The GED Math Test assesses candidates’ ability to solve math concepts, equations, measurements and applying math concepts to deal with real-life problems. Nevertheless, you are not required to memorize formulas and you will be permitted to use a calculator for a section. 

Math is considered a challenging topic for many students, however, you don’t need a “math brain” to be able to pass the GED Math exam. You need to have a thorough preparation and study effective materials. Don’t worry, we are here to help you. This article will shed light on the GED Math Study Guide as well as an overview of the test including the format and content. 

 

1. GED Math Test Overview and Format

 

To be eligible to sit for the GED Math test, you need to meet the following requirements: 

  • You are 16 years old or older
  • You do not enroll in high school
  • You have not graduated from high school
  • You meet all additional requirements in your state, for example, the length of time since leaving school.

ged math study guide

Depending on your state, the fee to take the GED Math test is $30 or less. It is advisable for students to check out the GED website for the prices in their state. 

 

The GED Math test contains four different topics namely Basic Math, Geometry, Basic Algebra and Graphs and Functions.

 

There are two parts in the GED Math test and you will be allowed to use a calculator in the second part. You will be given a total of 115 minutes to complete the entire Math test, with a short break between sections. You will access a calculator reference sheet and math formula sheet. The question types include multiple choice, select an area, drop down and fill-in-the-blank.

The GED scoring system is quite complicated. One question doesn’t always carry one point. Several questions are fill-in-the-blank or multiple choice which require you to choose multiple answers. These answers carry multiple points. There are 46 questions on the GED Math test and the passing score is 145. There is no exact number of questions you can miss and still pass; however, according to the GED Testing Service, you must gain about 60%-65% of your points to pass the test. 

>>> See More: GED Language Arts Study Guide

 

2. GED Math Test Topics

 

When it comes to how to pass the GED Math test, remember that prerequisites to ace the test are knowledge of basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers. Although you are allowed to use a scientific calculator in the second part of the test, understanding these basic math operations is important. 

 

Here are details of the topics on the GED Math Test: 

 

2.1. Number Sense 

 

Number sense questions ask candidates to solve math problems associated with: 

  • Rounding and estimating numbers. 
  • Ordering numbers on a number line which contains fractions, decimals, and positive & negative numbers
  • Calculating ratios, proportions, and percent. 
  • Calculate exponents, convert fractions to decimals, and vice versa. 
  • Applying the order of operations rules (PEMDAS). 

 

These topics are not intricate, and you can use a calculator to deal with the majority of these questions. 

 

2.2. Geometry 

 

With the geometry questions, you are asked about: 

  • Area and perimeter of circles, squares and triangles.
  • The volume of a prism, cone, sphere, and pyramid. 

 

You will access Math geometric formulas. You can use these formulas to cope with most Geometry questions.

 

2.3. Data Analysis 

 

Topics on Data Analysis on the GED Math Test include: 

  • Calculations of mode, range, mean, and median. 
  • Finding probability. 

 

These questions can be solved by using provided Math formulas and a scientific calculator.

 

2.4. Algebra 

 

Algebra handles the following topics:

  • Solving quadratic equations. 
  • Evaluating algebraic expressions and polynomials. 
  • Evaluating functions. 
  • Solving equations with one or two variables; systems of equations. 
  • Solving inequalities

 

You can use a scientific calculator to solve the majority of Algebra questions.

 

2.5. Graphing 

 

Graphing problems comprise: 

  • Slopes and equations of lines
  • Coordinate plane questions (points, lines, & shapes). 

 

Three slope formulas are included in the provided Math formula sheet; therefore, you can use it. 

 

2.6. Word problems 

 

The GED Math test contains a variety of word problem questions. These questions carry various topics such as geometry, probability and solving equations. Though they seem to be quite hard, they involve simple math. What you need to do is to translate words into math. 

 

To have a deep insight into the word problem-solving skills, you should take as many practice tests as possible to get familiar with these questions’ format.

 

Hopefully, the topics which are given above will help you to pass the GED Math test easily. 

>>> See Also: The Best Calculator For GED Test

 

3. GED Math Study Guide: 10 GED Math Test Tips

 

Apart from providing format as well as common topics on the GED Math test, this article provides 10 top tips to help you how to pass the GED Math test. 

GED Math Test Tips

3.1. Carefully translate word problems 

 

The first tip on how to pass the GED Math test is ensuring that you firmly grasp the concepts underlying the question in a word problem because they are so common on the GED Math exam. One or two words can change the meaning. Don’t rush these difficult questions, even if the math seems fairly clear!

 

3.2. Use the whole time 

 

If you complete the test early, review and check your work since you might make some mistakes which could lower your scores. 

 

3.3. Remember the golden rule of scientific notation

 

In scientific notation, you can express large numbers and small decimals. You should keep in mind this rule: Positive exponents move to the right; meanwhile, the decimal moves to the left when the exponent is negative.

 

3.4. Use estimation and approximation 

 

If time is nearly up or if the answer choices are far apart, you can try to estimate and approximate, round  numbers to the nearest integer as well as attempt to streamline your calculations. This way is extremely useful in the second part where you are not allowed to use a calculator. 

 

3.5. Treat data analysis questions like an open-book test

 

You wouldn’t keep a reading passage, thus, don’t skip the data. You should read every tiny data including the title, column names as well as the labels for the x and y-axes. Before reading the questions, take notice of the units of measurement. Besides, pay attention to any trends in the data.

 

3.6. Keep in mind your exponent rules

 

The next tip on how to pass the GED Math test is adding the exponents when multiplying two terms with the same base. When two terms are divided with the same base, you can subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator. In case two exponents are separated by a parenthesis, you can multiply them. You can also simplify exponents by rewriting numbers in terms of their exponents.

 

3.7. Read all the data carefully before solving

 

The GED test put a considerable emphasis on Data Analysis. You may see tables, charts and graphs in different sections. You shouldn’t jump straight to the questions; take a few minutes to learn about the data presented first. 

3.8. Apply your knowledge of number properties

 

Keep in mind that on the GED test “a number” can mean many things such as a fraction, a decimal, a negative, a positive, zero, a whole number, an odd or even number and so on. Sometimes, it is necessary to consider various numbers. Look for the limitations a question places on a variable and then take note of 2-3 possible values.

 

3.9. Don’t see your answer among the choices, rewrite it! 

 

The correct answer in the GED exam is sometimes stated as an expression, or not in the simplest form. The answer may still be correct even though it does not appear among answer choices. Make efforts to express it differently until it matches one of the options.

 

3.10. Believe your first answer 

 

Now, let’s talk about the final tip on how to pass the GED Math test. Apart from reading a question carefully twice, you need to read answer choices carefully twice too. Take some seconds to review your answers. Do not change your answers if you do not see obvious errors which are absolutely sure about. Remember that your first answer is often the right answer. In the GED test, there is no penalty for giving wrong answers. Answer all questions including ones that you are not sure about. 

We have offered 10 tips on how to pass the GED Math test. Now it is time to put these tips into use. Get started by taking the GED Practice Math Test on our website now.