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ACCUPLACER Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics

Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics, often called QAS, is one of the ACCUPLACER math tests. It covers algebra, data and real-life math.

What QAS measures

QAS covers rational numbers, ratio and proportional relationships, exponents, algebraic expressions, linear equations, linear applications and graphs, probability and sets, descriptive statistics, and geometry concepts.

Questions and time

TestQuestionsTime limit
ACCUPLACER QAS20None set

You cannot bring your own calculator. Some questions show a calculator on the screen.

How to study QAS

  1. Compare unit prices. Divide the price by the amount to find the cost of one unit. The lower unit price is the better deal.
  2. Set up proportions. Write two equal ratios and cross multiply to find the missing number.
  3. Turn words into equations. Pick a letter for the unknown and write each fact as part of an equation.
  4. Know mean, median and mode. The mean is the average, the median is the middle value, and the mode is the most common value.
  5. Check your answer. Put your answer back into the problem to see if it works.

Sample questions

1. A store sells rice in two sizes. A 25 pound bag costs $18.75 and an 8 pound bag costs $6.80. Which bag is the better deal?

  1. A. The 25 pound bag, at $0.75 per pound.
  2. B. The 8 pound bag, at $0.85 per pound.
  3. C. The 8 pound bag, because $6.80 is less than $18.75.
  4. D. Neither bag; both cost the same per pound.
Show the answer

Answer: A. $18.75 ÷ 25 = $0.75 per pound, and $6.80 ÷ 8 = $0.85 per pound. The lower price per pound is the better deal.

2. A jar holds only dimes and quarters. The jar has 7 more quarters than dimes, and the coins are worth $3.50 in all. Let d represent the number of dimes. How many dimes are in the jar?

  1. A. 12
  2. B. 5
  3. C. 8
  4. D. 10
Show the answer

Answer: B. Write 0.10d + 0.25(d + 7) = 3.50. That gives 0.35d + 1.75 = 3.50, so d = 5. Check: 5 dimes is $0.50 and 12 quarters is $3.00, for $3.50.

3. A repair shop logged the number of tickets closed on six days: 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 40. The 40-ticket day came from clearing a backlog. By how much does the mean of this data set exceed its median?

  1. A. 0.5
  2. B. 6
  3. C. 5.5
  4. D. 5
Show the answer

Answer: C. The values add to 72, so the mean is 72 ÷ 6 = 12. The median is the average of 6 and 7, which is 6.5. Then 12 - 6.5 = 5.5.

How SPARK helps with QAS

SPARK's diagnostic shows which math skills need work. Your study plan starts with those skills, and practice questions explain the mistake behind each wrong choice.

FAQ

How many questions are on ACCUPLACER QAS?
ACCUPLACER Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics has 20 questions.
What does ACCUPLACER QAS cover?
ACCUPLACER QAS covers rational numbers, ratios and proportions, exponents, algebraic expressions, linear equations and graphs, probability and sets, statistics, and geometry concepts.
Can I use a calculator on ACCUPLACER QAS?
You cannot bring your own calculator. Some ACCUPLACER QAS questions show a calculator on the screen.
Is ACCUPLACER QAS timed?
ACCUPLACER tests, including QAS, are generally untimed.

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