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

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 1 Explanation:

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

Question 2

Some children explored the diagonals in 2 x 2 squares on pages of a calendar (where all four squares have numbers in them). They conjectured that the sum of the diagonals is always equal; in the example below, 8+16=9+15.

Which of the equations below could best be used to explain why the children's conjecture is correct?

A	$ \large 8x+16x=9x+15x$ Hint: What would x represent in this case? Make sure you can describe in words what x represents.
B	$ \large x+(x+2)=(x+1)+(x+1)$ Hint: What would x represent in this case? Make sure you can describe in words what x represents.
C	$ \large x+(x+8)=(x+1)+(x+7)$ Hint: x is the number in the top left square, x+8 is one below and to the right, x+1 is to the right of x, and x+7 is below x.
D	$ \large x+8+16=x+9+15$ Hint: What would x represent in this case? Make sure you can describe in words what x represents.

Question 2 Explanation:

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

Question 3

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 3 Explanation:

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

Question 4

In which table below is y a function of x?

A	Hint: If x=3, y can have two different values, so it's not a function.
B	Hint: If x=3, y can have two different values, so it's not a function.
C	Hint: If x=1, y can have different values, so it's not a function.
D	Hint: Each value of x always corresponds to the same value of y.

Question 4 Explanation:

Topic: Understand the definition of function and various representations of functions (e.g., input/output machines, tables, graphs, mapping diagrams, formulas) (Objective 0021).

Question 5

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 5 Explanation:

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

Question 6

A publisher prints a series of books with covers made of identical material and using the same thickness of paper for each page. The covers of the book together are 0.4 cm thick, and 125 pieces of the paper used together are 1 cm thick.

The publisher uses a linear function to determine the total thickness, T(n) of a book made with n sheets of paper. What are the slope and intercept of T(n)?

A	Intercept = 0.4 cm, Slope = 125 cm/page Hint: This would mean that each page of the book was 125 cm thick.
B	Intercept =0.4 cm, Slope = $\dfrac{1}{125}$cm/page Hint: The intercept is how thick the book would be with no pages in it. The slope is how much 1 extra page adds to the thickness of the book.
C	Intercept = 125 cm, Slope = 0.4 cm Hint: This would mean that with no pages in the book, it would be 125 cm thick.
D	Intercept = $\dfrac{1}{125}$cm, Slope = 0.4 pages/cm Hint: This would mean that each new page of the book made it 0.4 cm thicker.

Question 6 Explanation:

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

Question 7

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 7 Explanation:

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

Question 8

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 8 Explanation:

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

Question 9

Given that 10 cm is approximately equal to 4 inches, which of the following expressions models a way to find out approximately how many inches are equivalent to 350 cm?

A	$ \large 350\times \left( \dfrac{10}{4} \right)$ Hint: The final result should be smaller than 350, and this answer is bigger.
B	$ \large 350\times \left( \dfrac{4}{10} \right)$ Hint: Dimensional analysis can help here: $350 \text{cm} \times \dfrac{4 \text{in}}{10 \text{cm}}$. The cm's cancel and the answer is in inches.
C	$ \large (10-4) \times 350 $ Hint: This answer doesn't make much sense. Try with a simpler example (e.g. 20 cm not 350 cm) to make sure that your logic makes sense.
D	$ \large (350-10) \times 4$ Hint: This answer doesn't make much sense. Try with a simpler example (e.g. 20 cm not 350 cm) to make sure that your logic makes sense.

Question 9 Explanation:

Topic: Applying fractions to word problems (Objective 0017) This problem is similar to one on the official sample test for that objective, but it might fit better into unit conversion and dimensional analysis (Objective 0023: Measurement)

Question 10

Use the expression below to answer the question that follows.

$ \large 3\times {{10}^{4}}+2.2\times {{10}^{2}}$

Which of the following is closest to the expression above?

A	Five million Hint: Pay attention to the exponents. Adding 3 and 2 doesn't work because they have different place values.
B	Fifty thousand Hint: Pay attention to the exponents. Adding 3 and 2 doesn't work because they have different place values.
C	Three million Hint: Don't add the exponents.
D	Thirty thousand Hint: $ 3\times {{10}^{4}} = 30,000;$ the other term is much smaller and doesn't change the estimate.

