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Question 1Number and algebra
A jacket is priced at $80. It is discounted by 25%. What is the sale price?
- $60 Correct answer.
- $75
- $55
- $20
Explanation
A 25% discount removes one quarter of the price, and one quarter of $80 is $20. Subtracting gives $80 − $20 = $60. Equivalently, the buyer pays 75% of $80, which is 0.75 × 80 = $60.
Question 2Number and algebra
What is the value of 3 + 4 × 2 − 6 ÷ 3?
- 11
- 9 Correct answer.
- 2
- 4
Explanation
Multiplication and division are done before addition and subtraction. So 4 × 2 = 8 and 6 ÷ 3 = 2, giving 3 + 8 − 2 = 9. Working strictly left to right would break the order-of-operations convention.
Question 3Number and algebra
Which number is the largest?
- 0.7
- 0.8 Correct answer.
- 0.099
- 0.65
Explanation
Compare the tenths digit first: 0.8 has 8 tenths, while the others have 7, 6 and 0 tenths. Since 8 tenths is the greatest, 0.8 is the largest value even though 0.099 has more digits.
Question 4Number and algebra
Simplify the expression 5a + 3b − 2a + b.
- 3a + 2b
- 7a + 4b
- 3a + 4b Correct answer.
- 8ab
Explanation
Collect like terms separately: 5a − 2a = 3a and 3b + b = 4b. The simplified expression is therefore 3a + 4b. Terms in a and terms in b cannot be combined into one term.
Question 5Number and algebra
A recipe uses 2 cups of flour for every 3 cups of milk. How many cups of flour are needed with 12 cups of milk?
- 18
- 8 Correct answer.
- 6
- 9
Explanation
The ratio flour:milk is 2:3, so flour is two thirds of the milk quantity. Two thirds of 12 is 8. Checking: 8:12 simplifies to 2:3, which matches the recipe.
Question 6Number and algebra
Which list is in order from smallest to largest?
- 2/5, 0.35, 1/2, 0.6
- 2/5, 0.35, 0.6, 1/2
- 0.35, 2/5, 0.6, 1/2
- 0.35, 2/5, 1/2, 0.6 Correct answer.
Explanation
Convert to decimals: 2/5 = 0.4 and 1/2 = 0.5. The values are then 0.35, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, which ascend correctly. Any list that places 0.6 before 0.5 or 0.4 before 0.35 is out of order.
Question 7Number and algebra
What is the next term in the sequence 4, 9, 14, 19, ...?
- 24 Correct answer.
- 23
- 28
- 25
Explanation
Each term increases by a constant difference of 5, since 9 − 4 = 5 and 14 − 9 = 5. Adding 5 to 19 gives 24. This is an arithmetic sequence with common difference 5.
Question 8Number and algebra
A car travels 150 km in 2 hours. What is its average speed?
- 50 km/h
- 300 km/h
- 75 km/h Correct answer.
- 100 km/h
Explanation
Average speed is distance divided by time, so 150 km ÷ 2 h = 75 km/h. Multiplying distance by time would give the wrong units, not a speed.
Question 9Number and algebra
Solve for x: 4x − 7 = 21.
- x = 7 Correct answer.
- x = 14
- x = 3.5
- x = 28
Explanation
Add 7 to both sides to get 4x = 28, then divide both sides by 4 to get x = 7. Substituting back: 4 × 7 − 7 = 21, which confirms the solution.
Question 10Number and algebra
A shirt costs $45 including 15% GST. What is the price before GST, to the nearest cent?
- $51.75
- $39.13 Correct answer.
- $30.00
- $38.25
Explanation
The GST-inclusive price equals 1.15 times the pre-GST price, so divide $45 by 1.15 to get about $39.13. Taking 15% of $45 and subtracting would be wrong because the 15% applies to the smaller pre-GST amount.
Question 11Number and algebra
Expand and simplify (x + 5)(x − 2).
- x² − 10
- x² − 3x − 10
- x² + 7x − 10
- x² + 3x − 10 Correct answer.
