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ACCUPLACER Arithmetic

Arithmetic is one of the ACCUPLACER math tests. It covers the number skills you use every day.

What ACCUPLACER Arithmetic measures

ACCUPLACER Arithmetic covers whole number operations, fraction operations, decimal operations, percent, and number comparisons and equivalents. That includes order of operations, estimating and rounding, and spotting the same value written in different forms.

Questions and time

TestQuestionsTime limit
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic20None set

You cannot bring your own calculator. Some questions show a basic calculator on the screen, and others do not.

How to study ACCUPLACER Arithmetic

  1. Practice fractions by hand. Find a common denominator to add or subtract. Flip the second fraction to divide.
  2. Know your percents. Change a percent to a decimal, like 6% to 0.06, then multiply.
  3. Follow the order of operations. Do what is inside parentheses first, then multiply and divide, then add and subtract.
  4. Round at the end. Keep all the digits until the last step, then round to what the question asks, like the nearest cent.
  5. Estimate first. A quick guess helps you spot answers that are far too big or too small.

Sample questions

1. A repair crew starts with 7 1/6 feet of copper pipe and cuts off 3 5/8 feet. How many feet of copper pipe are left?

  1. A. 4 13/24 feet
  2. B. 3 13/24 feet
  3. C. 3 5/6 feet
  4. D. 13/24 feet
Show the answer

Answer: B. Use 24 as the common denominator: 7 4/24 - 3 15/24. Borrow 1 to get 6 28/24 - 3 15/24 = 3 13/24 feet.

2. A purchase has a subtotal of $45.90 and the store charges 6% sales tax on that subtotal. What is the total amount due, rounded to the nearest cent?

  1. A. $48.65
  2. B. $51.90
  3. C. $48.66
  4. D. $48.00
Show the answer

Answer: A. The tax is 0.06 × $45.90 = $2.754. The total is $48.654, which rounds down to $48.65.

3. A class has 40 students, and 13 of them ride the bus to school. What percent of the students ride the bus?

  1. A. 32.5%
  2. B. 307.7%
  3. C. 0.325
  4. D. 27%
Show the answer

Answer: A. 13 ÷ 40 = 0.325, which is 32.5%. Choice C is the decimal before it is changed to a percent.

How SPARK helps with ACCUPLACER Arithmetic

SPARK's diagnostic shows which number skills trip you up. Your study plan targets those first, and the AI tutor can walk you through any step you get stuck on.

FAQ

How many questions are on ACCUPLACER Arithmetic?
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic has 20 questions.
Can I use a calculator on ACCUPLACER Arithmetic?
You cannot bring your own calculator. Some ACCUPLACER Arithmetic questions show a basic calculator on the screen, and others do not.
What does ACCUPLACER Arithmetic cover?
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic covers whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and comparing numbers written in different forms.
What is the difference between ACCUPLACER Arithmetic and QAS?
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic focuses on number skills like fractions, decimals and percents. QAS goes on to ratios, algebra, statistics, probability and geometry.

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