Many students consider the GED Math test to be the hardest of the five exams. The GED Mathematics exam is intended to addess a student's knowledge of standard high school math. Students are tested on basic math concepts and theory as they relate to everyday scenarios. Additionally, students are evaluated on their ability to understand math topics in a variety of formats such as charts, graphs, diagrams, and tables.
GED Math Test Summary Information
Part 1 of the GED Math Test
- 25 questions
- 45 minute time limit
- Calculator use is allowed (you will be given access to a Casio fx-260 Solar Scientific calculator)
Part 2 of the GED Math Test
- 25 questions
- 45 minute time limit
- Calculator is not allowed
GED Math Topics
- Number Operations and Number Sense
- Measurement and Geometry
- Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability
- Algebra, Functions, and Patterns
Question Formats and Types
- There are three types of questions:
- Procedural
- Conceptual
- Application/Modeling/Problem Solving
- Half of the questions are based on tables, charts, graphs and diagrams
- 80% of questions are multiple choice (5 choices)
- 20% of the questions are alternative format (students record answers on standard or coordinate plane grids)
Math Topic | Number of Questions | Abilities Tested |
| Number Operations and Number Sense | 10 to 15 Questions | Representation, number relationships, and equivalent values for integers, fractions, decimals and rational numbers. |
| Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability | 10 to 15 Questions | Work with tables, charts, and graphs to construct, interpret and draw inferences. |
| Algebra, Functions, and Patterns | 10 to 15 Questions | Solve problems using algebraic expressions and equations, including linear, quadratic and exponential equations. |
| Measurement and Geometry | 10 to 15 Questions | Answer questions related to area, surface area, perimeter, volume, capacity, weight, mass and angle measurement. |
Question Types
There are three types of questions used on the GED exams: procedural, conceptual and application/modeling/problem solving.
Procedural Questions
Procedural questions assess a student's ability to identify a process for solving a problem. There will be approximately 10 procedural questions on the test. To do well on procedural questions, a student must be able to:
- Understand charts, tables and graphs.
- Use formulas and round, estimate and order numbers as necessary.
- Be able to use the order of operations to solve problems with multiple operations.
- Determine the correct way to solve standard one-step problems.
Conceptual Questions
Conceptual questions evaluate a student's ability to comprehend and apply mathematical concepts to various problems. There will be approximately 15 conceptual questions on the exam. Students must understand how basic math principles and concepts work and how to apply them. Students may be asked to show how to solve a problem but not required to calculate the answer. To succeed on the conceptual questions, a student needs to be able to:
- Identify basic math principles.
- Understand and use symbols, signs and math terms.
- Evaluate, integrate, compare and contrast various math concepts and principles.
- Recognize and evaluate assumptions and relationships.
- Develop exampes and counter-examples of mathematical concepts.
Application, Modeling, Problem Solving
The questions in this section evaluate a student's ability to apply mathematical principles and solve problems. There will be approximately 25 application/modeling/problem solving questions on the GED math exam. To do well on the problem solving questions, students need to be able to:
- Make out the type of problem that is presented.
- Determine if there is enough information to solve the problem.
- Recognize and eliminate any unnecessary information that is not required to solve a problem.
- Choose and apply the best approach to solving the problem.
- Evaluate the reasonableness and accuracy of the answer.
Resources
Calculator - You are allowed to use a calculator on Part I of the GED Mathematics Test. You will be provided with a Casio fx-260 Solar Scientific Calculator. You will not be allowed to bring/use your own calculator even if you own a Casio fx-260 Calculator. The video below will help orient you with how to use the provided calculator.
Video - Using your GED provided Casio fx-260 Solar Scientific Calculator
