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

What are the solutions to the equation: x² - 10?
  • A. ±5
  • B. ±√10
  • C. ±10
  • D. ±10²
  • E. ±20
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To solve the equation \( x^2 - 10 = 0 \), we first isolate \( x^2 \) by adding 10 to both sides, resulting in \( x^2 = 10 \). Taking the square root of both sides gives us \( x = \pm\sqrt{10} \), which corresponds to option B. Option A, \( \pm5 \), is incorrect as \( 5^2 = 25 \), not 10. Option C, \( \pm10 \), is also wrong because \( 10^2 = 100 \). Option D, \( \pm10^2 \), misinterprets the operation, yielding \( \pm100 \), which is not relevant here. Lastly, option E, \( \pm20 \), is incorrect since \( 20^2 = 400 \). Thus, only option B accurately represents the solutions to the equation.
Which of the following expressions is equivalent to: 1200 × (5 × 10⁷)?
  • A. 12×10¹⁰
  • B. 6.0×10¹⁰
  • C. 6.0×10¹¹
  • D. 7.2×10¹³
  • E. 9.4×10¹⁴
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

To find an equivalent expression for \( 1200 \times (5 \times 10^n) \), we first simplify \( 1200 \) as \( 1.2 \times 10^3 \). Thus, the expression becomes \( 1.2 \times 10^3 \times 5 \times 10^n = 6.0 \times 10^{3+n} \). Option A incorrectly simplifies the coefficient and exponent. Option C miscalculates the exponent, not aligning with the original multiplication. Option D has an incorrect coefficient and exponent combination. Option E also miscalculates the coefficient and exponent. Therefore, only option B accurately reflects the simplified expression.
The following is a list of triangles: I. Right triangles, II. Isosceles triangles, III. Equilateral triangles. A pair of triangles from which of these groups must be similar to each other?
  • A. I only
  • B. II only
  • C. III only
  • D. I and III only
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

Triangles from group III, equilateral triangles, are always similar to each other because they all have equal angles of 60 degrees, regardless of their size. Group I, right triangles, can vary significantly in angle measures beyond the right angle, so not all right triangles are similar. Similarly, group II, isosceles triangles, can have different base angles, leading to non-similar triangles. Thus, while right and isosceles triangles can share properties, only equilateral triangles guarantee similarity across the group. Therefore, option C accurately identifies the group with universally similar triangles.
The number of years the employee has been employed by the city is at least 25 years. The sum of the employee's age and number of years employed by the city is at least 90 years. Larry has been employed by the city since his 38th birthday. Assuming he continues to work for the city, at what age will he first qualify for full retirement benefits?
  • A. 52
  • B. 55
  • C. 62
  • D. 63
  • E. 64
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: E

To qualify for full retirement benefits, Larry must be at least 25 years employed and have a combined age and years of service of at least 90 years. Since he started working at age 38, he will reach 25 years of employment at age 63. At that point, his age (63) plus his years of service (25) totals 88, which does not meet the 90-year requirement. At age 64, he will have 26 years of service, bringing the total to 90 years (64 + 26), thus meeting both criteria. Options A (52), B (55), and C (62) do not allow for 25 years of service, while D (63) fails to meet the age and service sum requirement.