Preparing for the GED: Essential Math Skills for Success
Embarking on the journey to earn your GED can feel overwhelming, especially if math hasn’t been your strong suit. If you’re like many students who need a straightforward roadmap, understanding the key topics you should master is an excellent first step.
My Personal Experience
Back in late 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, my mother started homeschooling me. Up to that point, I had only completed up to the fifth grade, and I realized I hadn’t been exposed to much formal instruction beyond that. As I approach my 17th birthday, I recognize the importance of taking control of my education and teaching myself necessary skills—particularly in math, which is crucial for passing the GED.
Over the past week, I’ve revisited basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, all of which I now feel confident performing. From here, my next step is understanding fractions—though I admit I’m a bit uncertain about where to start.
What Math Topics Should I Focus On for the GED?
While GED requirements can vary slightly by state, generally, there is a core set of math skills you should develop:
- Basic Arithmetic Skills
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Understanding place value
- Fractions and Decimals
- Simplifying fractions
- Converting between fractions and decimals
- Operations involving fractions and decimals
- Percentages
- Calculating percentages and percentage increases/decreases
- Applying percentages in real-life contexts
- Ratios and Proportions
- Setting up and solving proportion problems
- Basic Algebra
- Understanding variables and expressions
- Solving simple equations and inequalities
- Working with algebraic formulas
- Graph Interpretation
- Reading and understanding basic graphs and charts
- Number Theory and Properties
- Prime numbers, factors, multiples
- Properties of numbers (commutative, associative, distributive)
- Word Problems and Application
- Applying math concepts to real-world scenarios
Additional Tips
- Focus on mastering foundational skills first, as they underpin more advanced topics.
- Utilize free online resources, practice tests, and tutorials tailored for GED preparation.
- Consistent practice is key—setting aside dedicated study time will help reinforce your learning.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions or