All practice questions

Read the scenario and calculate the requested value. Enter only the exact numerical value in the blank.

Fill in the blanks below

An office manager orders a catered lunch for a team meeting. The food subtotal is

\$150.00

. The caterer adds a

6\%

sales tax and an

18\%

gratuity, both of which are calculated on the pre-tax subtotal. The final total cost of the lunch is $\$.

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The final total cost is

\$186.00

.

The correct total is obtained by recognizing that both the

6\%

tax and the

18\%

tip apply to the same base amount (

\$150.00

). Calculating

24\%

of

\$150.00

yields an additional

\$36.00

. Adding this to the original

\$150.00

gives a final total of

\$186.00

.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Calculate the combined percentage rate for both the sales tax and the gratuity.

6\% + 18\% = 24\%

Since both the tax and the tip are based on the same original subtotal, their percentages can be added together before calculating.

2

Convert the combined percentage to a decimal and multiply by the subtotal to find the total additional cost.

150.00 \times 0.24 = 36.00

This represents the total amount of money added to the bill for the tax and gratuity.

3

Add the additional cost to the original subtotal to find the final total.

150.00 + 36.00 = 186.00

The final cost is the sum of the food subtotal and all applied fees.

Key Concept

Calculating combined tax and tip on a fixed subtotal

Question 3382Question →

A hardware store sells a specific model of commercial power drill. The store sets the regular retail price by applying a $40\%$ markup to the wholesale cost. During a clearance event, the drill is sold at a $20\%$ discount off the regular retail price. If a customer paid $\$168.00$ for the drill during the clearance event, what was the store's original wholesale cost for the drill?

\$126.00

\$140.00

\$150.00

\$15.00

Show answer & explanation

Answer: $\$150.00$

Answer

\$150.00

To find the original wholesale cost, the percentage changes must be reversed step-by-step. First, find the regular retail price by dividing the sale price by 0.80 (since it reflects a 20% discount). This gives

\$210.00

. Then, find the wholesale cost by dividing the regular retail price by 1.40 (since it reflects a 40% markup). This yields the correct wholesale cost of

\$150.00

.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Calculate the regular retail price before the clearance discount.

\$168.00 \div (1 - 0.20) = \$168.00 \div 0.80 = \$210.00

The clearance price is 80% of the regular retail price, so dividing by 0.80 reverses the discount.

2

Calculate the original wholesale cost using the regular retail price.

\$210.00 \div (1 + 0.40) = \$210.00 \div 1.40 = \$150.00

The regular retail price is 140% of the wholesale cost, so dividing by 1.40 reverses the initial markup.

Key Concept

To find an original value after successive percentage changes, divide the final amount by the respective percentage multipliers in reverse order.

Question 3383Question →

A military supply convoy consumes $24$ gallons of diesel fuel to travel $140$ miles. Assuming the fuel consumption rate remains constant, how many gallons of diesel fuel are required for the convoy to travel a distance of $315$ miles?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 54

Answer

54

By setting up a direct proportion between the distance traveled and the fuel consumed (

\frac{140}{24} = \frac{315}{x}

) and cross-multiplying, we solve for

x

and determine that the convoy requires exactly

54

gallons of fuel.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Set up a direct proportion relating distance to fuel consumption.

\frac{140}{24} = \frac{315}{x}

Since the fuel consumption rate is constant, the ratio of miles traveled to gallons consumed remains the same.

2

Cross-multiply the proportion.

140x = 24 \times 315

Cross-multiplication converts the proportion into a linear equation to solve for the unknown variable

x

.

3

Simplify the right side of the equation.

140x = 7560

Multiplying the known values prepares the equation for the final isolation step.

4

Divide by

140

to solve for

x

.

x = \frac{7560}{140} = 54

Dividing both sides by

140

isolates

x

, revealing the required gallons of fuel.

