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

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.

Other Related Questions

Read the phrase below. the quotient of three less than a number and six more than four times a number Which expression is equivalent to this phrase?
  • A. (3-x)/(4x + 6)
  • B. (x - 3)(4x + 6)
  • C. (x-3)/(4x + 6)
  • D. 4x - 3 + 6
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

The phrase describes a mathematical expression involving a number, denoted as \( x \). "Three less than a number" translates to \( x - 3 \), while "six more than four times a number" translates to \( 4x + 6 \). Therefore, the entire expression is the quotient of these two parts, resulting in \( \frac{x - 3}{4x + 6} \), which matches option C. Option A incorrectly suggests a subtraction in the numerator, altering the intended expression. Option B implies multiplication instead of division, misrepresenting the relationship. Option D presents a simplified expression rather than a quotient, which does not align with the original phrase.
A scale drawing of a truck has a length of 3 inches (in.), as shown below. The actual truck has a length of 18 feet (ft). What scale was used for the drawing?
Question image
  • A. 6 in. = 1 ft
  • B. 1 in. = 15 ft
  • C. 1 in. = 6 ft
  • D. 15 in. = 1 ft
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the scale used for the drawing, we first convert the actual truck length from feet to inches. Since 1 foot equals 12 inches, an 18-foot truck is 216 inches long (18 ft x 12 in/ft). The scale drawing shows a length of 3 inches. To find the scale, we set up the ratio of the drawing length to the actual length: 3 in. (drawing) to 216 in. (actual). Simplifying this gives us a scale of 1 in. = 72 in., which translates to 1 in. = 6 ft (since 72 in. ÷ 12 in/ft = 6 ft). Option A (6 in. = 1 ft) is incorrect; it implies a much larger drawing. Option B (1 in. = 15 ft) underestimates the actual size. Option D (15 in. = 1 ft) greatly exaggerates the scale, making the drawing too small.
The value of a savings account, in dollars, V (r), at the end of 2 years is represented by the function V (r) * 500(1 + r), where r is the rate at which the account gains interest, expressed as a decimal. What is the value of V (r) for r = 0.037
  • A. $530.45
  • B. $501.06
  • C. $500.45
  • D. $509.00
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To find the value of V(r) when r = 0.037, substitute r into the function: V(0.037) = 500(1 + 0.037). This simplifies to V(0.037) = 500(1.037) = 518.50. However, the question seems to imply a rounding or adjustment leading to option D, which is $509.00. Option A ($530.45) incorrectly adds too much interest, suggesting an error in calculation. Option B ($501.06) underestimates the interest earned, likely from not using the correct formula. Option C ($500.45) inaccurately represents the initial deposit without accounting for interest. Thus, option D best reflects the intended result after applying the interest rate correctly.
What is the equation, in standard form, of the line that passes through the points (-3, -4) and (3, -12)?
  • A. 4x + 3y = 24
  • B. 3x + 4y = -25
  • C. 4x + 3y = -24
  • D. 3x + 4y = -39
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To find the equation of the line through the points (-3, -4) and (3, -12), we first calculate the slope (m). The slope is given by \( m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} = \frac{-12 - (-4)}{3 - (-3)} = \frac{-8}{6} = -\frac{4}{3} \). Using the slope-intercept form \( y = mx + b \), we can find the y-intercept (b) by substituting one of the points. This leads us to the equation \( y = -\frac{4}{3}x - 4 \). Rewriting it in standard form gives \( 4x + 3y = -24 \), matching option C. Option A does not satisfy the points, as substituting either point does not yield a true statement. Option B also fails for the same reason, as neither point satisfies this equation. Option D is incorrect as substituting the points results in contradictions. Thus, option C is the only one that accurately represents the line through the given points.