# GED Math Tips

In this post, we give you several useful tips that will help you to be successful on the GED® Mathematical Reasoning test. But first, let’s see what the GED exam and the GED Math subtest are all about.

The GED test consists of four independent subtests that can be taken one at a time. Testing is done entirely on a computer.

The subtests cover the academic fields of Social Studies, Science, Reasoning through Language Arts, and Mathematical Reasoning.

On each of the four separate GED subtests (modules), you are required to attain at least a score of 145. Scoring takes place on a scale that goes from 100 to 200.

## What is on the GED Math test?

The GED math test assesses your knowledge and skills in a number of mathematical subject fields: Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Data Analysis.

Algebra – Algebra covers topics such as factoring and distributing algebraic expressions; equations with one variable; systems of equations; quadratic equations; inequalities; polynomials; absolute value; ratios, rates, and proportions; evaluating functions.

Arithmetic – Arithmetic covers topics such as ordering numbers (positives and negatives, and fractions and decimals); place values; rounding numbers; 4 basic operations: adding and subtracting, multiplication and division; order of operations (PEMDAS); operations & fractions; prime numbers; factors and multiples; exponents and radicals;  converting fractions, decimals, and percents; calculating percents.

Data Analysis – Data Analysis covers topics like reading and interpreting functions and data on tables, graphs, and charts; statistical calculations based on data sets; mode, mean, median, and range; probability.

Geometry – Geometry deals with angles; polygons; perimeter and area of two-dimensional shapes; volume and surface area of three-dimensional shapes; units of measurement; coordinate plane: lines, points, and shapes; equations of lines; slopes.

## How long is the GED Math test?

You are given 115 minutes (almost two hours) to complete the GED Mathematical Reasoning subtest. The test consists of two parts with a break in between.

In the first part, that includes five questions, you’re not allowed to use a calculator but in the second part, you can use your own TI-30XS scientific calculator or the on-screen provided calculator.

## GED Math test format

On the GED Math test, you will find various question types:

• Multiple-choice – this is the question type you’ll see most. You’ll have to choose the correct answer or the best answer from 4 or 5 options.
• Multiple-select – with multiple-select questions, you need to choose all correct answers from several options. Instead of having just 1 correct answer option, there can be more correct answer choices.
• Draggable – this type of question includes “draggable” answer options. You can click and hold an option and drag it to a target place on your screen. There could be more than one target place.
• Hot-spot – this is like draggable answers, but you’ll have to select just 1 area, the “hot-spot”.
• Fill-in-the-blank – with this sort of question, you need to type your answer into an empty space, either after the question or in a sentence. On the Math subtest, the answer is generally numerical but you may also be asked to write a short phrase or a word.
• Matching – with matching questions, you’ll have to choose the answer option that’s matching a piece of information. You can be asked, for example, to read information and then decide whether that information is true or false.

On the GED Math subtest, you’ll be handed out a formula sheet that you can use during your test. So there’s no need to memorizes all sorts of complex formulas.

You may not need all those formulas, and you may also not require a formula for all of the questions. So train yourself in knowing what formula is used to solve what problem, and when no formula is needed at all.

## Things to remember

On the GED Math subtests, you really should read all the data carefully and thoroughly before you start solving a problem. You also should translate word problems very carefully.

Use all of your time, keep the “Golden Rule of Scientific Notation” in mind, apply what you’ve learned about Number Properties, remember the Exponent Rules, understand Approximation and Estimation, and when there are Data Analysis questions, remember to treat these like an open-book test.

## 10 GED Math Test Tips

### 1. Read all the data carefully before solving a problem

On the GED Math test, there’s quite some emphasis on Data Analysis topics. You may come across questions that have tables, charts, or graphs.

Read the question carefully twice! Don’t just jump straight to a question. Take a moment to really understand the question and the data presented before trying to answer the question.

### 2. Translate word problems cautiously

When taking the GED Math subtest, be sure to understand the mathematical concepts that are underlying the question. Translate a word problem carefully and cautiously, especially because they are very prevalent on the math test.

One or two different words can change the meaning radically. There’s no need to rush these challenging math questions, even when the math seems pretty obvious to you.

Sometimes, the GED math answer options express correct answers not in their simplest form, or as expressions. You may know the correct answer, even though it doesn’t show in the answer options.

So when you know you’ve got the answer right and don’t see that option, try to rewrite it. If you express it in a different way, it may match one of the answer options. For instance: $50 equals$15 + \$35, and 52 equals 25.

### 4. Practice using a calculator

On the GED math test, you’re not expected to memorize complex formulas or to do complex arithmetic calculations in your head.

In part two of the GED math section, you are allowed to use a calculator. You can bring your own TI-30XS scientific calculator, but there will also be an on-screen calculator provided.

So get familiar with the on-screen GED calculator or the TI-30XS well before taking the actual test. This will help you ace the math test! Learn how to deal with basic functions like exponents and square roots on the calculator.

### 5. Time yourself

The GED subtests are all timed tests. The pressure of taking a test within a limited time frame is for many math test-takers a source of stress and anxiety.

You can very well manage this phenomenon by taking multiple timed practice tests. You can check your results, learn what fields need improvement, and gain self-confidence to complete the GED math test within the given amount of time.

### 6. Don’t waste time

You shouldn’t waste much time on questions that you don’t know the answer to immediately or that you are not sure about.

If you have no clue about the correct answer option, skip that question and move on to the next problem. Many test-takers feel they wasted too much time dwelling on questions they didn’t know the answer to.

When you feel you’ll need lots of time to figure out an answer, flag that question and move ahead to those questions that’ll take less time. You may always come back later and try to find the right answer.

When you’ve finished the test and have some time left, go over these questions once more and perhaps the other questions may have put you on the right track.

Also, eliminate those answers that you think are definitely wrong and then come up with an educated guess. It’s probably easier to choose from two than from four options, right?

### 7. Eliminate obviously wrong answer options

As stated in tip #6, elimination obviously wrong answer choices is a very useful strategy. Oftentimes, one or two of the answer options on the GED math section do not make any sense at all.

They may not refer to the provided data or be totally irrelevant. When you eliminate these obviously wrong answers, you’ll be left with a smaller number of answers which will make an educated guess considerably easier.

### 8. Simplicity is the best

Oftentimes, there’s more than one way of working around a problem. You may solve a problem, even with a given function, differently.

If you happen to see another way for solving the problem, just use it, but don’t forget to check if your answer is correct. When dealing with combined figures, remember that the rule to solve it is to do it as easily as you possibly can. The answer is always the same, regardless of how you’ll break the figure down.

### 9. Remember the Exponent Rules

When multiplying two terms with identical bases, you simply add the exponents. When dividing two terms with identical bases, you simply subtract the denominator’s exponent from the numerator’s exponent.

When a parenthesis separates two exponents, you can simply multiply the exponents. You can try to simplify an exponent by rewriting a number in terms of its exponent. For instance, 27 equals 33.