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MTEL General Curriculum Mathematics Practice


Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1

Below is a portion of a number line:

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

 
A
\( \large 0.645\)
Hint:
That point is marked on the line, to the right.
B
\( \large 0.6421\)
Hint:
That point is to the left of point B.
C
\( \large 0.6422\)
Hint:
That point is to the left of point B.
D
\( \large 0.6425\)
Question 1 Explanation: 
Topic: Using Number Lines (Objective 0017)
Question 2

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 2 Explanation: 
Topic: Derive and use formulas for calculating the lengths, perimeters, areas, volumes, and surface areas of geometric shapes and figures (Objective 0023).
Question 3

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 3 Explanation: 
Topic: Classify and analyze polygons using attributes of sides and angles (Objective 0024).
Question 4

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 4 Explanation: 
Topic: Select the linear equation that best models a real-world situation (Objective 0022).
Question 5

A class is using base-ten block to represent numbers.  A large cube represents 1000, a flat represents 100, a rod represents 10, and a little cube represents 1.  Which of these is not a correct representation for 2,347?

A

23 flats, 4 rods, 7 little cubes

Hint:
Be sure you read the question carefully: 2300+40+7=2347
B

2 large cubes, 3 flats, 47 rods

Hint:
2000+300+470 \( \neq\) 2347
C

2 large cubes, 34 rods, 7 little cubes

Hint:
Be sure you read the question carefully: 2000+340+7=2347
D

2 large cubes, 3 flats, 4 rods, 7 little cubes

Hint:
Be sure you read the question carefully: 2000+300+40+7=2347
Question 5 Explanation: 
Topic: Place Value (Objective 0016)
Question 6

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

 
A

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

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

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

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

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

D

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

Hint:
See what happens to the point (3,3) under this set of transformations.
Question 6 Explanation: 
Topic:Analyze and apply geometric transformations (e.g., translations, rotations, reflections, dilations) (Objective 0024).
Question 7

Which of the graphs below represent functions?

I. II. III. IV.   
A

I and IV only.

Hint:
There are vertical lines that go through 2 points in IV .
B

I and III only.

Hint:
Even though III is not continuous, it's still a function (assuming that vertical lines between the "steps" do not go through 2 points).
C

II and III only.

Hint:
Learn about the vertical line test.
D

I, II, and IV only.

Hint:
There are vertical lines that go through 2 points in II.
Question 7 Explanation: 
Understand the definition of function and various representations of functions (e.g., input/output machines, tables, graphs, mapping diagrams, formulas). (Objective 0021).
Question 8

A cylindrical soup can has diameter 7 cm and height 11 cm. The can holds g grams of soup.   How many grams of the same soup could a cylindrical can with diameter 14 cm and height 33 cm hold?

A
\( \large 6g\)
Hint:
You must scale in all three dimensions.
B
\( \large 12g\)
Hint:
Height is multiplied by 3, and diameter and radius are multiplied by 2. Since the radius is squared, final result is multiplied by \(2^2\times 3=12\).
C
\( \large 18g\)
Hint:
Don't square the height scale factor.
D
\( \large 36g\)
Hint:
Don't square the height scale factor.
Question 8 Explanation: 
Topic: Determine how the characteristics (e.g., area, volume) of geometric figures and shapes are affected by changes in their dimensions (Objective 0023).
Question 9

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 9 Explanation: 
Topic: Interpret the meaning of the slope and the intercepts of a linear equation that models a real-world situation (Objective 0022).
Question 10

The pattern below consists of a row of black squares surrounded by white squares.

 How many white squares would surround a row of 157 black squares?

A

314

Hint:
Try your procedure on a smaller number that you can count to see where you made a mistake.
B

317

Hint:
Are there ever an odd number of white squares?
C

320

Hint:
One way to see this is that there are 6 tiles on the left and right ends, and the rest of the white tiles are twice the number of black tiles (there are many other ways to look at it too).
D

322

Hint:
Try your procedure on a smaller number that you can count to see where you made a mistake.
Question 10 Explanation: 
Topic: Recognize and extend patterns using a variety of representations (e.g., verbal, numeric, pictorial, algebraic) (Objective 0021).
Question 11

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 11 Explanation: 
Topic: Operations on Fractions, Order of Operations (Objective 0019).
Question 12

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 12 Explanation: 
Topic: Distinguish between linear and nonlinear functions (Objective 0022).
Question 13

How many factors does 80 have?

