Math Moves
You buy 2 mugs for $5 each. What is the total cost?
Answer: $10
Explanation: Multiply price × quantity.
What is the main idea of a passage?
Answer: What the passage is mostly about
Explanation: It’s the overall message, not a detail.
What does the y-axis usually represent?
Answer: The dependent variable
Explanation: It shows measured values.
What happens to water when it freezes?
Answer: It turns into ice
Explanation: Freezing changes a liquid into a solid.
What document outlines basic freedoms in the U.S.?
Answer: The Bill of Rights
Explanation: It protects individual liberties.
A sweater costs $40 and is discounted 20% for a holiday sale. What is the sale price?
Answer: $32
Explanation: 20% of 40 is 8 → 40 − 8.
Why does an author include examples in a passage?
Answer: To support or explain a point
Explanation: Examples make ideas clearer.
Find the median of: 3, 6, 8, 10, 12
Answer: 8
Explanation: Middle number when ordered.
Why do roads get salted in winter?
Answer: Salt lowers the freezing point of water
Explanation: It helps melt ice.
What branch of government enforces laws in the United States?
Answer: The executive branch
Explanation: The president and federal agencies enforce laws.
Solve: 4(x + 3) = 28
Answer: x = 4
Explanation: Divide by 4, then subtract 3.
If a passage describes winter road safety, what is the author’s likely purpose?
Answer: To inform or warn
Explanation: Purpose is tied to tone and content.
A line graph shows energy use rising in the winter months. What does that suggest?
Answer: More energy is used in winter
Explanation: Upward trends indicate increases.
What variable might affect how fast ice melts?
Answer: Temperature
Explanation: Higher temperatures increase melting.
Why do we have checks and balances?
Answer: To prevent one branch from becoming too powerful
Explanation: Power is shared.
You earn $15 per hour and work 6 hours a day. How much do you earn before taxes?
Answer: $90
Explanation: Multiply rate × time.
What does it mean to make an inference?
Answer: Use clues from the text plus what you know
Explanation: Inferences go beyond direct statements.
Why are bar graphs good for comparing categories?
Answer: They clearly show differences
Explanation: Bar height represents value.
Why do scientists repeat experiments?
Answer: To confirm results
Explanation: Repetition increases reliability.
Name one right guaranteed to U.S. citizens.
Answer: Voting, free speech, religion, fair trial
Explanation: Rights are protected by law.
During a holiday sale, a laptop originally costs $720. The store offers 30% off, then applies an 8% sales tax to the discounted price. What is the final cost, rounded to the nearest cent?
Answer:
$544.32
Explanation:
Step 1: Find the discount → 30% of 720 = 216
Step 2: Subtract discount → 720 − 216 = 504
Step 3: Find sales tax → 8% of 504 = 40.32
Step 4: Add tax → 504 + 40.32 = 544.32
A passage describes how winter storms disrupt travel and emphasizes the importance of preparation tips, such as checking forecasts and maintaining emergency kits. What is the author’s primary purpose, and which detail best supports it?
Answer:
To inform and advise readers
Supporting detail: The list of preparation tips
Explanation:
The passage provides factual information and practical guidance. The inclusion of safety recommendations demonstrates that the author’s intent is not to entertain or persuade, but to inform and prepare the reader.
A line graph shows that monthly heating costs steadily increase from October through January, then sharply decrease in February. Which conclusion is most reasonable?
Answer:
Heating usage increases during colder months and decreases as temperatures rise.
Explanation:
The upward trend corresponds to winter months, when heating demand is higher. The sudden decrease suggests warmer conditions or reduced usage, which is consistent with real-world seasonal patterns.
A scientist tests how long it takes for ice to melt indoors versus outdoors on a winter day. The indoor ice melts faster. Which variable most directly explains the difference?
Answer:
Ambient temperature
Explanation:
The indoor environment typically has a higher temperature than the outdoor environment. Temperature directly affects the rate of melting, making it the most relevant variable influencing the outcome.
Why does the Constitution divide power between the federal government and the states, rather than placing all authority at one level?
To limit government power and protect individual rights
Explanation:
This division, known as federalism, prevents concentration of power, allows states to address local needs, and creates multiple layers of accountability—key principles in U.S. democracy.