PRACTICE TEST 2

Mathematical Reasoning
(Part 1: Non-Calculator)
5 questions
10 minutes*

You may not use a calculator on this section.

*Test-takers are advised to pace themselves by spending no more than 10 to 12 minutes on the non-
calculator portion of the Mathematical Reasoning test so they can move on to the calculator-active portion.

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 73 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 Mathematics Formula Sheet

Area

parallelogram: A = bh
1
h(b1 + b2 )
trapezoid: 2

Surface Area and Volume

rectangular/right prism: SA = ph + 2B V = Bh
cylinder: SA = 2πrh + 2πr² V = πr²h

pyramid: SA =
1 V=
1
ps + B Bh
2 3
1 2
cone: SA = πrs + πr² V = ↑r h
3

sphere: SA = 4πr² V=
4 3
↑r
3
(p = perimeter of base B ; π ≈ 3.14)

Algebra
y 2 − y1
slope of a line: m = x − x
2 1

slope-intercept form of the equation of a line: y = mx + b

point-slope form of the equation of a line: y – y1 = m(x – x1)
standard form of a quadratic equation: y = ax²+ bx + c
−b ± b 2 − 4ac
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 1

quadratic formula: y =
2a
Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²
simple interest: I = prt
(I = interest, p = principal, r = rate, t = time)

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
74 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 74 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 1. Convert 12 yards 3 feet and 8 inches into A. y

inches.
A. 288
B. 324
C. 468 x

D. 476
(8, –6)
2. Twice a positive integer squared less 3 is 95.
What is the integer?
A. 5 B. y

B. 7
C. 11 (8, –6)

D. 13
x
3. Place the point (8, –6) on the coordinate
plane below.

C. y

x
x

(8, –6)

D. y

(8, –6)

x
Practice Test 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 75

GED_OnlineTest.indb 75 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 4. A jacket costing $120 is discounted 20%. 5. Which of the following points lies on the line
After a week, the jacket is discounted another y – 2 = 3(x – 4)?
20% and is sold. What expression below can
be used to calculate the cost for which the A. (4, –2)
jacket was sold? B. (4, 2)
A. (120)(0.40) C. (–4, –2)
B. 120 – 120(0.40) D. (6, –2)
C. 120 – (120)(.20) – [120 – (0.20)
(120)](0.20)
D. 120 – (120)(0.40) – [120 – (120)
(0.40)]
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 1

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
76 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 76 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 PRACTICE TEST 2 (cont’d)

Mathematical Reasoning
(Part 2: Calculator)
46 questions
105 minutes*

You may use a calculator on this section.

*Timing is based on the total available time of 115 minutes for the Mathematical Reasoning test. Test-
takers are advised to spend no more than 10 to 12 minutes on the non-calculator portion so they can invest
more time on the more complex questions that show up in the calculator-active section that follows.

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 77 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 6. What is the diameter of a circle that has area 9. A
equal to 484π? Place your answer in the box
below (2x)°

7. Simplify the following expression.

(6x)° (4x)°
12 + 3 27 + 3 B C

A. 108 ABC is what type of triangle?

B. 3 42 A. Obtuse
C. 12 3 B. Equiangular
C. Isosceles
D. 3 3 + 3 27
D. Right
8. Select the correct answer.
10. A 1.5 gallon jug needs to be filled with water.
less than If the jug is filled one pint at a time, how
many pints are needed to fill the jug? Place
equal to your answer in the box below
227 14.637
greater than

less than or 11. Simplify the following expression.

equal to
5 – 2(3 – 5)³ + 2² – (–11)
A. less than
B. equal to A. 20

C. greater than B. 26

D. less than or equal to C. 30

D. 36
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
78 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 78 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 Questions 12 and 13 refer to the chart below. 14. Which of the following graphs represents the
following inequalities?
Wilson High School 2012 2
y < x−4
Total Students = 1,200 3

11th
y ≥ −3 x + 3
Grade
11% A. y
12th 9th
Grade Grade
12% 30%

x
10th
Grade
47%

B. y
12. The number of 9th graders attending the
high school in 2014 is expected to be 20%
greater than the 2012 total. How many 9th
graders are expected to be at the high school
in 2014? x