A
\( \large8\)
Hint:
Don't forget 1 and 80.
B
\( \large9\)
Hint:
Only perfect squares have an odd number of factors -- otherwise factors come in pairs.
C
\( \large10\)
Hint:
1,2,4,5,8,10,16,20,40,80
D
\( \large12\)
Hint:
Did you count a number twice? Include a number that isn't a factor?
Question 13 Explanation: 
Topic: Understand and apply principles of number theory (Objective 0018).
Question 14

In January 2011, the national debt was about 14 trillion dollars and the US population was about 300 million people.  Someone reading these figures estimated that the national debt was about $5,000 per person.   Which of these statements best describes the reasonableness of this estimate?

A

It is too low by a factor of 10

Hint:
14 trillion \( \approx 15 \times {{10}^{12}} \) and 300 million \( \approx 3 \times {{10}^{8}}\), so the true answer is about \( 5 \times {{10}^{4}} \) or $50,000.
B

It is too low by a factor of 100

C

It is too high by a factor of 10

D

It is too high by a factor of 100

Question 14 Explanation: 
Topics: Estimation, Scientific Notation in the real world (Objective 0016).
Question 15

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 15 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 16

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 16 Explanation: 
Topic: Find the least common multiple of a set of numbers (Objective 0018).
Question 17

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 17 Explanation: 
Topic: Calculate the probabilities of simple and compound events and of independent and dependent events (Objective 0026).
Question 18

Use the graph below to answer the question that follows.

If the polygon shown above is reflected about the y axis and then rotated 90 degrees clockwise about the origin, which of the following graphs is the result?

A
Hint:
Try following the point (1,4) to see where it goes after each transformation.
B
C
Hint:
Make sure you're reflecting in the correct axis.
D
Hint:
Make sure you're rotating the correct direction.
Question 18 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 19

An above-ground swimming pool is in the shape of a regular hexagonal prism, is one meter high, and holds 65 cubic meters of water.  A second pool has a base that is also a regular hexagon, but with sides twice as long as the sides in the first pool.  This second pool is also one meter high.  How much water will the second pool hold?

A
\( \large 65\text{ }{{\text{m}}^{3}}\)
Hint:
A bigger pool would hold more water.
B
\( \large 65\cdot 2\text{ }{{\text{m}}^{3}}\)
Hint:
Try a simpler example, say doubling the sides of the base of a 1 x 1 x 1 cube.
C
\( \large 65\cdot 4\text{ }{{\text{m}}^{3}}\)
Hint:
If we think of the pool as filled with 1 x 1 x 1 cubes (and some fractions of cubes), then scaling to the larger pool changes each 1 x 1 x 1 cube to a 2 x 2 x 1 prism, or multiplies volume by 4.
D
\( \large 65\cdot 8\text{ }{{\text{m}}^{3}}\)
Hint:
Try a simpler example, say doubling the sides of the base of a 1 x 1 x 1 cube.
Question 19 Explanation: 
Topic: Determine how the characteristics (e.g., area, volume) of geometric figures and shapes are affected by changes in their dimensions (Objective 0023).
Question 20

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 20 Explanation: 
Identify variables and derive algebraic expressions that represent real-world situations (Objective 0020).
Question 21

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

A
\( \large -0.044,\quad -0.04,\quad 0.04,\quad 0.044\)
Hint:
These are easier to compare if you add trailing zeroes (this is finding a common denominator) -- all in thousandths, -0.044, -0.040,0 .040, 0.044. The middle two numbers, -0.040 and 0.040 can be modeled as owing 4 cents and having 4 cents. The outer two numbers are owing or having a bit more.
B
\( \large -0.04,\quad -0.044,\quad 0.044,\quad 0.04\)
Hint:
0.04=0.040, which is less than 0.044.
C
\( \large -0.04,\quad -0.044,\quad 0.04,\quad 0.044\)
Hint:
-0.04=-0.040, which is greater than \(-0.044\).
D
\( \large -0.044,\quad -0.04,\quad 0.044,\quad 0.04\)
Hint:
0.04=0.040, which is less than 0.044.
Question 21 Explanation: 
Topic: Ordering decimals and integers (Objective 0017).
Question 22

Below are front, side, and top views of a three-dimensional solid.

Which of the following could be the solid shown above?

A

A sphere

Hint:
All views would be circles.
B

A cylinder

C

A cone

Hint:
Two views would be triangles, not rectangles.
D

A pyramid

Hint:
How would one view be a circle?
Question 22 Explanation: 
Topic: Match three-dimensional figures and their two-dimensional representations (e.g., nets, projections, perspective drawings) (Objective 0024).
Question 23

A map has a scale of 3 inches = 100 miles.  Cities A and B are 753 miles apart.  Let d be the distance between the two cities on the map.  Which of the following is not correct?

