0016).

Question 13

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 13 Explanation:

Topics: Calculate measurements and derive and use formulas for calculating the areas of geometric shapes and figures (Objective 0023).

Question 14

The polygon depicted below is drawn on dot paper, with the dots spaced 1 unit apart. What is the perimeter of the polygon?

A	$ \large 18+\sqrt{2} \text{ units}$ Hint: Be careful with the Pythagorean Theorem.
B	$ \large 18+2\sqrt{2}\text{ units}$ Hint: There are 13 horizontal or vertical 1 unit segments. The longer diagonal is the hypotenuse of a 3-4-5 right triangle, so its length is 5 units. The shorter diagonal is the hypotenuse of a 45-45-90 right triangle with side 2, so its hypotenuse has length $2 \sqrt{2}$.
C	$ \large 18 \text{ units} $ Hint: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the lengths of the diagonal segments.
D	$ \large 20 \text{ units}$ Hint: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the lengths of the diagonal segments.

Question 14 Explanation:

Topic: Recognize and apply connections between algebra and geometry (e.g., the use of coordinate systems, the Pythagorean theorem) (Objective 0024).

Question 15

M is a multiple of 26. Which of the following cannot be true?

A	M is odd. Hint: All multiples of 26 are also multiples of 2, so they must be even.
B	M is a multiple of 3. Hint: 3 x 26 is a multiple of both 3 and 26.
C	M is 26. Hint: 1 x 26 is a multiple of 26.
D	M is 0. Hint: 0 x 26 is a multiple of 26.

Question 15 Explanation:

Topic: Characteristics of composite numbers (Objective 0018).

Question 16

Here is a mental math strategy for computing 26 x 16:

Step 1: 100 x 16 = 1600

Step 2: 25 x 16 = 1600 ÷· 4 = 400

Step 3: 26 x 16 = 400 + 16 = 416

Which property best justifies Step 3 in this strategy?

A	Commutative Property. Hint: For addition, the commutative property is $a+b=b+a$ and for multiplication it's $ a \times b = b \times a$.
B	Associative Property. Hint: For addition, the associative property is $(a+b)+c=a+(b+c)$ and for multiplication it's $(a \times b) \times c=a \times (b \times c)$
C	Identity Property. Hint: 0 is the additive identity, because $ a+0=a$ and 1 is the multiplicative identity because $a \times 1=a$. The phrase "identity property" is not standard.
D	Distributive Property. Hint: $ (25+1) \times 16 = 25 \times 16 + 1 \times 16 $. This is an example of the distributive property of multiplication over addition.

Question 16 Explanation:

Topic: Analyze and justify mental math techniques, by applying arithmetic properties such as commutative, distributive, and associative (Objective 0019). Note that it's hard to write a question like this as a multiple choice question -- worthwhile to understand why the other steps work too.

Question 17

The first histogram shows the average life expectancies for women in different countries in Africa in 1998; the second histogram gives similar data for Europe:

How much bigger is the range of the data for Africa than the range of the data for Europe?

A	0 years Hint: Range is the maximum life expectancy minus the minimum life expectancy.
B	12 years Hint: Are you subtracting frequencies? Range is about values of the data, not frequency.
C	18 years Hint: It's a little hard to read the graph, but it doesn't matter if you're consistent. It looks like the range for Africa is 80-38= 42 years and for Europe is 88-64 = 24; 42-24=18.
D	42 years Hint: Read the question more carefully.

Question 17 Explanation:

Topic: Compare different data sets (Objective 0025).

Question 18

Four children randomly line up, single file. What is the probability that they are in height order, with the shortest child in front? All of the children are different heights.

A	$ \large \dfrac{1}{4}$ Hint: Try a simpler question with 3 children -- call them big, medium, and small -- and list all the ways they could line up. Then see how to extend your logic to the problem with 4 children.
B	$ \large \dfrac{1}{256} $ Hint: Try a simpler question with 3 children -- call them big, medium, and small -- and list all the ways they could line up. Then see how to extend your logic to the problem with 4 children.
C	$ \large \dfrac{1}{16}$ Hint: Try a simpler question with 3 children -- call them big, medium, and small -- and list all the ways they could line up. Then see how to extend your logic to the problem with 4 children.
D	$ \large \dfrac{1}{24}$ Hint: The number of ways for the children to line up is $4!=4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1 =24$ -- there are 4 choices for who is first in line, then 3 for who is second, etc. Only one of these lines has the children in the order specified.

Question 18 Explanation:

Topic: Apply knowledge of combinations and permutations to the computation of probabilities (Objective 0026).

Question 19

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

$q21 fraction area$

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 19 Explanation:

Topic: Models of Fractions (Objective 0017)

Question 20

Use the solution procedure below to answer the question that follows:

$ \large {\left( x+3 \right)}^{2}=10$

$ \large \left( x+3 \right)\left( x+3 \right)=10$

$ \large {x}^{2}+9=10$

$ \large {x}^{2}+9-9=10-9$

$ \large {x}^{2}=1$

$ \large x=1\text{ or }x=-1$

Which of the following is incorrect in the procedure shown above?

A	The commutative property is used incorrectly. Hint: The commutative property is $a+b=b+a$ or $ab=ba$.
B	The associative property is used incorrectly. Hint: The associative property is $a+(b+c)=(a+b)+c$ or $a \times (b \times c)=(a \times b) \times c$.
C	Order of operations is done incorrectly.
D	The distributive property is used incorrectly. Hint: $(x+3)(x+3)=x(x+3)+3(x+3)$=$x^2+3x+3x+9.$

Question 20 Explanation:

Topic: Justify algebraic manipulations by application of the properties of equality, the order of operations, the number properties, and the order properties (Objective 0020).