A. 422
B. 432
C. 660
D. 900
C. y

13. What is the measure of the central angle cre-

ated by the sum of the 9th and 11th graders?
A. 147.6°
B. 151.2° x

C. 163.7°
D. 180°
Practice Test 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 79

GED_OnlineTest.indb 79 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 D. y 17. A board game uses a six-sided die and a
spinner with the colors red, yellow and blue.
What is the probability of throwing a 4 or 6
and spinning red or blue?
2
x A.
3
1
B.
3
2
C.
9
15. A rectangular television screen is sold by
the length of its diagonal. If the diagonal 1
D.
is 45 inches and the height of the screen is 9
27 inches, what is the area of the screen?
18. If x² + 6x = 40, what are the values of x – 6?
A. 972 in²
A. 16, –2
B. 1,008 in²
B. –16, –2
C. 1,215 in²
C. 10, –4
D. 1,620 in²
D. –20, 2
16. Which of the following graphs represents the
compound inequality −8 ≤ 2 x − 8 < 8 ? 19. What is the slope of a line that is perpendicu-
lar to the line 2x – 7y = –37 ?
A.
–8 0 8 2
A.
B. 7
0 8
−2
C. B.
0 8 7
D. 7
C.
0 8 2
−7
D.
2
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
80 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 80 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 20. t 22. The supplement of an angle is four times
the measure of its complement. What is the
1 2
ℓ measure of the angle?
3 4
Select the correct answer below.
5 6 m less than
7 8

ℓ m the angle’s measure is equal to 60°

If the measure of ∠5 = (3x)° and the measure greater than

of ∠2 = (2x)°, what is the measure of ∠8?
A. 98° 23. The following points lie on a certain line.

B. 102° x y
C. 108° –2 –11
D. 110° 1 –5

21. Elena has an exercise routine in which she 4 1

runs uphill, rests and bikes downhill (not in 6 5
any set order).
What is the equation of the line?
The graph below shows her routine on a
given day. A. y = –4x + 2
B. y = –3x + 3
C. y = 2x – 3
D. y = 2x – 7

24.
Distance

B m

A
C

Time In the figure above, points A, B, and C are

What is the order in which Elena rested, A. Collinear and coplanar
biked, and ran?
B. Collinear only
A. ran, biked, rested C. Non-collinear and coplanar
B. biked, rested, ran D. Adjacent and supplementary
Practice Test 2

C. rested, biked, ran

D. ran, rested, biked

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 81

GED_OnlineTest.indb 81 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 29. Lori needs an 85% average in her math
25. What is the product of (−2 x 2 y 3 )3 (3 xy 2 )2 ? class to move on to the next class. On her
A. –6x8y13 first three exams, she earned scores of 81%,
78%, and 97%. What must Lori score on her
B. –72x7y10 fourth and final test to earn an 85% grade for
C. 72x7y10 the class?
D. –72x8y13 A. 84%

26. James placed $7,500 in a certificate of B. 86%

deposit (CD) at his local bank. The interest C. 92%
the CD generated was $731.25. If the inter- D. 96%
est rate was 6.5%, for how many months was
the money deposited? 30. What is the perimeter of a square that has an
A. 1.5 area of 1,459.24 square meters?
B. 2.5 A. 164.4 meters
C. 12 B. 152.8 meters
D. 18 C. 144 meters
D. 139.8 meters
27. A rectangle has a diagonal that is 5 inches
long and a height of 1.4 inches. What is the
perimeter of the rectangle? Place your answer Questions 31 and 32 refer to the chart below.
in the box below. Carbon-14 has a half-life of 5,700 years.
The graph below shows the decay of a 10
A. 8.3 kilogram sample over several thousand years.
B. 10.6
C. 12.4
D. 14.8
10