A
\( \large \dfrac{3}{100}=\dfrac{d}{753}\)
Hint:
Units on both side are inches/mile, and both numerators and denominators correspond -- this one is correct.
B
\( \large \dfrac{3}{100}=\dfrac{753}{d}\)
Hint:
Unit on the left is inches per mile, and on the right is miles per inch. The proportion is set up incorrectly (which is what we wanted). Another strategy is to notice that one of A or B has to be the answer because they cannot both be correct proportions. Then check that cross multiplying on A gives part D, so B is the one that is different from the other 3.
C
\( \large \dfrac{3}{d}=\dfrac{100}{753}\)
Hint:
Unitless on each side, as inches cancel on the left and miles on the right. Numerators correspond to the map, and denominators to the real life distances -- this one is correct.
D
\( \large 100d=3\cdot 753\)
Hint:
This is equivalent to part A.
Question 23 Explanation: 
Topic: Analyze the relationships among proportions, constant rates, and linear functions (Objective 0022).
Question 24

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 24 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 25

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 25 Explanation: 
Topics: Place value, scientific notation, estimation (Objective 0016)
Question 26

Each individual cube that makes up the rectangular solid depicted below has 6 inch sides.  What is the surface area of the solid in square feet?

 
A
\( \large 11\text{ f}{{\text{t}}^{2}}\)
Hint:
Check your units and make sure you're using feet and inches consistently.
B
\( \large 16.5\text{ f}{{\text{t}}^{2}}\)
Hint:
Each square has surface area \(\dfrac{1}{2} \times \dfrac {1}{2}=\dfrac {1}{4}\) sq feet. There are 9 squares on the top and bottom, and 12 on each of 4 sides, for a total of 66 squares. 66 squares \(\times \dfrac {1}{4}\) sq feet/square =16.5 sq feet.
C
\( \large 66\text{ f}{{\text{t}}^{2}}\)
Hint:
The area of each square is not 1.
D
\( \large 2376\text{ f}{{\text{t}}^{2}}\)
Hint:
Read the question more carefully -- the answer is supposed to be in sq feet, not sq inches.
Question 26 Explanation: 
Topics: Use unit conversions to solve measurement problems, and derive and use formulas for calculating surface areas of geometric shapes and figures (Objective 0023).
Question 27

Here are some statements:

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

Which of the statements are true?

A

I only

B

I and II only

C

I and III only

D

I, II, and III

Hint:
The integers are ...-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ....
Question 27 Explanation: 
Topic: Characteristics of Integers (Objective 0016)
Question 28

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 28 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 29

P is a prime number that divides 240.  Which of the following must be true?

A

P divides 30

Hint:
2, 3, and 5 are the prime factors of 240, and all divide 30.
B

P divides 48

Hint:
P=5 doesn't work.
C

P divides 75

Hint:
P=2 doesn't work.
D

P divides 80

Hint:
P=3 doesn't work.
Question 29 Explanation: 
Topic: Find the prime factorization of a number and recognize its uses (Objective 0018).
Question 30

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 30 Explanation: 
Topics: Estimation, simplifying fractions (Objective 0016, overlaps with other objectives).
Question 31

In March of 2012, 1 dollar was worth the same as 0.761 Euros, and 1 dollar was also worth the same as 83.03 Japanese Yen.  Which of the expressions below gives the number of Yen that are worth 1 Euro?

A
\( \large {83}.0{3}\cdot 0.{761}\)
Hint:
This equation gives less than the number of yen per dollar, but 1 Euro is worth more than 1 dollar.
B
\( \large \dfrac{0.{761}}{{83}.0{3}}\)
Hint:
Number is way too small.
C
\( \large \dfrac{{83}.0{3}}{0.{761}}\)
Hint:
One strategy here is to use easier numbers, say 1 dollar = .5 Euros and 100 yen, then 1 Euro would be 200 Yen (change the numbers in the equations and see what works). Another is to use dimensional analysis: we want # yen per Euro, or yen/Euro = yen/dollar \(\times\) dollar/Euro = \(83.03 \times \dfrac {1}{0.761}\)
D
\( \large \dfrac{1}{0.{761}}\cdot \dfrac{1}{{83}.0{3}}\)
Hint:
Number is way too small.
Question 31 Explanation: 
Topic: Analyze the relationships among proportions, constant rates, and linear functions (Objective 0022).
Question 32

Below is a portion of a number line.

Point A is one-quarter of the distance from 0.26 to 0.28.  What number is represented by point A?

A
\( \large0.26\)
Hint:
Please reread the question.
B
\( \large0.2625\)
Hint:
This is one-quarter of the distance between 0.26 and 0.27, which is not what the question asked.
C
\( \large0.265\)
D
\( \large0.27\)
Hint:
Please read the question more carefully. This answer would be correct if Point A were halfway between the tick marks, but it's not.
Question 32 Explanation: 
Topic: Using number lines (Objective 0017)
Question 33

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 33 Explanation: 
Topic: Find a linear equation that represents a graph (Objective 0022).
Question 34

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 34 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 35

The letters A, B, and C represent digits (possibly equal) in the twelve digit number x=111,111,111,ABC.  For which values of A, B, and C is x divisible by 40?

