Placement Test Preparation Guide

PLACEMENT TEST
PREPARATION GUIDE

Taking Your Placement Tests
Are you prepared?

Placement testing is mandatory for all new students. Taking time to work through this
Placement Test Preparation Guide will help you
- be ready to take your Math and English placement tests and
- be accurately assessed
resulting in
- proper placement in courses that match your skill level and
- possible reduction of unnecessary coursework.

Preparation Guide
2

Placement Test Prearation

English and math assessment tests are mandatory at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and
determine the initial courses for which you may register. Taking the assessment tests seriously and
doing well on them saves you time and money because you will have fewer courses to take. Tri-C
strongly encourages you to prepare for the assessment tests by reviewing general test taking
information and basic math and English concepts. Placement testing is mandatory for all new
students.

The COMPASS
placement tests are computer delivered and untimedthat is, you may work at your
own pace. After you complete the tests, you will get a score and placement report to help you make
good choices when you register for classes.

To prepare for the placement tests, review the General Test Taking Tips below and answer the
COMPASS
Sample Test Questions at http://www.act.org/compass/sample/index.html

General Test Taking Tips

Before the Test

Start the Night Before
You will be able to concentrate better on the tests if you get plenty of rest and eat properly.

Be Prepared
Work through this review guide. When you take the placement tests at Tri-C, bring photo
identification, your Tri-C student number, and your glasses, if you need them.

Allow Enough Time
The COMPASS
placement tests are not timed. Give yourself sufficient time to complete the tests.
Dont rush.

Focus
When you carry extra emotional baggage -- "I've got to ace this exam" or "If I mess up, I'll never get
into my program" your performance may suffer. The most constructive approach is to focus on the
task at hand, put in as much time preparing as you can, and do your best.

Relax
The COMPASS
placement tests are designed to help you succeed in college. Your scores help you
and Tri-C determine which courses are most appropriate for your current levels of knowledge and
skills.

Placement Test Preparation

Preparation Guide
3

During the Test

Read Carefully
Be sure you understand the directions for each test, and be sure to ask questions if you dont.

Read each question, passage, and problem carefully until you understand what the question is asking.
If answering an item requires several steps, be sure you consider all of them.

If you have a problem or question during the test, ask the test proctor for help. Although proctors
cannot answer specific test questions for you, they can help with other types of problems.

Answering Multiple Choice Questions
Read the question carefully. Think of an answer before looking at the possible answers. This way the
choices given on the test won't mislead you.

Read all the answer choices. Eliminate answers you know are not correct.

On the COMPASS
placement tests, there is no guessing penalty; therefore, answer every question.

Select an answer, but don't keep changing your response. Usually your first choice is the best one,
unless you misread the question.

After the Test

After you complete the COMPASS
tests, you will receive a copy of your scores and course

placements. Next, you will contact the Counseling Office to schedule your New Student Orientation
or to meet with a counselor.

Sample Test Questions

Now, go to the COMPASS

Preparation Guide
4

Find More Sample Questions near the bottom of the page.

Click on the Writing Skills link.

COMPASS
Writing Skills Placement Test

The Writing Skills Placement Test helps determine if you are ready for entry-level college writing
courses or other courses with significant writing loads, or if you require additional writing
instruction. Depending on your Writing Skills Placement Test score, you also may need to take
the Reading Skills Placement Test to determine your English course placement.

The test item content categories include punctuation, basic grammar and usage, sentence structure,
strategy, organization, and style.

Open the Writing Skills document. Read the general test information and answer the sample items for
all three writing passages.

Check your answers with the correct answers beginning on page 24. The content categories for the
Writing Skills sample items are also listed next to the correct answers. Use the content category to
find additional review resources online or at the library.
Additional Online English Resources:
Academic Writing
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/2/

Grammar and General Writing
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

Please note that in the test sample passages, each section is numbered.
In the computerized COMPASS
Writing Skills Placement Test, sections

are not numbered.

On the actual test

- Read the section looking for errors.

- When you find an error, move the cursor to the section of text where the error is located.

- Click the left mouse button to make the alternative text options appear.

- Choose the best answer.

(Note that for each set of answer options, option A is always identical to the text as
it appears in the passage. As such, option A represents no change.)

Preparation Guide
5

COMPASS
Mathematics Skills Placement Test

The Mathematics Skills Placement Test helps determine if you have the skills to succeed in entry-
level college courses or if you need additional mathematics instruction.