8
kg

28. What is the solution to the equation 6 (5.700, 5)

x² + 4x – 14 = 0? 4

Round your answer to the nearest tenth. 2

Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

A. 2.3 0
5 10 15 20 25 30 35
B. –6.3 Years (in thousands)

C. 2.3, –6.3
D. 4.4, –4.1

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
82 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 82 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 35. What is the slant height of a cone with a
31. What is the best estimate of the weight of the
surface area that measures 435.675 in² and a
carbon-14 sample after 19,000 years?
radius that measures 7.5 inches? (π = 3.14).
A. 1.4 kg
A. 10.6
B. 0.9 kg
B. 11
C. 0.2 kg
C. 11.2
D. 0.08 kg
D. 12.4
32. Approximately how many years have passed
36. The width of a wavelength in the visible light
when the carbon-14 sample decays to 4.1 kg?
region of the electromagnetic spectrum is
less than 4.6 × 10–6 meters. Another wavelength in the
microwave portion of the electromagnetic
7,000 years is equal to carbon decay spectrum has a width of 3.22 × 10–2. How
to 4.1 kg many wavelengths of the visible light, if laid
greater than side to side, would fit within one length of
the microwave wavelength? Express your
33. The scale on a state map of Connecticut indi- answer in scientific notation.
cates that 1 inch = 6.5 miles. If the distance A. 7 × 104
between Bristol and New Haven is 31 miles,
what is the distance on the map? (Round B. 7.2 × 103
your answer to the nearest tenth of an inch.) C. 7 × 103
A. 3.9 inches D. 6.85 × 10–3
B. 4.2 inches 37. A vendor of ornamental rope charges $0.15
C. 4.7 inches per inch or $1.55 per foot. What is the sav-
D. 4.8 inches ings on an order of 7 yards of chain if it is
purchased on a per foot-basis rather than a
34. What is the measure of ∠BOC in the dia- per inch basis?
gram below? Place your answer in the boxes A. $5.25
below (ignore the degrees symbol).
B. $3.75
C. $3.65
B
A D. $2.45

(10x)°
(5x)° (9x)°
C 0 D

A. 35.7°
B. 37.5°
Practice Test 2

C. 73.5°
D. 33.2°

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 83

GED_OnlineTest.indb 83 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 38. A local fishing pier recorded the following 40. Katie can spend up to $100 on some inex-
catches (in pounds) for a six-day period. pensive skirts. If each skirt costs $8, which of
the following expressions reflects the condi-
Day Weight tions of Katie’s purchase?
1 108 A. s + 8 = 100
2 112 B. s + 8 < 100
3 104 C. 8s < 100
4 109 D. 8s ≤ 100
5 118 41. Simplify the following expression:
6 112 x 3 + 6 x 2 − 16 x
What is the difference between the median x 2 − 2x
and the mean of these weights?
x +8
A.
A. 10 x−2
B. 8 x ( x − 8)
B.
C. 5 x+2
D. 0 C. x + 8
D. x – 2
39. Find the missing y-coordinate if (7, y) and
2 42. 2 x + 2 − 3 = 15
(4, –3) lie on a line that has slope − .
5
Find the value of x and place your answer in
A. 4.8
the box below.
B. –2.6
Place your answer in the box below.
C. –4.2
D. –7.8
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
84 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 84 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 43. If $19.50 represents a 22% discount off the 45. Select the graph that represents the following
price of a tennis racquet, what were the cents inequalities:
of the racquet’s original price? (Round your
answer to the nearest cent.) –8x +2 > –12 or 4x – 6 ≥ 16
A.
A. 63 1.75 5.5

B. 64 B.
1.75 5.5
C. 71
C.
D. 96 –2 6

D.
44. A cruise line ship left Port A and traveled –2 6
90 miles due west and then 400 miles due
north. 46. A rope measures 30 yards in length. How
many circles of radius 5 feet can be created
At this point, the ship docked at Port B.
from this length of rope. Drag your answer
What is the shortest distance between Port
to the boxes below.
A and Port B?
  Hundreds 0 1
Place your answer in the box below.
  Tens 0 1 3 4
  Ones 1 2 3 5
  Hundreds Tens Ones

Practice Test 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 85

GED_OnlineTest.indb 85 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 Answers: Mathematical Reasoning Practice Test 2

