Mathematical Reasoning Study Guide for the GED Test

General Information

As you study for the Math Reasoning portion of the GED test, you will want to consider these facts:

The time allowed is 115 minutes and the only break is a 3-minute one in which to retrieve your calculator.
The first section of questions does not allow calculator use and must be completed and submitted before you move on to the remaining math questions.
After the first section of questions, you may use a TI-30XS calculator. The calculator will be displayed digitally, so there is no need to purchase anything before the test. If you’d like to review what the digital calculator experience will look like before test day, the GED Testing Service provides a calculator tutorial.
You will also have access to several references during the test, including a page of math formulas, and a calculator. There is more information about these on the official website.
Besides the traditional multiple-choice, there will be several other types of questions on this section of the 2014 GED test. It would be a good idea to become familiar with them so that you can focus on finding the answers when taking the test.
This test will measure your ability to calculate, but it will also assess your reasoning ability. Finding the correct answer will involve a combination of knowing what to do and doing it accurately.

Steps for Solving a Math Problem

Often, how you go about solving a math problem is the key. As you proceed, try asking these questions:

What is the question asking for?

Questions can be wordy and it’s important to know exactly what information they are asking you to find.

What information do I have?

Sometimes just listing what you do know will help you figure out what equation you need to use.

Do I need a formula?

Remember, you will have access to a list of the most commonly used math formulas. You don’t need to memorize them, but you do need to know which one to use and what the abbreviations stand for. Example: A = b x h means Area = base x height.

What steps do I need to follow?

As you read the question, jot down key words to use as a sort of map, so you don’t forget to do a step.

Finally, does my answer make sense?

For example, if the question asked how many books a person read in 1 day and the first answer you got was 2,325, it would be obvious that you needed to try again.