Explanation
Multiply each term: x·x = x², x·(−2) = −2x, 5·x = 5x, and 5·(−2) = −10. Combining −2x + 5x gives +3x, so the result is x² + 3x − 10.
Question 12Number and algebra
The number 84 is written as a product of prime factors. Which is correct?
- 2² × 3 × 7 Correct answer.
- 4 × 3 × 7
- 2 × 3² × 7
- 2² × 21
Explanation
Dividing 84 by 2 twice gives 21, and 21 = 3 × 7, so 84 = 2² × 3 × 7. A prime factorisation must use only prime numbers, and 2, 3 and 7 are all prime.
Question 13Number and algebra
A savings account earns 4% interest per year, compounded annually. If $500 is deposited, what is the balance after 2 years?
- $540.00
- $540.80 Correct answer.
- $541.60
- $580.00
Explanation
After one year the balance is 500 × 1.04 = $520. After the second year it is 520 × 1.04 = $540.80, because interest is earned on the interest already added. Compound growth uses the factor 1.04² = 1.0816.
Question 14Number and algebra
The gradient of a straight line through the points (2, 3) and (6, 11) is:
- 0.5
- 2 Correct answer.
- 4
- 1
Explanation
Gradient equals the change in y divided by the change in x: (11 − 3) ÷ (6 − 2) = 8 ÷ 4 = 2. The line rises 8 units over a run of 4 units.
Question 15Number and algebra
A bag contains 5 red and 3 blue counters. One counter is drawn at random and not replaced; then a second is drawn. What is the probability both are red?
- 5/8
- 25/64
- 15/56
- 5/14 Correct answer.
Explanation
The first red has probability 5/8. With one red removed, 4 of the remaining 7 counters are red, so the second is 4/7. Multiplying gives (5/8) × (4/7) = 20/56 = 5/14.
Question 16Number and algebra
Solve the inequality 3x + 4 < 19.
- x > 23/3
- x < 23/3
- x < 5 Correct answer.
- x > 5
Explanation
Subtract 4 from both sides to get 3x < 15, then divide by the positive number 3, which keeps the inequality direction: x < 5. Dividing by a negative number would be the only case that reverses the sign.
Question 17Number and algebra
Which expression is equivalent to 2⁵ × 2³?
- 2²
- 2⁸ Correct answer.
- 4⁸
- 2¹⁵
Explanation
When multiplying powers with the same base, add the exponents: 2⁵ × 2³ = 2^(5+3) = 2⁸. This equals 256, which matches 32 × 8.
Question 18Number and algebra
A rectangular garden is 3 m longer than it is wide, and its area is 40 m². What is its width?
- 8 m
- 4 m
- 5 m Correct answer.
- 10 m
Explanation
Let the width be w, so the length is w + 3 and w(w + 3) = 40. The equation w² + 3w − 40 = 0 factorises as (w + 8)(w − 5) = 0, giving w = 5 since width must be positive. Checking: 5 × 8 = 40.
Question 19Number and algebra
A price rises from $60 to $75. What is the percentage increase?
- 80%
- 20%
- 15%
- 25% Correct answer.
Explanation
The increase is $15, and percentage change is measured against the original value: 15 ÷ 60 = 0.25, or 25%. Measuring against the new price instead would give a different, incorrect figure.
Question 20Number and algebra
The points (1, 2) and (5, 10) lie on a straight line. Which equation represents the line?
- y = 2x Correct answer.
- y = x + 1
- y = 4x − 2
- y = 2x + 1
Explanation
The gradient is (10 − 2) ÷ (5 − 1) = 8 ÷ 4 = 2. Using the point (1, 2): 2 = 2(1) + c gives c = 0, so the equation is y = 2x. The point (5, 10) also satisfies y = 2x.
Question 21Number and algebra
Which value of x satisfies the equation x² = 2x + 15?
- x = 5 or x = 3
- x = 3 or x = −5
- x = −5 or x = −3
- x = 5 or x = −3 Correct answer.