1. D. 4. C.
Convert 12 yards into inches. After the first 20% discount we get:
1 yard = 36 inches (3 feet) 120 – (0.20)(120) = 96
12 × 36 = 432 After the second 20% discount we get:
Convert 3 feet into inches. original – first discount – second discount
3 × 12 = 36 120 – (120)(.20) – [120) – (0.20)(120)]
Add 432, 36 and 8 to find the inches in 12 (0.20) = $76.80
yards 3 feet and 8 inches.
5. B.
432 + 36 + 8 = 476
Substitute (4, 2) into the line y – 2 = 3(x – 4).
2. B. 2 – 2 = 3(4 – 4)
Let x = the number 0 = 3(0)
2x² – 3 = 95 0=0 3
2x² = 98 y – 2 = 3(x – 4) is the equation of a line
x² = 49 expressed in point-slope form.
x=7 6. 44
Although –7 is also a solution to the equa-
tion, the answer to the question is 7, the positive Find the radius of the circle by setting 484π
integer that satisfies the equation. equal to the area formula.
A = πr²
3. A. 484π = πr²
r² = 484
y
r = 22
Find the diameter by multiplying the radius
by 2.
2 × 22 = 44
x
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

(8, –6)

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
86 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 86 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 7. C. 10. 12
Simplify each radical and add like terms. Find the number of quarts in 1.5 gallons.
12 = 4× 3=2 3 Since 4 quarts equal one gallon, then 1.5
gallons equal 6 quarts because 1.5 × 4 = 6. Each
3 27 = 3 × 9× 3 quart equals 2 pints, so 6 quarts equals 12 pints.

= 3×3× 3=9 3 11. D.

Use the order of operations to simplify the
3 =1 3
expression.
All of the radicals are like terms. Parentheses: 5 – 2(3 – 5)³ + 2² – (–11) =
5 – 2 (–2)³ + 2² – (–11)
12 + 3 27 + 3=
Exponents: 5 – 2(–2)³ + 2² – (–11) =
2 3 + 9 3 + 1 3 = 12 3 5 – 2(–8) + 4 – (–11)
Multiply/Divide: 5 – 2(–8) + 4 – (–11) =
8. C. 5 + 16 + 4 – (–11)

227 is greater than 14.637. Since 225 = Add/Subtract: 5 + 16 + 4 – (–11) =

25 + 11 = 36
15, then 227 must be greater than 14.637.
12. B.
9. D.
Find the current enrollment of 9th graders by
The sum of the measures of the angles in a calculating 30% of 1,200.
triangle is 180°. Solve for x by using the equation (0.30)(1,200) = 360
2x + 4x + 6x = 180. Find 20% of 360 and add that number to
2x + 4x + 6x = 180 360.
12x = 180 360 + (0.20)(360) = 360 + 72 = 432
x = 15
13. A.
Since x =15 we can conclude:
6x = 90 The percent of the students attending 9th and
11th grade is 41% because 30 + 11 = 41. Calcu-
4x = 60 late the measure of the central angle formed in
2x = 30 the chart by the 9th and 11th graders by finding
41% of 360°.
ABC has one angle that measures 90°, a
right angle, so it is a right triangle. (360)(0.41) = 147.6°
Practice Test 2 Answers

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 87

GED_OnlineTest.indb 87 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 14. B. Graph y ≥ –3x + 3. Remember to draw a solid
y
line because of the “≥” symbol.

(0, 3)

(0, –4)

Find the shaded area by testing (0,0) in the

inequality. Find the shaded area by testing (0,0) in the
inequality.
2
0< (0) − 4 0 ≥ −3(0) + 3
3
0 < −4 0≥3

0 is not less than –4 so shade below the line. 0 is not greater than or equal to 3, so shade
to the right of the line. The correct graph is the
y intersection of the shaded areas.

