ged math practice test

A a high school equivalency exam designed for individuals who did not graduate from high school but want to demonstrate they have the same knowledge and skills as a high school graduate

Simplify 6^2 - 3^2
  • A. 6
  • B. 9
  • C. 27
  • D. 3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To simplify \(6^2 - 3^2\), we apply the difference of squares formula, which states \(a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)\). Here, \(a = 6\) and \(b = 3\). Thus, we have: \[ 6^2 - 3^2 = (6 - 3)(6 + 3) = 3 \times 9 = 27 \] Option A (6) is incorrect as it miscalculates the expression. Option B (9) mistakenly considers only one of the squared terms. Option D (3) misinterprets the operations involved, leading to an incorrect result. The correct evaluation yields 27, confirming option C as the accurate answer.

Other Related Questions

Lisa is decorating her office with two fully stocked aquariums. She saw an advertisement for Jorge's pet store in the newspaper. Jorge's store sells fish for aquariums. The table shows the fish Lisa buys from Jorge's pet store. Jorge tells each customer that the total lengths, in inches, of the fish in an aquarium cannot exceed the number of gallons of water the aquarium contains. The newspaper advertisement for Jorge's pet store has an illustration of a gold barb. The illustration is not the same length as the actual gold barb. What was the scale factor used to create the illustration?
Question image
  • A. 0.75
  • B. 1.25
  • C. 1.75
  • D. 1.75
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine the scale factor used in the illustration of the gold barb, we compare the actual length of the fish to the length shown in the advertisement. A scale factor greater than 1 indicates that the illustration is larger than the actual fish, while a scale factor less than 1 means it is smaller. Option A (0.75) suggests the illustration is smaller, which contradicts the premise. Option C (1.75) and D (1.75) both imply a larger size, but only one option can be correct. The scale factor of 1.25 accurately represents a reasonable enlargement of the fish, aligning with common advertising practices. Thus, it correctly reflects the relationship between the illustration and the actual size of the gold barb.
Select the factors for the following expression 2x^2 - xy - 3y^2
  • A. (2x+3y)(x-y)
  • B. (x+y)(2x-3y)
  • C. (2x-y)(x+3y)
  • D. (2x-3y)(x+y)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To factor the expression \(2x^2 - xy - 3y^2\), we look for two binomials that multiply to give the original expression. Option D, \((2x-3y)(x+y)\), expands to \(2x^2 + 2xy - 3xy - 3y^2\), which simplifies to \(2x^2 - xy - 3y^2\), matching the original expression. Option A, \((2x+3y)(x-y)\), expands to \(2x^2 - 2xy + 3xy - 3y^2\), resulting in \(2x^2 + xy - 3y^2\), which is incorrect. Option B, \((x+y)(2x-3y)\), gives \(2x^2 - 3xy + 2xy - 3y^2\), simplifying to \(2x^2 - xy - 3y^2\), but the signs do not match the original expression. Option C, \((2x-y)(x+3y)\), expands to \(2x^2 + 6xy - xy - 3y^2\), leading to \(2x^2 + 5xy - 3y^2\), which is also incorrect. Thus, only Option D correctly factors the expression.
What is the slope of the line shown on the graph
Question image
  • A. -0.333333333
  • B. -3
  • C. 3
  • D. 1\3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The slope of a line represents the change in y over the change in x (rise over run). Option D, \( \frac{1}{3} \), indicates a positive slope, suggesting that for every 3 units moved horizontally to the right, the line rises by 1 unit vertically. Option A, -0.3333, represents a negative slope, which would indicate a decline rather than an ascent. Option B, -3, also indicates a steep negative slope, suggesting a significant drop. Option C, 3, indicates a positive slope but is too steep compared to the graph's gentle incline. Thus, D accurately reflects the line's moderate upward trend.
A cyclist can travel 17.6 feet per second. The cyclist would have a better understanding of her speed if it were measured in miles per hour. Which of these completes the expression used to convert the speed of the cyclist to miles per hour?
  • A. 1 hour/60 seconds = 1 mile/5,280 feet
  • B. 60 minutes/1 hour = 1 mile/5280 feet
  • C. 60 minutes/1 hour = 5280 feet/1 mile
  • D. 12 inches/1 foot = 60 minutes/1 hour
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To convert speed from feet per second to miles per hour, the conversion factors must relate time and distance appropriately. Option C correctly expresses the relationship between miles and feet, stating that 1 mile equals 5280 feet. Additionally, it includes the conversion of minutes to hours, with 60 minutes equating to 1 hour, which is essential for converting seconds to hours. Option A incorrectly suggests a different time conversion that mixes hours and seconds without properly aligning the units. Option B, while correctly stating the time conversion, mistakenly places the units in an incorrect order. Option D is irrelevant, as it focuses on inches and does not contribute to the necessary conversions for speed.