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 is the product of the two polynomials: (x - 5)(x² - 3x + 6)?
  • A. x³ - 8x² + 21x - 30
  • B. x³ - 8x² - 21x - 30
  • C. x³ - 8x² - 9x - 30
  • D. x³ + 8x² + 21x + 30
  • E. x³ + 8x² - 9x + 30
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To find the product of the polynomials (x - 5)(x² - 3x + 6), we apply the distributive property (FOIL method). 1. Multiply x by each term in the second polynomial: - x * x² = x³ - x * (-3x) = -3x² - x * 6 = 6x 2. Multiply -5 by each term in the second polynomial: - -5 * x² = -5x² - -5 * (-3x) = 15x - -5 * 6 = -30 Combining these results yields: x³ + (-3x² - 5x²) + (6x + 15x) - 30 = x³ - 8x² + 21x - 30. Option A matches this result. Options B and C have incorrect signs for the x terms. Option D has incorrect signs for all terms, and option E has incorrect signs for the x² and x terms. Thus, only option A accurately represents the product of the polynomials.

Other Related Questions

The relationship between h, a person's height in inches, and f, the length in inches of the person's femur, is modeled by the equation: h = 1.88f + 32. Which statement correctly identifies and describes the slope of the equation?
  • A. The slope of the equation is 1.88, and it represents the femur length, in inches, when the height is 32 inches.
  • B. The slope of the equation is 1.88, and it represents the number of inches the height increases for each inch the femur length increases
  • C. The slope of the equation is 1.88, and it represents the number of inches the femur length increases for each inch the height increases
  • D. The slope of the equation is 32, and it represents the number of inches the height increases for each inch the femur length increases.
  • E. The slope of the equation is 32, and it represents the height, in inches, when the femur length is 1.88 inches.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B

The slope of 1.88 in the equation h = 1.88f + 32 indicates that for every additional inch in femur length (f), height (h) increases by 1.88 inches. This relationship highlights the direct impact of femur length on height. Option A misinterprets the slope, incorrectly stating it represents femur length at a specific height. Option C reverses the relationship, suggesting femur length increases with height, which is inaccurate. Option D incorrectly identifies the slope as 32 and misrepresents the relationship. Option E also incorrectly identifies the slope and misinterprets its meaning in the context of the equation.
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.
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 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.