x
(0, –4)
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
88 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 88 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 15. A. Testing 4 satisfied the inequality confirming
the line is shaded between 0 and 8.
The diagonal of a rectangle creates two right
triangles. The diagonal of the television is the 17. C.
hypotenuse while the height of the screen is one
of the legs. Use the Pythagorean theorem to cal- Find the probability of each event by using
culate the measure of the screen’s base. desired outcomes
the formula .
27² + b² = 45² all outcomes
729 + b² = 2025 Probability of throwing a 4 or 6:
b² = 1,296 4, 6 2 1
= =
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 6 3
b = 36
Note that the lengths 27-36-45 are multiples Probability of spinning red or blue:
of a 3-4-5 Pythagorean triple because 9 × 3 = 27, red, blue 2
9 × 4 = 36 and 9 × 5 = 45. =
red, blue, yellow 3
Find the area of the rectangular screen by
using the formula for the area of a rectangle. Find the probability of both events occurring
by finding the product of the two probabilities.
Area = base × height
1 2 2
Area = 27 × 36 = 972 in² × =
3 3 9
16. D.
18. B.
Solve the compound inequality by writing it
as two separate inequalities. Subtract 40 from both sides of x² + 6x = 40
and factor.
–8 ≤ 2x – 8 and 2x – 8 < 8
x² + 6x = 40
0 ≤ 2x 2x < 16
x² + 6x – 40 = 0
0 ≤ x x<8
The factors that add to 6 and have a product
0≤x<8 of –40 are 10 and –4 because 10 + –4 = 6 and
10 × –4 = –40
(x +10)(x – 4) = 0
0 4 8
x + 10 = 0 or x–4=0
Remember, the dot at 0 is filled because 0 is
x = –10 or x = 4
a part of the graph. The dot at 8 is open because
8 is not part of the graph. Double-check your Substitute both values in the expression x – 6.
work by testing a point on the number line. We –10 – 6 = –16
will try 4.
Practice Test 2 Answers

4 – 6 = –2
–8 ≤ 2(4) – 6 < 8
–8 < 2 < 8

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 89

GED_OnlineTest.indb 89 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 19. D. 21. B.
The slopes of perpendicular lines are the The first section of the graph shows a rela-
opposite reciprocals of one another. Find the tively large distance covered in a relatively small
slope of 2x – 7y = –37 by transforming the equa- amount of time. Presumably, her bike route cov-
tion into slope- intercept form. ered a great distance in a short time, so biking
2 x − 7 y = −37 was the first part of the exercise routine.
The second section of the graph shows time
−7 y = −2 x − 37 increasing without any distance being covered.
−7 −2 37 Therefore, resting was the next aspect of her
y = x− routine.
−7 −7 7
The final section of the graph shows both
2 37 distance and time being increased. Compared to
y = x+
7 7 the first section, more time is being spent per unit
of distance covered. Therefore, running uphill was
2 the final part of Elena’s exercise routine.
The slope of the line is ; therefore, the
7
slope of a line perpendicular to 2x – 7y = –37 22. equal to
7
is − . 60 is equal to the measurement of the angle.
2
Let x = the angle’s measure
20. C.
180 – x = the angle’s supplement
∠5 and ∠2 are supplementary angles so set 90 – x = the angle’s complement
their sum equal to 180°.
180 – x = 4(90 – x)
3x + 2x = 180
180 – x = 360 – 4x
5x = 180
3x = 180
x = 36
x = 60
The measure of ∠5 = 108° because 3 × 36
Check your solution. If x is 60°, then the
=108. The measure of ∠2 = 72° because 2 × 36
supplement is 180 – 60 = 120 and the comple-
= 72.
ment is 90 – 60 = 30.
∠5 and ∠8 are vertical angles and thus are
120 = 4 × 30
equal in measure. Therefore, the measure of ∠8
equals 108°. 120 = 120 3
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
90 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 90 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 23. D. 26. D.
Since all the points lie on the line, we could Use the formula Interest = Principal × Rate
take any two points and find the slope and × Time (where time is usually expressed in years)
y-intercept. However, a quicker way to solve this and input the known information.
problem is to substitute the coordinates for x and Let t = the time in years of the certificate of
y. The correct answer will satisfy all four of the deposit
points in the table.
731.25 = 7,500 × 0.065 × t
y = 2x – 7
731.25 = 487.5t
Substitute (–2, –11)
1.5 = t
–11 = 2(–2) – 7
Convert 1.5 years to months by multiplying
–11 = –11 3 it by 12.
Substitute (1, –5) 1.5 × 12 = 18
–5 = 2(1) – 7
–5 = –5 3 27. C.

