Practice Questions
Clement Radcliffe, Contributor

A review of the content included in Lessons 1 - 24 would suggest that we have covered most of the topics included in Section One of the CSEC General Examination. I now feel it is appropriate to present some examination type questions with respect to these topics. Let us begin with some Multiple Choice items.

Point to note:

• Of the four answers given, only ONE is correct.
• The three detractors ( incorrect answers) are usually based on incorrect assumptions. Random guessing is definately not recommended.
• Working the problems OR eliminating the detractors is an appropriate method.

Please attempt the following items.

1. 0.625 written as a common factor is

A. 3/5
B. 5/8
C. 11/16
D. 7/8

2. Expressed in standard form, 0.003 68 =

A. 3.68 x 10-³
B. 3.68 x 10-²
C. 3.68 x 10²
D. 3.68 x 10³

3. A quadrilateral whose diagonals are perpendicular to each other but unequal is a

A. rhombus
B. trapezium
C. rectangle
D. square

A. 10 sin 37°
B. 10 cos 37°
C. 10 tan 63°
D. 10 cos 63°

6. (-3)² + (-2)³ =

A. -17
B. 0
C. 1
D. 12

Jubilant Belair School students and supporters rave for their school at the ISSA/KFC National High School basketball final against Kingston College, at the UWI Bowl, Mona, on March 22. Belair won 47-39. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

7. The original price of an article was $240.00. The price is increased by 121/2%. The new price of the article is

A. $210.00
B. $228.50
C. $252.50
D. $270.00

8. 5 (2x - y) -2(3y - 5x) =

A. -11y
B. 2x-6y
C. 5x-7y
D. 20x -11y

9. The rate per cent at which $1 200 is invested to gain $72 is simple interest in 3 years is

A. 1/2
B. 2
C. 91/2
D. 18

You should also practice the following:

1. Using a calculator, or otherwise, determine the EXACT value of: (1.7)² + (1.3)²

2 (a) Given a = 2, b = -3 and c = 0, evaluate

(i) 4a - 2b + 3c
(ii) ac

(b) Factorize completely

(i) 7mp² + 14m²p
(ii) 2y² - 11y + 15

(ii) If x is a member of the set of whole numbers, state the SMALLEST value of x which satisfies the inequality in (d) (i) above.

3. P is the point (2, 4) and Q is the point (6, 10) calculate

(i) the gradient of PQ
(ii) the midpoint of PQ

4. ƒ and g are functions defined as follows:

ƒ: x 7x + 4
g: x 1/2x

Calculate

(i) g(3)
(ii) ƒ(-2)
(iii)ƒ1(11)

6. Mr. Mitchell deposited $40 000 in a bank and earned simple interest at 7% per annum for two years.

(i) Calculate the amount he will achieve at the end of the two-year period.

(ii) Mr. Williams bought a plot of land for $40 000. The value of the land appreciated by 7% each year. Calculate the value of the land after a period of two years.

7. If h(x) = 1 + 3x and k (x) = x + 2, calculate

(i) hk (x)
(ii) hk(4)
(iii) (hk)-1(x)
(iv) the value of x, when hk(x) = 0

8. The coordinates of the points L and N are (5, 6) and (8, -2) respectively.

(i) State the coordinates of the midpoing, M, of the line LN.
(ii) Calculate the gradient of the line LN.
(iii) Determine the equation of the straight line which is perpendicular to LN and which passes through the point, M.

9. Solve the Simultaneous Equations:

5x + 6y = 27
2x - 3y = 4

10. Given the formula S = 1/2 (u + v)t, express u in terms of v, s and t.

Clement Radcliffe is the principal of Glenmuir High School in May Pen.