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

On a number line, what is the distance, in units, between 16 and -25
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: 41 units

To find the distance between two points on a number line, subtract the smaller number from the larger number. Here, the calculation is |16 - (-25)|, which simplifies to |16 + 25| = |41|. This results in a distance of 41 units. Other options may suggest incorrect calculations. For instance, an answer like 9 units might arise from simply adding the two numbers without considering their positions on the number line, leading to an inaccurate interpretation of distance. Similarly, options like 25 or 16 units misrepresent the actual distance by not accounting for both numbers' magnitudes relative to zero.

Other Related Questions

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.
A store manager recorded the total number of employee absences for each day during one week. What is the mode of the number of employee absences for that week?
Question image
  • A. 6
  • B. 8
  • C. 9
  • D. 14
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The mode represents the value that appears most frequently in a data set. In this scenario, the total number of employee absences for the week is analyzed. Option B, 8, indicates the most common occurrence of absences, suggesting that this number was recorded more often than any other. Options A (6), C (9), and D (14) are incorrect as they either represent less frequent occurrences or do not reflect the highest count of absences recorded during the week. Therefore, while they may be valid numbers, they do not capture the mode, which is defined by frequency rather than magnitude.
((5^3 * 2^4)^2)(5^(-2) * 2^5)
  • A. 5^3 * 2^11
  • B. 5^(-12) * 2^40
  • C. 5^4 * 2^13
  • D. (-5)^8 * 2^13
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To simplify the expression \(((5^3 * 2^4)^2)(5^{-2} * 2^5)\), first apply the power of a product rule. This gives \(5^{6} * 2^{8}\) from the first part. Next, combine this with the second part, \(5^{-2} * 2^{5}\). Adding the exponents for the base 5: \(6 + (-2) = 4\). For base 2: \(8 + 5 = 13\). Thus, the final expression simplifies to \(5^4 * 2^{13}\). Option A is incorrect as it miscalculates the exponents. Option B has incorrect exponents and signs. Option D introduces an unnecessary negative sign and does not match the simplified expression.
The width of a painting is 24 centimeters shorter than its length, x. The area of the painting is 4,081 square centimeters. Which equation could be used to find the dimensions of the painting?
  • A. x^2 - 24x - 4,081 = 0
  • B. x^2 + 24x - 4,081 = 0
  • C. x^2 + 24x + 4,081 = 0
  • D. x^2 - 24x + 4,081 = 0
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the dimensions of the painting, we start with the relationship between length and width. The width is 24 cm shorter than the length \(x\), so it can be expressed as \(x - 24\). The area of a rectangle is given by the product of its length and width, resulting in the equation \(x(x - 24) = 4,081\). Expanding this leads to \(x^2 - 24x - 4,081 = 0\), which matches option A. Option B incorrectly adds 24x, leading to an incorrect area calculation. Option C incorrectly adds 24 and includes a positive constant, which does not represent the area. Option D incorrectly adds 4,081 and has a positive term that does not reflect the relationship between length and width.