Question 21

Which of the following is equivalent to

$ \large A-B+C\div D\times E$?

A	$ \large A-B-\dfrac{C}{DE} $ Hint: In the order of operations, multiplication and division have the same priority, so do them left to right; same with addition and subtraction.
B	$ \large A-B+\dfrac{CE}{D}$ Hint: In practice, you're better off using parentheses than writing an expression like the one in the question. The PEMDAS acronym that many people memorize is misleading. Multiplication and division have equal priority and are done left to right. They have higher priority than addition and subtraction. Addition and subtraction also have equal priority and are done left to right.
C	$ \large \dfrac{AE-BE+CE}{D}$ Hint: Use order of operations, don't just compute left to right.
D	$ \large A-B+\dfrac{C}{DE}$ Hint: In the order of operations, multiplication and division have the same priority, so do them left to right

Question 21 Explanation:

Topic: Justify algebraic manipulations by application of the properties of order of operations (Objective 0020).

Question 22

The column below consists of two cubes and a cylinder. The cylinder has diameter y, which is also the length of the sides of each cube. The total height of the column is 5y. Which of the formulas below gives the volume of the column?

A	$ \large 2{{y}^{3}}+\dfrac{3\pi {{y}^{3}}}{4}$ Hint: The cubes each have volume $y^3$. The cylinder has radius $\dfrac{y}{2}$ and height $3y$. The volume of a cylinder is $\pi r^2 h=\pi ({\dfrac{y}{2}})^2(3y)=\dfrac{3\pi {{y}^{3}}}{4}$. Note that the volume of a cylinder is analogous to that of a prism -- area of the base times height.
B	$ \large 2{{y}^{3}}+3\pi {{y}^{3}}$ Hint: y is the diameter of the circle, not the radius.
C	$ \large {{y}^{3}}+5\pi {{y}^{3}}$ Hint: Don't forget to count both cubes.
D	$ \large 2{{y}^{3}}+\dfrac{3\pi {{y}^{3}}}{8}$ Hint: Make sure you know how to find the volume of a cylinder.

Question 22 Explanation:

Topic: Derive and use formulas for calculating the lengths, perimeters, areas, volumes, and surface areas of geometric shapes and figures (Objective 0023).

Question 23

There are 15 students for every teacher. Let t represent the number of teachers and let s represent the number of students. Which of the following equations is correct?

A	$ \large t=s+15$ Hint: When there are 2 teachers, how many students should there be? Do those values satisfy this equation?
B	$ \large s=t+15$ Hint: When there are 2 teachers, how many students should there be? Do those values satisfy this equation?
C	$ \large t=15s$ Hint: This is a really easy mistake to make, which comes from transcribing directly from English, "1 teachers equals 15 students." To see that it's wrong, plug in s=2; do you really need 30 teachers for 2 students? To avoid this mistake, insert the word "number," "Number of teachers equals 15 times number of students" is more clearly problematic.
D	$ \large s=15t$

Question 23 Explanation:

Topic: Select the linear equation that best models a real-world situation (Objective 0022).

Question 24

A solution requires 4 ml of saline for every 7 ml of medicine. How much saline would be required for 50 ml of medicine?

A	$ \large 28 \dfrac{4}{7}$ ml Hint: 49 ml of medicine requires 28 ml of saline. The extra ml of saline requires 4 ml saline/ 7 ml medicine = 4/7 ml saline per 1 ml medicine.
B	$ \large 28 \dfrac{1}{4}$ ml Hint: 49 ml of medicine requires 28 ml of saline. How much saline does the extra ml require?
C	$ \large 28 \dfrac{1}{7}$ ml Hint: 49 ml of medicine requires 28 ml of saline. How much saline does the extra ml require?
D	$ \large 87.5$ ml Hint: 49 ml of medicine requires 28 ml of saline. How much saline does the extra ml require?

Question 24 Explanation:

Topic: Apply proportional thinking to estimate quantities in real world situations (Objective 0019).

Question 25

Use the graph below to answer the question that follows.

Which of the following is a correct equation for the graph of the line depicted above?

A	$ \large y=-\dfrac{1}{2}x+2$ Hint: The slope is -1/2 and the y-intercept is 2. You can also try just plugging in points. For example, this is the only choice that gives y=1 when x=2.
B	$ \large 4x=2y$ Hint: This line goes through (0,0); the graph above does not.
C	$ \large y=x+2$ Hint: The line pictured has negative slope.
D	$ \large y=-x+2$ Hint: Try plugging x=4 into this equation and see if that point is on the graph above.

Question 25 Explanation:

Topic: Find a linear equation that represents a graph (Objective 0022).

Question 26

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 26 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 27

A homeowner is planning to tile the kitchen floor with tiles that measure 6 inches by 8 inches. The kitchen floor is a rectangle that measures 10 ft by 12 ft, and there are no gaps between the tiles. How many tiles does the homeowner need?

A	30 Hint: The floor is 120 sq feet, and the tiles are smaller than 1 sq foot. Also, remember that 1 sq foot is 12 $\times$ 12=144 sq inches.
B	120 Hint: The floor is 120 sq feet, and the tiles are smaller than 1 sq foot.
C	300 Hint: Recheck your calculations.
D	360 Hint: One way to do this is to note that 6 inches = 1/2 foot and 8 inches = 2/3 foot, so the area of each tile is 1/2 $\times$ 2/3=1/3 sq foot, or each square foot of floor requires 3 tiles. The area of the floor is 120 square feet. Note that the tiles would fit evenly oriented in either direction, parallel to the walls.