Explanation
Rearranging gives x² − 2x − 15 = 0, which factorises as (x − 5)(x + 3) = 0. The solutions are x = 5 and x = −3. Checking x = −3: 9 = −6 + 15, which holds.
Question 22Number and algebra
Simplify (3x²y) × (4xy³).
- 12x³y³
- 7x³y⁴
- 12x³y⁴ Correct answer.
- 12x²y³
Explanation
Multiply the coefficients: 3 × 4 = 12. Add the exponents of like bases: x² × x = x³ and y × y³ = y⁴. The product is 12x³y⁴.
Question 23Number and algebra
A loan of $2000 is charged simple interest at 6% per year. How many years does it take for the interest to reach $360?
- 4 years
- 2 years
- 3 years Correct answer.
- 6 years
Explanation
Simple interest is I = P × r × t, so 360 = 2000 × 0.06 × t = 120t. Dividing gives t = 3 years. Checking: 2000 × 0.06 × 3 = $360.
Question 24Number and algebra
A cone and a cylinder share the same base radius and height. The cylinder has volume 90 cm³. What is the volume of the cone?
- 30 cm³ Correct answer.
- 60 cm³
- 45 cm³
- 270 cm³
Explanation
The volume of a cone is one third of the volume of a cylinder with the same base and height, since V = ⅓πr²h. One third of 90 cm³ is 30 cm³. This fixed ratio holds regardless of the actual radius and height.
Question 25Number and algebra
The expression 2x² + 12x + 10 is written in the form 2(x + h)² + k. What is k?
- −8 Correct answer.
- 6
- 4
- −4
Explanation
Factor out 2: 2(x² + 6x) + 10. Completing the square inside gives 2[(x + 3)² − 9] + 10 = 2(x + 3)² − 18 + 10 = 2(x + 3)² − 8, so k = −8. The constant must be adjusted after completing the square.
Question 26Number and algebra
A number is multiplied by 6, then 9 is added, giving 45. Which equation models this situation if the number is n?
- 6n + 9 = 45 Correct answer.
- 6n − 9 = 45
- 6(n + 9) = 45
- 9n + 6 = 45
Explanation
Multiplying the unknown n by 6 gives 6n, and adding 9 to that product gives 6n + 9. Setting this equal to the result 45 produces the equation 6n + 9 = 45. The order of operations matters, so the 9 is added after the multiplication, not before.
Question 27Number and algebra
A taxi charges a fixed $3 flagfall plus $2 for every kilometre travelled. Which formula gives the total cost C in dollars for a trip of k kilometres?
- C = 2k − 3
- C = 3k + 2
- C = 2k + 3 Correct answer.
- C = 5k
Explanation
The cost has a fixed part of $3 that is charged regardless of distance, plus $2 multiplied by the number of kilometres k. So the total is C = 2k + 3. The variable part is the per-kilometre charge, and the constant is the flagfall.
Question 28Number and algebra
What is the value of 5 + 3 × 4 − 2²?
- 14
- 16
- 24
- 13 Correct answer.
Explanation
Following the order of operations, evaluate the power first: 2² = 4. Then do the multiplication 3 × 4 = 12, giving 5 + 12 − 4. Working left to right gives 17 − 4 = 13.
Question 29Number and algebra
A recipe uses flour and sugar in the ratio 5 : 2. If 350 g of flour is used, how much sugar is needed?
- 140 g Correct answer.
- 100 g
- 175 g
- 250 g
Explanation
The ratio 5 : 2 means each part of flour corresponds to a fixed number of grams. Since 5 parts equal 350 g, one part is 350 ÷ 5 = 70 g. Sugar is 2 parts, so 2 × 70 = 140 g.
Question 30Number and algebra
Which number is a factor of both 36 and 60?
- 8
- 15
- 12 Correct answer.
- 9
Explanation
A common factor must divide both numbers exactly. The number 12 divides 36 (36 ÷ 12 = 3) and also divides 60 (60 ÷ 12 = 5), so it is a common factor. Checking each option by division confirms only 12 works for both.
