ACCUPLACER Question of the Day

Sharpen your college placement prep with a fresh ACCUPLACER practice question, updated daily.

25 October 2026

Subject: Advanced Algebra and FunctionsAdvanced Algebra and FunctionsQuadratic equations and functions

Question

The function \$f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 3\$ represents a parabola. What are the coordinates of the vertex of this parabola?

Select an Answer

(2, 1)
(2, -1)
(4, 3)
(-2, 15)

Rationale:

To find the coordinates of the vertex of a parabola given in the standard form \$f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\$, we use the formula for the x-coordinate of the vertex: \$x = -b / (2a)\$. In the given function, \$f(x) = x^2 - 4x + 3\$, we can identify the coefficients as \$a = 1\$, \$b = -4\$, and \$c = 3\$.

First, calculate the x-coordinate of the vertex: \$x = -(-4) / (2 \\cdot 1) = 4 / 2 = 2\$.
Next, substitute this x-value back into the function to find the corresponding y-coordinate: \$f(2) = (2)^2 - 4(2) + 3 = 4 - 8 + 3 = -4 + 3 = -1\$.
Therefore, the coordinates of the vertex are \$(2, -1)\$.
Distractor (-2, 15) typically results from an error in the sign of 'b' when applying the vertex formula (e.g., using \$x = -4 / (2 \\cdot 1) = -2\$). Distractor (2, 1) indicates a calculation error when finding the y-coordinate after correctly determining the x-coordinate. Distractor (4, 3) might come from incorrectly assuming the vertex is at \$(c, b)\$ or misinterpreting the coefficients.

24 October 2026

Subject: Advanced Algebra and FunctionsAdvanced Algebra and FunctionsRadical expressions and equations

Question

The speed v (in meters per second) of a tsunami in shallow water can be approximated by the formula v = √(gd), where g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²) and d is the depth of the ocean (in meters). If a tsunami is observed to be traveling at a speed of 196 meters per second, what is the approximate depth of the ocean?

Select an Answer

400 meters
20 meters
376476.8 meters
3920 meters

Rationale:

The given formula is v = √(gd). We are given v = 196 m/s and g = 9.8 m/s². We need to solve for d.

Substitute the given values into the formula:
196 = √(9.8 * d)

To eliminate the square root, square both sides of the equation:
(196)² = (√(9.8 * d))²
38416 = 9.8 * d

Now, isolate d by dividing both sides by 9.8:
d = 38416 / 9.8
d = 3920

So, the approximate depth of the ocean is 3920 meters.

Distractor Analysis:

20 meters: This distractor results from incorrectly assuming v = gd, or taking √v instead of v². If one were to solve 196 = 9.8 * d, then d = 196 / 9.8 = 20.
400 meters: This distractor results from correctly dividing v by g first, then squaring the result, i.e., d = (v/g)². If one incorrectly rearranges to v/g = √d, then d = (196/9.8)² = 20² = 400.
376476.8 meters: This distractor results from squaring v but then multiplying by g instead of dividing by g, i.e., d = v² * g. This would be 196² * 9.8 = 38416 * 9.8 = 376476.8.

23 October 2026

Subject: WritingWritingOrganization and logical development of ideas

Question

The role of technology in modern education is a subject of ongoing debate, reflecting divergent perspectives on its ultimate impact. Advocates for technology integration emphasize its potential to personalize learning, offer students expansive access to information, and develop skills essential for a digital economy. They often cite the utility of educational software and online collaborative platforms in tailoring instruction to individual needs and engaging students in novel ways. Conversely, critics express concern that an over-reliance on digital tools may foster distractions, widen the existing digital divide for underprivileged students, and potentially hinder the development of critical thinking as information becomes too readily available. These opponents also stress the enduring value of traditional pedagogical approaches in cultivating deeper analytical skills and essential face-to-face communication.

Which of the following statements best expresses the central idea presented in the passage?

Select an Answer

Traditional teaching methods are unequivocally superior to technology-driven learning environments.
The passage explores differing viewpoints regarding the effects of technology on educational practices.
Technological advancements in the classroom are primarily beneficial for student engagement and skill development.
The main challenge with integrating technology into education is its potential to create a digital divide among students.