The Microsoft
Windows
calculator is the only one that you will be able to use on the Math Skills
placement test at Tri-C.
To practice with the Windows
calculator, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, and

Calculator.
The calculator has two views standard and scientific. You can change the view by clicking on
View and selecting the alternate version. Below is an example of the standard view.
Notice that the square root key is labeled sqrt and appears only on the standard view.

This is an example of the scientific view.

Preparation Guide
6

Go to the COMPASS


When you take the COMPASS
Mathematics Placement Test at Tri-C, you will begin with the

Algebra Placement Test.
Click on the Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra and Algebra link. Begin on page 6 with the algebra
sample questions. As you work the sample problems, notice the amount of reading.
Answer the sample questions and check your solutions with the correct answers on page 10. Next to
each correct answer, you will see the content category for that question. Use the content category to
Additional Online Math Resources:
www.hippocampus.org
www.purplemath.com
www.khanacademy.org
www.patrickjmt.com

Depending on your answers to the algebra problems, you also may need to answer pre-algebra or
college algebra problems.
Practice in pre-algebra begins on page 1. After answering these sample questions, check your
solutions with the correct answers on page 5 and note the content category for each question.
If you have studied college algebra and/or trigonometry, answer those sample test questions by
clicking on the College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry link under More Sample
Questions.

When you have completed the Placement Test Preparation, you may test at any of the Tri-C testing
centers. For additional placement testing information, contact the testing center of your choice.

Brunswick University Center BUC 214 216.987.3877

Corporate College West CCW 221 216.987.5888

Eastern Campus ESS 1108 216.987.2256

Metropolitan Campus MSS 103 216.987.4311

Western Campus WTLC GT 115 216.987.5256

Westshore Campus SHCS 130A 216.987.3887 or 216.987.3888

The COMPASS
placement test information in this preparation guide has been reproduced with permission from ACT,
Inc.

Preparation Guide
7

PLACEMENT TEST
PREPARATION GUIDE
ENGLISH

Are you prepared?

Placement testing is mandatory for all new students. Taking time to work through this Placement
Test Preparation Guide will help you
resulting in
- possible reduction of unnecessary coursework.

Preparation Guide
8

Writing Skills Placement Review
COMPASS
Writing Skills Placement Test

The Writing Skills Placement Test helps determine if you are ready for entry-level college writing
courses or other courses with significant writing loads, or if you require additional writing
instruction. Depending on your Writing Skills Placement Test score, you also may need to take
the Reading Skills Placement Test to determine your English course placement.

The test item content categories include punctuation, basic grammar and usage, sentence structure,
strategy, organization, and style.

Open the Writing Skills document. Read the general test information and answer the sample items for
all three writing passages.

Check your answers with the correct answers beginning on page 24. The content categories for the
Writing Skills sample items are also listed next to the correct answers. Use the content category to
Additional Online English Resources:
Academic Writing
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1/2/

Grammar and General Writing
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/

Please note that in the test sample passages, each section is numbered.
In the computerized COMPASS
Writing Skills Placement Test, sections

are not numbered.

On the actual test

- Read the section looking for errors.

- When you find an error, move the cursor to the section of text where the error is located.

- Click the left mouse button to make the alternative text options appear.

- Choose the answer that is the best.

(Note that for each set of answer options, option A is always identical
to the text as it appears in the passage. As such, option A represents no change.)

Preparation Guide
9

Writing Skills Sample Test Questions

Read the following passage. After you have read the passage, answer questions 1-24.

Grameen Bank
(1) Bangladeshs economy is based primarily on small-scale (2) enterprises
ran by self-employed men and women. (3) These small-business owners, who make a
living as shopkeepers or providers of services, (4) face a problem common to proprietors
everywhere: lack of access to credit, (5) particularly among the early start-up phase of an
enterprise. (6) Credit, which allows people to obtain the resources and equipment he needs
to make his business productive, (7) is often, frequently unavailable to those who possess
little collateral. (8) Thus, many (9) people which would benefit from credit (10) are denied access to
it.
(11) The Grameen Bank, founded in 1976 by economist Muhammad Yunis, who was a
fine soccer player in his youth, provides (12) the only unique alternative (13) via loans to
prospective business owners, whether they are given only to those who fall below a
certain level of assets. (14) Instead of putting up collateral, Grameen customers are
accountable with one another, (15) congregating in (16) small groups that meet as a week.
(17) If one member will fail to repay a loan, the entire group is unable to obtain credit
(18) in the future thus, group members have a strong incentive to succeed and support
others in the group. (19) In the last twenty years, the Grameen Bank has lent two billion
dollars, (20) and his customers have repaid 97 percent of their loans. (21) Such results have led to the
creation of similar programs.

