Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When the sampling distribution of means is plotted, the distribution tends to be approximately normal, especially as the sample size increases. This phenomenon is described by the Central Limit Theorem, which states that the sampling distribution of the sample mean will be normally distributed regardless of the shape of the original population distribution as long as the sample size is sufficiently large. Choices B and C are incorrect because sampling distributions of means are not skewed. Choice D is incorrect because there is a predictable shape to the distribution, which is approximately normal.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Kimberley worked from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., which is a total of 5.5 hours before 10 p.m. (from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and 1 hour after 10 p.m. The earnings she made before 10 p.m. at $10 an hour was 5.5 hours * $10 = $55. Her earnings after 10 p.m. for the rounded hour were 1 hour * $12 = $12. Therefore, her total earnings for the last job were $55 + $12 = $67. Since the amount is rounded to the nearest hour, the closest rounded amount is $62. Therefore, Kimberley earned $62 on her last job. Choice A is incorrect as it does not consider the additional earnings after 10 p.m. Choices B and D are incorrect as they do not factor in the hourly rates and the total hours worked accurately.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: If Sarah reads 21 pages in four nights, she reads at a rate of 21 / 4 = 5.25 pages per night. To read 140 pages, she would need 140 / 5.25 = 26.67 nights. Since she cannot read a fraction of a night, it would take her 27 nights to read 140 pages, making option D the correct answer. Option A is incorrect as it does not accurately reflect the calculation. Option B is incorrect as it does not consider the fractional part of the calculation, resulting in an inaccurate answer. Option C is incorrect as it does not align with the correct calculation based on Sarah's reading rate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The student's score is calculated by adding the points earned for correct answers (x) and subtracting the points lost for incorrect answers (y/2). Therefore, the expression for the student's score on the exam is x - y/2. Option A is correct because it accurately represents this calculation. Option B (x - y) is incorrect as it does not account for the penalty of losing half a point for each incorrect answer. Option C (30 - (x + y)) is incorrect as it subtracts the total number of questions from the sum of correct and blank answers, which does not represent the scoring system. Option D (30 - x - y/2) is also incorrect as it incorrectly subtracts x from 30 and then deducts y divided by 2, which is not the correct scoring method for the exam.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To solve 2 x + 8 = 0 2x+8=0: Subtract 8 from both sides: 2 x = − 8 2x=−8 Divide both sides by 2: x = − 8 2 = − 4 x= 2 −8 ​ =−4 Therefore, the solution is x = − 4 x=−4.