A
\( \large A = 3, B = 2, C=0\)
Hint:
Note that it doesn't matter what the first 9 digits are, since 1000 is divisible by 40, so DEF,GHI,JKL,000 is divisible by 40 - we need to check the last 3.
B
\( \large A = 0, B = 0, C=4\)
Hint:
Not divisible by 10, since it doesn't end in 0.
C
\( \large A = 4, B = 2, C=0\)
Hint:
Divisible by 10 and by 4, but not by 40, as it's not divisible by 8. Look at 40 as the product of powers of primes -- 8 x 5, and check each. To check 8, either check whether 420 is divisible by 8, or take ones place + twice tens place + 4 * hundreds place = 18, which is not divisible by 8.
D
\( \large A =1, B=0, C=0\)
Hint:
Divisible by 10 and by 4, but not by 40, as it's not divisible by 8. Look at 40 as the product of powers of primes -- 8 x 5, and check each. To check 8, either check whether 100 is divisible by 8, or take ones place + twice tens place + 4 * hundreds place = 4, which is not divisible by 8.
Question 35 Explanation: 
Topic: Understand divisibility rules and why they work (Objective 018).
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

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 37 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 38

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 38 Explanation: 
Topics: Comparing fractions, and understanding the meaning of fractions (Objective 0017).
Question 39

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 39 Explanation: 
Topic: Use measures of central tendency (e.g., mean, median, mode) and spread to describe and interpret real-world data (Objective 0025).
Question 40

The letters A, and B represent digits (possibly equal) in the ten digit number x=1,438,152,A3B.   For which values of A and B is x divisible by 12, but not by 9?

A
\( \large A = 0, B = 4\)
Hint:
Digits add to 31, so not divisible by 3, so not divisible by 12.
B
\( \large A = 7, B = 2\)
Hint:
Digits add to 36, so divisible by 9.
C
\( \large A = 0, B = 6\)
Hint:
Digits add to 33, divisible by 3, not 9. Last digits are 36, so divisible by 4, and hence by 12.
D
\( \large A = 4, B = 8\)
Hint:
Digits add to 39, divisible by 3, not 9. Last digits are 38, so not divisible by 4, so not divisible by 12.
Question 40 Explanation: 
Topic: Demonstrate knowledge of divisibility rules (Objective 0018).
Question 41

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 41 Explanation: 
Topic: Apply knowledge of combinations and permutations to the computation of probabilities (Objective 0026).
Question 42

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 42 Explanation: 
Topic: Use unit conversions and dimensional analysis to solve measurement problems (Objective 0023).
Question 43

The table below gives data from various years on how many young girls drank milk.

Based on the data given above, what was the probability that a randomly chosen girl in 1990 drank milk?

A
\( \large \dfrac{502}{1222}\)
Hint:
This is the probability that a randomly chosen girl who drinks milk was in the 1989-1991 food survey.
B
\( \large \dfrac{502}{2149}\)
Hint:
This is the probability that a randomly chosen girl from the whole survey drank milk and was also surveyed in 1989-1991.
C
\( \large \dfrac{502}{837}\)
D
\( \large \dfrac{1222}{2149}\)
Hint:
This is the probability that a randomly chosen girl from any year of the survey drank milk.
Question 43 Explanation: 
Topic: Recognize and apply the concept of conditional probability (Objective 0026).
Question 44

Use the graph below to answer the question that follows:

 

The graph above best matches which of the following scenarios:

A

George left home at 10:00 and drove to work on a crooked path. He was stopped in traffic at 10:30 and 10:45. He drove 30 miles total.

Hint:
Just because he ended up 30 miles from home doesn't mean he drove 30 miles total.
B

George drove to work. On the way to work there is a little hill and a big hill. He slowed down for them. He made it to work at 11:15.

Hint:
The graph is not a picture of the roads.
C

George left home at 10:15. He drove 10 miles, then realized he‘d forgotten something at home. He turned back and got what he‘d forgotten. Then he drove in a straight line, at many different speeds, until he got to work around 11:15.

Hint:
A straight line on a distance versus time graph means constant speed.
D

George left home at 10:15. He drove 10 miles, then realized he‘d forgotten something at home. He turned back and got what he‘d forgotten. Then he drove at a constant speed until he got to work around 11:15.

Question 44 Explanation: 
Topic: Use qualitative graphs to represent functional relationships in the real world (Objective 0021).
Question 45

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