Key Concept

Direct Proportions

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 3384Question →

A mechanic buys a new diagnostic tool for their shop. The tool is first marked down by $20\%$ for a storewide clearance. The mechanic then applies a special promotional code for an additional $15\%$ off the clearance price. Finally, a $6\%$ sales tax is applied to the discounted price.

If the total amount the mechanic paid, including the sales tax, was $\$864.96$ , calculate the original price of the diagnostic tool before any discounts were applied.

Fill in the blanks below

The original price of the diagnostic tool was $\$$.

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The original price of the diagnostic tool was $1,200.

To find the original price, we must reverse each transaction step starting from the final price. First, we remove the

6\%

sales tax by dividing

\$864.96

by

1.06

to get

\$816.00

. Next, we reverse the

15\%

discount by dividing

\$816.00

by

0.85

(since the discounted price represents

85\%

of the previous price), resulting in

\$960.00

. Finally, we reverse the

20\%

clearance discount by dividing

\$960.00

by

0.80

, which yields the original price of

\$1,200.00

.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Remove the

6\%

sales tax from the final total to find the price of the tool after all discounts.

\$864.96 \div 1.06 = \$816.00

The final total represents

106\%

of the discounted price. Dividing by

1.06

mathematically reverses the tax application.

2

Reverse the

15\%

promotional discount to find the initial clearance price.

\$816.00 \div 0.85 = \$960.00

The price after the promo code was applied represents

85\%

(

100\% - 15\%

) of the clearance price. Dividing by

0.85

finds the value before this second discount.

3

Reverse the initial

20\%

clearance markdown to determine the original price.

\$960.00 \div 0.80 = \$1,200.00

The clearance price represents

80\%

(

100\% - 20\%

) of the original price. Dividing by

0.80

finds the starting value.

Key Concept

Reversing successive percentage changes (chain discounts and taxes) using inverse operations to find an original value.

Question 3385Question →

An Equipment Operator is laying a base layer of crushed rock for a new supply road. The project requires a total of $22 \frac{1}{4}$ tons of crushed rock. The first dump truck delivers $8 \frac{1}{2}$ tons, and the second dump truck delivers $7 \frac{1}{3}$ tons. How many more tons of crushed rock are needed to complete the base layer?

6 \frac{5}{12}

6 \frac{17}{20}

7 \frac{7}{12}

38 \frac{1}{12}

Show answer & explanation

Answer: $6 \frac{5}{12}$

Answer

6 \frac{5}{12}

tons

To find the remaining amount needed, first calculate the total crushed rock delivered by adding the two truckloads. Convert the fractions to a common denominator of

6

:

8 \frac{1}{2} = 8 \frac{3}{6}

and

7 \frac{1}{3} = 7 \frac{2}{6}

. Adding these gives

15 \frac{5}{6}

tons delivered. Next, subtract this amount from the total required,

22 \frac{1}{4}

. Convert to a common denominator of

12

:

22 \frac{1}{4} = 22 \frac{3}{12}

and

15 \frac{5}{6} = 15 \frac{10}{12}

. Since

\frac{3}{12}

is less than

\frac{10}{12}

, borrow

1

(or

\frac{12}{12}

) from

22

to get

21 \frac{15}{12}

. Finally, subtract:

21 \frac{15}{12} - 15 \frac{10}{12} = 6 \frac{5}{12}

tons.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Calculate the total amount of crushed rock delivered.

8 \frac{1}{2} + 7 \frac{1}{3} = 8 \frac{3}{6} + 7 \frac{2}{6} = 15 \frac{5}{6}

The total delivered is the sum of the two truckloads, requiring a common denominator of 6.

2

Set up the subtraction from the total required amount using a common denominator.

22 \frac{1}{4} - 15 \frac{5}{6} = 22 \frac{3}{12} - 15 \frac{10}{12}

To find the remaining amount, subtract the delivered total from the required total using the least common multiple of 4 and 6, which is 12.

3

Regroup (borrow) to perform the subtraction.

