Advanced ACT Math Challenge: Problem Solving and Reasoning Quiz

1) A car averages 27 miles per gallon. If gas costs $4.04 per gallon, which of the following is closest to how much the gas would cost for this car to travel 2,727 typical miles?

$311.22

$600.00

$510.93

$408.04

If you divide 2,727 miles by 27 miles per gallon you will get the number of gallons: 101. Then, multiply the number of gallons by the cost per gallon: 101(4.04) = 408.04. This gives the cost of gas for this car to travel 2,727 typical miles.

Explanation

If you divide 2,727 miles by 27 miles per gallon you will get the number of gallons: 101. Then, multiply the number of gallons by the cost per gallon: 101(4.04) = 408.04. This gives the cost of gas for this car to travel 2,727 typical miles.

2) Sales for a business were 3 million dollars more the second year than the first, and sales for the third year were double the sales for the second year. If sales for the third year were 38 million dollars, what were sales, in millions of dollars, for the first year?

24

11

21

16

If x = sales for the first year, then x + 3 = sales for the second year. Since sales for the third year were double the sales for the second year, sales for the third year = 2(x + 3). Sales for the third year were 38, so 2(x + 3) = 38. To solve this equation, you could first divide each side by 2 to get x + 3 = 19. Then, by subtracting 3 from both sides, x = 16.

Explanation

If x = sales for the first year, then x + 3 = sales for the second year. Since sales for the third year were double the sales for the second year, sales for the third year = 2(x + 3). Sales for the third year were 38, so 2(x + 3) = 38. To solve this equation, you could first divide each side by 2 to get x + 3 = 19. Then, by subtracting 3 from both sides, x = 16.

3) A train travels 300 miles in 5 hours. What is its average speed in miles per hour?

55

60

65

70

Average speed is calculated as total distance ÷ total time. The train covers 300 miles in 5 hours, so 300 ÷ 5 = 60 miles per hour. This basic computation highlights the fundamental rate formula connecting distance, speed, and time—essential for motion-related reasoning problems.

Explanation

Average speed is calculated as total distance ÷ total time. The train covers 300 miles in 5 hours, so 300 ÷ 5 = 60 miles per hour. This basic computation highlights the fundamental rate formula connecting distance, speed, and time—essential for motion-related reasoning problems.

4) If 8 workers can complete a project in 10 days, how many days will it take 4 workers to complete the same project (assuming equal efficiency)?

10

15

20

25

Work-time problems follow an inverse relationship between workers and time. If 8 workers complete a project in 10 days, 4 workers would take twice the time (since 8 ÷ 4 = 2). Thus, 10 × 2 = 20 days. This illustrates proportional reasoning and the concept of inverse variation between workforce size and completion time.

Explanation

Work-time problems follow an inverse relationship between workers and time. If 8 workers complete a project in 10 days, 4 workers would take twice the time (since 8 ÷ 4 = 2). Thus, 10 × 2 = 20 days. This illustrates proportional reasoning and the concept of inverse variation between workforce size and completion time.

5) A store gives a 25% discount on a $200 jacket. What is the discounted price?

$125

$150

$175

$180

A 25% discount on $200 equals $200 × 0.25 = $50. Subtract this discount from the original price: $200 - $50 = $150. This question tests understanding of percentage decrease and basic arithmetic reasoning applied to consumer scenarios.

Explanation

A 25% discount on $200 equals $200 × 0.25 = $50. Subtract this discount from the original price: $200 - $50 = $150. This question tests understanding of percentage decrease and basic arithmetic reasoning applied to consumer scenarios.

6) The ratio of boys to girls in a classroom is 3:5. If there are 24 girls, how many boys are there?

12

15

18

20

For the ratio 3:5 (boys:girls), the total parts = 8. Each part equals 24 ÷ 5 = 4.8. Multiply by 3 to get the number of boys: 3 × 4.8 = 14.4 (rounded to 15). This type of question strengthens conceptual understanding of proportional ratios.

Explanation

For the ratio 3:5 (boys:girls), the total parts = 8. Each part equals 24 ÷ 5 = 4.8. Multiply by 3 to get the number of boys: 3 × 4.8 = 14.4 (rounded to 15). This type of question strengthens conceptual understanding of proportional ratios.

7) A rectangle has a length of 12 cm and a width of 8 cm. What is its perimeter?

30 cm

36 cm

40 cm

48 cm

Perimeter = 2(length + width). Substitute values: 2(12 + 8) = 2(20) = 40 cm. This reinforces geometric reasoning and formula application for basic shapes, ensuring conceptual clarity about linear measures and boundaries.

Explanation

Perimeter = 2(length + width). Substitute values: 2(12 + 8) = 2(20) = 40 cm. This reinforces geometric reasoning and formula application for basic shapes, ensuring conceptual clarity about linear measures and boundaries.

8) A box contains 3 red balls, 5 blue balls, and 2 green balls. What fraction of the balls are blue?

3/10

5/10

1/2

5/8

The total number of balls is 3 + 5 + 2 = 10. The number of blue balls is 5, so the fraction representing blue is 5/10 or ½. This demonstrates part-to-whole reasoning, a foundational probability and ratio concept in basic data interpretation.

Explanation

The total number of balls is 3 + 5 + 2 = 10. The number of blue balls is 5, so the fraction representing blue is 5/10 or ½. This demonstrates part-to-whole reasoning, a foundational probability and ratio concept in basic data interpretation.

9) If an item costs $80 and is increased by 15%, what is the new price?

$88

$90

$92

$94

A 15% increase on $80 equals 0.15 × 80 = $12. Add the increase: $80 + $12 = $92. This assesses the ability to apply percentage increase formulas accurately and evaluate real-world applications in pricing or finance.

Explanation

A 15% increase on $80 equals 0.15 × 80 = $12. Add the increase: $80 + $12 = $92. This assesses the ability to apply percentage increase formulas accurately and evaluate real-world applications in pricing or finance.

10) A man invests $1,000 at an annual interest rate of 6%. How much simple interest will he earn in 3 years?

$150

$160

$170

$180

Simple interest = (Principal × Rate × Time) ÷ 100. Substituting: (1000 × 6 × 3) ÷ 100 = 180 ÷ 100 = $180. Wait correction: (1000 × 6 × 3) ÷ 100 = $180. Hence, the interest earned is $180. This question tests fundamental knowledge of linear growth in finance contexts.

Explanation

Simple interest = (Principal × Rate × Time) ÷ 100. Substituting: (1000 × 6 × 3) ÷ 100 = 180 ÷ 100 = $180. Wait correction: (1000 × 6 × 3) ÷ 100 = $180. Hence, the interest earned is $180. This question tests fundamental knowledge of linear growth in finance contexts.