Math
Solve for x:
3x + 10 + x – 2 = 20
1. 7
2. 3
3. 2
4. 4
What is 2
When solving equations remember to use:
Step 1: Combine Any Like Terms
In this problem, we are first going to rearrange the equation so that we can combine all the whole numbers and all terms with the same variable. Also, remember to include the sign IN FRONT of each term.
3x + 10 + x – 2 = 20
If we rearrange, it becomes:
3x + x + 10 – 2 = 20
This simplifies to:
4x + 8 = 20
Step 2: Solve the Equation
When we solve equations, we can start by applying the inverse of the constant term on both sides of the equation. The constant is the term with no variable attached to it.
We see that eight is being added to 4x, the 8 is the constant term because there is no x attached, so we have to undo addition using subtraction. Therefore we are going to subtract 8 from both sides.
4x + 8 – 8 = 20 – 8
Which then becomes:
4x = 12
Now we can solve:
Since 4 is being multiplied by x, we have to undo the multiplication using division. Therefore we are going to divide both sides by 4.
(4x/4) = (12/4)
This simplifies to:
1x = 3
Since 1x and x are the same thing, our final answer is:
x = 3
Which of the following is the result of deficient production of thyrotropin-releasing hormone?
1. The parathyroid gland will be stimulated to overproduce parathyroid hormone
2. The pituitary gland will produce excessive amounts of thyroid-stimulating hormone
3. The thyroid gland will produce an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones
4. There will be insufficient production of growth hormone
What is 3
The Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates the pituitary gland to release TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. Deficient production of TRH will result in an insufficient production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone
Picture the millions of people living in and around Portland and Seattle. They bustle about their daily lives right on the precipice of the West Coast of the United states. Now, zoom out. Seven hundred miles off that Pacific Northwest Coast lies the Cascadia Subduction Zone. It is situated within the 500 km by 40,000 km Ring of Fire — the volcanic hotbed wrapped around the Pacific Ocean rim. The name comes from the Cascadia Range, roughly one hundred miles inland. The volcanic mountain range stretches from northern California, up through Oregon and Washington to British Columbia. There is evidence of destructive earthquakes at the Cascadia Subduction Zone long before all those people got there. Another might be around the corner.
Near the Washington coast, there is a ghost forest. Soil layers and dendrochronology (the study of growth-ring patterns) show that an entire grove of cedars suddenly died between August 1699 and May 1700. The cause was an earthquake that made the ground drop out from under itself. An ‘orphan tsunami’ of unknown origin at the time occurred on the coast of Japan. In 1966, seismologists determined that the magnitude-9.0 earthquake and land drop that killed the cedars of coastal Washington’s ghost forest created a massive wave half a continent long that struck the Northwest coast and then Japan. First nation tribes of the area have also passed down accounts of this event.
Seafloor core samples recording the past ten thousand years of geographic history depict a deposit from torrents of land rushing off the continental slope. This evidence offers glimpses into the frequency and extent of Cascadia Subduction Zone ruptures. 41 times over the past 10,000 years, land has collapsed into the seafloor from earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest, leaving deposits. That is a recurrence interval of 243 years. The most recent earthquake happened there in 1700 (320 years ago), so the Pacific Northwest is almost 80 years overdue for another devastating event. Chris Goldfinger is a scientist studying the Cascadia Subduction Zone’s volatility. He predicts a one in three chance of a big earthquake in the next 50 years, and a one in ten chance of a completely catastrophic one.
What is the author’s purpose for writing this passage?
1. To entertain readers with a tale of natural disaster survival
2. To argue that coastal communities need to fund building improvements to reduce the destructiveness of an impending natural disaster
3. To encourage people who live in the Pacific Northwest to consider moving somewhere less likely to be affected by natural disasters
4. To inform readers of the likelihood of a natural disaster in the Pacific Northwest in the next few decades
What is 4
This is correct. The language is objective and neutral, which is typical of informative writing. The writer isn’t arguing a position.
Which of the following is the first step of the writing process?
1. Brainstorming
2. Publishing
3. Proofreading
4. Writing
What is 1
Brainstorming is the correct answer.
It is correct because thoughts must be put on paper before we can organize them into a written piece of work.
Rainbow Mountain in Peru is 5200m in altitude. Given that 1 meter is 3.28 feet, how many feet is the altitude of Rainbow Mountain?