21 \frac{15}{12} - 15 \frac{10}{12} = 6 \frac{5}{12}

Since 3/12 is smaller than 10/12, borrow 1 (as 12/12) from the whole number 22 to make it 21 15/12, then subtract the whole numbers and numerators.

Key Concept

Adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators, including regrouping.

Question 3386Question →

An architectural blueprint for a new warehouse uses a scale where $\frac{1}{4} \text{ inch} = 3 \text{ feet}$ . If a storage room has an area of $5 \text{ square inches}$ on the blueprint, what is the actual area of the storage room in square feet?

15

45

60

720

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 720

Answer

720

To find the actual area from a scale drawing, you must first convert the given scale to a unit linear scale. Multiplying

\frac{1}{4} \text{ inch} = 3 \text{ feet}

by

4

shows that

1 \text{ inch} = 12 \text{ feet}

. Because we are dealing with area (a 2D measurement), we must square this linear relationship:

1 \text{ square inch} = 12^2 \text{ square feet} = 144 \text{ square feet}

. Finally, multiplying the drawing's area of

5 \text{ square inches}

by

144 \text{ square feet per square inch}

yields

720 \text{ square feet}

.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Find the linear scale rate for a full inch.

Since

\frac{1}{4} \text{ inch} = 3 \text{ feet}

, multiply both sides by

4

to get

1 \text{ inch} = 12 \text{ feet}

.

Establishing a base unit rate of

1 \text{ inch}

makes area calculations straightforward.

2

Convert the linear scale into an area scale factor.

Square both sides of the linear scale:

(1 \text{ inch})^2 = (12 \text{ feet})^2

, which simplifies to

1 \text{ square inch} = 144 \text{ square feet}

.

Area is a two-dimensional measurement, so the one-dimensional (linear) scale factor must be squared.

3

Calculate the actual area of the storage room.

Multiply the blueprint area by the area scale factor:

5 \times 144 = 720 \text{ square feet}

.

This scales the drawing's area up to the actual physical area.

Key Concept

When using scale drawings, the scale factor for area is the square of the linear scale factor.

Question 3387Question →

A recruit gets a haircut at the base exchange that costs $\$11.35$ . If he pays with a $\$20.00$ bill, how much change should he receive in dollars?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 8.65

Answer

8.65

The correct change is found by setting up a subtraction equation where the cost (

\$11.35

) is subtracted from the payment amount (

\$20.00

). Proper alignment of the decimals and borrowing across the zeros gives exactly

8.65

.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Align the decimals to subtract the cost of the haircut from the amount paid.

20.00 - 11.35

To find the change due, you must subtract the total purchase cost from the cash provided.

2

Perform the subtraction, properly borrowing across the zeros in 20.00.

8.65

Subtracting 11.35 from 20.00 yields the exact amount of change owed.

Key Concept

Calculating change by subtracting decimals.

Question 3388Question →

A blueprint of a machine part uses a scale of $1$ inch = $2.5$ centimeters. If the part is drawn as $8$ inches long on the blueprint, what is the actual length of the part in centimeters?

20

3.2

2

200

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 20

Answer

20

The scale establishes a direct proportion where every

1

inch on the blueprint represents

2.5

centimeters in reality. To find the actual length corresponding to an

8

-inch drawing, you must multiply the drawing length by the scale factor:

8 \times 2.5 = 20

centimeters.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Identify the given scale and the drawing measurement.

The scale is

1

inch =

2.5

cm, and the drawing length is

8

inches.

Establishing the relationship between the drawing and the actual object is required to set up the calculation.

2

Multiply the drawing length by the scale factor to find the actual length.

8 \times 2.5 = 20

cm.

Since every

1

inch represents

2.5

cm,

8

inches will represent

8

times that amount.

Key Concept

Scale Drawings

Question 3389Question →

A military transport truck travels $180$ miles on $20$ gallons of diesel fuel. A newer model travels $220$ miles on $22$ gallons of diesel fuel. The logistics team needs to select a truck for a supply route that is $360$ miles one-way. If the selected truck must complete a full round trip along this route, how many fewer gallons of diesel will the newer model use compared to the older model for the entire journey?

