Free GED Exam Flashcards

Convert the percent to a decimal, then multiply. For example, 30 percent of a value means 0.30 times that value; a discount subtracts that amount from the original.

A ratio compares two quantities; a rate compares quantities with different units, such as miles per hour. Both can be solved with proportional reasoning.

Use inverse operations to isolate the variable while doing the same thing to both sides. The goal is one variable term on one side and a number on the other.

Multiply the outside factor by each term inside the parentheses. This is often the first step before combining like terms or solving an equation.

Reverse the inequality symbol only when multiplying or dividing both sides by a negative number. Adding, subtracting, or using a positive multiplier does not flip it.

Slope measures rate of change: vertical change divided by horizontal change. Positive slopes rise left to right, negative slopes fall, zero slopes are horizontal, and undefined slopes are vertical.

In y = mx + b, m is the slope and b is the y-intercept. This form makes graphing easier because it gives the starting point and the rate of change.

f(x) means the output of a function when the input is x. To evaluate f(3), replace every x in the rule with 3 and simplify.

For a right triangle, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the hypotenuse. Use it only when the triangle has a right angle.

Area measures space inside a shape and uses square units. Perimeter measures distance around the outside and uses regular length units.

The mean is the arithmetic average. The median is the middle value after ordering the data, so it is less affected by extreme outliers.

Probability equals favorable outcomes divided by total possible outcomes when outcomes are equally likely. A probability must be between 0 and 1, or 0 percent and 100 percent.

Scientific notation writes a number as a decimal from 1 up to 10 times a power of 10. It is useful for very large or very small values.

The central idea is what the whole passage is mainly about. Details support it, but they are not broad enough to summarize the full text.

An inference is a conclusion based on clues in the text plus reasonable background knowledge. It must be supported by evidence, not just a guess.

Author's purpose asks why the text was written, such as to inform, persuade, explain, or entertain. Look at tone, evidence, and the action the author wants from readers.

Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject. Word choice is the strongest clue, especially loaded adjectives, humor, criticism, or neutral reporting language.

A claim is the position an argument wants the reader to accept. Strong claims are specific enough to defend with evidence.

Evidence supports a claim with facts, examples, data, or quotations. On the GED, the best answer usually connects directly to the passage, not outside opinion.

A counterclaim is an opposing argument. Addressing it can make an essay stronger because it shows the writer understands and responds to another side.

The thesis states which passage or argument is stronger and why. It should be clear, text-based, and supported by evidence in the body paragraphs.

A singular subject needs a singular verb, and a plural subject needs a plural verb. Ignore phrases between the subject and verb when checking agreement.

A comma splice joins two complete sentences with only a comma. Fix it with a period, semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.

A misplaced modifier is too far from the word it describes, which can make the sentence unclear or unintentionally funny. Move the modifier next to the correct noun or action.

Parallel structure keeps items in a list or comparison in the same grammatical form. It makes sentences easier to read and is common in editing questions.

The independent variable is what the experimenter changes on purpose. It is the suspected cause being tested.

The dependent variable is what is measured as the result. It changes in response to the independent variable if the hypothesis is supported.

A control group is treated the same as the experimental group except for the variable being tested. It gives a baseline for comparison.

Correlation means two things are associated. Causation means one thing directly produces a change in the other; an experiment needs controls to support causation.

A hypothesis is a testable explanation or prediction. It should be specific enough that evidence can support or reject it.

The nucleus stores most of a cell's DNA, which contains instructions for traits and cell activity. Questions often connect genes, chromosomes, and inherited characteristics.

Photosynthesis uses light energy to make sugar from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen. It is the starting point for much of the energy in food webs.

Energy moves from producers to consumers and decomposers, with less usable energy available at higher levels. Matter cycles, but energy flows through the ecosystem.

Natural selection occurs when traits that improve survival or reproduction become more common over generations. It depends on variation, inheritance, and environmental pressure.

A physical change alters form or state without making a new substance. A chemical change produces new substances, often shown by gas, heat, color change, or precipitate.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed in a closed system; it changes form. A GED problem may ask where energy went, such as motion turning into heat.

Net force is the combined effect of all forces on an object. If forces are unbalanced, the object accelerates in the direction of the greater force.

Plate tectonics explains how Earth's crust moves in large plates. Plate boundaries are linked to earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain building, and seafloor spreading.

Separation of powers divides government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The purpose is to prevent one branch from holding all power.

Checks and balances let each branch limit the others. Examples include vetoes, judicial review, confirmations, impeachment, and control over funding.

The Bill of Rights is the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution. It protects individual freedoms such as speech, religion, due process, and protection from unreasonable searches.

Federalism divides power between the national government and state governments. GED civics questions often ask which level of government has authority in a scenario.

A primary source comes from the time or person being studied, such as a speech, law, diary, photograph, or court opinion. It is direct evidence, not later commentary.

The Declaration explains why the colonies separated from Britain and argues that governments get power from the consent of the governed. It is not the plan for the U.S. government.

The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments ended slavery, defined citizenship and equal protection, and protected voting rights for Black men. They reshaped civil rights after the Civil War.

The civil rights movement challenged segregation and unequal treatment through court cases, protest, legislation, and civic action. GED items often connect it to equal protection and voting rights.

Demand is how much buyers want at a price; supply is how much sellers offer. Prices tend to rise when demand increases or supply falls, and fall when the reverse happens.

GDP measures the value of goods and services produced in an economy during a period. It is used as a broad indicator of economic activity, not a direct measure of equality.

Inflation is a general rise in prices over time, which reduces purchasing power. If wages do not keep pace, people can buy less with the same income.

Read labels, symbols, exaggeration, captions, and the date. The main point is usually an opinion about a public issue, not just a literal description of the picture.