Nursing Elites

1. Simplify (x^2 - y^2) / (x - y)

• A. x + y
• B. x - y
• C. 1
• D. (x + y)/(x - y)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The expression 𝑥^2 - 𝑦^2 is a difference of squares, which follows the identity: 𝑥^2 - 𝑦^2 = (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 - 𝑦). Therefore, the given expression becomes: (𝑥^2 - 𝑦^2) / (𝑥 - 𝑦) = (𝑥 + 𝑦)(𝑥 - 𝑦) / (𝑥 - 𝑦). Since (𝑥 - 𝑦) appears in both the numerator and the denominator, they cancel each other out, leaving 𝑥 + 𝑦. Thus, the simplified form of (𝑥^2 - 𝑦^2) / (𝑥 - 𝑦) is 𝑥 + 𝑦. Therefore, the correct answer is A (x + y). Option B (x - y) is incorrect as it does not result from simplifying the given expression. Option C (1) is incorrect as it does not account for the variables x and y present in the expression. Option D ((x + y)/(x - y)) is incorrect as it presents the simplified form in a different format than the correct answer.

2. A set of patients is divided into groups: 1/2 in Group Alpha, 1/3 in Group Beta, and 1/6 in Group Gamma. Order the groups from smallest to largest.

• A. Alpha, Beta, Gamma
• B. Alpha, Gamma, Beta
• C. Gamma, Alpha, Beta
• D. Gamma, Beta, Alpha

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To determine the order from smallest to largest groups, we look at the fractions representing the groups. Group Gamma has 1/6, which is the smallest fraction, followed by Group Alpha with 1/2, and Group Beta with 1/3 being the largest fraction. So, the correct order is Gamma, Alpha, Beta. Choice A is incorrect because it lists Alpha, Beta, Gamma, which is the reverse order. Choice B is incorrect as it lists Alpha, Gamma, Beta, which is also incorrect. Choice D is incorrect as it lists Gamma, Beta, Alpha, which is not the correct order based on the fractions provided.

3. Which of the following describes a proportional relationship?

• A. Johnathan opens a savings account with an initial deposit of $150 and deposits $125 per month
• B. Bruce pays his employees $12 per hour worked during the month of December, as well as a $250 bonus
• C. Alvin pays $28 per month for his phone service plus $0.07 for each long-distance minute used
• D. Kevin drives 65 miles per hour

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A proportional relationship is one in which two quantities vary directly with each other. In choice A, the amount deposited per month is directly proportional to the initial deposit. The relationship can be represented as y = 125x + 150, where x is the number of months and y is the total amount in the account. Choices B and C involve additional fixed amounts or variable costs that do not maintain a constant ratio, making them non-proportional relationships. Choice D refers to a constant speed of driving, which is not a proportional relationship as it does not involve varying quantities that change in direct proportion.

4. During January, Dr. Lewis worked 20 shifts. During February, she worked three times as many shifts as she did during January. During March, she worked half the number of shifts she worked during February. Which equation below describes the number of shifts Dr. Lewis worked in March?

• A. shifts = 20 + 3 + 1/2
• B. shifts = (20)(3)(1/2)
• C. shifts = (20)(3) + 1/2
• D. shifts = 20 + (3)(1/2)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During January, Dr. Lewis worked 20 shifts. Shifts for January = 20. During February, she worked three times as many shifts as she did during January. Shifts for February = (20)(3) = 60. During March, she worked half the number of shifts she worked in February. Shifts for March = (60)(1/2) = 30. Therefore, the correct equation to describe the number of shifts Dr. Lewis worked in March is 'shifts = (20)(3)(1/2)', representing the calculation based on the given scenario. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately represent the correct mathematical relationship between the shifts worked in the different months, making them incorrect.

5. Which of the following is the most likely weight of a pencil?

• A. 25 kg
• B. 25 cm
• C. 25 mg
• D. 25 g

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 25 g. Pencils are usually lightweight, and their weight is measured in grams. 25 kg (choice A) is too heavy for a pencil. 25 cm (choice B) is a unit of length, not weight. 25 mg (choice C) is too light for a pencil, as pencils typically weigh more than milligrams.

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