1. 20,900 ft
2. 17,056 ft
3. 16,127 ft
4. 18,003 ft
What is 2
In order to convert between different units of measurement, we use what is called a conversion factor. A conversion factor is a ratio (written as a fraction) where one of the units is the numerator and one is the denominator. In order to convert one type of unit to another, you will cross-multiply the starting value by the conversion factor.
*We decide which unit goes on the top based on what we are trying to convert. Basically, the units have to match – the units of one numerator should be the same as the numerator of the second fraction.
In this case, we know the conversion factor to be the number of feet in one meter. This can be written as either of the following:
1 m / 3.28 ft OR 3.28 ft / 1 m
These can both be used as conversion factors because the ratio of feet to meters is the SAME in both.
In order to decide which version to use, we come to our problem.
We are told that the height of the mountain Is 5200m, and we’re trying to convert the meters to feet.
Since the number of feet (the height of the mountain in feet) is unknown, we’re going to represent It as x.
In order to solve using ratios, we need to write the first ratio as a fraction. We know that the height in meters is 5200m, so that will be the numerator in our fraction (ratio) to start. We have decided to use x to represent the unknown number of feet, so our fraction (ratio) will look like this:
5200 meters/x
Now, we know which version of the conversion factor to use. Meters is the unit used in the numerator, so we will use the conversion factor that also has meters in the numerator:
1 meter/3.28 feet
Now we can set the ratios equal to one another in preparation to solve.
5200 meters/x = 1 meter/3.28 feet
Now, we can move forward and solve. Cross multiply across the equal sign to eliminate the ratios. This means you multiply the first numerator by the second denominator, and the first denominator by the second numerator.
5200 m • 3.28 ft = x • 1m
17,056m • ft = x • 1m
Now, we can see that we have the 1m multiplying the x, so we have to divide both sides by 1m . Note that when you divide, you also divide by the units. This cancels out the m on the left hand side as well.
17,056m • ft ÷ 1m = x • 1m ÷ 1m
17,056 ft = x
Answer: 17,056 ft = 5200m
Which of the following endocrine glands has an exocrine function that aids in regulating levels of glucose in the blood?
1. Hypothalamus
2. Pancreas
3. Pineal
4. Adrenal
What is 2
The Pancreas is both an endocrine and exocrine gland. As an exocrine gland, it produces bicarbonate and the enzymes necessary for the digestion of foods in the small intestine. As an endocrine gland, it produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate the level of glucose in the blood.
The Hypothalamus, pineal, and adrenal glands are all endocrine glands that produce releasing and inhibiting hormones, melatonin, and cortisol and aldosterone, respectively.
Many Worlds in One Trek
Anyone in search of adventure can find it in unexpected places. All it takes is a working set of wheels and some time to kill. There are plentiful unexpected places along a unique route meandering northwest from that top-hat on Texas to Salt Lake City, Utah. Amarillo gets less attention than Texas’ other cities, but it characteristically offers plains, big sky, and plenty to eat. The Big Texan steakhouse signature 72 ouncer is on the house if you can finish it. From there, expect a couple zen hours of scraggy brush, ghost towns, and dirt. Approaching Albuquerque, NM, hills and windy roads start to appear. The sunsets here are breathtaking but blinding, so timing is key.
Navajo and Ute lands appear next in dramatic fashion, boasting jaw-dropping buttes and mesas. Cutting across the tiniest southwest corner of Colorado, take a load off at the unassuming diner in Cortez for some hearty huevos rancheros. Another pit stop might be in order roughly ninety minutes later in Monticello, UT. Peaceful country roads lead from there towards the noble La Sal mountains with a foreground of rolling rock formations. Drawing closer to Moab and Arches National Park will bring surreal, Martian red landscapes well worth exploring. Rest up before braving a stretch of picturesque desert followed by a collage of majestic peaks and plunging vistas. Finally in Salt Lake City, remember to enjoy a satisfying victory lap across the gleaming salt flats.
Which of the following is the author’s main purpose for paragraph 2?