Question 10 Explanation:

Topics: Place value, scientific notation, estimation (Objective 0016)

Question 11

The "houses" below are made of toothpicks and gum drops.

How many toothpicks are there in a row of 53 houses?

A	212 Hint: Can the number of toothpicks be even?
B	213 Hint: One way to see this is that every new "house" adds 4 toothpicks to the leftmost vertical toothpick -- so the total number is 1 plus 4 times the number of "houses." There are many other ways to look at the problem too.
C	217 Hint: Try your strategy with a smaller number of "houses" so you can count and find your mistake.
D	265 Hint: Remember that the "houses" overlap some walls.

Question 11 Explanation:

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

Question 12

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 12 Explanation:

Topic: Converting between fraction and decimal representations (Objective 0017)

Question 13

Which of the following is equal to one million three hundred thousand?

A	$\large1.3\times {{10}^{6}}$
B	$\large1.3\times {{10}^{9}}$ Hint: That's one billion three hundred million.
C	$\large1.03\times {{10}^{6}}$ Hint: That's one million thirty thousand.
D	$\large1.03\times {{10}^{9}}$ Hint: That's one billion thirty million

Question 13 Explanation:

Topic: Scientific Notation (Objective 0016)

Question 14

The Americans with Disabilties Act (ADA) regulations state that the maximum slope for a wheelchair ramp in new construction is 1:12, although slopes between 1:16 and 1:20 are preferred. The maximum rise for any run is 30 inches. The graph below shows the rise and runs of four different wheelchair ramps. Which ramp is in compliance with the ADA regulations for new construction?

A	A Hint: Rise is more than 30 inches.
B	B Hint: Run is almost 24 feet, so rise can be almost 2 feet.
C	C Hint: Run is 12 feet, so rise can be at most 1 foot.
D	D Hint: Slope is 1:10 -- too steep.

Question 14 Explanation:

Topic: Interpret meaning of slope in a real world situation (Objective 0022).

Question 15

Which of the following points is closest to $ \dfrac{34}{135} \times \dfrac{53}{86}$?

A	A Hint: $\frac{34}{135} \approx \frac{1}{4}$ and $ \frac{53}{86} \approx \frac {2}{3}$. $\frac {1}{4}$ of $\frac {2}{3}$ is small and closest to A.
B	B Hint: Estimate with simpler fractions.
C	C Hint: Estimate with simpler fractions.
D	D Hint: Estimate with simpler fractions.

Question 15 Explanation:

Topic: Understand meaning and models of operations on fractions (Objective 0019).

Question 16

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 16 Explanation:

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

Question 17

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 17 Explanation:

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

Question 18

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 18 Explanation:

Identify variables and derive algebraic expressions that represent real-world situations (Objective 0020).

Question 19

Here is a student's work on several multiplication problems:

For which of the following problems is this student most likely to get the correct solution, even though he is using an incorrect algorithm?

A	58 x 22 Hint: This problem involves regrouping, which the student does not do correctly.
B	16 x 24 Hint: This problem involves regrouping, which the student does not do correctly.
C	31 x 23 Hint: There is no regrouping with this problem.
D	141 x 32 Hint: This problem involves regrouping, which the student does not do correctly.

Question 19 Explanation:

Topic: Analyze computational algorithms (Objective 0019).

Question 20

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 20 Explanation:

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

Question 21

Which of the lists below is in order from least to greatest value?

A	$ \large \dfrac{1}{2},\quad \dfrac{1}{3},\quad \dfrac{1}{4},\quad \dfrac{1}{5}$ Hint: This is ordered from greatest to least.
B	$ \large \dfrac{1}{3},\quad \dfrac{2}{7},\quad \dfrac{3}{8},\quad \dfrac{4}{11}$ Hint: 1/3 = 2/6 is bigger than 2/7.
C	$ \large \dfrac{1}{4},\quad \dfrac{2}{5},\quad \dfrac{2}{3},\quad \dfrac{4}{5}$ Hint: One way to look at this: 1/4 and 2/5 are both less than 1/2, and 2/3 and 4/5 are both greater than 1/2. 1/4 is 25% and 2/5 is 40%, so 2/5 is greater. The distance from 2/3 to 1 is 1/3 and from 4/5 to 1 is 1/5, and 1/5 is less than 1/3, so 4/5 is bigger.
D	$ \large \dfrac{7}{8},\quad \dfrac{6}{7},\quad \dfrac{5}{6},\quad \dfrac{4}{5}$ Hint: This is in order from greatest to least.