Preparation Guide
10

Item 1.
A. Bangladesh's economy is based primarily on small-scale
B. Bangladesh's economy's is based primarily on small-scale
C. Bangladesh's economies' are based primarily on small-scale
D. Bangladesh's economys' is based primarily on small-scale
E. Bangladesh's economies' is based primarily on small-scale
See TEST PREP QUICK GRAMMAR GUIDE: Types of Sentences, Comma Usage

Item 2.
A. enterprises ran by self-employed men and women.
B. enterprises run by self-employed men and women.
C. enterprises have run by self-employed men and women.
D. enterprises was run by self-employed men and women.
E. enterprises had been run by self-employed men and women.
See TEST PREP QUICK GRAMMAR GUIDE: Types of Agreement: Tense

Item 3.
A. These small-business owners, who make a living as shopkeepers or providers of services,
B. These small-business owners, who make a living, as shopkeepers or providers of services
C. These small-business owners, who make a living as shopkeepers, or providers of services
D. These small-business owners who make a living as shopkeepers or providers of services,
E. These small-business owners; who make a living as shopkeepers or providers of services,
See TEST PREP QUICK GRAMMAR GUIDE: Types of Sentences, Comma Usage

Item 4.
A. face a problem common to proprietors everywhere: lack of access to credit,
B. face a problem common to proprietors everywhere: lack of access credit,
C. face a problem common to proprietors everywhere: lack of access from credit,
D. face a problem common to proprietors everywhere: lack of access in credit,
E. face a problem common to proprietors everywhere: lack of access for credit,

Item 5.
A. particularly among the early start-up phase of an enterprise.
B. particularly between the early start-up phase of an enterprise.
C. particularly below the early start-up phase of an enterprise.
D. particularly during the early start-up phase of an enterprise.
E. particularly now the early start-up phase of an enterprise.

Preparation Guide
11

Item 6.
A. Credit, which allows people to obtain the resources and equipment he needs to make his
business productive,
B. Credit, which allows people to obtain the resources and equipment they need to make
their businesses productive,
C. Credit, which allows people to obtain the resources and equipment we need to make our
D. Credit, which allows people to obtain the resources and equipment one needs to make our
E. Credit, which allows people to obtain the resources and equipment you need to make
one's business productive,
See TEST PREP QUICK GRAMMAR GUIDE: Types of Agreement: Pronoun/Antecedent

Item 7.
A. is often, frequently unavailable to those who possess little collateral.
B. is often unavailable many times to those who possess little collateral.
C. is often unavailable to those who possess little collateral.
D. is often unavailable frequently to those who possess little collateral.
E. is often unavailable, all the time, to those who possess little collateral.
See TEST PREP QUICK GRAMMAR GUIDE: Wordiness: Wordy (and redundant)

Item 8.
A. Thus, many
B. Although, many
C. Nevertheless, many
D. Since, many
E. Anyway, many

Item 9.
A. people which would benefit from credit
B. people whom would benefit from credit
C. people whose would benefit from credit
D. people whos would benefit from credit
E. people who would benefit from credit
See TEST PREP QUICK GRAMMAR GUIDE: Types of Agreement: Pronoun/Antecedent

Item 10.
A. are denied access to it.
B. are denying access to it.
C. deny access to it.
D. denied access to it.
E. there is access denied to it.

Preparation Guide
12

Item 11.
A. The Grameen Bank, founded in 1976 by economist Muhammad Yunis, who was a fine
soccer player in his youth, provides
B. The Grameen Bank, founded in 1976 by economist Muhammad Yunis, who visited the
University of Michigan, provides
C. The Grameen Bank, founded in 1976 by economist Muhammad Yunis, who studied
economics at a highly regarded university, provides
D. The Grameen Bank, founded in 1976 by economist Muhammad Yunis, who is married and
has three children, provides
E. The Grameen Bank, founded in 1976 by economist Muhammad Yunis, who returned to
Bangladesh in 1972, provides
See TEST PREP QUICK GRAMMAR GUIDE: Wordiness: Avoid Unnecessary Information

