what does parameter mean

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Vocabulary

1. What does 'Parameter' mean?

A. A constant variable
B. A characteristic or constant factor
C. A measurable limit
D. A calculated risk

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A characteristic or constant factor.' In the context of systems or experiments, a parameter is a fixed element that influences the behavior or outcome. It is not a variable like in choice A, which can change. Choice C, 'A measurable limit,' is incorrect as a parameter is not necessarily a physical limit but a defining factor. Choice D, 'A calculated risk,' is unrelated to the definition of a parameter.

2. If they _____ that the weather was going to be so bad, they wouldn't have gone to the beach.

A. knew
B. had known
C. knew
D. could have known

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: had known.' In this conditional sentence, the past perfect tense is required to indicate that knowing about the weather should have happened before going to the beach. 'Knew' (choice A and C) is in the simple past tense, which doesn't convey the sequence of events accurately. 'Could have known' (choice D) is incorrect as it implies a possibility of knowing in the past, but it doesn't fit the context of the sentence where the emphasis is on prior knowledge before going to the beach.

3. Which word is NOT USED CORRECTLY? It sure isn't going to rain during the next playoff.

A. Ain't
B. During
C. Sure
D. Playoff

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. 'Ain't' is not grammatically correct in formal writing or speech; it should be 'isn't.' 'Ain't' is considered slang and is not appropriate for formal contexts. The other choices ('During,' 'Sure,' 'Playoff') are used correctly in the sentence.

4. What is a device?

A. An idea or concept
B. A tool or piece of equipment
C. A small part of a larger structure
D. An accessory for fashion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A device is defined as a tool or piece of equipment designed to serve a specific purpose. It is used to perform a particular function or task. An idea or concept (Choice A) may lead to the creation of a device, but they are not devices themselves. Choice C, referring to a small part of a larger structure, does not encompass the general definition of a device which implies standalone functionality. Choice D, an accessory for fashion, is entirely unrelated to the usual understanding of a device, which focuses on functionality rather than aesthetics.

5. Which word describes a person's music collection who listens to a mixture of genres from punk rock to classical?

A. Theoretical
B. Relevant
C. Mélange
D. Cacophony

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The word 'mélange' refers to a mixture or medley of different elements, which perfectly fits the description of someone who listens to various music genres. It implies diversity in their collection, covering a broad range of styles from punk rock to classical music. Choice A, 'Theoretical,' does not relate to music collections and is more aligned with concepts and hypotheses. Choice B, 'Relevant,' does not capture the idea of a varied music collection. Choice D, 'Cacophony,' refers to a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds, which does not represent a music collection with a variety of genres.