8

4

80

720

Show answer & explanation

Answer: 8

Answer

8

The correct answer is found by first calculating the unit rate for each truck: the older truck gets

9

mpg (

180 \div 20

) and the newer truck gets

10

mpg (

220 \div 22

). The total distance for a round trip is

720

miles (

360 \times 2

). For this journey, the older truck requires

80

gallons (

720 \div 9

) and the newer truck requires

72

gallons (

720 \div 10

). The difference is

8

gallons.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Calculate the fuel efficiency (unit rate) for the older truck.

180 \div 20 = 9

miles per gallon (mpg).

Finding the unit rate allows us to calculate fuel consumption for any given distance.

2

Calculate the fuel efficiency for the newer model.

220 \div 22 = 10

miles per gallon (mpg).

This establishes the unit rate for the second vehicle.

3

Determine the total distance for the round trip.

360 \times 2 = 720

miles.

The route is

360

miles one-way, so a full round trip is double that distance.

4

Calculate the total fuel required for each truck for the round trip.

Older truck:

720 \div 9 = 80

gallons. Newer truck:

720 \div 10 = 72

gallons.

Divides the total distance by each truck's mpg to find the fuel needed.

5

Find the difference in fuel consumption.

80 - 72 = 8

gallons.

Subtracting the newer truck's fuel from the older truck's fuel gives the final savings.

Key Concept

Calculating and applying unit rates across multi-step word problems involving round trips.

Question 3390Question →

Match each retail and investment scenario to its correct net profit or net loss percentage. (Note: Calculate percentages based on total cost).

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Motorcycle scenario matches

20\%

net profit, jacket scenario matches

25\%

net profit, trailer scenario matches

20\%

net loss, and antique desk scenario matches

50\%

net profit.

Each scenario requires calculating total cost, total revenue, and the net difference. Then, dividing that difference by the total cost yields the correct profit or loss percentage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Calculate the total cost for each scenario by adding the purchase price and any overhead or repair expenses.

Motorcycle cost =

\$2,500

; Jackets cost =

\$1,600

; Trailer cost =

\$20,000

; Desks cost =

\$800

.

Profit and loss are always calculated based on the total initial investment, not just the base price.

2

Calculate the total revenue for each scenario based on the items successfully sold.

Motorcycle revenue =

\$3,000

; Jackets revenue =

\$2,000

; Trailer revenue =

\$16,000

; Desks revenue =

\$1,200

.

Revenue must account for varied selling prices and discarded inventory.

3

Determine the dollar amount of profit or loss by subtracting the total cost from the revenue.

Motorcycle =

+\$500

; Jackets =

+\$400

; Trailer =

-\$4,000

; Desks =

+\$400

.

A positive value indicates a net profit, while a negative value indicates a net loss.

4

Calculate the percentage profit or loss by dividing the profit/loss by the total cost, then multiplying by

100\%

.

Motorcycle =

20\%

profit; Jackets =

25\%

profit; Trailer =

20\%

loss; Desks =

50\%

profit.

This standardizes the dollar amounts into percentages to match the available options.

Key Concept

Calculating profit or loss percentages requires finding the total cost (including overhead) and total revenue, then dividing the net difference by the total cost.

Question 3391Question →

The technician used a cautious approach to inspect the high-voltage circuit, carefully double-checking every connection before restoring power. In this sentence, which of the following most nearly means cautious?

reckless

careful

hasty

casual

Show answer & explanation

Answer: careful

Answer

careful

The sentence provides a clear restatement clue in the phrase 'carefully double-checking every connection.' Therefore, 'careful' is the synonym that directly matches the meaning of cautious in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Identify the target word and read the surrounding context.

The target word is 'cautious' describing how the technician approached working on a high-voltage circuit.