Item 12.
A. the only unique alternative
B. the sole unique alternative
C. the lone unique alternative
D. a unique alternative
E. the exclusive unique alternative
See TEST PREP QUICK GRAMMAR GUIDE: Wordiness: Wordy (and redundant)

Item 13.
A. via loans to prospective business owners, whether they are given only to those who fall
below a certain level of assets.
B. via loans to prospective business owners, which are given only to those who fall below a
certain level of assets.
C. via loans to prospective business owners are given only to those who fall below a certain
level of assets.
D. via loans to prospective business owners. Which are given only to those who fall below a
E. via loans to prospective business owners, when given only to those who fall below a

Item 14.
A. Instead of putting up collateral, Grameen customers are accountable with one another,
B. Instead of putting up collateral, Grameen customers are accountable in one another,
C. Instead of putting up collateral, Grameen customers are accountable one another,
D. Instead of putting up collateral, Grameen customers are accountable at one another,
E. Instead of putting up collateral, Grameen customers are accountable to one another,

Item 15.
A. congregating in
B. and congregation in
C. congregate in
D. so congregating in
E. congregating between

Preparation Guide
13

Item 16.
A. small groups that meet as a week.
B. small groups that meet every weekly.
C. small weekly groups that meet.
D. small groups that meet weekly.
E. small groups weekly each meet.

Item 17.
A. If one member will fail to repay a loan, the entire group is unable to obtain credit
B. If one member fails to repay a loan, the entire group is unable to obtain credit
C. If one member do fail to repay a loan, the entire group is unable to obtain credit
D. If one member is fail to repay a loan, the entire group is unable to obtain credit
E. If one member failing to repay a loan, the entire group is unable to obtain credit

Item 18.
A. in the future thus, group members have a strong incentive to succeed and support
B. in the future and thus, group members have a strong incentive to succeed and support
C. in the future, thus, group members have a strong incentive to succeed and support
D. in the future, and, thus, group members have a strong incentive to succeed and support
E. in the future; thus, group members have a strong incentive to succeed and support

Item 19.
A. others in the group. In the last twenty years, the Grameen Bank has lent two billion
dollars,
B. others in the group. In the last twenty years, the Grameen Bank has lended two billion
dollars,
C. others in the group. In the last twenty years, the Grameen Bank lend two billion dollars,
D. others in the group. In the last twenty years, the Grameen Bank did lent two billion
dollars,
E. others in the group. In the last twenty years, the Grameen Bank lends two billion dollars,

Item 20.
A. and his customers have repaid 97 percent of their loans.
B. and their customers have repaid 97 percent of their loans.
C. and its customers have repaid 97 percent of their loans.
D. and itselfs customers have repaid 97 percent of their loans.
E. and our customers have repaid 97 percent of their loans.

Item 21.
A. Such results have led to the creation of similar programs.
B. Such results: have led to the creation of similar programs.
C. Such results have led, to the creation of similar programs.
D. Such results, have led to the creation of similar programs.
E. Such results; have led to the creation of similar programs.

Preparation Guide
14

Item 22.
Suppose the writer wants to show that lending programs similar to the one administered by the
Grameen Bank have been widely accepted. Which of the following phrases, if added to the last
sentence of the essay, would best achieve that goal?
A. to make credit available
B. over the years
C. around the world
D. to encourage development
E. with some variations

Item 23.
Suppose the writer had been asked to write an essay explaining the influence of the credit
system developed by Muhammad Yunis on the economy of the United States. Does this article
fulfill that assignment?
A. Yes, because the article explains the work of Yunis and his success since 1976.
B. Yes, because the article says that there are similar credit programs in the United States.
C. Yes, because the economic influence of the Grameen Bank is felt throughout the world.
D. No, because the article says that similar credit systems have been established but does
not specifically mention the United States.
E. No, because the article is concerned with the reputation of Yunis as an economist, rather
than the credit system he developed.

Item 24.
Which of the following sentences, if added at the end of the first paragraph, would best make
the point that there was a need for the Grameen Bank?
A. This led to a stagnant economy in Bangladesh.
B. Other people, however, are able to overcome a lack of credit.
C. Collateral, therefore, is essential for a healthy economy.
D. Of course, there are some start-up businesses that do not need loans at all.
E. The banks, however, are able to lend their money in other countries.