Question 27 Explanation:

Topic: Estimate and calculate measurements, use unit conversions to solve measurement problems, solve measurement problems in real-world situations (Objective 0023).

Question 28

Use the four figures below to answer the question that follows:

How many of the figures pictured above have at least one line of reflective symmetry?

A	$ \large 1$
B	$ \large 2$ Hint: The ellipse has 2 lines of reflective symmetry (horizontal and vertical, through the center) and the triangle has 3. The other two figures have rotational symmetry, but not reflective symmetry.
C	$ \large 3$
D	$ \large 4$ Hint: All four have rotational symmetry, but not reflective symmetry.

Question 28 Explanation:

Topic: Analyze and apply geometric transformations (e.g., translations, rotations, reflections, dilations); relate them to concepts of symmetry, similarity, and congruence; and use these concepts to solve problems (Objective 0024).

Question 29

Which of the lines depicted below is a graph of $ \large y=2x-5$?

A	a Hint: The slope of line a is negative.
B	b Hint: Wrong slope and wrong intercept.
C	c Hint: The intercept of line c is positive.
D	d Hint: Slope is 2 -- for every increase of 1 in x, y increases by 2. Intercept is -5 -- the point (0,-5) is on the line.

Question 29 Explanation:

Topic: Find a linear equation that represents a graph (Objective 0022).

Question 30

Which of the following is not possible?

A	An equiangular triangle that is not equilateral. Hint: The AAA property of triangles states that all triangles with corresponding angles congruent are similar. Thus all triangles with three equal angles are similar, and are equilateral.
B	An equiangular quadrilateral that is not equilateral. Hint: A rectangle is equiangular (all angles the same measure), but if it's not a square, it's not equilateral (all sides the same length).
C	An equilateral quadrilateral that is not equiangular. Hint: This rhombus has equal sides, but it doesn't have equal angles:
D	An equiangular hexagon that is not equilateral. Hint: This hexagon has equal angles, but it doesn't have equal sides:

Question 30 Explanation:

Topic: Classify and analyze polygons using attributes of sides and angles (Objective 0024).

Question 31

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 31 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 32

The equation $ \large F=\frac{9}{5}C+32$ is used to convert a temperature measured in Celsius to the equivalent Farentheit temperature.

A patient's temperature increased by 1.5° Celcius. By how many degrees Fahrenheit did her temperature increase?

A	1.5° Hint: Celsius and Fahrenheit don't increase at the same rate.
B	1.8° Hint: That's how much the Fahrenheit temp increases when the Celsius temp goes up by 1 degree.
C	2.7° Hint: Each degree increase in Celsius corresponds to a $\dfrac{9}{5}=1.8$ degree increase in Fahrenheit. Thus the increase is 1.8+0.9=2.7.
D	Not enough information. Hint: A linear equation has constant slope, which means that every increase of the same amount in one variable, gives a constant increase in the other variable. It doesn't matter what temperature the patient started out at.

Question 32 Explanation:

Topic: Interpret the meaning of the slope and the intercepts of a linear equation that models a real-world situation (Objective 0022).

Question 33

Which of the following is the equation of a linear function?

A	$ \large y={{x}^{2}}+2x+7$ Hint: This is a quadratic function.
B	$ \large y={{2}^{x}}$ Hint: This is an exponential function.
C	$ \large y=\dfrac{15}{x}$ Hint: This is an inverse function.
D	$ \large y=x+(x+4)$ Hint: This is a linear function, y=2x+4, it's graph is a straight line with slope 2 and y-intercept 4.

Question 33 Explanation:

Topic: Distinguish between linear and nonlinear functions (Objective 0022).

Question 34

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 34 Explanation:

Topic: Analyze Non-Standard Computational Algorithms (Objective 0019).

Question 35

The least common multiple of 60 and N is 1260. Which of the following could be the prime factorization of N?

A	$ \large2\cdot 5\cdot 7$ Hint: 1260 is divisible by 9 and 60 is not, so N must be divisible by 9 for 1260 to be the LCM.
B	$ \large{{2}^{3}}\cdot {{3}^{2}}\cdot 5 \cdot 7$ Hint: 1260 is not divisible by 8, so it isn't a multiple of this N.
C	$ \large3 \cdot 5 \cdot 7$ Hint: 1260 is divisible by 9 and 60 is not, so N must be divisible by 9 for 1260 to be the LCM.
D	$ \large{{3}^{2}}\cdot 5\cdot 7$ Hint: $1260=2^2 \cdot 3^2 \cdot 5 \cdot 7$ and $60=2^2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5$. In order for 1260 to be the LCM, N has to be a multiple of $3^2$ and of 7 (because 60 is not a multiple of either of these). N also cannot introduce a factor that would require the LCM to be larger (as in choice b).

Question 35 Explanation:

Topic: Least Common Multiple (Objective 0018)

Question 36

Here is a number trick:

1) Pick a whole number

2) Double your number.

3) Add 20 to the above result.

4) Multiply the above by 5

5) Subtract 100

6) Divide by 10

The result is always the number that you started with! Suppose you start by picking N. Which of the equations below best demonstrates that the result after Step 6 is also N?

A	$ \large N2+205-100\div 10=N$ Hint: Use parentheses or else order of operations is off.
B	$ \large \left( \left( 2N+20 \right)5-100 \right)\div 10=N$
C	$ \large \left( N+N+20 \right)*5-100\div 10=N$ Hint: With this answer you would subtract 10, instead of subtracting 100 and then dividing by 10.
D	$ \large \left( \left( \left( N\div 10 \right)-100 \right)5+20 \right)2=N$ Hint: This answer is quite backwards.

