The General Educational Development (GED) Mathematics Test is divided equally into two parts:
Part I: 25 questions; 45 minutes — Calculator is allowed (Casio fx-260 provided).
Part II: 25 questions; 45 minutes — No calculator is allowed.
What to expect
Expect questions that will test how well you understand and can apply the basic concepts of arithmetic (number sense, operations, statistics, probability, and data analysis), basic algebra, and informal geometry and measurement.
Expect settings that are familiar in everyday life. A grocery store, a bank, a theater, a restaurant, and a sporting event would all be familiar settings.
Expect about two-thirds of the questions to refer to situations.
Expect about one-third of the questions to refer to graphs or charts.
Expect some questions to be in groups, or sets — that is, two to four questions that refer to the same situation, chart, or graph.
Expect some questions where you will have to grid in answers on an answer grid or a coordinate grid.
Expect a formulas page to refer to if necessary.
What you should know
The Mathematics Test contains the following areas:
Number Operations and Number Sense: 20%–30%
Statistics, Probability, and Data Analysis: 20%–30%
Algebra: 20%–30%
Geometry and Measurement: 20%–30%
You should be able to answer questions in the following areas:
Arithmetic (40%–60%)
Number Operations and Number Sense (20%–30%)
Use integers, fractions, decimals, and percents in real world situations
Round off, estimate, and compare numbers
Work with ratios and proportions
Exponents, roots, scientific notation, and appropriate operations
Use a scientific calculator
Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability (20%–30%):
Find mean, mode, and median
Understand and use tables, graphs, and charts
Solve simple probability problems
Compare and contrast different sets of data
Algebra (20%–30%)
Solve proportions and percent problems
Solve simple equations
Solve linear and quadratic equations
Create and evaluate algebraic expressions
Use algebra symbols and formulas
Analyze tables, graphs, and charts
Understand basic factoring
Geometry and Measurement (20%–30%)
Solve problems involving common triangles, rectangles, and circles
Solve problems using perpendicular and parallel lines
Understand solid figures and their parts
Use basic geometric properties and the Pythagorean theorem to solve problems
Use coordinates and coordinate graphs
Calculate the slope of a line and the distance between points on a plane
Solve problems involving length, perimeter, area, and volume
Kinds of questions
The GED Mathematics Test will test application and problem-solving skills. The questions will stress your being able to apply concepts and basic skills.
Look for problems that ask you to
Visualize
Set up an expression or equation
Estimate or approximate
Do simple calculations
Work out ratios and proportions
Apply given formulas
Use your basic knowledge
Work from the answers
Find the reasonable answer
Decide if you have enough information or need more