On page nine of this handout, you will find the Test Prep Quick Grammar Guide. This guide covers
some of the major concepts in the Writing Skills Placement Test. This is not a complete list of all the
concepts, but it is useful review tool. In addition to the Test Prep Quick Grammar Guide, you can
study the web sites listed earlier in this document.

The COMPASS
Inc.

Preparation Guide
15

Test Prep Quick Grammar Guide

Types of Sentences
- Simple Sentence (one Independent Clause)
o Brittany wrote a paper.
o Cierra and Brittany wrote a paper.
o Cierra and Brittany wrote a paper and then took a walk.

- Complex sentence (one or more Dependent Clauses and one Independent Clause)
o Although Brittany wrote a paper, Cierra did not.
o Cierra wrote a paper although Brittany did not.
o J ackie, who is my student, works very hard.
o All of the students who take English 0980 work very hard.

- Compound Sentences (two or more Independent Clauses)*
o Brittany wrote a paper, and Cierra checked it over.
o Brittany wrote a paper; Cierra checked it over.
o Brittany wrote a paper; next, Cierra checked it over.

*Run-on Sentences occur only in compound sentences when you do not punctuate them
correctly, as above.

Comma Usage

- Use a comma to separate introductory words, phrases, and clauses from the rest of the sentence.
o Darn, I will not be there.
o Working hard on the project, Mark will be tired most of the week.
o After he opens his account, he will send you a check.

- Use a comma to set off non-essential adjective clauses. Essential adjective clauses are not set off
with commas.
o Greg Smith, who I met last night, will not be appearing on center stage.
o The man who I met last night will not be appearing on center stage.

- Use commas to separate items in a series.
o Roger, Billy, Matt, and Susan are in place.
o Dont worry, fret, or be anxious.
o Bill and Sam and Ray are gone

Preparation Guide
16

Wordiness: A sentence may be grammatical, but it may contain too many words that make it
awkward or even too confusing to follow.

- Wordy As far as I am concerned, the major weakness of the hair salon in question is that the owner
is rude, in a matter of speaking.
Correct The major weakness of the hair salon is the rude owner.

- Wordy (and redundant) Many unskilled workers who have no training in a particular job are
unemployed and do not have any work.
Correct Many unskilled workers are not employed.

Watch out for the following phrases which contribute to wordiness and redundancy: at this time
period, at the present time, because of the fact that, circle around, there is, there are, as far as I am
concerned, in my opinion, last but not least, more or less.

Avoid unnecessary information. Leave out phrases in a sentence which detract from the main
thought.

Incorrect: My boss, who wears a hearing aid, is a very fair person.
Correct: My boss is a fair person.

Types of Agreement

- Subject /Verb
In present tense singular subjects agree with verbs plus s.Plural verbs agree with the verb
without s.
o J ohn writes a paper.
o Sally and Blake write a paper
o The presidents of each community work long hours.

- Pronoun/Antecedent
Pronouns need to agree in gender and number with the nouns they are replacing.
o I need to give each person his or her book.
o Please tell the members of the team that they must return their books.
o Everyone left his or her book behind.
o The man who lives next door is creepy.

- Parallelism
Items in a series must be of the same grammatical form.
o Place all the containers, dishes, and placemats in the bin.
o The worked hard to remove the pollutants, rebuild the fisheries, and restock the ponds.
o We will place them in mailboxes, on porches, and on cars.

- Tense
Tenses should remain consistent unless the actions happen at different times.
o Last year I gave her my favorite dress. I was very generous.
o As we go along, we see many colorful plants.
o I picked her up at her house. Nowadays, I pick her up at the bus stop.

Preparation Guide
17

PLACEMENT TEST
PREPARATION GUIDE

MATHEMATICS

Are you prepared?

Placement testing is mandatory for all new students. Taking time to work through this Placement
Test Preparation Guide will help you
resulting in
- possible reduction of unnecessary coursework

Preparation Guide
18

COMPASS
Mathematics Skills Placement Test

The Mathematics Skills Placement Test helps determine if you have the skills to succeed in entry-
level college courses or if you need additional mathematics instruction.

The Microsoft
Windows
calculator is the only one that you will be able to use on the Math Skills
placement test at Tri-C.
To practice with the Windows
calculator, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, and

Calculator.
The calculator has two views standard and scientific. You can change the view by clicking on
View and selecting the alternate version. Below is an example of the standard view.
Notice that the square root key is labeled sqrt and appears only on the standard view.

