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.

Which of the following equations does not represent y as a function of x in the standard (x, y) coordinate plane?
  • A. y = x
  • B. y = x + 2
  • C. y = x² + 2
  • D. x = y + 2
  • E. x = y² + 2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: E

Option E, \( x = y^2 + 2 \), does not represent \( y \) as a function of \( x \) because it can yield multiple \( y \) values for a single \( x \) value. For example, when \( x = 6 \), \( y \) can be either 2 or -2, violating the definition of a function. In contrast, options A, B, and C express \( y \) explicitly in terms of \( x \), allowing only one output for each input. Option D, while rearranging the equation, can also be transformed into a function of \( y \) in terms of \( x \) (i.e., \( y = x - 2 \)). Thus, options A, B, C, and D all represent \( y \) as a function of \( x \).

Other Related Questions

How many solutions does the equation 3x + 9 = 3x - 12 have?
  • B. 1
  • C. 2
  • D. 3
  • E. Infinitely many
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A

To determine the number of solutions for the equation 3x + 9 = 3x - 12, we can simplify both sides. Subtracting 3x from each side results in 9 = -12, which is a false statement. Since the equation leads to a contradiction, it indicates that there are no values of x that can satisfy it. Option B (1 solution) suggests a single value exists, which is incorrect. Option C (2 solutions) and D (3 solutions) imply multiple valid values, which is also false. Option E (infinitely many solutions) suggests that any x would satisfy the equation, which is not true given the contradiction. Thus, the equation has no solutions.
The volume of 1 cup of water is 14.4 cubic inches. The diameter of an empty cylindrical can is 3.0 inches. The can holds 2.0 cups of water. What is the height of the can, to the nearest 0.1 inch?
  • A. 1
  • B. 2
  • C. 3.1
  • D. 4.1
  • E. 6.2
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D

To find the height of the can, first determine the total volume of water it holds. Since 1 cup is 14.4 cubic inches, 2 cups equal 28.8 cubic inches (2 x 14.4). The formula for the volume of a cylinder is V = πr²h. The radius (r) of the can is half the diameter: 1.5 inches. Plugging in the values: 28.8 = π(1.5)²h. Calculating the area of the base gives approximately 7.07. Rearranging the equation for height (h) results in h ≈ 4.1 inches. Options A (1), B (2), C (3.1), and E (6.2) do not satisfy the volume calculation, as they yield heights inconsistent with the required volume based on the diameter provided.
A home improvement store offers to finance the purchase of any single item with zero interest for one year, with a down payment of $50. The remainder of the purchase price will be split into 12 equal monthly payments. Which of the following equations represents the relationship between an item's purchase price, s dollars, and the amount, a dollars, of each monthly payment under this offer?
  • A. s = a-50/12
  • B. s = a/12 -50
  • C. s = 12a + 50
  • D. s = 12a - 50
  • E. s = 12 (a + 50)
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C

To determine the relationship between the item's purchase price \( s \) and the monthly payment \( a \), consider the financing terms. After a $50 down payment, the remaining amount to finance is \( s - 50 \). This amount is divided into 12 equal monthly payments, leading to the equation \( s - 50 = 12a \). Rearranging this gives \( s = 12a + 50 \), confirming option C. Options A and B misrepresent the relationship by incorrectly adjusting the down payment or monthly payments. Option D incorrectly subtracts the down payment from the total, while option E miscalculates the total by incorrectly adding the down payment to the monthly payment before multiplying.
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.