CCTST Numeracy & Quantitative Reasoning 2

Question 1

A pie chart shows that 40% of a budget is spent on personnel. If the total budget is $2.5 million, how much is spent on personnel?

Accepted Answer

$1,000,000

Answer

40% of $2,500,000 = 0.40 × $2,500,000 = $1,000,000.

Question 2

A study finds the average (mean) salary increased from $50,000 to $55,000. Which conclusion is best supported?

Accepted Answer

The typical worker earned $5,000 more

Answer

The mean increased by $5,000, meaning on average workers earned more, though individual outcomes may vary.

Question 3

If a dataset has a mean of 80 and a standard deviation of 10, what range captures approximately 68% of values (assuming normal distribution)?

Accepted Answer

70 to 90

Answer

In a normal distribution, approximately 68% of data falls within one standard deviation (±10) of the mean (80).

Question 4

A line graph shows unemployment declining from 10% in January to 8% in June. Which is the most precise description?

Accepted Answer

Unemployment fell by 2 percentage points, a 20% relative decrease

Answer

The absolute drop is 2 percentage points, and the relative drop is 2/10 = 20%, making the combined statement most precise.

Question 5

A survey of 1,000 people finds 60% support a policy. The margin of error is ±3%. Which range best represents the true population support?

Accepted Answer

57% to 63%

Answer

Margin of error means the true value is likely within 60% ± 3%, giving a range of 57% to 63%.

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test