Question 36 Explanation:

Topic: Recognize and apply the concepts of variable, function, equality, and equation to express relationships algebraically (Objective 0020).

Question 37

At a school fundraising event, people can buy a ticket to spin a spinner like the one below. The region that the spinner lands in tells which, if any, prize the person wins.

If 240 people buy tickets to spin the spinner, what is the best estimate of the number of keychains that will be given away?

A	40 Hint: "Keychain" appears on the spinner twice.
B	80 Hint: The probability of getting a keychain is 1/3, and so about 1/3 of the time the spinner will win.
C	100 Hint: What is the probability of winning a keychain?
D	120 Hint: That would be the answer for getting any prize, not a keychain specifically.

Question 37 Explanation:

Topic: I would call this topic expected value, which is not listed on the objectives. This question is very similar to one on the sample test. It's not a good question in that it's oversimplified (a more difficult and interesting question would be something like, "The school bought 100 keychains for prizes, what is the probability that they will run out before 240 people play?"). In any case, I believe the objective this is meant for is, "Recognize the difference between experimentally and theoretically determined probabilities in real-world situations. (Objective 0026)." This is not something easily assessed with multiple choice .

Question 38

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 38 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).

Question 39

The picture below shows identical circles drawn on a piece of paper. The rectangle represents an index card that is blocking your view of $ \dfrac{3}{5}$ of the circles on the paper. How many circles are covered by the rectangle?

$q22 fraction dots covered$

A	4 Hint: The card blocks more than half of the circles, so this number is too small.
B	5 Hint: The card blocks more than half of the circles, so this number is too small.
C	8 Hint: The card blocks more than half of the circles, so this number is too small.
D	12 Hint: 2/5 of the circles or 8 circles are showing. Thus 4 circles represent 1/5 of the circles, and $4 \times 5=20$ circles represent 5/5 or all the circles. Thus 12 circles are hidden.

Question 39 Explanation:

Topic: Models of Fractions (Objective 0017)

Question 40

Kendra is trying to decide which fraction is greater, $ \dfrac{4}{7}$ or $ \dfrac{5}{8}$. Which of the following answers shows the best reasoning?

A	$ \dfrac{4}{7}$ is $ \dfrac{3}{7}$away from 1, and $ \dfrac{5}{8}$ is $ \dfrac{3}{8}$away from 1. Since eighth‘s are smaller than seventh‘s, $ \dfrac{5}{8}$ is closer to 1, and is the greater of the two fractions.
B	$ 7-4=3$ and $ 8-5=3$, so the fractions are equal. Hint: Not how to compare fractions. By this logic, 1/2 and 3/4 are equal, but 1/2 and 2/4 are not.
C	$ 4\times 8=32$ and $ 7\times 5=35$. Since $ 32<35$ , $ \dfrac{5}{8}<\dfrac{4}{7}$ Hint: Starts out as something that works, but the conclusion is wrong. 4/7 = 32/56 and 5/8 = 35/56. The cross multiplication gives the numerators, and 35/56 is bigger.
D	$ 4<5$ and $ 7<8$, so $ \dfrac{4}{7}<\dfrac{5}{8}$ Hint: Conclusion is correct, logic is wrong. With this reasoning, 1/2 would be less than 2/100,000.

Question 40 Explanation:

Topics: Comparing fractions, and understanding the meaning of fractions (Objective 0017).

Question 41

Below is a pictorial representation of $2\dfrac{1}{2}\div \dfrac{2}{3}$:

$Q45 frac div model$

Which of the following is the best description of how to find the quotient from the picture?

A	The quotient is $3\dfrac{3}{4}$. There are 3 whole blocks each representing $\dfrac{2}{3}$ and a partial block composed of 3 small rectangles. The 3 small rectangles represent $\dfrac{3}{4}$ of $\dfrac{2}{3}$.
B	The quotient is $3\dfrac{1}{2}$. There are 3 whole blocks each representing $\dfrac{2}{3}$ and a partial block composed of 3 small rectangles. The 3 small rectangles represent $\dfrac{3}{6}$ of a whole, or $\dfrac{1}{2}$. Hint: We are counting how many 2/3's are in 2 1/2: the unit becomes 2/3, not 1.
C	The quotient is $\dfrac{4}{15}$. There are four whole blocks separated into a total of 15 small rectangles. Hint: This explanation doesn't make much sense. Probably you are doing "invert and multiply," but inverting the wrong thing.
D	This picture cannot be used to find the quotient because it does not show how to separate $2\dfrac{1}{2}$ into equal sized groups. Hint: Study the measurement/quotative model of division. It's often very useful with fractions.

Question 41 Explanation:

Topic: Recognize and analyze pictorial representations of number operations. (Objective 0019).

Question 42

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 42 Explanation:

Topic: Converting between fractions, decimals, and percents (Objective 0017)

Question 43

What is the length of side $\overline{BD}$ in the triangle below, where $\angle DBA$ is a right angle?

A	$ \large 1$ Hint: Use the Pythagorean Theorem.
B	$ \large \sqrt{5}$ Hint: $2^2+e^2=3^2$ or $4+e^2=9;e^2=5; e=\sqrt{5}$.
C	$ \large \sqrt{13}$ Hint: e is not the hypotenuse.
D	$ \large 5$ Hint: Use the Pythagorean Theorem.

