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 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.

Other Related Questions

The following table lists the percentages of the highest level of training of employees at a certain company: Of the 500 female employees included in the table, what is the total number whose highest level of training is Level B?
Question image
  • A. 100
  • B. 150
  • C. 200
  • D. 250
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To determine the number of female employees with Level B training, we analyze the provided percentages. If the table indicates that 30% of the 500 female employees have Level B training, we calculate 30% of 500, which equals 150. Option A (100) underestimates the proportion, while Option C (200) and Option D (250) overestimate it. Each of these options does not align with the percentage breakdown in the table. Therefore, the accurate calculation confirms that 150 female employees have achieved Level B training, aligning with the data provided.
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.
A bowl contains 18 pieces of candy: 8 red, 6 orange, and 4 green. Brandon will select 1 piece of candy at random. What is the probability that Brandon will select a green piece?
  • A. 2/7
  • B. 2/9
  • C. 2/11
  • D. 1/9
  • E. 1/8
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the probability of selecting a green piece of candy, divide the number of green candies by the total number of candies. There are 4 green candies and 18 total candies, resulting in a probability of 4/18, which simplifies to 2/9. Option A (2/7) incorrectly assumes a different total or count of green candies. Option C (2/11) suggests an inaccurate total of candies or green pieces. Option D (1/9) miscalculates the ratio of green candies to the total. Option E (1/8) also misrepresents the count of green candies. Only B accurately reflects the correct ratio.
Connor sprinted 55 yards in 6.25 seconds. What was Connor's average speed in miles per hour?
  • A. 6
  • B. 9
  • C. 15
  • D. 18
  • E. 26
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To find Connor's average speed in miles per hour, we first convert 55 yards to miles. There are 1,760 yards in a mile, so 55 yards is approximately 0.0312 miles. Next, we convert 6.25 seconds to hours by dividing by 3,600 (the number of seconds in an hour), resulting in about 0.001736 hours. Average speed is calculated by dividing distance by time: 0.0312 miles / 0.001736 hours ≈ 18 mph. Option A (6 mph) and B (9 mph) underestimate Connor's speed, while C (15 mph) is also too low. E (26 mph) overestimates it. Thus, 18 mph is the accurate average speed.