To pass the GED test, you’ll have to take and pass the GED math subtest. For some students, math comes naturally, but for most GED test-takers, it is like a foreign language.
To take the GED math subtest well-prepared is the key to your success, so on this page, we’ll discuss some very good tips to help you pass the exam.
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What’s On The GED Math Exam?
On the GED math test, there are four main subject fields, Basic Math, Algebra, Geometry, and Graphs & Functions, so you’ll have to divide your time to study these four areas to become optimally prepared for the exam.
When you feel you’ve got a well-rounded GED math knowledge base, you can take a few practice tests.
This will make clear whether you are sufficiently prepared for the exam or if you need to study more.
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Taking Math Practice Tests
Onsego’s GED math practice tests will give you a score report indicating which math subject fields require your attention most to improve your score and which areas you know sufficiently.
This allows you to use your time more effectively and learn faster.
When you have taken a math practice test, make sure you’ll address these fields that your score report indicates.
Those are the areas you struggled with most on the practice test, and that will help you boost your score. Onsego offers GED math practice tests.
To pass the GED math test, you’ll need to have an understanding of basic math concepts and how they work in real-life situations.
The GED math exam includes questions in several formats, including drop-and-drag, multiple-choice, and fill-in-the-blank, just to mention a few.
Math Formulas
On the GED Math test, there’s no need to memorize math formulas. You must know, however, how to apply and use them. You’ll be provided with a formula sheet including all the different formulas you can use on the exam.
GED Calculator
On the GED Math test, you are allowed to use the GED Scientific Calculator, the TI-30XS. This is the only permitted calculator, and there is a hand-held physical version and an online (on-screen) version.
When you take the GED math test at a testing center, you can bring your own calculator, but if you take the GED exam online, you will have to use the on-screen digital version. Both versions work identically.
For many students, GED math is a real pain. Onsego has created a great GED calculator course that will help you pass math, even if you don’t get it at all! If you learn how to operate the TI-30XS efficiently and fast, the calculator will produce most of the answers to the questions. But you’ll have to learn how to work with it fast!
So, as said earlier, when you are optimally prepared, you can register for the GED math sub-exam. So here are a few tips that will help you pass the GED math exam and reach a good score:
10 Top GED Math Strategies
Tip 1. Answer the for you easiest questions first. The GED math portion includes questions that range from easy to quite hard. Just skip the harder questions and, if you have some time left, come back to these questions later after you have finished the easy problems first.
Tip 2. There is a specific number of questions on each of the four math topics. If you don’t know, for example, much about probability, don’t worry too much about it; you’ll be better off if you spend your study hours on algebraic questions!
Tip 3. Work with the answers. On multiple-choice math questions, when you’re stuck, just take advantage that the correct answer is included right there as an answer choice. The correct answer is the one that works!
Tip 4. Plug-in real numbers. Said in other words, just “dummy it a bit down” and use convenient numbers rather than letters (variables) to make the math problem less abstract and more concrete. You can use this powerful strategy on multiple-choice questions and on grid-in questions.
Tip 5. Connect what is given to what exactly is asked. Pay attention to the concept the question uses, the information the question gives you, and what it exactly asks you to do. Carefully read the question again, perhaps even three times.
Tip 6. Before marking in your final answer, be sure to answer what is asked. If the question asks for the radius, be sure not to answer with the diameter!
Tip 7. If you get stuck on a math question, try to go through the answer options and plug them in: your correct answer is the one that works!
Tip 8. On Geometry questions, just draw a figure. This can be highly useful and effective if there’s no figure provided. Label or fill in the figure using all of the information given in the question.
Tip 9. When a GED math geometry problem includes algebraic terms, what may help is making an equation of the geometric figure and solving the equation. You can also plug in real numbers and see if that makes the figure work.
Tip 10. If you don’t know the answer to a question, and you basically have no time to come up with the correct answer, just guess! It can be very helpful to guess and get some extra points, particularly if you are able to eliminate one or more obviously wrong answers. Keep in mind that the GED test has no penalties for answering questions wrong, so never leave answers blank!
