Building Your Math Foundation: A Teen’s Guide to GED Success
If you’re 16 and haven’t studied math beyond the 5th grade, preparing for the GED math test might feel like climbing a mountain. But here’s the good news: With focused effort and the right roadmap, you can master the skills needed to pass. Let’s break down exactly what you need to learn, step by step, to turn “I can’t” into “I did it!”
Start With the Basics: Arithmetic Essentials
The GED math test assumes you’re comfortable with foundational math, so let’s rebuild that base first. Think of arithmetic as the ABCs of math—without it, algebra and geometry won’t make sense.
1. Whole Numbers & Operations
– Addition/Subtraction: Practice problems like 345 + 678 or 1,002 – 589. Focus on regrouping (carrying/borrowing) with multi-digit numbers.
– Multiplication: Memorize times tables up to 12×12. Then tackle multiplying larger numbers (e.g., 47 x 63).
– Division: Work on dividing numbers with remainders (e.g., 150 ÷ 7 = 21 R3) and practice interpreting what remainders mean in real-life contexts.
2. Fractions, Decimals & Percentages
– Fractions: Learn to add/subtract (with common denominators first), multiply (straight across), and divide (flip the second fraction and multiply). Example: ¾ ÷ ½ = ¾ x 2/1 = 6/4 = 1½.
– Decimals: Practice converting fractions to decimals (e.g., ½ = 0.5) and vice versa. Master operations like 3.25 + 1.79 or 4.8 x 2.5.
– Percentages: Understand that “percent” means “per 100.” Solve problems like “What’s 20% of 80?” (Answer: 16) or “18 is what percent of 90?” (Answer: 20%).
3. Measurement & Word Problems
The GED loves real-world scenarios. Practice calculating:
– Time (e.g., “If a bus leaves at 10:15 AM and arrives at 2:45 PM, how long is the trip?”)
– Money (e.g., calculating discounts or splitting bills)
– Distance (e.g., “A car travels 60 mph for 2.5 hours—how far does it go?”)
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Level Up: Algebra & Geometry Survival Skills
Once arithmetic feels familiar, you’ll tackle algebra and geometry—the two biggest sections on the GED math test.
1. Algebra Basics
– Variables & Expressions: Learn to simplify expressions like 3x + 2y – x + 5y.
– Solving Equations: Start with one-step problems (e.g., x + 7 = 15) and move to multi-step equations like 2(x – 4) = 16.
– Word Problems: Translate sentences into equations. Example: “Five more than twice a number is 17” becomes 2n + 5 = 17.
2. Graphing & Functions
– Coordinate Plane: Plot points like (3, -2) and understand slopes. For example, a line with a slope of 2 rises 2 units for every 1 unit it moves right.
– Linear Equations: Learn to graph equations like y = 2x + 1 and interpret graphs in real contexts (e.g., a graph showing savings over time).
3. Geometry Essentials
– Shapes & Formulas: Memorize formulas for perimeter (P), area (A), and volume (V) of rectangles, triangles, circles, and cubes. Example: Area of a triangle = ½ x base x height.
– Angles & Pythagorean Theorem: Know that angles in a triangle add up to 180° and that in a right triangle, a² + b² = c². Practice problems like “If a right triangle has legs of 3 and 4, what’s the hypotenuse?” (Answer: 5).
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Data & Statistics: Making Sense of Numbers
About 25% of the GED math test covers data analysis. This section is less about calculations and more about interpreting information.
1. Charts & Graphs
Learn to read:
– Bar graphs (compare quantities)
– Line graphs (show trends over time)
– Pie charts (display parts of a whole)
Example question: “What percentage of sales happened in Q3?”
2. Probability & Statistics
– Mean/Median/Mode: Calculate averages (mean), middle numbers (median), and most frequent values (mode) in data sets.
– Probability: Solve problems like “What’s the probability of rolling a 3 on a standard die?” (Answer: 1/6).
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Study Strategies That Actually Work
1. Use Free Resources
– Khan Academy: Their free GED math course explains concepts with videos and practice questions.
– GED.com: Take the official practice test to identify weak spots.
2. Practice Daily
Even 30 minutes a day helps. Focus on one topic at a time—don’t jump between fractions and algebra in the same session.
3. Connect Math to Real Life
– Calculate tips at restaurants.
– Measure ingredients while cooking.
– Budget your allowance (e.g., “If I save 20% each week, how long until I can buy a $50 game?”).
4. Learn From Mistakes
Got a problem wrong? Figure out why. Did you misread it? Forget a step? Understanding errors prevents repeating them.
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Final Tip: Believe in Yourself
Math isn’t about being “smart”—it’s about persistence. Start small, celebrate progress, and remember: Every algebra whiz once struggled with 2+2. The GED math test is designed to be passable with dedication, and now that you know what to study, you’re already halfway there. You’ve got this!
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