Question 21 Explanation:

Topic: Ordering Fractions (Objective 0017)

Question 22

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 22 Explanation:

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

Question 23

If two fair coins are flipped, what is the probability that one will come up heads and the other tails?

A	$ \large \dfrac{1}{4}$ Hint: Think of the coins as a penny and a dime, and list all possibilities.
B	$ \large \dfrac{1}{3} $ Hint: This is a very common misconception. There are three possible outcomes -- both heads, both tails, and one of each -- but they are not equally likely. Think of the coins as a penny and a dime, and list all possibilities.
C	$ \large \dfrac{1}{2}$ Hint: The possibilities are HH, HT, TH, TT, and all are equally likely. Two of the four have one of each coin, so the probability is 2/4=1/2.
D	$ \large \dfrac{3}{4}$ Hint: Think of the coins as a penny and a dime, and list all possibilities.

Question 23 Explanation:

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

Question 24

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 24 Explanation:

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

Question 25

Here is a method that a student used for subtraction:

Which of the following is correct?

A	The student used a method that worked for this problem and can be generalized to any subtraction problem. Hint: Note that this algorithm is taught as the "standard" algorithm in much of Europe (it's where the term "borrowing" came from -- you borrow on top and "pay back" on the bottom).
B	The student used a method that worked for this problem and that will work for any subtraction problem that only requires one regrouping; it will not work if more regrouping is required. Hint: Try some more examples.
C	The student used a method that worked for this problem and will work for all three-digit subtraction problems, but will not work for larger problems. Hint: Try some more examples.
D	The student used a method that does not work. The student made two mistakes that cancelled each other out and was lucky to get the right answer for this problem. Hint: Remember, there are many ways to do subtraction; there is no one "right" algorithm.

Question 25 Explanation:

Topic: Analyze and justify standard and non-standard computational techniques (Objective 0019).

Question 26

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 26 Explanation:

Topic: Integers (Objective 0016)

Question 27

The speed of sound in dry air at 68 degrees F is 343.2 meters per second. Which of the expressions below could be used to compute the number of kilometers that a sound wave travels in 10 minutes (in dry air at 68 degrees F)?

A	$ \large 343.2\times 60\times 10$ Hint: In kilometers, not meters.
B	$ \large 343.2\times 60\times 10\times \dfrac{1}{1000}$ Hint: Units are meters/sec $\times$ seconds/minute $\times$ minutes $\times$ kilometers/meter, and the answer is in kilometers.
C	$ \large 343.2\times \dfrac{1}{60}\times 10$ Hint: Include units and make sure answer is in kilometers.
D	$ \large 343.2\times \dfrac{1}{60}\times 10\times \dfrac{1}{1000}$ Hint: Include units and make sure answer is in kilometers.

Question 27 Explanation:

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

Question 28

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 28 Explanation:

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

Question 29

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 29 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 30

The table below gives the result of a survey at a college, asking students whether they were residents or commuters:

Based on the above data, what is the probability that a randomly chosen commuter student is a junior or a senior?

A	$ \large \dfrac{34}{43}$
B	$ \large \dfrac{34}{71}$ Hint: This is the probability that a randomly chosen junior or senior is a commuter student.
C	$ \large \dfrac{34}{147}$ Hint: This is the probability that a randomly chosen student is a junior or senior who is a commuter.
D	$ \large \dfrac{71}{147}$ Hint: This is the probability that a randomly chosen student is a junior or a senior.

Question 30 Explanation:

Topic: Recognize and apply the concept of conditional probability (Objective 0026).

Question 31

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 31 Explanation:

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

Question 32

A family has four children. What is the probability that two children are girls and two are boys? Assume the the probability of having a boy (or a girl) is 50%.

