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

Which expression is equivalent to (3a + 4ab - 7b) - (a + 2ab - 4b)?
  • A. 2a + 2ab - 11b
  • B. 2a + 6ab - 11b
  • C. 2a + 2ab - 3b
  • D. 2a + 6ab - 35
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To simplify the expression \((3a + 4ab - 7b) - (a + 2ab - 4b)\), start by distributing the negative sign across the second set of parentheses: \[ 3a + 4ab - 7b - a - 2ab + 4b \] Next, combine like terms: - For \(a\): \(3a - a = 2a\) - For \(ab\): \(4ab - 2ab = 2ab\) - For \(b\): \(-7b + 4b = -3b\) This results in the expression \(2a + 2ab - 3b\), matching option C. Option A introduces an incorrect coefficient for \(b\), while option B miscalculates the \(ab\) term. Option D incorrectly combines terms, leading to an erroneous constant. Thus, option C is the only accurate simplification.

Other Related Questions

Which expression is undefined over the real numbers?
  • A. (-3)^0
  • B. 0/4
  • C. |-2|
  • D. (-7)^(1/2)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

The expression (-7)^(1/2) is undefined over the real numbers because it represents the square root of a negative number, which does not yield a real result. Option A, (-3)^0, equals 1, as any non-zero number raised to the power of 0 is defined. Option B, 0/4, simplifies to 0, which is a defined real number. Option C, |-2|, equals 2, as the absolute value of any number is always defined and non-negative. Thus, only (-7)^(1/2) fails to produce a real number, making it the only undefined expression in this context.
The weight of a red blood cell is about 4.5 × 10*11 grams. A blood sample has 1.6 × 10 red blood cells. What is the total weight, in grams, of red blood cells in the sample the answer with the correct scientific notation.
  • A. 2.9 × 10^18
  • B. 7.2 × 10^(-4)
  • C. 7.2 × 10^(-77)
  • D. 6.1 × 10^(-4)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find the total weight of the red blood cells, multiply the weight of one red blood cell (4.5 × 10^-11 grams) by the total number of cells (1.6 × 10^6). This calculation yields 7.2 × 10^-5 grams, which can be expressed in scientific notation as 7.2 × 10^(-4) grams. Option A (2.9 × 10^18) is incorrect because it suggests an unrealistically high total weight, indicating a misunderstanding of scientific notation. Options C (7.2 × 10^(-77)) and D (6.1 × 10^(-4)) also fail to represent the correct multiplication, with C being far too small and D lacking accuracy in the calculated value.
The distance, d, in feet, it takes to come to a complete stop when driving a car r miles per hour can be found using the equation d = 1/20(r^2)+ r. If it takes a car 240 feet to come to a complete stop, what was the speed of the car, in miles per hour, when the driver began to stop it?
  • A. 40
  • B. 30
  • C. 60
  • D. 80
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the speed of the car when it takes 240 feet to stop, substitute d = 240 into the equation d = 1/20(r^2) + r. This leads to the equation 240 = 1/20(r^2) + r. Multiplying through by 20 simplifies to 4800 = r^2 + 20r, which rearranges to r^2 + 20r - 4800 = 0. Solving this quadratic equation yields r = 40 or r = -120. Since speed cannot be negative, the valid solution is 40 mph. Option B (30) does not satisfy the equation, leading to a shorter stopping distance. Option C (60) results in a stopping distance of 480 feet, which exceeds 240 feet. Option D (80) produces a stopping distance of 800 feet, also incorrect. Thus, only 40 mph meets the criteria.
Solve the equation for x: ½ x + 9 = -2/3 x
  • A. x=-9/7
  • B. x=-54/7
  • C. x=-6
  • D. x=-54
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To solve the equation \( \frac{1}{2}x + 9 = -\frac{2}{3}x \), start by eliminating the fractions. Multiply the entire equation by 6 (the least common multiple of 2 and 3) to obtain \( 3x + 54 = -4x \). Next, combine like terms: adding \( 4x \) to both sides gives \( 7x + 54 = 0 \), leading to \( 7x = -54 \) and thus \( x = -\frac{54}{7} \). Option A is incorrect as it simplifies to a different value. Option C, \( x = -6 \), does not satisfy the original equation. Option D, \( x = -54 \), is also incorrect as it does not balance the equation. Therefore, the only viable solution is \( x = -\frac{54}{7} \).