1. To tell readers what they should do upon getting to Salt Lake City, Utah
2. To inform readers of good places to eat along the road trip route
3. To describe the leg of the trip from Navajo and Ute native lands to Salt Lake City, Utah
4. To explain how to get from Navajo and Ute native lands to Salt Lake City, Utah
What is 3
This is correct. The paragraph begins with the starting point of this leg of the trip and ends with the end-point of the trip.
Which of the following steps in the writing process comes after proofreading?
1. Outlining
2. Citing sources
3. Writing
4. Planning
What is 2
Citing sources is the correct answer.
It is correct because it is the step a writer takes after proofreading.
Josephine wants to read 54 books this year. By the end of February, she has read 13 books. What percentage of her goal has she read?
1. 32%
2. 89%
3. 21%
4. 24%
What is 4
We can use the percent formula to solve. The percent formula is below:
part⁄whole = %⁄100
We are given the part (the 13 books read) and the whole (the 54-book goal), and asked to calculate the percent. We don’t know the percent, so that is where we will put our variable (x):
part⁄whole = %⁄100
13⁄54 = x⁄100
Cross multiply and solve for x:
13⁄54 = x⁄100
54 * x = 13 * 100
54x = 1300
54x/54 = 1300/54
x = 24
So, 13 is 24% of 54
An alpha helix is formed by which type of protein structure?
1. Tertiary
2. Primary
3. Secondary
4. Quaternary
What is 3
Alpha helix is formed by coiling two chains of a polypeptide that are connected to each other by weak hydrogen bonds. This is a type of secondary protein structure.
Which of the following statements expresses an opinion?
1. In 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon.
2. Our government shouldn’t fund space exploration when we have so many needs on earth.
3. Artemis is the name of NASA’s current program for moon-based exploration and science.
4. The Artemis program is seeking to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon.
What is 2
This is correct since it is an opinion for which someone can make a case. However, it cannot be factually demonstrated beyond dispute, so it is not a fact.
Many people in America might make the argument that dogs are man’s best friend. In countless towns and cities, one would struggle to take a trip out of the house without spotting one of these furry friends along the way. To many, dogs serve as the most loyal companions. Whether you’re feeling happy, sad, upset, or disappointed, a dog will always love you. They don’t judge us based on our appearance, and if we make mistakes, they continue to excitedly stand by us. On top of that, dogs are almost always up for an adventure, willing to join their humans for a walk, car ride, or hike at the drop of a hat. What would life be like without our four-legged besties?
Which of the following sentences contains information that does not belong in the paragraph?
1. To many, dogs serve as the most loyal companions.
2. In countless towns and cities, one would struggle to take a trip out of the house without spotting one of these furry friends along the way.
3. What would life be like without our four-legged besties?
4. They don’t judge us based on our appearance, and if we make mistakes, they continue to excitedly stand by us.
What is 3
What would life be like without our four-legged besties? is correct because the use of the slang besties does not match the formality of the other vocabulary used in the paragraph.
A donut shop has sold 40 donuts today. If they started the day with 6 dozen donuts, what percentage of their donuts have they sold?
1. 55.55%
2. 66.66%
3. 44.44%
4. 33.33%
What is 1
We can use the percent formula to solve. The percent formula is below:
part⁄whole = %⁄100
First, we have to determine the part. In this problem, the part is the number of donuts that have been sold. We know from the problem that 40 donuts have been sold.
So, the part of the percent formula is 40.
Remember that the problem tells us that the shop started with 6 dozen donuts. This means we have to determine how many donuts are in 6 dozen.
6 • 12 = 72 total donuts
The whole of the percent formula (the total number of accounts) is 72.
Now, we have to determine our percent. Since we we don’t know the percent, this is where we are going to put our variable (x).
part⁄whole = %⁄100
40⁄72 = x⁄100
Cross multiply and solve for x:
40⁄72 = x⁄100
72 * x = 40 * 100
72x = 4000
72x/72 = 4000/72
x = 55.55
So, 40 is 55.55% of 72.
Pepsin is an example of a(n) __________.
1. Protease
2. Amylase
3. Nuclease
4. Lipase
What is 1
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that digests proteins in the stomach into smaller units, peptones. Enzymes that break down proteins are known as proteases.