A	$ \large \dfrac{1}{2}$ Hint: How many different configurations are there from oldest to youngest, e.g. BGGG? How many of them have 2 boys and 2 girls?
B	$ \large \dfrac{1}{4}$ Hint: How many different configurations are there from oldest to youngest, e.g. BGGG? How many of them have 2 boys and 2 girls?
C	$ \large \dfrac{1}{5}$ Hint: Some configurations are more probable than others -- i.e. it's more likely to have two boys and two girls than all boys. Be sure you are weighting properly.
D	$ \large \dfrac{3}{8}$ Hint: There are two possibilities for each child, so there are $2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 =16$ different configurations, e.g. from oldest to youngest BBBG, BGGB, GBBB, etc. Of these configurations, there are 6 with two boys and two girls (this is the combination $_{4}C_{2}$ or "4 choose 2"): BBGG, BGBG, BGGB, GGBB, GBGB, and GBBG. Thus the probability is 6/16=3/8.

Question 32 Explanation:

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

Question 33

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 33 Explanation:

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

Question 34

Use the expression below to answer the question that follows:

$ \large \dfrac{\left( 7,154 \right)\times \left( 896 \right)}{216}$

Which of the following is the best estimate of the expression above?

A	2,000 Hint: The answer is bigger than 7,000.
B	20,000 Hint: Estimate 896/216 first.
C	3,000 Hint: The answer is bigger than 7,000.
D	30,000 Hint: $ \dfrac{896}{216} \approx 4$ and $7154 \times 4$ is over 28,000, so this answer is closest.

Question 34 Explanation:

Topics: Estimation, simplifying fractions (Objective 0016, overlaps with other objectives).

Question 35

The histogram below shows the frequency of a class's scores on a 4 question quiz.

What was the mean score on the quiz?

A	$ \large 2.75$ Hint: There were 20 students who took the quiz. Total points earned: $2 \times 1+6 \times 2+ 7\times 3+5 \times 4=55$, and 55/20 = 2.75.
B	$ \large 2$ Hint: How many students are there total? Did you count them all?
C	$ \large 3$ Hint: How many students are there total? Did you count them all? Be sure you're finding the mean, not the median or the mode.
D	$ \large 2.5$ Hint: How many students are there total? Did you count them all? Don't just take the mean of 1, 2, 3, 4 -- you have to weight them properly.

Question 35 Explanation:

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

Question 36

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 36 Explanation:

Topic: Find the greatest common factor of a set of numbers (Objective 0018).

Question 37

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 37 Explanation:

Topic: Models of Fractions (Objective 0017)

Question 38

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 38 Explanation:

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

Question 39

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 39 Explanation:

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

Question 40

The Venn Diagram below gives data on the number of seniors, athletes, and vegetarians in the student body at a college:

How many students at the college are seniors who are not vegetarians?

A	$ \large 137$ Hint: Doesn't include the senior athletes who are not vegetarians.
B	$ \large 167$
C	$ \large 197$ Hint: That's all seniors, including vegetarians.
D	$ \large 279$ Hint: Includes all athletes who are not vegetarians, some of whom are not seniors.

Question 40 Explanation:

Topic: Venn Diagrams (Objective 0025)

Question 41

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 41 Explanation:

Topic: Models of Fractions (Objective 0017)

Question 42

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 42 Explanation:

Topic: Find the least common multiple of a set of numbers (Objective 0018).

Question 43

Aya and Kendra want to estimate the height of a tree. On a sunny day, Aya measures Kendra's shadow as 3 meters long, and Kendra measures the tree's shadow as 15 meters long. Kendra is 1.5 meters tall. How tall is the tree?

A	7.5 meters Hint: Here is a picture, note that the large and small right triangles are similar: One way to do the problem is to note that there is a dilation (scale) factor of 5 on the shadows, so there must be that factor on the heights too. Another way is to note that the shadows are twice as long as the heights.
B	22.5 meters Hint: Draw a picture.
C	30 meters Hint: Draw a picture.
D	45 meters Hint: Draw a picture.

