ACT math pre-algebra word problems practice

A store sells shirts for $20 each. Total cost for 3 shirts?

Total cost = 3 shirts × $\displaystyle 20/shirt =$60.

True or false: $\displaystyle x + 5 = 10 implies$x = 5.

True, because $x = 10 - 5 = 5.

Difference between fixed costs and variable costs

Fixed costs remain constant; variable costs change with output.

Calculate the total rent if $800/month for 12 months.

Total rent = $\displaystyle 800 × 12 =$9600.

Fill in the blank: A trip costs $\displaystyle 50 per day for gas and$30...

...for food. Total cost for 3 days: $\displaystyle 50 × 3 +$30 × 3 = $240.

A car travels 60 miles in 1 hour. Speed?

Speed = Distance/Time = $\displaystyle 60 ext{ miles}/1 ext{ hour} = 60 ext{ mph}$.

Question: If 5 apples cost $3, how much for 20 apples?

Price for 1 apple = $\displaystyle 3/5. For 20 apples:$20 imes (3/5) = $12.

What’s the equation to find total cost?

Total Cost = (Cost per item) × (Number of items).

True or false: 4x - 3 = 9 means x = 3.

False, because $\displaystyle 4x = 12 ightarrow x = 3$.

Fill in the blank: If a car uses 2 gallons of gas for 30 miles, it's...

...fuel efficiency is 15 miles per gallon.

A store has a sale: Buy 2, get 1 free. Cost per item is $10.

Total cost for 3 items = $20 (2 items).

If a paycheck is $1200 biweekly, what is the monthly salary?

Monthly salary = $\displaystyle 1200 × 2 =$2400.

Question: How much will you pay for 6 tickets at $15 each?

Total cost = $\displaystyle 15 × 6 =$90.

Difference between gross pay and net pay

Gross pay is total earnings; net pay is after deductions.

Calculate the average speed: 150 miles in 3 hours.

Average speed = $\displaystyle 150/3 = 50$ miles per hour.

If 3 notebooks cost $9, what is the cost of 10?

Cost per notebook = $\displaystyle 9/3 =$3. For 10 notebooks: $\displaystyle 3 × 10 =$30.

True or false: To multiply fractions, multiply across.

True, because $\displaystyle \frac{a}{b} imes \frac{c}{d} = \frac{ac}{bd}$.