GED Math : Numbers and Operations

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GED Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #161 : Numbers And Operations

Sarah has been asked to make a ribbon for her sister that is \(\displaystyle 5ft\) long. She can only buy the ribbon material at the store in \(\displaystyle in\). How many \(\displaystyle in\) should she buy then in order to be exact?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 5in\)

\(\displaystyle 40in\)

\(\displaystyle 80in\)

\(\displaystyle 20in\)

\(\displaystyle 60in\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 60in\)

Explanation:

Before we buy any ribbon material, let's convert what the sister is asking for into the right unit. Sarah needs \(\displaystyle 5ft\) in order to make the ribbon, so to convert that to \(\displaystyle in\) we need to multiply \(\displaystyle 5\) by \(\displaystyle 12\). We do this because \(\displaystyle 1ft=12in\).

\(\displaystyle 5*12=60\)

So we can see that Sarah needs to buy \(\displaystyle 60in\) of ribbon material in order to make a ribbon that is exactly \(\displaystyle 5ft\) long.

Our answer is \(\displaystyle 60in\).

Example Question #162 : Numbers And Operations

Tommy was asked to measure how long the pond is in his backyard. He records that the pond is \(\displaystyle 3yd\) long, but his teacher wants him to convert that into \(\displaystyle in\). How long is the pond in \(\displaystyle in\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 36in\)

\(\displaystyle 72in\)

\(\displaystyle 9in\)

\(\displaystyle 12in\)

\(\displaystyle 108in\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 108in\)

Explanation:

In order to convert \(\displaystyle yd\) into \(\displaystyle in\), let's first convert our \(\displaystyle yd\) into \(\displaystyle ft\), since \(\displaystyle ft\) is the unit in between the two.

\(\displaystyle 1yd=3ft\), so in order to convert this we need to multiply our number of \(\displaystyle yd\)\(\displaystyle 3\), with the number of \(\displaystyle ft\) it takes to make \(\displaystyle 1yd\)\(\displaystyle 3\).

\(\displaystyle 3*3=9\)

We now have \(\displaystyle 9ft\), so converting this to \(\displaystyle in\) should make it easier. 

\(\displaystyle 1ft=12in\), so in order to convert what we have we need to multiply our \(\displaystyle 9\) by \(\displaystyle 12\) for the same reasons above.

\(\displaystyle 9*12=108\)

We can conclude that \(\displaystyle 3yd=108in\).

Our answer is \(\displaystyle 108in\).

Example Question #163 : Numbers And Operations

I have \(\displaystyle 10in\) of candy rope. How much is that in \(\displaystyle cm\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 1cm\)

\(\displaystyle 254cm\)

\(\displaystyle 10cm\)

\(\displaystyle 25.4cm\)

\(\displaystyle 2.54cm\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 25.4cm\)

Explanation:

Since the conversion we are asking for is from two different metric systems, the conversion rate will not be a whole number.

While it differs slightly, the conversion we will use for \(\displaystyle in\) to \(\displaystyle cm\) is \(\displaystyle 1in=2.54cm\)

We have \(\displaystyle 10in\), so in order to convert that to \(\displaystyle cm\) we'll have to multiply our number by \(\displaystyle 2.54\).

\(\displaystyle 10*2.54=25.4\)

Our answer is \(\displaystyle 25.4cm\)

Example Question #164 : Numbers And Operations

If I have \(\displaystyle 2ft\) of rope, how much is that in \(\displaystyle cm\)?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 1cm\)

\(\displaystyle 12cm\)

\(\displaystyle 30.48cm\)

\(\displaystyle 60.96cm\)

\(\displaystyle 14.93cm\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 60.96cm\)

Explanation:

While the conversion may vary, the one we will be using for this problem is \(\displaystyle 1ft=30.48cm\).

Since we are at \(\displaystyle 2ft\), we'll need to multiply this by \(\displaystyle 30.48\) in order to convert it to \(\displaystyle cm\).

\(\displaystyle 2*30.48=60.96\)

Our answer is \(\displaystyle 60.96cm\)

Example Question #161 : Ged Math

If Jenna is donating \(\displaystyle 12\) inches of her hair, how long is her donation in centimeters?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 42.11 cm\)

\(\displaystyle 25.98 cm\)

\(\displaystyle 30.48 cm\)

\(\displaystyle 12.47 cm\)

\(\displaystyle 24 cm\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 30.48 cm\)

Explanation:

For this problem, it's important to know that \(\displaystyle 1 in = 2.54cm\). This conversion factor will allow you to convert twelve inches into centimeters. 