Question 43 Explanation:

Topic: Apply geometric transformations (e.g., translations, rotations, reflections, dilations); relate them to similarity, ; and use these concepts to solve problems (Objective 0024) . Fits in other places too.

Question 44

Solve for x: $\large 4-\dfrac{2}{3}x=2x$

A	$ \large x=3$ Hint: Try plugging x=3 into the equation.
B	$ \large x=-3$ Hint: Left side is positive, right side is negative when you plug this in for x.
C	$ \large x=\dfrac{3}{2}$ Hint: One way to solve: $4=\dfrac{2}{3}x+2x$ $=\dfrac{8}{3}x$.$x=\dfrac{3 \times 4}{8}=\dfrac{3}{2}$. Another way is to just plug x=3/2 into the equation and see that each side equals 3 -- on a multiple choice test, you almost never have to actually solve for x.
D	$ \large x=-\dfrac{3}{2}$ Hint: Left side is positive, right side is negative when you plug this in for x.

Question 44 Explanation:

Topic: Solve linear equations (Objective 0020).

Question 45

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 45 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).

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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	\( \large 8x+16x=9x+15x\) Hint: What would x represent in this case? Make sure you can describe in words what x represents.
B	\( \large x+(x+2)=(x+1)+(x+1)\) Hint: What would x represent in this case? Make sure you can describe in words what x represents.
C	\( \large x+(x+8)=(x+1)+(x+7)\) Hint: x is the number in the top left square, x+8 is one below and to the right, x+1 is to the right of x, and x+7 is below x.
D	\( \large x+8+16=x+9+15\) Hint: What would x represent in this case? Make sure you can describe in words what x represents.

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	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.

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	Intercept = 0.4 cm, Slope = 125 cm/page Hint: This would mean that each page of the book was 125 cm thick.
B	Intercept =0.4 cm, Slope = \(\dfrac{1}{125}\)cm/page Hint: The intercept is how thick the book would be with no pages in it. The slope is how much 1 extra page adds to the thickness of the book.
C	Intercept = 125 cm, Slope = 0.4 cm Hint: This would mean that with no pages in the book, it would be 125 cm thick.
D	Intercept = \(\dfrac{1}{125}\)cm, Slope = 0.4 pages/cm Hint: This would mean that each new page of the book made it 0.4 cm thicker.

A	\( \large 350\times \left( \dfrac{10}{4} \right)\) Hint: The final result should be smaller than 350, and this answer is bigger.
B	\( \large 350\times \left( \dfrac{4}{10} \right)\) Hint: Dimensional analysis can help here: \(350 \text{cm} \times \dfrac{4 \text{in}}{10 \text{cm}}\). The cm's cancel and the answer is in inches.
C	\( \large (10-4) \times 350 \) Hint: This answer doesn't make much sense. Try with a simpler example (e.g. 20 cm not 350 cm) to make sure that your logic makes sense.
D	\( \large (350-10) \times 4\) Hint: This answer doesn't make much sense. Try with a simpler example (e.g. 20 cm not 350 cm) to make sure that your logic makes sense.

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.

A	\(\large1.3\times {{10}^{6}}\)
B	\(\large1.3\times {{10}^{9}}\) Hint: That's one billion three hundred million.
C	\(\large1.03\times {{10}^{6}}\) Hint: That's one million thirty thousand.
D	\(\large1.03\times {{10}^{9}}\) Hint: That's one billion thirty million

A	A Hint: \(\frac{34}{135} \approx \frac{1}{4}\) and \( \frac{53}{86} \approx \frac {2}{3}\). \(\frac {1}{4}\) of \(\frac {2}{3}\) is small and closest to A.
B	B Hint: Estimate with simpler fractions.
C	C Hint: Estimate with simpler fractions.
D	D Hint: Estimate with simpler fractions.

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	\( \large \dfrac{1}{4}\) 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	\( \large 3.10m=400+0.2m\) 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.

