Preparing for the GED: Essential Math Skills for a Self-Taught Learner
If you’re approaching 17 and have never advanced beyond basic elementary math skills, navigating the GED process can seem daunting. But with a clear plan and targeted learning, you can equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to succeed.
My Personal Journey
Back in late 2019, as the COVID-19 pandemic began, my mother started homeschooling me. Up to that point, I had only completed up to fifth grade, and I hadn’t been formally introduced to the basics of math. Without structured instruction or motivation, I found myself lacking fundamental skills. Now, nearing my 17th birthday, I’ve realized it’s time to take responsibility and learn what I need for my GED.
Current Skills and Next Steps
Over the past week, I’ve revisited basic arithmetic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—and feel comfortable with these core concepts. My next focus is understanding fractions, but I’m unsure where to begin.
What Topics Should I Cover?
For anyone in a similar situation or looking for a roadmap, here is a general outline of the math topics you’ll want to master to pass the GED:
- Number Operations
- Whole numbers and integers
- Decimals and rounding
- Fractions, mixed numbers, and improper fractions
- Basic Arithmetic
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
- Order of operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS)
- Number Relationships
- Factors and multiples
- Prime numbers
- Least common multiple (LCM) and greatest common divisor (GCD)
- Fractions and Decimals
- Converting between fractions and decimals
- Simplifying fractions
- Comparing and ordering fractions and decimals
- Percentages
- Calculating percentages
- Percent increase/decrease
- Real-world applications
- Ratios and Proportions
- Understanding ratios
- Solving proportion problems
- Algebra Basics
- Solving simple equations
- Understanding variables and expressions
- Solving for unknowns
- Data and Graphs
- Reading and interpreting charts and graphs
- Basic statistics (mean, median, mode)
- Geometry Fundamentals
- Basic shapes and properties
- Area and perimeter
- Volume and surface area