Contextual clues reveal the word's function and intended meaning in the specific scenario.

2

Locate direct context clues or restatements in the sentence.

The phrase 'carefully double-checking every connection' directly defines and illustrates the technician's approach.

Restatement clues provide an explicit synonym or elaboration of the unfamiliar term.

3

Substitute the synonym candidates into the sentence.

Replacing 'cautious' with 'careful' preserves the exact meaning and tone of the original sentence.

Verification ensures the chosen option maintains grammatical and semantic agreement.

Key Concept

Identifying synonyms through restatement context clues

Estimated Time:45s

Question 3392Question →

OBDURATE most nearly means which of the following?

durable

unyielding

compliant

obscure

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unyielding

Answer

The word obdurate most nearly means unyielding.

The word 'obdurate' describes a person or attitude that is stubbornly resistant to persuasion or influence. 'Unyielding' accurately conveys this exact sense of inflexible resistance and firmness.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Analyze the target word 'OBDURATE' to determine its part of speech and primary definition.

The word 'obdurate' is an adjective derived from the Latin 'obdurare' (to harden), defining an individual or stance that is stubbornly resistant to moral influence, persuasion, or softening.

Establishing the precise definition and grammatical function is necessary to identify the equivalent synonym.

2

Evaluate the provided options against the target definition of stubborn inflexibility.

'Unyielding' precisely matches the meaning of refusing to bend, submit, or alter one's position.

A direct synonym must preserve both the exact semantic denotation and the adjective form.

3

Eliminate distractors based on antonym status, morphological confusion, and phonetic false friends.

'Compliant' is an antonym, 'durable' misapplies root semantics to physical longevity, and 'obscure' is a false friend.

Eliminating common distractor patterns confirms that only one option represents the accurate synonym.

Key Concept

Identifying isolated word synonyms through vocabulary recall and root differentiation

Question 3393Question →

During the routine audit, technicians discovered that an unpatched vulnerability would compromise the integrity of the entire server network if left unaddressed.

In this sentence, compromise most nearly means

settle

endanger

protect

examine

Show answer & explanation

Answer: endanger

Answer

The word compromise most nearly means endanger.

In this scenario, 'compromise' is used in its secondary sense meaning to expose to danger, suspicion, or disrepute. The surrounding context clues ('unpatched vulnerability', 'integrity of the entire server network', 'if left unaddressed') clearly point to a negative hazard, making 'endanger' the accurate synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Analyze the context clues in the sentence.

The clues 'unpatched vulnerability' and 'if left unaddressed' describe a hazard or security flaw that threatens the system's integrity.

Contextual clues reveal the cause-and-effect relationship between the flaw and its impact on the network.

2

Determine the intended meaning of the target word based on these clues.

The target word must mean to impair, weaken, or expose to danger.

A software vulnerability puts network integrity at risk rather than resolving a dispute or providing protection.

3

Evaluate the options to find the closest synonym.

The word 'endanger' directly captures the meaning of putting the network at risk.

Replacing 'compromise' with 'endanger' preserves the exact grammatical and semantic sense of the sentence.

Key Concept

Using cause-and-effect context clues to identify the secondary meaning of a polysemous word.

Estimated Time:45s

Question 3394Question →

The engineering crew devised a plan to *circumvent* the blocked intake valve.

In this sentence, the word *circumvent* most nearly means which of the following?

surround

bypass

confront

circulate

Show answer & explanation

Answer: bypass

Answer

bypass

The word 'circumvent' is composed of the prefix 'circum-' ('around') and the root 'vent' ('to go' or 'to come'). In the given context, finding a way around a blocked valve means to 'bypass' it.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Break down the morphological components of the target word.

The target word contains the Latin prefix 'circum-' (meaning 'around') and the base/root 'vent' (from 'venire', meaning 'to go' or 'to come').

Analyzing affixes and roots provides the foundational definition of unfamiliar or complex vocabulary.