Substitute (4, 1) The diagonal of a rectangle creates two right

1 = 2(4) – 7 triangles. Use the Pythagorean theorem to calcu-
late the base of the rectangle.
1=1 3
a² + b² = c²
Substitute (6, 5)
1.4² + b² = 5²
5 = 2(6) – 7
1.96 + b² = 25
5=5 3
b² = 23.04
24. C. b = 4.8
Points that are not on the same line are called The perimeter of a rectangle is found by using
non-collinear points. Three non-collinear points the formula P = 2l + 2w.
determine a plane so they are also coplanar. P = (2)(4.8) + (2)(1.4) = 12.4

25. D.
Simplify each parentheses separately.
(–2x2y3)3 = –8x6y9
(3xy2)2 = 9x2y4
Next, multiply the two simplified quantities.
Practice Test 2 Answers

(–8x6y9)(9x2y4) = –72x8y13

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 91

GED_OnlineTest.indb 91 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 28. C. 81 + 78 + 97 + x
= 85
Since there are no numbers with product –14 4
and sum 4, use the quadratic formula to solve this 256 + x
equation. = 85
4
x² + 4x – 14 = 0
256 + x
−b ± b 2 − 4ac (4) = 85 = (85)(4)
x= 4
2a
256 + x = 340
a = 1, b = 4, c = –14
x = 84
−4 ± 42 − 4(1)(−14)
=
2(1)
30. B.
−4 ± 16 − (−56) The area of a square is found by using the
=
2 formula A = s², where s is the length of one side.
Input 1,459.24 for the area to find the length of
−4 ± 72 one side.
=
2
1,459.22 = s 2
−4 ± 8.5
=
2 1,459.22 = s2
x = 2.25 x = −6.25 38.2 = s
Rounded to the nearest tenth, the solution set The perimeter of a square is found by using
is x = 2.3 and x = –6.3 the formula P = 4s. Input 38.2 for s and calculate.

29. A. P = 4 × 38.2 = 152.8

The average of Lori’s test scores is calculated 31. B.

by finding the sum of the four scores and then
dividing by four. The graph shows that after decaying for
19,000 years, approximately 0.9 kg of the 10 kg
Let x = Lori’s fourth test score sample remains.

32. greater than

The graph shows that the 10 kg sample has
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

decayed to 4.1 kg after approximately 6,000 years

have passed.

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
92 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 92 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 33. D. 36. C.

inches inches Divide the longer microwave wavelength by

Use the proportion = to find the smaller visible light wavelength.
miles miles
the inches on the map between Bristol and New 3.22 × 10−2
Haven. 4.6 × 10−6
1 n
= Divide 3.22 by 4.6 and then divide 10–2 by
6.5 31
10 . Remember, when dividing numbers with
–6

Cross-multiply and solve for n. the same base, subtract the exponents.
1 × 31 = 6.5 × n 3.22 ÷ 4.6 = 0.7
31 = 6.5n 10–2 ÷ 10–6 = 10–2–(–6) = 104
4.76 = n Thus far we have 0.7 × 104. A number
expressed in scientific notation is the product of
Rounded to the nearest tenth of an inch, the
a number greater than or equal to 1 and less than
distance between Bristol and New Haven is 4.8
10 multiplied by 10 to some power. To change
inches on the map.
0.7 × 104 into scientific notation, move the deci-
mal point one place to the right and decrease the
34. B.
power of ten by 1.
The three angles create a straight line so their 0.7 × 104 = 7 × 103
sum is 180°. Add the three angles and solve for x.
5x + 10x + 9x = 180 37. A.
24x = 180 Find the number of feet and inches in 7 yards.
x = 7.5 1 yard = 36 inches
Replace x with 7.5 for ∠BOC. 7 yards = 252 inches
5x = 5(7.5) = 37.5 1 yard = 3 feet
7 yards = 21 feet
35. B.
Find the cost of 252 inches.
The surface area of a cone is found by using
the formula SA = πr² + πrl where r represents the (252)($0.15) = $37.80
measure of the radius and l represents the mea- Find the cost of 21 feet.
sure of the slant height. Input the known data (21)($1.55) = $32.55
and solve for the slant height.
$37.80 – $32.55 = $5.25
SA = πr² + πrl
435.675 = (3.14)(7.5²) + (3.14)(7.5)(l )
Practice Test 2 Answers

