Preparing for the GED? Understanding what kind of math is on the GED helps you focus your study. The GED Mathematical Reasoning test covers practical, real-world topics—no advanced calculus. This guide breaks down the math on the GED with examples and tips.
Overview of the Content Areas
The GED math test lasts 115 minutes and includes about 46 questions. It splits into two parts:
- Part 1 (first 5 questions): No calculator allowed.
- Part 2 (remaining questions): TI-30XS on-screen calculator provided.
What kind of math is on the GED? It’s divided into two main domains:
- Quantitative Problem Solving (45%): Basic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios.
- Algebraic Problem Solving (55%): Equations, functions, graphing, polynomials.
Key Topics: What Math Is on the GED Test
Basic Math and Number Operations
- Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages
- Order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Example: If a shirt costs $40 after a 20% discount, what was the original price? → $40 = 80% of original → Original = $40 ÷ 0.8 = $50
Ratios, Proportions, and Rates
- Unit rates, scale factors, proportions
- Example: If 3 apples cost $2.10, how much for 8 apples? → $2.10 ÷ 3 = $0.70/apple → 8 × $0.70 = $5.60
Measurement and Data
- Area, perimeter, volume, units conversion
- Mean, median, mode, probability
- Example: Area of a rectangle 12 ft by 8 ft? → 96 sq ft
Algebra and Functions
- Solving linear equations: 2x + 5 = 13 → x = 4
- Slope, graphing lines, function notation
- Quadratic equations (factoring, formula)
- Example: Solve x² – 5x + 6 = 0 → (x–2)(x–3) = 0 → x = 2 or 3
Geometry
- Pythagorean theorem, circles, triangles
- Example: Legs 3 and 4, hypotenuse? → √(3² + 4²) = 5
Question Formats
What kind of math questions are on the GED? You’ll see:
- Multiple choice (4 options)
- Fill-in-the-blank
- Drag-and-drop
- Drop-down menus
- Hot-spot (click on graph)
Most allow the calculator except the first five.
How Hard Is the Math?
The math on the GED aligns with 9th–10th grade level. You need ~65% correct to pass (145+). College-ready scores (165+) require strong algebra and data skills.
Best Study Tips
- Use GED.com practice tests
- Master the on-screen calculator (TI-30XS)
- Memorize formulas (provided on test, but know how to use them)
- Practice word problems—they’re 70% of the test
Now you know what kind of math is on the GED: practical algebra, geometry, and number sense. Study smart, and you’ll pass with confidence.