Answers and Explanations

1. B

   Learning Objective: Approach math test questions strategically

   Before you begin to calculate, see which clearly wrong answer choices you can eliminate. If the amount of money in the cash register was reduced, the total money in there now cannot exceed the original amount—you can eliminate (D). You are given that the reduced amount is 25% of the original. Choice (C) looks closer to 50% than 25%, so you can eliminate it as well. Now that only two choices remain, you can calculate. Half of $2,200 is $1,100 (50%), and then half of $1,100 is $550 (25%).

2. B

   Learning Objective: Apply mathematics concepts to law-enforcement scenarios

   Two of the vans were full, so that is 2 x 10 = 20 people transported. Then the third van had 4 people, for a total of 20 + 4 = 24 people transported.

3. C

   Learning Objective: Apply mathematics concepts to law-enforcement scenarios

   Write an expression for the elevator trip that starts at the second floor: 2 – 1 + 14 – 6 – 2. Then work the equation out:

   

   The person ended up on the seventh floor.

4. Learning Objective: Calculate area and perimeter

   The perimeter of the building is the sum of all its sides, so 100 feet + 100 feet + 78 feet + 78 feet = 356 feet. Choices (C) and (D) are in the wrong units for a perimeter, while (A) is obviously too small.