As a 16–Year Old Who’s Never Gotten Past 5th-Grade, What’s Everything I Need to Learn Math-Wise for a GED?

Essential Math Skills to Prepare for the GED: A Guideline for Self-Directed Learners

Embarking on the journey to obtain your General Education Development (GED) credential can be challenging, especially if your formal education has been irregular or interrupted. For individuals who may have missed certain foundational lessons, gaining the necessary math skills is a crucial step toward success.

Understanding where to start can be overwhelming, particularly if previous schooling was limited. If you’re at a point where basic arithmetic—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—is comfortable, the next steps involve expanding your knowledge of more advanced math concepts. Here’s a structured overview to guide your self-study process:

  1. Master Fractions
  2. Understanding numerator and denominator concepts
  3. Simplifying fractions
  4. Converting between improper fractions and mixed numbers
  5. Performing operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with fractions

  6. Learn Decimals and Percentages

  7. Converting between decimals and fractions
  8. Calculations involving percentages (finding percentages, percentage increases/decreases)
  9. Applying these concepts to real-world problems

  10. Grasp Ratios and Proportions

  11. Understanding ratios and their real-life applications
  12. Solving proportion problems

  13. Basic Algebra Foundations

  14. Recognizing and working with variables and algebraic expressions
  15. Simplifying expressions
  16. Solving simple equations and inequalities
  17. Understanding basic concepts like the order of operations

  18. Understanding Geometric Concepts

  19. Basic properties of shapes and polygons
  20. Calculating areas and perimeters
  21. Recognizing geometric figures and their attributes

  22. Interpreting Data and Graphs

  23. Reading and analyzing bar graphs, line graphs, and pie charts
  24. Understanding mean, median, and mode

  25. Practice Test and Application

  26. Taking practice exams aligned with GED standards to identify weak areas
  27. Applying learned concepts in problem-solving scenarios

Since the GED requirements can vary slightly by state, in Texas, the test covers these core areas. Focusing on these topics should prepare you well for the exam, especially if your goal is to pass with a solid grade rather than pursue advanced mathematics.

Remember, your motivation and determination are your greatest assets. Approach your self-study with consistency, patience, and curiosity. Feel free to reach out with questions or for resources—you’re not alone on

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