Aside from knowing the conversion factor, it's important to also know how to set up this kind of problem so you can be successful at solving the question. 

Often times, it's easier to solve/set up through the use of dimensional analysis. Begin by drawing a "t". In the top left corner of the t we will write in our original unit (\(\displaystyle 12\) inches). We know that our final answer must me in centimeters - therefore, we need to be able to "cross out" the inches units. This can be done by placing \(\displaystyle 1\) inch (the conversion factor) in the bottom right corner of the t. The inches will cancel out because think of them as being divided out. When you have one thing as the numerator of the fraction and the same thing is the denominator of the fraction, they will cancel out as \(\displaystyle 1\). The same concept goes for dimensional analysis with units. 

In order to complete the t, we need to include the \(\displaystyle 2.54 cm\) in the top right corner to finish the conversion factor. This will leave us with an answer ending in centimeters. 

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Now, we must multiply across the top and divide by the numbers on the bottom. 

\(\displaystyle \frac{12 \times 2.54}{1} = \frac{30.48}{1} = 30.48 cm\)

 

Example Question #1 : Addition And Subtraction

Identify the property of addition demonstrated by the following statement:

\(\displaystyle 8.2 + (7.2 + 6.2) =( 8.2 + 7.2 )+ 6.2\)

Possible Answers:

The associative property of addition

The commutative property of addition

The identity property of addition

The inverse property of addition

Correct answer:

The associative property of addition

Explanation:

The statement shows that the sum of three numbers yields the same result regardless of the order in which they are added; this is a demonstration of the associative property of addition.

Example Question #1 : Addition And Subtraction

Identify the property of addition demonstrated by the following statement:

\(\displaystyle 7.2 + (-7.2)= 0\)

Possible Answers:

The commutative property of addition

The associative property of addition

The identity property of addition

The inverse property of addition

Correct answer:

The inverse property of addition

Explanation:

The statemet shows a number being added to its additive inverse to obtain a sum of 0; this is a demonstration of the inverse property of addition.

Example Question #2 : Basic Operations

Identify the property of addition demonstrated by the following statement:

\(\displaystyle 9.1 + 3.2 = 3.2 + 9.1\)

Possible Answers:

The identity property of addition

The associative property of addition

The inverse property of addition

The commutative property of addition

Correct answer:

The commutative property of addition

Explanation:

This statement shows that two numbers can be added in either order to achieve the same result; this is a demonstration of the commutative property of addition.

Example Question #3 : Addition And Subtraction

Forty-two friends are renting a party bus to the school prom. Rental of the party bus will cost $320 up front plus $18 per hour. The friends have the bus from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM.

Each friend has agreed to chip in $9. One of the teachers at the high school,  Mr. Smith, has offered to chip in the rest. If he does, how much will he pay?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle \$122\)

\(\displaystyle \$180\)

\(\displaystyle \$58\)

\(\displaystyle \$90\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle \$122\)

Explanation:

The friends have the bus from 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM - this is 

\(\displaystyle 3 + 12 - 5 = 15 - 5 = 10\) hours.

The cost of renting the bus will be

\(\displaystyle \$ 320 +\$ 18 \times 10 = \$ 320 +\$ 180 = \$500\).

Forty-two friends paying $9 each will pay a total of

\(\displaystyle 42 \times \$9 = \$378\).

The teacher will pay the difference, or

\(\displaystyle \$500 - \$378 = \$122\).

Example Question #2 : Addition And Subtraction

A plane takes off at Cheyenne Regional Airport, which has an elevation of 6,159 feet. It ascends 17,785 feet, then descends \(\displaystyle D\) feet. Which expression gives the current elevation of the plane in feet?

Possible Answers:

\(\displaystyle 23,944- D\)

\(\displaystyle 23,944+ D\)

\(\displaystyle 11,626- D\)

\(\displaystyle 11,626+D\)

Correct answer:

\(\displaystyle 23,944- D\)

Explanation:

The initial elevation of the plane is 6,159 feet in elevation. Ascent is an increase in elevation and descent is a decrease, so, to the elevation, in turn, add 17,785 feet,  and subtract \(\displaystyle D\) feet. This is

\(\displaystyle 6,159 + 17,785 - D\)

\(\displaystyle = 23,944- D\)

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