Free ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Test Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Test practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1In the standard calculation of 46 × 23, what is the value of the partial product produced by the tens digit of 23?

   1. A.92
   2. B.138
   3. C.460
   4. D.920Correct answer: D

   Explanation: The College Board notes that a multiplication error can arise from "not using a placeholder zero or writing the numbers starting in the tens place when multiplying the second digit." The tens digit of 23 represents 20, so the partial product is 46 × 20 = 920.

   Reference: ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Sample Questions — page 5, rationale 2

2. 2When the two fractions are added, what is the value of 3/8 + 1/4?

   1. A.4/12
   2. B.4/8
   3. C.5/8Correct answer: C
   4. D.5/12

   Explanation: The City Tech text says to "rewrite both fractions (by multiplying both numerator and denominator by the appropriate same number) to get the LCD as denominator." Since 1/4 = 2/8, the sum is 3/8 + 2/8 = 5/8.

   Reference: Arithmetic and Algebra — chapter 2, section 2.1, Adding or Subtracting Fractions (with unlike denominators), page 15

3. 3What is the sum of four and eight-tenths and thirty-seven hundredths?

   1. A.4.117
   2. B.4.45
   3. C.5.17Correct answer: C
   4. D.8.5

   Explanation: City Tech says, "To add decimals, we line up the decimal points". Writing 4.8 as 4.80 gives 4.80 + 0.37 = 5.17.

   Reference: Arithmetic and Algebra — chapter 3, Adding and Subtracting Decimal Numbers, page 20

4. 4How much is eighteen percent of a total amount of 250?

   1. A.18
   2. B.205
   3. C.45Correct answer: C
   4. D.450

   Explanation: College Board explains a percent-of calculation by "multiply $130.00 by 0.25" for 25%. Here 18% = 0.18, so 250 × 0.18 = 45.

   Reference: ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Sample Questions — page 6, rationale 7

5. 5Which of the following comparisons of 0.7, 5/8, and 3/4 is true?

   1. A.Seven-tenths is less than five-eighths.
   2. B.Seven-tenths equals five-eighths.
   3. C.Seven-tenths is greater than five-eighths.Correct answer: C
   4. D.Seven-tenths is greater than three-fourths.

   Explanation: College Board advises, "To best compare the numbers, they should be put in the same format." Since 5/8 = 0.625 and 3/4 = 0.75, 0.7 is greater than 5/8 but less than 3/4.

   Reference: ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Sample Questions — page 7, rationale 14

6. 6A whole-number division has divisor 9, quotient 12, and remainder 4. What is the dividend?

   1. A.104
   2. B.108
   3. C.112Correct answer: C
   4. D.148

   Explanation: The sample rationale finds a remainder by "Multiplying 9 × 66 = 594 and 599 − 594 = 5". Reversing that relationship, the dividend is divisor times quotient plus remainder: 9 × 12 + 4 = 112.

   Reference: ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Sample Questions — page 6, rationale 12

7. 7What fraction is the difference after subtracting one-third from seven-ninths?

   1. A.2/9
   2. B.4/9Correct answer: B
   3. C.2/3
   4. D.1

   Explanation: The City Tech text says, "Once we rewrite each of our fractions so their denominator is the LCD, we may add or subtract fractions". Here 1/3 = 3/9, so 7/9 − 3/9 = 4/9.

   Reference: Arithmetic and Algebra — chapter 2, section 2.1, Adding or Subtracting Fractions (with unlike denominators), page 15

8. 8What is the difference when 2.68 is subtracted from the number seven?

   1. A.4.32Correct answer: A
   2. B.4.38
   3. C.5.32
   4. D.5.68

   Explanation: For decimal subtraction, City Tech says "Subtracting is similar" to lining up decimal points for addition. Writing 7 as 7.00 and regrouping gives 7.00 − 2.68 = 4.32.

   Reference: Arithmetic and Algebra — chapter 3, Adding and Subtracting Decimal Numbers, page 20

9. 9Eighteen of 72 tickets are reserved. What percent of the tickets are reserved?

   1. A.18%
   2. B.25%Correct answer: B
   3. C.40%
   4. D.72%

   Explanation: College Board instructs: "Divide the number of cans sold by the number of cans stocked and multiply by 100 to find the percent". Here 18 ÷ 72 × 100 = 25%.

   Reference: ACCUPLACER Arithmetic Sample Questions — page 5, rationale 5

10. 10Which of the following fractions has exactly the same value as 3/7?

    1. A.3/14
    2. B.6/7
    3. C.12/28Correct answer: C
    4. D.12/7

    Explanation: City Tech states that when "you multiply both numerator and denominator by the same number, the fraction value does not change". Multiplying both terms of 3/7 by 4 gives 12/28.

    Reference: Arithmetic and Algebra — chapter 2, The Fundamental Principle of Fractions, page 12