Mia and Her Prosthetic Foot
Bearded vultures are the largest flying birds in Europe. When large birds such as these lose one of their limbs, their inability to walk will certainly lead to death from malnutrition. Luckily this won’t be the case for a bearded vulture named Mia, who injured its foot so badly that it had to be amputated. So far, prosthetic limbs have been used in humans; however, for the first time, a bionic limb has been attached directly to a vulture’s bones, allowing the bird to land safely multiple times a day and to grab prey. The veterinary team from Vienna University designed a special bone implant durable enough to withstand the large bird’s daily activity. Only a few weeks after the surgery, Mia was able to walk and land using both feet.
Which of the following is an inference that could be made about Mia, the bearded vulture?
1. Mia has become the first bionic bird on the planet.
2. Because of the size of vultures, the implant is unlikely to work.
3. The bird took a long time to recover from its surgery.
4. Bionic limbs will now be used in humans.
What is 1
The passage is about the first bionic limb attached to a vulture, as the answer option suggests.
Which of the following would most likely act as a transition sentence?
1. Scientists previously identified what appeared to be tracks on the moon.
2. Ultimately, no one is certain whether or not life exists elsewhere.
3. On the contrary, some people believe that life forms exist on other planets.
4. Have you ever considered the possibility of life on other planets?
What is 3
This is correct because it begins with the transition phrase, “on the contrary”, which signals a change in the direction of the discussion.
The distance from UC Berkeley, near San Francisco, to UC San Diego is 482 miles. If someone drives at an average of 60 mph, how long will it take them to drive the distance between the two schools?
1. 7 hours 45 minutes
2. 6 hours
3. 7 hours 30 minutes
4. 8 hours
What is 4
To solve problems about travel time: Distance = Rate • Time.
We want to solve for time, so we rearrange the equation to isolate that variable.
Time = Distance/Rate
Then we plug in our values:
Time = Distance/Rate = 482 miles/60 mph
482 miles/60 mph = 8.0333 hours
Since 8.0333 rounded to the nearest tenth would be 8.0, we can round 8.0333 to 8 for the final answer.
When someone is immobile, they may experience loss of bone density due to _________.
1. Muscle atrophy
2. Ossification
3. Tetany
4. Demineralization
What is 4
Mechanical stress or physical activity increases bone strength by increasing deposition of minerals and production of collagen. During periods of immobility, the mechanical stress is reduced resulting in demineralization and reduced collagen production.
Poor mobility may also lead to muscle atrophy, which is wasting away of muscles.
Tetany refers to spastic muscle contractions due to calcium deficiency.
Ossification is the process of bone formation.
Vegetarian vs. Vegan
Speaker 1: Would you like to come over for dinner? There are a few vegetarian recipes I’d like you to try.
Speaker 2: It sounds great! And I’m so glad you’re including more vegetarian meals in your diet. It’s a great way to reduce gas emissions, avoid further water pollution, and protect wildlife and its habitat.
Speaker 1: That’s very true. But on a personal note, I can already see the benefits of my new eating habits. I used to feel very lethargic after my meals, but not anymore. My mood has improved too!
Speaker 2: I’m very pleased to hear that! I know exactly how you feel. In fact, I’m considering pushing my vegetarian diet to the next level and becoming a vegan.
Speaker 1: Oh no, I could never do that! I love cheese and steaks too much to give them up altogether. Besides, I believe that we should eat anything in moderation and a balanced diet is the best option.
Speaker 2: I guess I’d miss eating cheese too, but I feel that the benefits of avoiding any form of animal fats and proteins are far greater than my cravings for dairy products.
Speaker 1: Well, good luck, and let me know how you get on!
Which of the following statements could NOT provide support for BOTH arguments?
1. The advantages of reducing meat consumption outweigh its disadvantages.
2. A meat-free diet brings considerable health and environmental benefits.
3. A plant-based diet can improve your health while enjoying animal products.
4. Large amounts of fruit and vegetables in your diet can increase energy levels.
What is 3
This is correct because this statement can support only one of the two arguments. Only the vegetarian diet allows the consumption of animal products such as cheese and eggs.
Moriah was privy to the surprise party and knew she couldn’t let the cat out of the bag to Heather.
Which of the following is an antonym for the word privy as it is used in the sentence?
1. Knowing
2. Included
3. Surprised
4. Unaware
What is 4
Unaware is correct. This is because “privy” means to be included in or share a secret, so unaware would be an antonym. The sentence informs us that Moriah is in fact aware of the secret.