435.675 =176.625 + 23.55l

259.05 = 23.55l
11 = l

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 93

GED_OnlineTest.indb 93 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 38. D. 40. D.
The median of a set of numbers is the value The variable s represents the number of skirts
in the middle when the numbers are arranged in Katie can purchase. Since each skirt costs $8, 8s
order. The mean of a set of numbers is the sum represents the cost of Katie’s purchase. The phrase
of the numbers divided by the number of values. “up to $100” means the cost can equal $100 or
Find the median by arranging the weight in be some dollar value less. Thus, the inequality
order. 8s ≤ 100 reflects the maximum number of skirts
Katie can buy with $100.
104 108 109 112 112 118
There are two numbers in the middle, 109 41. C.
and 112. Find their mean to get the median.
Factor the numerator and denominator
(109 + 112) ÷ 2 = 110.5 completely
Find the mean: x 3 + 6 x 2 − 16 x
=
(104 + 108 + 109 + 112 + 112 + 118) x 2 − 2x
÷ 6 = 110.5
x ( x 2 + 6 x − 16)
Subtract the mean from the median. =
x ( x − 2)
110.5 – 110.5 = 0
x ( x + 8)( x − 2)
=
39. C. x ( x − 2)
Find the value of y by using the slope formula x ( x + 8) ( x − 2)
and inputting the known data. =
x ( x − 2)
y − y1
m= 2
x 2 − x1 x +8
x1 =7
42. 161
y1 = y
Begin by isolating the variable.
x2 =4
y2 = −3 2 x + 2 − 3 = 15

−3 − y1 2 2 x + 2 = 18
=−
4−7 5
Eliminate the radical by squaring both sides.
−3 − y1 2
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

=− ( 2 x + 2)2 = 182
−3 5
2 x + 2 = 324
Cross-multiply and solve for y1.
−3(−2) = 5(−3 − y1 ) Solve the equation as you normally would.
6 = −15 − 5 y1 2x + 2 = 324
21 = −5 y1 2x = 322
−4.2 = y1 x = 161

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
94 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 94 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 43. B. 45. A.
part n
Use the formula = to calculate
whole 100 1.75 5.5
the original price of the racquet.
Solve each inequality separately.
19.50 22
= –8x + 2 > –12
x 100
–8x > –14
Cross-multiply and solve for x.
x < 1.75
(19.50)(100) = 22x
Remember to reverse the direction of the
1,950 = 22x inequality when you divide by –8.
$88.636 = x 4x – 6 ≥ 16
Rounded to the nearest cent, the racquet’s 4x ≥ 22
original price was $88.64. Thus, the cents portion
x ≥ 5.5
of the price was 64.
Test each inequality with a sample value.
44. 410 –8x + 2 > –12 Use 0 to test the inequality
The path of the ship creates the legs of a right –8(0) +2 > –12
triangle. 2 > –12 3
Shade to the left where 0 is located. Remem-
Port B
ber, the circle is open because 1.75 is not part of
the graph.
4x – 6 ≥ 16 Use 6 to test the inequality
410
4(6) – 6 ≥ 16
400 24 – 6 ≥ 16
18 ≥ 16 3
Shade to the right of 5.5, where 6 is located.
Port A The circle at 5.5 is filled because 5.5 is part of the
90
graph.
The shortest distance between Port A and
Port B is the hypotenuse of the right triangle.
Use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the
distance.
90² + 400² = c²
8,100 + 160,000 = c²
Practice Test 2 Answers

168,100 = c²
410 = c

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. 95

GED_OnlineTest.indb 95 1/6/17 8:57 AM

 46. Hundreds 0 Tens 0 Ones 2
Find the circumference of a circle that has a
radius of 5 feet. Use the formula Circumference
=2πr.
C = (2)(3.14)(5) = 31.4 feet.
Convert 30 yards into feet and divide that
value by 31.4.
1 yard = 3 feet
30 × 3 = 90 feet
90 ÷ 31.4 ≈ 2.87
There is enough rope to make 2 full circles.
Mathematical Reasoning–Part 2

Copyright © 2017 by Research & Education Association, Inc. All rights reserved.
96 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher.

GED_OnlineTest.indb 96 1/6/17 8:57 AM