Question 43 Explanation:

Topic: Derive and use formulas for calculating the lengths, perimeters, areas, volumes, and surface areas of geometric shapes and figures (Objective 0023), and recognize and apply connections between algebra and geometry (e.g., the use of coordinate systems, the Pythagorean theorem) (Objective 0024).

Question 44

There are six gumballs in a bag — two red and four green. Six children take turns picking a gumball out of the bag without looking. They do not return any gumballs to the bag. What is the probability that the first two children to pick from the bag pick the red gumballs?

A	$ \large \dfrac{1}{3}$ Hint: This is the probability that the first child picks a red gumball, but not that the first two children pick red gumballs.
B	$ \large \dfrac{1}{8}$ Hint: Are you adding things that you should be multiplying?
C	$ \large \dfrac{1}{9}$ Hint: This would be the probability if the gumballs were returned to the bag.
D	$ \large \dfrac{1}{15}$ Hint: The probability that the first child picks red is 2/6 = 1/3. Then there are 5 gumballs in the bag, one red, so the probability that the second child picks red is 1/5. Thus 1/5 of the time, after the first child picks red, the second does too, so the probability is 1/5 x 1/3 = 1/15.

Question 44 Explanation:

Topic: Calculate the probabilities of simple and compound events and of independent and dependent events (Objective 0026).

Question 45

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 45 Explanation:

Topic: Use algebra to solve word problems involving fractions, ratios, proportions, and percents (Objective 0020).

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If you found a mistake or have comments on a particular question, please contact me (please copy and paste at least part of the question into the form, as the numbers change depending on how quizzes are displayed). General comments can be left here.

A	The student‘s solution is correct. Hint: Try plugging into the original solution.
B	The student did not correctly use properties of equality. Hint: After \( x=-2x+10\), the student subtracted 2x on the left and added 2x on the right.
C	The student did not correctly use the distributive property. Hint: Distributive property is \(a(b+c)=ab+ac\).
D	The student did not correctly use the commutative property. Hint: Commutative property is \(a+b=b+a\) or \(ab=ba\).

A	\( \large 60\dfrac{\text{miles}}{\text{hour}}\cdot 5280\dfrac{\text{feet}}{\text{mile}}\cdot 60\dfrac{\text{minutes}}{\text{hour}}\cdot 60\dfrac{\text{seconds}}{\text{minute}} \) Hint: This answer is not in feet/second.
B	\( \large 60\dfrac{\text{miles}}{\text{hour}}\cdot 5280\dfrac{\text{feet}}{\text{mile}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{60}\dfrac{\text{hour}}{\text{minutes}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{60}\dfrac{\text{minute}}{\text{seconds}} \) Hint: This is the only choice where the answer is in feet per second and the unit conversions are correct.
C	\( \large 60\dfrac{\text{miles}}{\text{hour}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{5280}\dfrac{\text{foot}}{\text{miles}}\cdot 60\dfrac{\text{hours}}{\text{minute}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{60}\dfrac{\text{minute}}{\text{seconds}}\) Hint: Are there really 60 hours in a minute?
D	\( \large 60\dfrac{\text{miles}}{\text{hour}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{5280}\dfrac{\text{mile}}{\text{feet}}\cdot 60\dfrac{\text{minutes}}{\text{hour}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{60}\dfrac{\text{minute}}{\text{seconds}}\) Hint: This answer is not in feet/second.

A	\( \large \dfrac{x}{2}\) Hint: If x is odd, then \( \dfrac{x}{2} \) is not an integer, e.g. 3/2 = 1.5.
B	\( \large \dfrac{2}{x}\) Hint: Only an integer if x = -2, -1, 1, or 2.
C	\( \large-x\) Hint: -1 times any integer is still an integer.
D	\(\large\sqrt{x}\) Hint: Usually not an integer, e.g. \( \sqrt{2} \approx 1.414 \).

A	\( \large 20{}^\circ \) Hint: Angles ACD and ADC are congruent since they are base angles of an isosceles triangle. Since the angles of a triangle sum to 180, they sum to 80, and they are 40 deg each. Thus angle ADE is 140 deg, since it makes a straight line with angle ADC. Angles DAE and DEA are base angles of an isosceles triangle and thus congruent-- they sum to 40 deg, so are 20 deg each.
B	\( \large 25{}^\circ \) Hint: If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then it's isosceles, and the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.
C	\( \large 30{}^\circ \) Hint: If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then it's isosceles, and the base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.
D	\( \large 40{}^\circ \) Hint: Make sure you're calculating the correct angle.

A	\( \large \dfrac{7}{16}\) Hint: Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction in the order of operations.
B	\( \large \dfrac{1}{2}\) Hint: Addition and subtraction are of equal priority in the order of operations -- do them left to right.
C	\( \large \dfrac{3}{4}\) Hint: \( \dfrac{3}{4}-\dfrac{1}{8}+\dfrac{2}{8}\times \dfrac{1}{2}\)=\( \dfrac{3}{4}-\dfrac{1}{8}+\dfrac{1}{8}\)=\( \dfrac{3}{4}+-\dfrac{1}{8}+\dfrac{1}{8}\)=\( \dfrac{3}{4}\)
D	\( \large \dfrac{3}{16}\) Hint: Multiplication comes before addition and subtraction in the order of operations.

A	\( \large3\) Hint: 1, p, q, r, and pqr are already 5, so this isn't enough. You might try plugging in p=2, q=3, and r=5 to help with this problem.
B	\( \large5\) Hint: Don't forget pq, etc. You might try plugging in p=2, q=3, and r=5 to help with this problem.
C	\( \large6\) Hint: You might try plugging in p=2, q=3, and r=5 to help with this problem.
D	\( \large8\) Hint: 1, p, q, r, pq, pr, qr, pqr.