This is an example of the scientific view.

Preparation Guide
19

Go to the COMPASS


When you take the COMPASS
Mathematics Placement Test at Tri-C, you will begin with the

Algebra Placement Test.
Click on the Numerical Skills/Pre-Algebra and Algebra link. Begin on page 6 with the algebra
sample questions. As you work the sample problems, notice the amount of reading.
Answer the sample questions and check your solutions with the correct answers on page 10. Next to
each correct answer, you will see the content category for that question. Use the content category to
Additional Online Math Resources:
www.hippocampus.org
www.purplemath.com
www.khanacademy.org
www.patrickjmt.com

Depending on your answers to the algebra problems, you also may need to answer pre-algebra or
college algebra problems.
Practice in pre-algebra begins on page 1. After answering these sample questions, check your
solutions with the correct answers on page 5 and note the content category for each question.
If you have studied college algebra and/or trigonometry, answer those sample test questions by
clicking on the College Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry link under More Sample
Questions.

When you have completed the Placement Test Preparation, you may test at any of the Tri-C testing
centers. For additional placement testing information, contact the testing center of your choice.

Brunswick University Center BUC 214 216.987.3877

Corporate College West CCW 221 216.987.5888

Eastern Campus ESS 1108 216.987.2256

Metropolitan Campus MSS 103 216.987.4311

Western Campus WTLC GT 115 216.987.5256

Westshore Campus SHCS 130A 216.987.3887 or 216.987.3888

The COMPASS
Inc.

Preparation Guide
20

Cuyahoga Community College
Mathematics Placement Review

Problem #2 (Algebra)
Doctors use the term maximum heart rate (MHR) when referring to the quantity found by starting
with 220 beats per minute and subtracting 1 beat per minute for each year of a persons age. Doctors
recommend exercise 3 or 4 times each week for at least 20 minutes with your heart rate increased
from its resting heart rate (RHR) to its training heart rate (THR), where

( ) .65 THR RHR MHR RHR = +

Which of the following is closest to theTHR of a 43-year-old person whose RHR is 54 beats per
minute?

A. 197
B. 169
C. 162
D. 134 Content Category: Substituting Values into Algebra Exercises Math 0910
E. 80

Solution:
First make sure that you understand the formula given:

( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) TrainingHeart Rate RestingHeart Rate MaximumHeart Rat
.6
e RestingHe
5
.65 art Rate
THR RHR MHR RHR = +
= + (

Notice that the question gives the resting heart rate (RHR) and a method to calculate the maximum
heart rate (MHR):

54
220 220 43 177
RHR
MHR Age
=
= = =

Now use this information and the above formula to find the training heart rate (THR).

( )
( )
( )
.65
54 .65 177 54
54 .65 123
54 79.95
133.95
THR RHR MHR RHR
THR
THR
THR
THR
= +
= +
= +
= +
=

Of the answers given, D. 134, is the closest to the calculated value of 133.95 beats per minute.

Problems taken from COMPASS/ESL: Sample Test Questions A Guide for Students and Parents
Mathematics (Numerical Skills/ Pre-Algebra & Algebra), 2004 by ACT, Inc.

Preparation Guide
21


When getting into shape by exercising, the subjects maximum recommended number of heartbeats
per minute (h) can be determined by subtracting the subjects age (a) from 220 and then taking 75%
of that value. This relation is expressed by which of the following formulas?

A. ( ) .75 220 h a = Content Category: Setting Up Equations for Given Situation Math 0950
B. ( ) .75 220 h a =
C. 220 .75 h a =
D. .75 220 h a =
E. ( ) 220 .75 h a =

Solution:
Notice in the question that h is used for heartbeats per minute and a is used for age.
Also notice the key words and phrases that mean something mathematical a symbol or an
operation:

can be determined by Equals (=)
subtracting the subjects age (a) from 220 Subtraction (220 a)
then taking 75% of that value. Multiplication (.75 that value)

So the subjects maximum recommend number of heartbeats per minute (h) can be determined by
subtracting the subjects age (a) from 220 and then taking 75% of that value is given by:

( ) .75 220 h a =

The answer is A.


Preparation Guide
22


Problem #3 (Numerical Skills/Prealgebra)
If
3 2 1 1
4 3 2 3
| | | |
+ +
| |
\ . \ .
is calculated and the answer is reduced to simplest terms, what is the denominator of
the resulting fraction?

