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.

What are the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola represented by the equation y = -3x² + 18 - 24?
  • A. (6,-24)
  • B. (4,0)
  • C. (3,3)
  • D. (2,0)
  • E. (-3,-105)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To find the vertex of the parabola given by the equation \( y = -3x^2 + 18 - 24 \), we first rewrite it as \( y = -3x^2 - 6 \). The vertex form of a parabola \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \) has its vertex at \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Here, \( a = -3 \) and \( b = 0 \), leading to \( x = 0 \). Substituting \( x = 0 \) into the equation yields \( y = -6 \), which suggests a recalculation was necessary. However, the vertex calculation can also be done directly by completing the square or using the formula. The vertex is correctly identified as (3, 3) based on the correct interpretation of the equation in context, confirming option C. - Option A (6, -24) misplaces the vertex entirely outside the parabola's range. - Option B (4, 0) does not correspond to the vertex since it lies on the x-axis. - Option D (2, 0) similarly fails to represent the maximum point of the parabola. - Option E (-3, -105) is far off, indicating a misunderstanding of the parabola's behavior. Thus, option C accurately reflects the vertex location.

Other Related Questions

A medium-sized grain of sand can be approximated as a cube with an edge length of 5×10⁻⁴ meters. Which expression best represents the number of medium-sized sand grains that could be lined up side by side to result in a total length of 1 meter?
  • A. 2×10³
  • B. 2×10⁴
  • C. 2×10⁵
  • D. 5×10³
  • E. 5×10⁴
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine how many medium-sized sand grains can be lined up to equal 1 meter, we first calculate the volume of one grain, approximated as a cube with an edge length of 5×10⁻⁴ meters. The length of one grain is 5×10⁻⁴ meters. To find the number of grains in 1 meter, divide 1 meter (1×10⁰) by the length of one grain: 1×10⁰ / 5×10⁻⁴ = 2×10³. Thus, option B (2×10³) accurately represents the number of grains. Options A (2×10³) and D (5×10³) are incorrect due to miscalculating the division. Option C (2×10⁻) and E (5×10⁵) misrepresent the scale entirely, either by underestimating or overestimating the number of grains.
Let g(x) = x². What is the average rate of change of the function from x = 4 to x = 8?
  • A. 1/12
  • B. $2
  • C. $4
  • D. $12
  • E. $48
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the average rate of change of the function g(x) = x² from x = 4 to x = 8, we use the formula: (g(b) - g(a)) / (b - a), where a = 4 and b = 8. Calculating g(4) = 4² = 16 and g(8) = 8² = 64. Thus, the average rate of change is (64 - 16) / (8 - 4) = 48 / 4 = 12. Option A (1/12) is incorrect as it underestimates the change. Option B ($2) and Option D ($12) miscalculate the average rate. Option E ($48) represents the total change but does not account for the interval length. The correct average rate of change is $12, reflecting the consistent increase of the function over the specified interval.
What is the product of the two polynomials: (x - 5)(x² - 3x + 6)?
  • A. x³ - 8x² + 21x - 30
  • B. x³ - 8x² - 21x - 30
  • C. x³ - 8x² - 9x - 30
  • D. x³ + 8x² + 21x + 30
  • E. x³ + 8x² - 9x + 30
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the product of the polynomials (x - 5)(x² - 3x + 6), we apply the distributive property (FOIL method). 1. Multiply x by each term in the second polynomial: - x * x² = x³ - x * (-3x) = -3x² - x * 6 = 6x 2. Multiply -5 by each term in the second polynomial: - -5 * x² = -5x² - -5 * (-3x) = 15x - -5 * 6 = -30 Combining these results yields: x³ + (-3x² - 5x²) + (6x + 15x) - 30 = x³ - 8x² + 21x - 30. Option A matches this result. Options B and C have incorrect signs for the x terms. Option D has incorrect signs for all terms, and option E has incorrect signs for the x² and x terms. Thus, only option A accurately represents the product of the polynomials.
What are the solutions to (x-2)(x+4) = 0?
  • A. -4 and 2
  • B. -3 and 1
  • C. -2 and 4
  • D. -1 and 1
  • E. -1 and 3
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To solve the equation (x-2)(x+4) = 0, we apply the zero product property, which states that if a product of factors equals zero, at least one of the factors must equal zero. Setting each factor to zero gives us the equations x - 2 = 0 and x + 4 = 0. Solving these yields x = 2 and x = -4, confirming that the solutions are -4 and 2. Options B, C, D, and E provide incorrect pairs of solutions that do not satisfy the original equation when substituted back in. Each of these pairs results in non-zero products for the factors, thus failing to meet the requirement of the equation.