A	\( \large W=-5\) Hint: When y is even, W is even.
B	\( \large W=4\) Hint: Note that when x increases by 1, W increases by 2, and when y increases by 1, W decreases by 1. At x=y=0, W=0, so at x=9, y=14, W has increased by \(9 \times 2\) and decreased by 14, or W=18-14=4.
C	\( \large W=6\) Hint: Try fixing x or y at 0, and start by finding W for x=0 y=14 or x=9, y=0.
D	\( \large W=32\) Hint: Try fixing x or y at 0, and start by finding W for x=0 y=14 or x=9, y=0.

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.

A	2 Hint: \(10^3 \times 10^4=10^7\), and note that if you're guessing when the answers are so closely related, you're generally better off guessing one of the middle numbers.
B	20 Hint: \( \dfrac{\left( 4\times {{10}^{3}} \right)\times \left( 3\times {{10}^{4}} \right)}{6\times {{10}^{6}}}=\dfrac {12 \times {{10}^{7}}}{6\times {{10}^{6}}}=\)\(2 \times {{10}^{1}}=20 \)
C	200 Hint: \(10^3 \times 10^4=10^7\)
D	2000 Hint: \(10^3 \times 10^4=10^7\), and note that if you're guessing when the answers are so closely related, you're generally better off guessing one of the middle numbers.

A	\( \large \sqrt[3]{8}\) Hint: This answer is the cube root of 8. Since 2 x 2 x 2 =8, this is equal to 2, which is rational because 2 = 2/1.
B	\( \large \sqrt{8}\) Hint: It is not trivial to prove that this is irrational, but you can get this answer by eliminating the other choices.
C	\( \large \dfrac{1}{8}\) Hint: 1/8 is the RATIO of two integers, so it is rational.
D	\( \large -8\) Hint: Negative integers are also rational, -8 = -8/1, a ratio of integers.

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.

A	\( \large 18+\sqrt{2} \text{ units}\) Hint: Be careful with the Pythagorean Theorem.
B	\( \large 18+2\sqrt{2}\text{ units}\) Hint: There are 13 horizontal or vertical 1 unit segments. The longer diagonal is the hypotenuse of a 3-4-5 right triangle, so its length is 5 units. The shorter diagonal is the hypotenuse of a 45-45-90 right triangle with side 2, so its hypotenuse has length \(2 \sqrt{2}\).
C	\( \large 18 \text{ units} \) Hint: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the lengths of the diagonal segments.
D	\( \large 20 \text{ units}\) Hint: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the lengths of the diagonal segments.

A	\( \large \dfrac{1}{4}\) Hint: Try a simpler question with 3 children -- call them big, medium, and small -- and list all the ways they could line up. Then see how to extend your logic to the problem with 4 children.
B	\( \large \dfrac{1}{256} \) Hint: Try a simpler question with 3 children -- call them big, medium, and small -- and list all the ways they could line up. Then see how to extend your logic to the problem with 4 children.
C	\( \large \dfrac{1}{16}\) Hint: Try a simpler question with 3 children -- call them big, medium, and small -- and list all the ways they could line up. Then see how to extend your logic to the problem with 4 children.
D	\( \large \dfrac{1}{24}\) Hint: The number of ways for the children to line up is \(4!=4 \times 3 \times 2 \times 1 =24\) -- there are 4 choices for who is first in line, then 3 for who is second, etc. Only one of these lines has the children in the order specified.

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.

A	\( \large A-B-\dfrac{C}{DE} \) Hint: In the order of operations, multiplication and division have the same priority, so do them left to right; same with addition and subtraction.
B	\( \large A-B+\dfrac{CE}{D}\) Hint: In practice, you're better off using parentheses than writing an expression like the one in the question. The PEMDAS acronym that many people memorize is misleading. Multiplication and division have equal priority and are done left to right. They have higher priority than addition and subtraction. Addition and subtraction also have equal priority and are done left to right.
C	\( \large \dfrac{AE-BE+CE}{D}\) Hint: Use order of operations, don't just compute left to right.
D	\( \large A-B+\dfrac{C}{DE}\) Hint: In the order of operations, multiplication and division have the same priority, so do them left to right

A	\( \large 2{{y}^{3}}+\dfrac{3\pi {{y}^{3}}}{4}\) Hint: The cubes each have volume \(y^3\). The cylinder has radius \(\dfrac{y}{2}\) and height \(3y\). The volume of a cylinder is \(\pi r^2 h=\pi ({\dfrac{y}{2}})^2(3y)=\dfrac{3\pi {{y}^{3}}}{4}\). Note that the volume of a cylinder is analogous to that of a prism -- area of the base times height.
B	\( \large 2{{y}^{3}}+3\pi {{y}^{3}}\) Hint: y is the diameter of the circle, not the radius.
C	\( \large {{y}^{3}}+5\pi {{y}^{3}}\) Hint: Don't forget to count both cubes.
D	\( \large 2{{y}^{3}}+\dfrac{3\pi {{y}^{3}}}{8}\) Hint: Make sure you know how to find the volume of a cylinder.