Rationale:

The correct answer, "The passage explores differing viewpoints regarding the effects of technology on educational practices," accurately captures the central idea by reflecting the discussion of both advocates' and critics' perspectives on technology's impact in education. The passage details arguments for technology's benefits, such as personalized learning and skill development, alongside concerns about distractions and the digital divide. The statement that "Technological advancements in the classroom are primarily beneficial for student engagement and skill development" is incorrect because it presents only one side of the multifaceted debate discussed. Similarly, asserting that "The main challenge with integrating technology into education is its potential to create a digital divide among students" is too narrow, as the passage discusses multiple challenges and benefits, not just one primary issue. Lastly, the idea that "Traditional teaching methods are unequivocally superior to technology-driven learning environments" is not supported by the passage, which presents a balanced debate rather than an extreme conclusion.

22 October 2026

Subject: ArithmeticArithmeticPercentages in applied problems

Question

A new laptop is advertised with a 25% discount off its original price. If the sale price of the laptop is $780, what was its original price before the discount?

Select an Answer

$910
$585
$975
$1,040

Rationale:

To determine the original price of the laptop, we need to understand what the sale price represents in terms of the original price. A 25% discount means that the customer is paying 100% - 25% = 75% of the original price. Let 'O' represent the original price.

We can set up the equation: 0.75 * O = $780. To find 'O', we divide the sale price by 0.75: O = $780 / 0.75. Performing this calculation yields O = $1,040. Therefore, the original price of the laptop was $1,040.

Distractor Analysis:

$975: This common error results from incorrectly attempting to reverse the discount by adding 25% of the *sale price* back to the sale price (780 + 0.25 * 780 = 780 + 195 = 975). This is incorrect because the discount percentage applies to the original price, not the discounted price.
$585: This result comes from incorrectly calculating 75% of the *sale price* (0.75 * 780 = 585), as if $780 was the original price and one was calculating the sale price.
$910: This value could arise from various miscalculations or misinterpretations of the percentage, such as applying an incorrect percentage to the sale price or making a conceptual error in setting up the reverse calculation. For example, if one mistakenly used 15% discount (780 / 0.85 approx. 917.6) or other estimations.

21 October 2026

Subject: WritingWritingSentence boundaries (identifying and fixing run-ons and fragments)

Question

Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the movable-type printing press revolutionized communication in the 15th century. Before this innovation books were laboriously copied by hand they were expensive and rare literacy rates remained low across Europe.

Which of the following revisions best corrects the sentence structure of the underlined portion?

Select an Answer

Before this innovation, books were laboriously copied by hand, they were expensive and rare, literacy rates remained low across Europe.
Before this innovation, books were laboriously copied by hand; consequently they were expensive and rare, literacy rates remained low across Europe.
Before this innovation, books were laboriously copied by hand. They were expensive and rare, so literacy rates remained low across Europe.
Before this innovation, books being laboriously copied by hand, expensive and rare, with literacy rates remaining low across Europe.

Rationale:

The original sentence contains a run-on, incorrectly joining multiple independent clauses. The correct revision, "Before this innovation, books were laboriously copied by hand. They were expensive and rare, so literacy rates remained low across Europe," effectively corrects this by separating the initial clauses into distinct sentences and appropriately joining the last two with a comma and the coordinating conjunction "so," showing cause and effect.

The option stating "Before this innovation, books were laboriously copied by hand, they were expensive and rare, literacy rates remained low across Europe" incorrectly uses commas to connect independent clauses, creating a comma splice. The choice that begins "Before this innovation, books were laboriously copied by hand; consequently they were expensive and rare..." also contains a comma splice after "rare" and misuses the semicolon before "consequently" without a subsequent comma. Finally, the revision "Before this innovation, books being laboriously copied by hand, expensive and rare, with literacy rates remaining low across Europe" transforms the sentence into an ungrammatical fragment, failing to convey complete thoughts or logical connections.