HiSET Practice Test Math 3

Question 1

Factor completely: x² − 9

Accepted Answer

(x + 3)(x − 3)

Answer

x² − 9 is a difference of squares. The formula is a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b). Here a = x and b = 3, so x² − 9 = (x + 3)(x − 3).

Question 2

A store sells a shirt for $45.00, which is a 20% markup over the wholesale price. What was the wholesale price?

Accepted Answer

$37.50

Answer

Let w = wholesale price. w × 1.20 = $45.00. w = $45.00 / 1.20 = $37.50.

Question 3

What is the value of |−15| + |−8| − |6|?

Accepted Answer

17

Answer

Absolute value gives the non-negative value: |−15| = 15, |−8| = 8, |6| = 6. So 15 + 8 − 6 = 17.

Question 4

On a coordinate plane, the equation y = −2x + 4 is graphed. What is the y-intercept?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

In slope-intercept form y = mx + b, b is the y-intercept. In y = −2x + 4, the y-intercept is 4 (where the line crosses the y-axis, at x = 0).

Question 5

A right triangle has legs of length 9 and 12. What is the length of the hypotenuse?

Accepted Answer

15

Answer

Using the Pythagorean theorem: c² = a² + b² = 9² + 12² = 81 + 144 = 225. c = √225 = 15.

HiSET - High School Equivalency Test Practice Test