A	\( \large t=s+15\) Hint: When there are 2 teachers, how many students should there be? Do those values satisfy this equation?
B	\( \large s=t+15\) Hint: When there are 2 teachers, how many students should there be? Do those values satisfy this equation?
C	\( \large t=15s\) Hint: This is a really easy mistake to make, which comes from transcribing directly from English, "1 teachers equals 15 students." To see that it's wrong, plug in s=2; do you really need 30 teachers for 2 students? To avoid this mistake, insert the word "number," "Number of teachers equals 15 times number of students" is more clearly problematic.
D	\( \large s=15t\)

A	\( \large 28 \dfrac{4}{7}\) ml Hint: 49 ml of medicine requires 28 ml of saline. The extra ml of saline requires 4 ml saline/ 7 ml medicine = 4/7 ml saline per 1 ml medicine.
B	\( \large 28 \dfrac{1}{4}\) ml Hint: 49 ml of medicine requires 28 ml of saline. How much saline does the extra ml require?
C	\( \large 28 \dfrac{1}{7}\) ml Hint: 49 ml of medicine requires 28 ml of saline. How much saline does the extra ml require?
D	\( \large 87.5\) ml Hint: 49 ml of medicine requires 28 ml of saline. How much saline does the extra ml require?

A	\( \large y=-\dfrac{1}{2}x+2\) Hint: The slope is -1/2 and the y-intercept is 2. You can also try just plugging in points. For example, this is the only choice that gives y=1 when x=2.
B	\( \large 4x=2y\) Hint: This line goes through (0,0); the graph above does not.
C	\( \large y=x+2\) Hint: The line pictured has negative slope.
D	\( \large y=-x+2\) Hint: Try plugging x=4 into this equation and see if that point is on the graph above.

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.

A	\( \large 1\)
B	\( \large 2\) Hint: The ellipse has 2 lines of reflective symmetry (horizontal and vertical, through the center) and the triangle has 3. The other two figures have rotational symmetry, but not reflective symmetry.
C	\( \large 3\)
D	\( \large 4\) Hint: All four have rotational symmetry, but not reflective symmetry.

A	\( \large y={{x}^{2}}+2x+7\) Hint: This is a quadratic function.
B	\( \large y={{2}^{x}}\) Hint: This is an exponential function.
C	\( \large y=\dfrac{15}{x}\) Hint: This is an inverse function.
D	\( \large y=x+(x+4)\) Hint: This is a linear function, y=2x+4, it's graph is a straight line with slope 2 and y-intercept 4.

A	\( \large2\cdot 5\cdot 7\) Hint: 1260 is divisible by 9 and 60 is not, so N must be divisible by 9 for 1260 to be the LCM.
B	\( \large{{2}^{3}}\cdot {{3}^{2}}\cdot 5 \cdot 7\) Hint: 1260 is not divisible by 8, so it isn't a multiple of this N.
C	\( \large3 \cdot 5 \cdot 7\) Hint: 1260 is divisible by 9 and 60 is not, so N must be divisible by 9 for 1260 to be the LCM.
D	\( \large{{3}^{2}}\cdot 5\cdot 7\) Hint: \(1260=2^2 \cdot 3^2 \cdot 5 \cdot 7\) and \(60=2^2 \cdot 3 \cdot 5\). In order for 1260 to be the LCM, N has to be a multiple of \(3^2\) and of 7 (because 60 is not a multiple of either of these). N also cannot introduce a factor that would require the LCM to be larger (as in choice b).

A	\( \large N2+205-100\div 10=N\) Hint: Use parentheses or else order of operations is off.
B	\( \large \left( \left( 2N+20 \right)5-100 \right)\div 10=N\)
C	\( \large \left( N+N+20 \right)*5-100\div 10=N\) Hint: With this answer you would subtract 10, instead of subtracting 100 and then dividing by 10.
D	\( \large \left( \left( \left( N\div 10 \right)-100 \right)5+20 \right)2=N\) Hint: This answer is quite backwards.

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 \(6+N = -4\)

MTEL General Curriculum Mathematics Practice

Here is a student's work solving an equation:

\( x-4=-2x+6\)

\( x-4+4=-2x+6+4\)

\( x=-2x+10\)

\( x-2x=10\)

\( x=10\)

Which of the following statements is true?

The student‘s solution is correct.

The student did not correctly use properties of equality.

The student did not correctly use the distributive property.

The student did not correctly use the commutative property.

A teacher has a list of all the countries in the world and their populations in March 2012. She is going to have her students use technology to compute the mean and median of the numbers on the list. Which of the following statements is true?

The teacher can be sure that the mean and median will be the same without doing any computation.

The teacher can be sure that the mean is bigger than the median without doing any computation.

The teacher can be sure that the median is bigger than the mean without doing any computation.

There is no way for the teacher to know the relative size of the mean and median without computing them.

A car is traveling at 60 miles per hour. Which of the expressions below could be used to compute how many feet the car travels in 1 second? Note that 1 mile = 5,280 feet.

If x is an integer, which of the following must also be an integer?

In the triangle below, \(\overline{AC}\cong \overline{AD}\cong \overline{DE}\) and \(m\angle CAD=100{}^\circ \). What is \(m\angle DAE\)?

Which of the following is equivalent to \( \dfrac{3}{4}-\dfrac{1}{8}+\dfrac{2}{8}\times \dfrac{1}{2}?\)

The prime factorization of n can be written as n=pqr, where p, q, and r are distinct prime numbers. How many factors does n have, including 1 and itself?

Use the table below to answer the question that follows:

Each number in the table above represents a value W that is determined by the values of x and y. For example, when x=3 and y=1, W=5. What is the value of W when x=9 and y=14? Assume that the patterns in the table continue as shown.

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?

The histogram below shows the number of pairs of footware owned by a group of college students.

Which of the following statements can be inferred from the graph above?

The median number of pairs of footware owned is between 50 and 60 pairs.