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	\( \large \dfrac{1}{2},\quad \dfrac{1}{3},\quad \dfrac{1}{4},\quad \dfrac{1}{5}\) Hint: This is ordered from greatest to least.
B	\( \large \dfrac{1}{3},\quad \dfrac{2}{7},\quad \dfrac{3}{8},\quad \dfrac{4}{11}\) Hint: 1/3 = 2/6 is bigger than 2/7.
C	\( \large \dfrac{1}{4},\quad \dfrac{2}{5},\quad \dfrac{2}{3},\quad \dfrac{4}{5}\) Hint: One way to look at this: 1/4 and 2/5 are both less than 1/2, and 2/3 and 4/5 are both greater than 1/2. 1/4 is 25% and 2/5 is 40%, so 2/5 is greater. The distance from 2/3 to 1 is 1/3 and from 4/5 to 1 is 1/5, and 1/5 is less than 1/3, so 4/5 is bigger.
D	\( \large \dfrac{7}{8},\quad \dfrac{6}{7},\quad \dfrac{5}{6},\quad \dfrac{4}{5}\) Hint: This is in order from greatest to least.

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: Think of the coins as a penny and a dime, and list all possibilities.
B	\( \large \dfrac{1}{3} \) Hint: This is a very common misconception. There are three possible outcomes -- both heads, both tails, and one of each -- but they are not equally likely. Think of the coins as a penny and a dime, and list all possibilities.
C	\( \large \dfrac{1}{2}\) Hint: The possibilities are HH, HT, TH, TT, and all are equally likely. Two of the four have one of each coin, so the probability is 2/4=1/2.
D	\( \large \dfrac{3}{4}\) Hint: Think of the coins as a penny and a dime, and list all possibilities.

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	\( \large \dfrac{x}{2}\) 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	\( \large 343.2\times 60\times 10\) Hint: In kilometers, not meters.
B	\( \large 343.2\times 60\times 10\times \dfrac{1}{1000}\) Hint: Units are meters/sec \(\times\) seconds/minute \(\times\) minutes \(\times\) kilometers/meter, and the answer is in kilometers.
C	\( \large 343.2\times \dfrac{1}{60}\times 10\) Hint: Include units and make sure answer is in kilometers.
D	\( \large 343.2\times \dfrac{1}{60}\times 10\times \dfrac{1}{1000}\) Hint: Include units and make sure answer is in kilometers.

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.

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 \(6+N = -4\)

A	\( \large \dfrac{34}{43}\)
B	\( \large \dfrac{34}{71}\) Hint: This is the probability that a randomly chosen junior or senior is a commuter student.
C	\( \large \dfrac{34}{147}\) Hint: This is the probability that a randomly chosen student is a junior or senior who is a commuter.
D	\( \large \dfrac{71}{147}\) Hint: This is the probability that a randomly chosen student is a junior or a senior.

A	\( \large \dfrac{1}{2}\) Hint: How many different configurations are there from oldest to youngest, e.g. BGGG? How many of them have 2 boys and 2 girls?
B	\( \large \dfrac{1}{4}\) Hint: How many different configurations are there from oldest to youngest, e.g. BGGG? How many of them have 2 boys and 2 girls?
C	\( \large \dfrac{1}{5}\) Hint: Some configurations are more probable than others -- i.e. it's more likely to have two boys and two girls than all boys. Be sure you are weighting properly.
D	\( \large \dfrac{3}{8}\) Hint: There are two possibilities for each child, so there are \(2 \times 2 \times 2 \times 2 =16\) different configurations, e.g. from oldest to youngest BBBG, BGGB, GBBB, etc. Of these configurations, there are 6 with two boys and two girls (this is the combination \(_{4}C_{2}\) or "4 choose 2"): BBGG, BGBG, BGGB, GGBB, GBGB, and GBBG. Thus the probability is 6/16=3/8.

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.

MTEL General Curriculum Mathematics Practice

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

Some children explored the diagonals in 2 x 2 squares on pages of a calendar (where all four squares have numbers in them). They conjectured that the sum of the diagonals is always equal; in the example below, 8+16=9+15.

Which of the equations below could best be used to explain why the children's conjecture is correct?

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?

In which table below is y a function of x?

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

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

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 \(\dfrac{2}{3}\).

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 \(\dfrac{1}{2}\).

The quotient is \(\dfrac{4}{15}\). There are four whole blocks separated into a total of 15 small rectangles.

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.