2

Combine the morphological components to deduce the overall meaning in context.

To 'circumvent' literally means to go around or avoid a blockage.

Connecting the prefix meaning with the root meaning yields an accurate definition for the sentence context.

3

Evaluate the choices to find the closest synonym.

'Bypass' directly corresponds to the act of going around or skirting an obstacle.

Comparing deduced meaning against the available choices isolates the synonymous term.

Key Concept

Prefix and root morphological analysis for synonym identification

Estimated Time:45s

Question 3395Question →

Complete the statement with the term formed by the given word parts.

Fill in the blanks below

The prefix *micro-* means "small," and the root *-scope* means "an instrument for viewing." An optical instrument used to view objects too small to be seen by the unaided eye is a .

Show answer & explanation

Answer

microscope

The prefix 'micro-' denotes something extremely small, and the root '-scope' denotes an instrument used for visual examination. Combining these elements produces 'microscope,' which directly names the optical instrument described.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Analyze the prefix and root components provided in the sentence.

The prefix "micro-" signifies small size, and "-scope" signifies an instrument for viewing.

Deconstructing the morphological affixes identifies the functional definition of the target word.

2

Combine the morphological parts to determine the derived noun.

"Micro-" + "-scope" forms "microscope."

A microscope is the standard optical instrument designed specifically to enlarge and view microscopic objects.

Key Concept

Prefix and root analysis for morphological synthesis

Question 3396Question →

OBDURATE most nearly means:

yielding

enduring

oblivious

stubborn

Show answer & explanation

Answer: stubborn

Answer

The correct answer is stubborn.

The word 'obdurate' describes someone who is obstinate or unyielding in their feelings or actions. Therefore, 'stubborn' is its closest and most accurate synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Analyze the target word

The word is 'obdurate'.

Understanding the base meaning of the isolated word is the first step in identifying its synonym.

2

Define the target word

'Obdurate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.

Establishing a clear mental definition allows for accurate comparison with the given choices.

3

Evaluate the answer choices

'Stubborn' perfectly matches the definition. 'Yielding' is an antonym. 'Enduring' is a related root word but has a different meaning. 'Oblivious' is visually similar but semantically unrelated.

Eliminating carefully designed distractors ensures the most accurate synonym is selected.

Key Concept

Isolated Word Synonyms

Estimated Time:30s

Question 3397Question →

PRUDENT most nearly means which of the following?

Proud

Reckless

Wise

Cowardly

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Wise

Answer

Wise

The term 'PRUDENT' denotes being careful, sensible, and showing good judgment for the future, making 'Wise' the exact matching synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Define the target word 'PRUDENT'.

'Prudent' is an adjective describing someone who shows good judgment, forethought, and careful wisdom.

Establishing the precise definition of the isolated word is the standard method for determining its synonym.

2

Compare the definition against each provided option.

'Wise' matches the meaning of exercising sound judgment and discretion.

The correct synonym must share both the fundamental definition and the grammatical part of speech of the target word.

Key Concept

Direct synonym recognition for isolated adjectives

Estimated Time:30s

Question 3398Question →

Match each bolded word from the sentences on the left with its most accurate contextual synonym on the right based on the clues in each sentence.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Show answer & explanation

Answer

Explicit matches Clear and direct; Perilous matches Hazardous or dangerous; Augment matches Increase or supplement.

Each sentence embeds direct clues that define the target word: clear procedural details define 'explicit' as clear and direct, physical threats from rockslides define 'perilous' as hazardous or dangerous, and adding workers defines 'augment' as increasing or supplementing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Examine the restatement clue in the first sentence regarding the instructions.

The explanation 'in clear detail so that no worker was confused' defines 'explicit'.

Definition and restatement clues provide direct clarification of unfamiliar or target vocabulary.

2

Identify the cause-and-effect clues surrounding the road conditions in the second sentence.

The mention of 'rockslides' and 'threatened the crew's safety' points directly to physical danger.