The mode of the number of pairs of footware owned is 20.

The mean number of pairs of footware owned is less than the median number of pairs of footware owned.

The median number of pairs of footware owned is between 10 and 20.

Use the expression below to answer the question that follows.

\( \large \dfrac{\left( 4\times {{10}^{3}} \right)\times \left( 3\times {{10}^{4}} \right)}{6\times {{10}^{6}}}\)

Which of the following is equivalent to the expression above?

2

20

200

2000

Which of the following is an irrational number?

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?

The polygon depicted below is drawn on dot paper, with the dots spaced 1 unit apart. What is the perimeter of the polygon?

M is a multiple of 26. Which of the following cannot be true?

M is odd.

M is a multiple of 3.

M is 26.

M is 0.

Here is a mental math strategy for computing 26 x 16:

Step 1: 100 x 16 = 1600

Step 2: 25 x 16 = 1600 ÷· 4 = 400

Step 3: 26 x 16 = 400 + 16 = 416

Which property best justifies Step 3 in this strategy?

Commutative Property.

Associative Property.

Identity Property.

Distributive Property.

The first histogram shows the average life expectancies for women in different countries in Africa in 1998; the second histogram gives similar data for Europe:

How much bigger is the range of the data for Africa than the range of the data for Europe?

0 years

12 years

18 years

42 years

Four children randomly line up, single file. What is the probability that they are in height order, with the shortest child in front? All of the children are different heights.

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

Use the solution procedure below to answer the question that follows:

\( \large {\left( x+3 \right)}^{2}=10\)

\( \large \left( x+3 \right)\left( x+3 \right)=10\)

\( \large {x}^{2}+9=10\)

\( \large {x}^{2}+9-9=10-9\)

\( \large {x}^{2}=1\)

\( \large x=1\text{ or }x=-1\)

Which of the following is incorrect in the procedure shown above?

The commutative property is used incorrectly.

The associative property is used incorrectly.

Order of operations is done incorrectly.

The distributive property is used incorrectly.

Which of the following is equivalent to

\( \large A-B+C\div D\times E\)?

The column below consists of two cubes and a cylinder. The cylinder has diameter y, which is also the length of the sides of each cube. The total height of the column is 5y. Which of the formulas below gives the volume of the column?

A	\( \dfrac{4}{7}\) is \( \dfrac{3}{7}\)away from 1, and \( \dfrac{5}{8}\) is \( \dfrac{3}{8}\)away from 1. Since eighth‘s are smaller than seventh‘s, \( \dfrac{5}{8}\) is closer to 1, and is the greater of the two fractions.
B	\( 7-4=3\) and \( 8-5=3\), so the fractions are equal. Hint: Not how to compare fractions. By this logic, 1/2 and 3/4 are equal, but 1/2 and 2/4 are not.
C	\( 4\times 8=32\) and \( 7\times 5=35\). Since \( 32<35\) , \( \dfrac{5}{8}<\dfrac{4}{7}\) Hint: Starts out as something that works, but the conclusion is wrong. 4/7 = 32/56 and 5/8 = 35/56. The cross multiplication gives the numerators, and 35/56 is bigger.
D	\( 4<5\) and \( 7<8\), so \( \dfrac{4}{7}<\dfrac{5}{8}\) Hint: Conclusion is correct, logic is wrong. With this reasoning, 1/2 would be less than 2/100,000.

A	The quotient is \(3\dfrac{3}{4}\). There are 3 whole blocks each representing \(\dfrac{2}{3}\) and a partial block composed of 3 small rectangles. The 3 small rectangles represent \(\dfrac{3}{4}\) of \(\dfrac{2}{3}\).
B	The quotient is \(3\dfrac{1}{2}\). There are 3 whole blocks each representing \(\dfrac{2}{3}\) and a partial block composed of 3 small rectangles. The 3 small rectangles represent \(\dfrac{3}{6}\) of a whole, or \(\dfrac{1}{2}\). Hint: We are counting how many 2/3's are in 2 1/2: the unit becomes 2/3, not 1.
C	The quotient is \(\dfrac{4}{15}\). There are four whole blocks separated into a total of 15 small rectangles. Hint: This explanation doesn't make much sense. Probably you are doing "invert and multiply," but inverting the wrong thing.
D	This picture cannot be used to find the quotient because it does not show how to separate \(2\dfrac{1}{2}\) into equal sized groups. Hint: Study the measurement/quotative model of division. It's often very useful with fractions.

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. \(\large\dfrac{14}{35}\)

A	\( \large 1\) Hint: Use the Pythagorean Theorem.
B	\( \large \sqrt{5}\) Hint: \(2^2+e^2=3^2\) or \(4+e^2=9;e^2=5; e=\sqrt{5}\).
C	\( \large \sqrt{13}\) Hint: e is not the hypotenuse.
D	\( \large 5\) Hint: Use the Pythagorean Theorem.

A	\( \large \dfrac{1}{3}\) Hint: This is the probability that the first child picks a red gumball, but not that the first two children pick red gumballs.
B	\( \large \dfrac{1}{8}\) Hint: Are you adding things that you should be multiplying?
C	\( \large \dfrac{1}{9}\) Hint: This would be the probability if the gumballs were returned to the bag.
D	\( \large \dfrac{1}{15}\) Hint: The probability that the first child picks red is 2/6 = 1/3. Then there are 5 gumballs in the bag, one red, so the probability that the second child picks red is 1/5. Thus 1/5 of the time, after the first child picks red, the second does too, so the probability is 1/5 x 1/3 = 1/15.

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.

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