GED flashcards

34 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Slope formula

For two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), slope equals the change in y divided by the change in x: (y2 − y1)/(x2 − x1). It measures steepness and rate of change.

Slope-intercept form

The equation y = mx + b, where m is the slope or rate of change and b is the y-intercept, the value of y when x equals zero.

Percent change

Percent change equals the difference between new and old values divided by the old value, times 100. Positive results indicate increase; negative results indicate decrease.

Pythagorean theorem

In a right triangle, the sum of the squares of the two legs equals the square of the hypotenuse: a² + b² = c². It applies only to right triangles.

Median vs. mean

The mean is the sum of values divided by their count. The median is the middle value when data are ordered, averaged across the two middle values if the count is even.

Probability of independent events

When two events do not affect each other, the probability both occur is the product of their individual probabilities: P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B).

Simple interest formula

Simple interest equals principal times rate times time: I = Prt. Interest is calculated only on the original principal, not on previously earned interest.

System with no solution

A system of two linear equations has no solution when the lines are parallel: they share the same slope but have different y-intercepts, so they never intersect.

Main idea

The central claim or point that an entire passage supports. Supporting details explain or illustrate it, but the main idea is what remains when details are removed.

Premise and conclusion

In an argument, the conclusion is the claim the author wants accepted; premises are the reasons or evidence offered to support that claim.

Unstated assumption

A premise an argument requires but never explicitly states. If the assumption is false, the argument's conclusion no longer follows from its evidence.

Sentence fragment

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but lacking a subject, a complete verb, or a complete thought, such as 'Running down the street.'

Run-on sentence

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a coordinating conjunction. It can be fixed with a period, semicolon, or comma plus conjunction.

Subject-verb agreement

The verb must match its true subject in number. Phrases between subject and verb do not change agreement: 'The list of items is long,' not 'are long.'

Semicolon use

A semicolon joins two independent clauses that are closely related and not already joined by a coordinating conjunction. It can also separate complex list items.

Contrast transitions

Words such as however, although, nevertheless, and in contrast signal that the next idea opposes or qualifies the previous one, which helps track an author's argument.

Evaluating evidence

Judge evidence by relevance to the claim, sufficiency in amount, and credibility of its source. Strong evidence is on point, adequate, and trustworthy.

Separation of powers

The division of government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches so that no single branch holds all power, reinforced by checks and balances.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting freedoms such as speech, press, religion, assembly, petition, and rights of the accused.

Federalism

A system dividing power between a national government and state governments. The Supremacy Clause makes federal law prevail when the two conflict.

Supply and demand equilibrium

The price at which quantity supplied equals quantity demanded. Above it, a surplus appears; below it, a shortage appears, pushing price toward equilibrium.

Gross domestic product

The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a specific period, commonly used to gauge economic size and growth.

Push and pull factors

Push factors drive people to leave a place, such as war or famine. Pull factors attract them elsewhere, such as jobs, safety, or political freedom.

Primary vs. secondary source

A primary source is created by a participant or witness at the time, like a letter or law. A secondary source later interprets or analyzes such evidence.

Latitude and longitude

Latitude lines run east–west and measure distance north or south of the equator. Longitude lines run north–south and measure distance from the prime meridian.

Civil War amendments

The 13th Amendment abolished slavery, the 14th granted citizenship and equal protection, and the 15th protected voting rights regardless of race.

Cell theory

Three principles: all living organisms consist of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and new cells arise from existing cells.

Photosynthesis and respiration

Photosynthesis uses light to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release energy as ATP.

Newton's second law

Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma). A larger net force produces greater acceleration, and a larger mass produces less acceleration for the same force.

Density and buoyancy

Density equals mass divided by volume. An object sinks in a fluid when it is denser than the fluid and floats when it is less dense.

Balancing chemical equations

Because matter is conserved, coefficients are adjusted so each element has the same number of atoms on both sides of the arrow. Subscripts are never changed.

DNA base pairing

In DNA, adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine pairs with guanine. This complementary pairing allows accurate copying and underlies how mutations arise.

Natural selection

A mechanism of evolution requiring heritable variation and differential reproductive success: traits that improve survival and reproduction become more common across generations.

Experimental variables

The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher, the dependent variable is measured, and controlled variables are held constant to isolate cause and effect.