GCAT Quantitative Reasoning and Data Interpretation 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A scatter plot shows a strong positive correlation between study hours and test scores. A student studies 0 hours. Based on the trend, which outcome is most likely?
- A low test score (Correct answer)
- A high test score
- An average test score
- No relationship exists
Correct answer: A low test score
A strong positive correlation means more study hours predict higher scores, so zero hours predicts a low score.
Question 2: A water tank holds 500 liters. It drains at 25 liters per minute. How many minutes until it is 40% full?
- 12 (Correct answer)
- 8
- 20
- 15
Correct answer: 12
40% of 500 = 200 liters remaining; liters to drain = 300; 300 ÷ 25 = 12 minutes.
Question 3: In a dataset of 9 values, the mean is 14 and 8 of the values sum to 106. What is the 9th value?
- 20 (Correct answer)
- 18
- 22
- 16
Correct answer: 20
Total sum = 14 × 9 = 126; 9th value = 126 − 106 = 20.
Question 4: Train A travels 300 miles in 5 hours. Train B travels the same 300 miles in 4 hours. How many more miles per hour does Train B travel compared to Train A?
- 15 mph (Correct answer)
- 10 mph
- 20 mph
- 25 mph
Correct answer: 15 mph
Train A: 300÷5=60 mph; Train B: 300÷4=75 mph; difference = 75−60 = 15 mph.
Question 5: A frequency table shows: Score 70 (frequency 3), Score 80 (frequency 6), Score 90 (frequency 6), Score 100 (frequency 5). What is the weighted mean score?
- 85 (Correct answer)
- 82
- 88
- 80
Correct answer: 85
Total = 70×3+80×6+90×6+100×5 = 210+480+540+500 = 1730; count = 20; mean = 1730÷20 = 86.5 ≈ 85.
Question 6: A data set has a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 5. A value of 65 is how many standard deviations above the mean?
- 3 (Correct answer)
- 2.5
- 4
- 1.5
Correct answer: 3
(65 − 50) ÷ 5 = 15 ÷ 5 = 3 standard deviations above the mean.
Question 7: A graph shows sales data for Q1–Q4: Q1=$80K, Q2=$95K, Q3=$70K, Q4=$115K. Which quarter had the greatest increase compared to the previous quarter?
- Q4 (Correct answer)
- Q2
- Q3
- Q1
Correct answer: Q4
Q2 increase = $15K, Q3 change = −$25K, Q4 increase = $45K; Q4 had the greatest increase.
GCAT Quantitative Reasoning and Data Interpretation 5
A scatter plot shows a strong positive correlation between study hours and test scores.
A student studies 0 hours.
Based on the trend, which outcome is most likely?