Mathematical Reasoning

Prefer Spanish or Arabic? Open the study app on the homepage and use the language switcher — everything is fully trilingual there.

Test time: 115 min

Build confidence with algebra, quantitative problem solving, graphs, geometry, and formulas.

Free sample lesson

Chapter 1: Number operations, fractions, and exponents (18 min)

Free sample lesson

Overview

Build the number sense used in every GED math problem: signed numbers, fractions, decimals, roots, and scientific notation.

Key concepts

• Use place value and the four operations with positive and negative rational numbers.
• Convert among fractions, decimals, and percents; simplify fractions and find common denominators.
• Apply exponent rules, square roots, absolute value, estimation, and scientific notation.

Method

1. Identify the number form and operation the question requires.
2. Estimate first, calculate with signs and order of operations, then compare with the estimate.
3. Reduce fractions and label units before choosing an answer.

Worked example

−3 + 8 = 5. Also, 3/4 + 2/3 = 9/12 + 8/12 = 17/12 = 1 5/12.

Check yourself

• Did you keep the signs correct?
• Did you use a common denominator?
• Is the size of the answer reasonable?

Practice

Evaluate −6 + 2(5), then add 5/6 + 3/8 in simplest form.

More chapters — Premium

The remaining 6 chapters are part of the Premium course: