The GED Mathematical Reasoning test assesses high school-level math skills essential for college, career, and everyday life. You don’t need advanced calculus or trigonometry—just solid fundamentals in four key areas, aligned with Common Core standards. The test lasts 115 minutes, includes 46 questions (multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop, and hot-spot), and allows an on-screen TI-30XS calculator for Part 2 (most questions). About 50% involve real-world applications; 45% are word problems.
1. Basic Math (20–30% of test)
- Operations with whole numbers, decimals, fractions, and percentages.
- Order of operations (PEMDAS), exponents, roots, and scientific notation.
- Example: Solve 3.5×23+14÷0.53.5 \times 2^3 + \frac{1}{4} \div 0.53.5×23+41÷0.5.
2. Algebra (25–35%)
- Solving one- and two-variable linear equations/inequalities: 2x+5=132x + 5 = 132x+5=13.
- Simplifying expressions, factoring, and quadratic equations (factoring or formula): x2−5x+6=0x^2 – 5x + 6 = 0x2−5x+6=0.
- Functions, slope, and graphing lines: Find slope from y=−2x+3y = -2x + 3y=−2x+3.
3. Geometry (20–30%)
- Area, perimeter, volume of 2D/3D shapes (circles, triangles, rectangles, cylinders).
- Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2a2+b2=c2.
- Coordinate geometry: Distance between points (1,2)(1,2)(1,2) and (4,6)(4,6)(4,6).
4. Data Analysis & Statistics (20–30%)
- Mean, median, mode, range, and probability.
- Interpreting graphs, tables, scatter plots, and histograms.
- Example: From a bar chart, calculate average sales.
How to arrive at solutions: Always show steps—e.g., for 2x−7=52x – 7 = 52x−7=5, add 7 to both sides (2x=122x = 122x=12), divide by 2 (x=6x = 6x=6). Practice with GED formula sheet (provided on test: area/volume formulas, slope, etc.).
Aim for 145+ to pass. Free practice at GED.com; focus on weak areas with Khan Academy or adult ed classes. Mastery here builds problem-solving confidence beyond the test!