Question 31Number and algebra
A bank statement shows a balance of −$40. A deposit of $65 is then made. What is the new balance?
- −$105
- $105
- −$25
- $25 Correct answer.
Explanation
Adding a positive deposit to a negative balance means moving right on the number line: −40 + 65. Since 65 is larger than 40, the result is positive, and 65 − 40 = 25. So the new balance is $25.
Question 32Number and algebra
A pattern of tiles is built so that each figure has 3 more tiles than the one before. The first figure has 4 tiles. How many tiles are in the 8th figure?
- 25 Correct answer.
- 24
- 31
- 28
Explanation
This is an arithmetic sequence with first term 4 and common difference 3. The nth term is 4 + 3(n − 1), so for n = 8 we get 4 + 3 × 7 = 4 + 21 = 25.
Question 33Number and algebra
What is 0.35 written as a fraction in simplest form?
- 3/5
- 7/20 Correct answer.
- 35/100
- 7/50
Explanation
The decimal 0.35 means 35 hundredths, so it equals 35/100. Dividing the numerator and denominator by their common factor 5 gives 7/20, which is in simplest form because 7 and 20 share no factor other than 1.
Question 34Number and algebra
A jacket is marked down by 20% in a sale and the sale price is $96. What was the original price?
- $120 Correct answer.
- $115.20
- $76.80
- $116
Explanation
A 20% discount means the sale price is 80% of the original price. If 80% equals $96, then 1% equals $1.20 and 100% equals $120. So the original price was $120.
Question 35Number and algebra
Simplify 5(2x − 3) − 4(x − 2).
- 6x + 7
- 6x − 23
- 14x − 23
- 6x − 7 Correct answer.
Explanation
Expand each bracket: 5(2x − 3) = 10x − 15 and −4(x − 2) = −4x + 8, because the negative sign reverses the second term. Combining like terms gives 10x − 4x = 6x and −15 + 8 = −7, so the result is 6x − 7.
Question 36Number and algebra
Which expression is equivalent to (x³)² × x⁴?
- x⁹
- x²⁴
- x¹⁰ Correct answer.
- x⁶
Explanation
When a power is raised to a power, multiply the indices: (x³)² = x⁶. When multiplying powers of the same base, add the indices: x⁶ × x⁴ = x¹⁰.
Question 37Number and algebra
A straight line passes through the point (0, 5) and has a gradient of −2. What is the value of y when x = 4?
- 13
- −3 Correct answer.
- −13
- 3
Explanation
The line has y-intercept 5 and gradient −2, so its equation is y = −2x + 5. Substituting x = 4 gives y = −8 + 5 = −3.
Question 38Number and algebra
Solve the equation 7 − 2x = 1.
- x = 4
- x = 3 Correct answer.
- x = 6
- x = −3
Explanation
Subtract 7 from both sides to get −2x = −6. Dividing both sides by −2 gives x = 3. Substituting back checks: 7 − 2(3) = 7 − 6 = 1.
Question 39Number and algebra
A number is increased by 30% and the result is 91. What was the original number?
- 61
- 63.7
- 70 Correct answer.
- 65
Explanation
Increasing a number by 30% gives 130% of the original, so 1.3 times the original equals 91. Dividing 91 by 1.3 gives 70. Checking: 30% of 70 is 21, and 70 + 21 = 91.
Question 40Number and algebra
The formula for the perimeter of a rectangle is P = 2(l + w). Which rearrangement gives l in terms of P and w?
- l = 2P − w
- l = (P − w)/2
- l = P − 2w
- l = P/2 − w Correct answer.
Explanation
Divide both sides by 2 to get P/2 = l + w, then subtract w from both sides to get l = P/2 − w. This isolates l correctly by undoing the operations in reverse order.
Question 41Number and algebra
A car uses 8 litres of fuel for every 100 km travelled. How many litres are needed for a journey of 250 km?
- 25 L
- 20 L Correct answer.
- 32 L
- 16 L
Explanation
Set up a proportion: 8 L per 100 km means 0.08 L per km. For 250 km, the fuel needed is 250 × 0.08 = 20 L. Alternatively, 250 km is 2.5 times 100 km, so 2.5 × 8 = 20 L.
