4.STEP TO PROBLEMS OF INTEREST. IN THE PREVIOUS EXAMPLE,MICHELLE WILL...
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.step to problems of interest. In the previous example,Michelle will owe $450 in interest at the end of threeHelpful Hints about Probabilityyears. However, it is important to remember that she will■
If an event is certain to occur, the probability is 1.pay back the $450 in interest as well as the principal,■
If an event is certain not to occur (impossible),$2,500. Therefore, she will pay her uncle $2,500 + $450the probability is 0.= $2,950.■
If you know the probability of all other eventsIn a simple interest problem, the rate is an annual, oroccurring, you can find the probability of theyearly, rate. Therefore, the time must also be expressed inremaining event by adding the known probabili-years.ties together and subtracting their total from 1.–
D ATA A N A LY S I S , S TAT I S T I C S , A N D P R O B A B I L I T Y
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G r a p h s a n d Ta b l e s
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Broken-line graphsBroken-line graphs illustrate a measurablechange over time. If a line is slanted up, it repre-The GED exam will test your ability to analyze graphssents an increase whereas a line sloping downand tables. Read each graph or table very carefully beforerepresents a decrease. A flat line indicates noreading the question. This will help you to process thechange as time elapses.information that is presented. It is extremely importantto read all of the information presented, paying specialattention to headings and units of measure. Here is anDecrease
overview of the types of graphs you will encounter:Increase
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Circle graphs or pie chartsThis type of graph is representative of a wholeNo Change
Unit of Measure
and is usually divided into percentages. Each sec-tion of the chart represents a portion of thewhole, and all of these sections added togetherwill equal 100% of the whole.Change in Time
S c i e n t i f i c N o t a t i o n
25%Scientific notation is a method used by scientists to con-40%vert very large or very small numbers to more manage-able ones. You will have to make a few conversions toscientific notation on the GED. Expressing answers in35%scientific notation involves moving the decimal pointand multiplying by a power of ten.Example■
Bar graphsA space satellite travels 46,000,000 miles fromBar graphs compare similar things with differ-Earth. What is the number in scientific notation?ent length bars representing different values. Besure to read all labels and legends, looking care-Step 1: Starting at the decimal point to the rightfully at the base and sides of the graph to see whatof the last zero, move the decimal point untilthe bars are measuring and how much they areonly one digit remains to its leftincreasing or decreasing.