hiset math practice test

A widely recognized high school equivalency exam, similar to the GED, designed for individuals who didn’t complete high school but want to earn a diploma-equivalent credential.

Isabel earns $15.80 per hour for the first 8 hours she works each day. She earns 1.5 times her hourly rate for all time after the first 8 hours. How much does Isabel earn on a day when she works 8.5 hours?
  • A. 126.4
  • B. 138.25
  • C. 189.6
  • D. 201.45
  • E. 237
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine Isabel's earnings for an 8.5-hour workday, first calculate her earnings for the first 8 hours at $15.80 per hour, which totals $126.40 (8 hours × $15.80/hour). For the additional 0.5 hours, she earns 1.5 times her hourly rate, which is $23.70 (1.5 × $15.80). Therefore, for the extra half hour, she earns $11.85 (0.5 hours × $23.70/hour). Adding these amounts together gives $138.25 ($126.40 + $11.85). Option A ($126.40) only accounts for the first 8 hours. Option C ($189.60) incorrectly assumes full-time pay without considering the overtime rate. Option D ($201.45) miscalculates the overtime pay, while Option E ($237) overestimates by not applying the correct hourly rates.

Other Related Questions

Emma measured the height of her laptop screen. She reported the height as 8 inches, accurate to the nearest inch. The actual height of the screen must be:
  • A. at least 7.5 inches and less than 8.5 inches
  • B. at least 7.9 inches and less than 8.1 inches
  • C. at least 7.99 inches and less than 8.01 inches
  • D. at least 8 inches
  • E. exactly 8 inches
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

When measuring to the nearest inch, values can range from halfway to the next whole number. For Emma's reported height of 8 inches, this means the actual height must be at least 7.5 inches (inclusive) and less than 8.5 inches (exclusive). Option B is too narrow, only allowing for heights between 7.9 and 8.1 inches, which does not encompass all possible values. Option C is even more restrictive, only allowing for heights between 7.99 and 8.01 inches, excluding valid measurements. Option D is incorrect as it suggests the height must be 8 inches or more, which is too limiting. Option E incorrectly states the height must be exactly 8 inches, disregarding the range of possible values.
Square PQRS, with a side length of 5 units, will be translated 2 units to the right and 2 units up in the standard (x, y) coordinate plane. What is the area, in square units, of the image of PQRS?
  • A. 20
  • B. 25
  • C. 40
  • D. 50
  • E. 100
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The area of a square is calculated by squaring the length of its sides. For square PQRS, with a side length of 5 units, the area is \(5 \times 5 = 25\) square units. Translating the square 2 units to the right and 2 units up does not alter its dimensions or area; it simply changes its position on the coordinate plane. Options A (20), C (40), D (50), and E (100) suggest changes in area due to incorrect assumptions about the effects of translation or miscalculations. The area remains constant at 25 square units, confirming option B as the only accurate choice.
Which of the following equations does not represent y as a function of x in the standard (x, y) coordinate plane?
  • A. y = x
  • B. y = x + 2
  • C. y = x² + 2
  • D. x = y + 2
  • E. x = y² + 2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: E

Option E, \( x = y^2 + 2 \), does not represent \( y \) as a function of \( x \) because it can yield multiple \( y \) values for a single \( x \) value. For example, when \( x = 6 \), \( y \) can be either 2 or -2, violating the definition of a function. In contrast, options A, B, and C express \( y \) explicitly in terms of \( x \), allowing only one output for each input. Option D, while rearranging the equation, can also be transformed into a function of \( y \) in terms of \( x \) (i.e., \( y = x - 2 \)). Thus, options A, B, C, and D all represent \( y \) as a function of \( x \).
Let f(x) = 3x². What is f(-2x)?
Question image
  • A. -36x²
  • B. -12x²
  • C. -6x²
  • D. 12x²
  • E. 36x²
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To find f(-2x), substitute -2x into the function f(x) = 3x². This gives us f(-2x) = 3(-2x)². Calculating (-2x)² results in 4x², so we have f(-2x) = 3 * 4x² = 12x². Option A (-36x²) is incorrect because it misapplies the square and the coefficient. Option B (-12x²) incorrectly uses a negative sign and fails to account for the square of -2x. Option C (-6x²) mistakenly reduces the coefficient and sign. Option E (36x²) omits the multiplication by 3, leading to an incorrect coefficient. Thus, 12x² is the only valid outcome.