GED Topics Outline
Unofficial List of GED Math Topics
Might not be everything, but pretty close.
Topic 1: Fundamental math and algebra skills
- Order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Signed numbers math (really important – used everywhere)
- How to use a number line
- Basic meaning of algebraic terms
- Simplifying expressions
- Exponents and roots
- Evaluating expressions
- The concept of "undefined"
- How to solve basic equations
- How to solve inequalities
- Scientific notation
- Mode, median and average (mean)
- Distributive properties
- Working with function tables
- Proportions, ratios, fractions, percentages
- How to identify different types of problems and figure out what techniques to use
- How to use the TI calculator
Topic 2: Basic Geometry, surface areas and volumes
- What the different letters mean in the formulae you’re provided
- Solving problems in different formats
- Word problems
- Basic square and cubic units, plus units conversion
- Pythagorean theorem for right triangles
Topic 3: Simple interest
- How to apply the basic equation
- Different problem formats – how to carefully read (Answer what the questions is asking. The multiple choice options will have wrong answers, such as interest when the question asks for interest + principal. Easy to get wrong – be careful!)
- Use of the rate and units of time correctly
- The rate will be given as a percentage annual interest, but it must be converted to a decimal for use in the formula
- The time must be expressed in years for use in the formula (you may have to convert from other units of time, such as weeks or months)
Topic 4: Probability, Combinations and Permutations
- How to recognize the correct problem type
- Simple probability, independent and dependent events
- Combinations and the types of problems you’ll likely see on the test
- Permutations with and without repetition
Topic 5: Lines and linear functions
- How to recognize a linear equation (or linear function)
- Different ways to calculate slope
- How to recognize a linear function or relationship in data (such as a table)
- Different ways to use the slope-intercept form
- Figuring out the point at the intersection of two lines (the solution to a system of equations)
- Filling out a function table
Topic 6: Quadratic equations
- How to recognize a quadratic equation and how to manipulate or factor a quadratic
- How to apply the quadratic formula
Topic 7: Miscellaneous
- Reading graphs
- Interpreting histograms
- Word problems (basic mathematical reasoning)
- Distance/rate/time problems
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