GED Math Test Tips: How to Study and Prepare

Math gets easier when the foundations are stronger.

Math often needs a different kind of practice. Reading an explanation is a start, but solving problems yourself is where the learning sticks.

GED Math: Why You Need a Different Study Strategy

Math was by far my biggest struggle when studying for the GED. I spent more time preparing for this subject than any of the others.

One thing I learned is that you can't study math the same way you study Science, Social Studies, or Language Arts.

Math is different because so many of the concepts build on one another. You need to understand certain skills before you can move on to more difficult problems.

For example, if you don't understand negative numbers, fractions, or basic algebra, you're probably going to struggle when you get to equations, slope, and other advanced math problems.

This is where I made a mistake when I first started studying. I would come across something I didn't understand, get frustrated, and move on to the next lesson. But eventually, I would run into another problem that required the same skills I hadn't learned earlier.

With math, you have to build a foundation first.

What's on the GED Math Test?

The GED Mathematical Reasoning test is 115 minutes long and covers four main areas: basic math, geometry, basic algebra, and graphs and functions.

About 55% of the test focuses on algebraic problem-solving, while the remaining 45% covers quantitative problem-solving, including numbers, measurements, and geometry.

You'll have access to a math formula sheet, and a calculator is allowed for most questions. You don't have to memorize every formula, but you should practice using them before test day.

How I Recommend Studying for GED Math

Start with the Kaplan GED study guide, just as you would with the other subjects. But instead of rushing through the lessons, take your time with each new concept.

Here's the process I recommend:

1. Learn one concept at a time. Read the lesson in your Kaplan guide and work through the examples.

2. Use YouTube or AI when you're confused. If the explanation in the book doesn't make sense, find someone who explains it differently. Sometimes you just need to hear the same concept explained another way.

3. Practice that specific skill. Don't immediately jump into a bunch of mixed GED questions. Practice the type of problem you're learning until you can solve several on your own.

4. Make sure you understand it before moving on. You don't have to be perfect, but you should be able to solve most of the practice problems without needing to look at the instructions every time.

5. Review older skills regularly. Even after you've learned something, practice it occasionally so you don't forget it.

Once you've worked through the main math concepts in your Kaplan guide, start using GED Flash to practice mixed GED math questions.

GED Flash will help you identify the areas where you still need work. If you keep missing questions about the same topic, that's a sign you should return to that lesson and spend more time practicing it.

Don't Try to Memorize Every Math Problem

One of the biggest lessons I learned is that memorizing the steps to a particular problem isn't always enough.

The GED might ask you a similar question using different numbers or wording. If you only memorized the original problem, you might not know what to do.

Try to understand why you're taking each step.

And don't be afraid to ask ChatGPT to explain the same problem five different ways until something finally clicks.

Math takes patience, repetition, and practice.

You don't need to become a math expert to pass the GED. You just need to build enough understanding of the concepts you'll be tested on.

If math is your hardest subject, don't let it discourage you. Give yourself more time, work on one skill at a time, and remember that every concept you learn makes the next one a little easier.

The goal isn't to learn everything about math. The goal is to learn enough math to pass your GED.