Correct and Verified Answers
Arithmetic Reasoning (AR)
1. A store offers a 15% discount on a $40 jacket. What is the sale price?
A) $32
B) $34
C) $36
D) $38
Answer: B
Rationale: To find the sale price, calculate the discount: 15% of $40 = 0.15 × 40 = $6.
Subtract the discount from the original price: $40 − $6 = $34. Thus, B is correct. Option
A ($32) assumes a 20% discount (0.20 × 40 = 8, 40 − 8 = 32). Option C ($36) assumes a
10% discount (0.10 × 40 = 4, 40 − 4 = 36). Option D ($38) assumes a 5% discount (0.05
× 40 = 2, 40 − 2 = 38).
2. If a car travels 180 miles in 3 hours, what is its average speed in miles per hour?
A) 50 mph
B) 60 mph
C) 70 mph
D) 80 mph
Answer: B
Rationale: Average speed is distance divided by time: 180 miles ÷ 3 hours = 60 mph.
Thus, B is correct. Option A (50 mph) would require 180 ÷ 3.6 = 50, implying a longer
time. Option C (70 mph) would require 210 miles in 3 hours (210 ÷ 3 = 70). Option D
(80 mph) would require 240 miles (240 ÷ 3 = 80).
3. A recipe requires 3 eggs to make 12 muffins. How many eggs are needed for 36 muffins?
A) 6
B) 9
C) 12
D) 15
Answer: B
Rationale: Set up a proportion: 3 eggs / 12 muffins = x eggs / 36 muffins. Simplify: 3/12
= x/36. Since 3/12 = 1/4, then 1/4 = x/36. Solve: x = 36/4 = 9 eggs. Thus, B is correct.
Option A (6) assumes 2 eggs per 12 muffins. Option C (12) assumes 4 eggs per 12
muffins. Option D (15) assumes 5 eggs per 12 muffins.
4. If you buy 5 books at $12 each and get a 10% discount on the total, how much do you
pay?
A) $48
B) $54
, C) $60
D) $66
Answer: B
Rationale: Total cost before discount: 5 × $12 = $60. Discount: 10% of $60 = 0.10 × 60
= $6. Final cost: $60 − $6 = $54. Thus, B is correct. Option A ($48) assumes a 20%
discount (0.20 × 60 = 12, 60 − 12 = 48). Option C ($60) ignores the discount. Option D
($66) incorrectly adds a 10% increase.
5. A worker earns $15 per hour. How much will they earn for 25 hours of work?
A) $325
B) $350
C) $375
D) $400
Answer: C
Rationale: Total earnings: $15/hour × 25 hours = $375. Thus, C is correct. Option A
($325) assumes 21.67 hours (325 ÷ 15 ≈ 21.67). Option B ($350) assumes 23.33 hours.
Option D ($400) assumes 26.67 hours.
Word Knowledge (WK)
6. What is a synonym for "meticulous"?
A) Careless
B) Precise
C) Hasty
D) Vague
Answer: B
Rationale: "Meticulous" means showing great attention to detail, so a synonym is
"precise." Thus, B is correct. Option A (careless) is an antonym. Option C (hasty) implies
speed without care, opposite to meticulous. Option D (vague) suggests lack of clarity,
also incorrect.
7. The word "obstinate" most nearly means:
A) Flexible
B) Stubborn
C) Agreeable
D) Temporary
Answer: B
Rationale: "Obstinate" means refusing to change one’s opinion or behavior, so
"stubborn" is the closest synonym. Thus, B is correct. Option A (flexible) is an antonym.
Option C (agreeable) suggests compliance, the opposite. Option D (temporary) is
unrelated to behavior or attitude.
8. What does "ephemeral" mean?
A) Lasting
B) Brief
C) Permanent
D) Complex
Answer: B
Rationale: "Ephemeral" means lasting for a very short time, so "brief" is correct. Thus, B