Consequence clues reveal the negative and hazardous nature of 'perilous'.

3

Analyze the action taken to handle increased work volume in the third sentence.

Adding temporary workers indicates expanding or boosting capacity.

Example clues illustrate that 'augment' involves an addition or increase.

Key Concept

Using surrounding sentence clues—such as restatements, cause-and-effect outcomes, and concrete examples—to determine the precise synonym of a target word.

Estimated Time:45s

Question 3399Question →

Aware that her initial assessment of the terrain's passability was overly definitive, the intelligence officer hastened to *qualify* her report by adding several crucial caveats and operational exceptions.

Which of the following most nearly means the word *qualify* as it is used in the sentence above?

Certify

Temper

Corroborate

Elaborate

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Temper

Answer

Temper

The context clues 'overly definitive' and 'adding several crucial caveats' indicate that the officer needed to moderate or limit the certainty of her initial report. To 'qualify' a statement means to make it less absolute or add reservations, which is directly synonymous with 'temper' in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Analyze the sentence to identify the problem or situation being described.

The intelligence officer realized her first report was 'overly definitive' (too absolute or certain).

Understanding the initial state of the report establishes the motivation for the officer's subsequent action.

2

Identify the action taken by the subject and the clues surrounding it.

To fix the 'overly definitive' report, the officer chose to 'qualify' it by 'adding several crucial caveats and operational exceptions.'

These surrounding phrases (context clues) directly define what the target word means in this specific instance.

3

Synthesize the clues to determine the intended meaning of the target word.

A 'caveat' is a warning, condition, or limitation. Adding limitations to something that was 'overly definitive' means making it less absolute, more moderate, or restricted.

Synthesizing the contrast clue ('overly definitive') with the example clues ('caveats and exceptions') prevents reliance on isolated, memorized definitions.

4

Evaluate the answer choices to find the best match for 'moderate' or 'make less absolute.'

The word 'Temper' perfectly matches this intended meaning, as it means to serve as a neutralizing or moderating force.

Choosing the synonym that fits the synthesized contextual meaning ensures the correct answer is selected, even if the target word is polysemous.

Key Concept

Using contrast and defining clues to identify the secondary meaning of a polysemous word.

Estimated Time:1m 0s

Question 3400Question →

Examine the morphological structure of words involving prefixes and roots. What word meaning 'treating all parties fairly and without bias' correctly completes the sentence below?

Fill in the blanks below

To ensure a fair trial, the legal system requires an judge who has no personal or financial interest in the verdict.

Show answer & explanation

Answer

impartial (or accepted contextual synonyms such as unbiased, neutral, or equitable)

The word 'impartial' is formed by attaching the negative prefix 'im-' (meaning 'not') to the base 'partial' (meaning 'favoring a particular side') and the adjective-forming suffix '-ial'. Together, these components define a person or decision that is unbiased, objective, and fair, satisfying the context of a judge who possesses no personal stake in a trial.

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Break down the target word into its morphological components (prefix, root, and suffix)

The prefix 'im-' functions as a negative prefix meaning 'not' or 'opposite of', the base root 'part' refers to taking a side or fraction, and the suffix '-ial' forms an adjective meaning 'pertaining to' or 'characterized by'.

Analyzing individual morphemes reveals how word parts combine to create precise vocabulary definitions.

2

Synthesize the affix meanings to deduce the complete definition

'Impartial' literally denotes 'not taking sides', meaning neutral, fair, and free from bias or favoritism.

Combining the negative prefix with the root directly establishes the required definition of non-partisanship.

3

Evaluate the sentence context to confirm grammatical and semantic alignment

The adjective 'impartial' fits grammatically after 'an' and correctly describes a judge who remains unbiased and without personal interest.

The sentence demands an adjective indicating fairness and lack of prejudice in a judicial setting.

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Prefix and Suffix Analysis (Negative prefix 'im-' modifying the root 'part' with suffix '-ial')

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