A publisher prints a series of books with covers made of identical material and using the same thickness of paper for each page. The covers of the book together are 0.4 cm thick, and 125 pieces of the paper used together are 1 cm thick.

The publisher uses a linear function to determine the total thickness, T(n) of a book made with n sheets of paper. What are the slope and intercept of T(n)?

Intercept = 0.4 cm, Slope = 125 cm/page

Intercept =0.4 cm, Slope = \(\dfrac{1}{125}\)cm/page

Intercept = 125 cm, Slope = 0.4 cm

Intercept = \(\dfrac{1}{125}\)cm, Slope = 0.4 pages/cm

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 not possible?

An equiangular triangle that is not equilateral.

An equiangular quadrilateral that is not equilateral.

An equilateral quadrilateral that is not equiangular.

An equiangular hexagon that is not equilateral.

Given that 10 cm is approximately equal to 4 inches, which of the following expressions models a way to find out approximately how many inches are equivalent to 350 cm?

Use the expression below to answer the question that follows.

\( \large 3\times {{10}^{4}}+2.2\times {{10}^{2}}\)

Which of the following is closest to the expression above?

Five million

Fifty thousand

Three million

Thirty thousand

The "houses" below are made of toothpicks and gum drops.

How many toothpicks are there in a row of 53 houses?

212

213

217

265

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

Which of the following is equal to one million three hundred thousand?

A

B

C

D

Which of the following points is closest to \( \dfrac{34}{135} \times \dfrac{53}{86}\)?

A

B

C

D

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?

\( \dfrac{4}{7}\) 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.

\( 7-4=3\) and \( 8-5=3\), so the fractions are equal.

\( 4\times 8=32\) and \( 7\times 5=35\). Since \( 32<35\) , \( \dfrac{5}{8}<\dfrac{4}{7}\)

\( 4<5\) and \( 7<8\), so \( \dfrac{4}{7}<\dfrac{5}{8}\)

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.

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?

Here is a student's work on several multiplication problems:

For which of the following problems is this student most likely to get the correct solution, even though he is using an incorrect algorithm?

58 x 22

16 x 24

31 x 23

141 x 32

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 lists below is in order from least to greatest value?

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

If two fair coins are flipped, what is the probability that one will come up heads and the other tails?

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.

Here is a method that a student used for subtraction:

Which of the following is correct?

The student used a method that worked for this problem and can be generalized to any subtraction problem.

The student used a method that worked for this problem and that will work for any subtraction problem that only requires one regrouping; it will not work if more regrouping is required.

A	\( \large 2.75\) Hint: There were 20 students who took the quiz. Total points earned: \(2 \times 1+6 \times 2+ 7\times 3+5 \times 4=55\), and 55/20 = 2.75.
B	\( \large 2\) Hint: How many students are there total? Did you count them all?
C	\( \large 3\) Hint: How many students are there total? Did you count them all? Be sure you're finding the mean, not the median or the mode.
D	\( \large 2.5\) Hint: How many students are there total? Did you count them all? Don't just take the mean of 1, 2, 3, 4 -- you have to weight them properly.

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.

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	\( \large 137\) Hint: Doesn't include the senior athletes who are not vegetarians.
B	\( \large 167\)
C	\( \large 197\) Hint: That's all seniors, including vegetarians.
D	\( \large 279\) Hint: Includes all athletes who are not vegetarians, some of whom are not seniors.

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	\( \large{{2}^{5}}\cdot {{3}^{6}}\cdot 5\) 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.

A	\( \large x=3\) Hint: Try plugging x=3 into the equation.
B	\( \large x=-3\) Hint: Left side is positive, right side is negative when you plug this in for x.
C	\( \large x=\dfrac{3}{2}\) Hint: One way to solve: \(4=\dfrac{2}{3}x+2x\) \(=\dfrac{8}{3}x\).\(x=\dfrac{3 \times 4}{8}=\dfrac{3}{2}\). Another way is to just plug x=3/2 into the equation and see that each side equals 3 -- on a multiple choice test, you almost never have to actually solve for x.
D	\( \large x=-\dfrac{3}{2}\) Hint: Left side is positive, right side is negative when you plug this in for x.

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.

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