Question 42Number and algebra
A fair six-sided die is rolled once. What is the probability of rolling a number greater than 4?
- 1/3 Correct answer.
- 1/6
- 1/2
- 2/3
Explanation
The numbers greater than 4 on a die are 5 and 6, so there are 2 favourable outcomes out of 6 equally likely outcomes. The probability is 2/6, which simplifies to 1/3.
Question 43Number and algebra
A sequence is defined by the rule tₙ = 3n − 1. Which term of the sequence equals 26?
- The 8th term
- The 7th term
- The 10th term
- The 9th term Correct answer.
Explanation
Set 3n − 1 = 26, then add 1 to both sides to get 3n = 27, so n = 9. The 9th term is 3(9) − 1 = 26, which confirms the answer.
Question 44Number and algebra
A shirt costs $40 and is reduced by 15%. Later the reduced price is increased by 15%. What is the final price compared with the original $40?
- Less than $40 Correct answer.
- More than $40
- It cannot be determined
- Exactly $40
Explanation
The 15% decrease is calculated on $40, giving a reduction of $6 and a price of $34. The 15% increase is then calculated on $34, adding $5.10 to give $39.10. Because the increase applies to a smaller amount, the final price is less than $40.
Question 45Number and algebra
Simplify (2x²y³)³.
- 8x⁵y⁶
- 8x⁶y⁹ Correct answer.
- 6x⁶y⁹
- 2x⁶y⁹
Explanation
Apply the power to each factor: 2³ = 8, (x²)³ = x⁶ and (y³)³ = y⁹. Combining these gives 8x⁶y⁹. The coefficient 2 must also be cubed, not just multiplied by 3.
Question 46Number and algebra
The graph of y = x² − 4x + 3 crosses the x-axis at two points. What is the sum of the x-coordinates of these points?
- 3
- −4
- 4 Correct answer.
- −3
Explanation
Factorising gives x² − 4x + 3 = (x − 1)(x − 3), so the intercepts are at x = 1 and x = 3. Their sum is 1 + 3 = 4, which also equals the negative of the coefficient of x.
Question 47Number and algebra
A cyclist rides at 18 km/h for 40 minutes, then at 12 km/h for 20 minutes. What is the average speed for the whole journey?
- 16 km/h Correct answer.
- 14 km/h
- 16.5 km/h
- 15 km/h
Explanation
In 40 minutes (2/3 hour) at 18 km/h the cyclist covers 12 km, and in 20 minutes (1/3 hour) at 12 km/h covers 4 km. Total distance is 16 km over 1 hour, so the average speed is 16 km/h.
Question 48Number and algebra
Two consecutive integers have squares that differ by 27. What is the smaller integer?
- 13 Correct answer.
- 14
- 12
- 15
Explanation
Let the smaller integer be n, so the next is n + 1. Then (n + 1)² − n² = 2n + 1 = 27, giving 2n = 26 and n = 13. Checking: 14² − 13² = 196 − 169 = 27.
Question 49Number and algebra
A straight line passes through (2, 5) and is perpendicular to the line y = 3x + 1. What is the equation of this line?
- y = 3x − 1
- y = (1/3)x + 13/3
- y = −3x + 11
- y = −(1/3)x + 17/3 Correct answer.
Explanation
The given line has gradient 3, so a perpendicular line has gradient −1/3 because the gradients multiply to −1. Using y − 5 = −(1/3)(x − 2) and rearranging gives y = −(1/3)x + 17/3.
Question 50Number and algebra
A sum of money is shared so that A receives 3 parts, B receives 4 parts and C receives 5 parts. If C receives $45 more than A, what is the total amount shared?
- $360
- $270 Correct answer.
- $180
- $540
Explanation
The difference between C and A is 5 − 3 = 2 parts, and this equals $45, so one part is $22.50. The total is 3 + 4 + 5 = 12 parts, giving 12 × $22.50 = $270.