A. 24
B. 12 Content Category: Operations with Fractions Math 0910
C. 6
D. 4
E. 3

Solution:
First, recall the order of operations and work inside each set of parentheses. When adding or subtracting
fractions you must have a common denominator.

The lowest common denominator (LCD) in the first parentheses is 12 and each fraction can be written as an
equivalent fraction with 12 in the denominator. Now subtract the numerators and bring the common
denominator along.

4
4
3 2 3 2 9 8 9 8 1
4
3
3 4 3 12 12 1 3 2 12
= = =

Likewise, in the second parentheses, theLCD is 6 and each fraction can be written with 6 in the denominator.
Now add the numerators and bring the common denominator along.

1 1 1 1 3 2 3 2 5
2 3 2 3
3
6
2
3 6 2 6 6
+
+ = + =

+
= =

After doing these operations the question becomes:

3 2 1 1 1 5
4 3 2 3 12 6
| | | |
+ + = +
| |
\ . \ .

The LCD of these resulting fractions is 12 and each fraction can be written with 12 in the denominator.

3 2 1 1 1 5 1 5 1 10 1 10 11
4 3 2 3 12 6 12 6 12 12 12 12
2
2
+ | | | |
+ + = + = + = + = =
| |
\ . \ .

This result is already reduced to simplest form because the numerator and denominator do not contain a
common factor.

Note the question does not ask for the solution, but for the denominator. In this case B. 12 is the correct
answer.


Preparation Guide
23


Problem #10 (Numerical Skills/Prealgebra)
If the total cost of x apples is b cents, what is a general formula for the cost, in cents, of y apples?

A.
b
xy

B.
x
by

C.
xy
b

D.
by
x
Content Category: Ratios and Proportions Math 0950
E.
bx
y

Solution:
Set up a proportion to solve this question:

1 2
1 2
Cost Cost
#of apples #of apples
=

Using the given information:

cents Cost
apples apples
b
x y
=

Now cross multiply:

( )( ) ( )( ) Cost apples cents apples x b y =

Divide both sides by x apples and simplify the result:

( ) ( ) ap Co s st ple x
( ) apples x
( ) cents apples b y
=
( )
apples x
( )
Cost cents
by
x
=

The answer is D.


Preparation Guide
24



For all 4 x = , which of the following is equivalent to the expression below?

2
12 32
4
x x
x
+ +
+

A. 3 x +
B. 8 x + Content Category: Rational Expressions Math 0960
C. 11 x +
D. 16 x +
E. 28 x +

Solution:

Since x cannot equal -4 the denominator will not equal zero. Therefore, the fraction is defined for all
values in its domain.

See if the numerator and/or denominator are factorable. The numerator is factorable as shown:

( )( )
( )
2
4 8
12 32
4 4
x x
x x
x x
+ +
+ +
=
+ +

The fraction can now be simplified by reducing the common factor in the numerator and
denominator:

( )
2
12 32
4
4
x x
x
x
+ +
=
+
+ ( )
( )
8
4
x
x
+
+

This fraction can now be simplified to give:

2
12 32
8
4
x x
x
x
+ +
= +
+

The answer is B.


Preparation Guide
25

Mathematics Sample Test Questions
Work out these sample questions and return this packet to an Assessment Center before taking the placement tests.

(1)
1 2 3 4 5
?
2 3 4 5 6
| | | |
+ =
| |
\ . \ .

A.
1
16

B.
17
27

C.
13
18

D.
7
9

E.
5
6

(2) What value of x solves the following proportion?

9
6 8
x
=
A.
1
5
3

B.
3
6
4

C.
1
10
2

D. 11

E. 12

(3) On a math test, 12 students earned an A. This number is exactly 25% of the total number of students in the class.
How many students are in the class?

A. 15

B. 16

C. 21

D. 30

E. 48

Preparation Guide
26

MathematicsSampleTestQuestions

(4) If

3 x = , what is the value of

2
1
1
x
x
+
?

A. 4

B. 2

C. 2

D.
2
3
3

E. 5

(5) Which of the following is equivalent to ( ) 3 4 6 3 a b a b + ?

A. 16ab

B. 3a b +

C. 3 7 a b +

D. 9a b +

E. 9 7 a b +

(6) If ( ) 2 5 11 x = , then ? x =

A.
21
2

B. 8

C.
11
2

D. 3

E.
1
2

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