GED Math Testing Tips
Overview, Latest Updates, Texas Specific Testing Trends
Presenters:
Denise Johnson
LaShondia McNeal, Ed.D.
Objectives:




Describe the structure and four major content areas of
the GED math test.
Introduce/Review the Casio fx-260solar Calculator
Introduce/Review GED Testing Tips
Provide the latest information about upcoming
changes to the GED Math Component
Overview:
 Measures problem-solving, analytical, and reasoning
skills
 Determines candidates ability to interpret information
from both word problems and graphic formats
 Present problems in a real-life context
Overview (Cont.):
 Total number of questions examined: 48
 Total from Part I (calculator):
24
 Total from Part II (no calculator):
24
 The Casio fx-260 is approved for use during part 1
 Provided at the official GED Testing Center
 Answers are recorded on Standard or Coordinate Grids
GED Math Content Areas
Number Operations and
Number Sense
20-30 %
Measurement and
Geometry
20-30%
Data Analysis, Statistic,
and Probability
20-30%
Algebra, Function, and
Patterns
20-30%
Alternative Format Questions:
 80% of the mathematics questions are multiple choice
 20% requires candidates to construct an answer
 Standard Grid info Sheet
 Coordinate Plane Grid
GED Testing Tips
Let’s Play Football
The CASIO fx-260SOLAR
CALCULATOR
The CASIO fx-260SOLAR On-Line Demonstration
Comparing Difficult Questions for the
Texas Near/Below Candidates
Form 1
:
Form 2:
Form 3:
D
Same
Different
Same
Same
Diff
From the total of 60 questions (3 forms, 20 questions
per form), 48 were the same for both groups, and 12
were different.
Inferences:
•The questions that the Texas Near and
Below candidates find difficult are very
much the same (80%).
•Based on these findings, the most
beneficial strategy for candidates as a
whole would be to develop techniques
for increased performance in targeted
areas.
•The examples created for today are
modeled on the questions analyzed.
Perception -vs- Reality
Reaching success may seem as difficult as scaling
a mountain, but it’s really more similar to taking a
short hike.
To enable a near candidate to become successful,
increase the number correct by only 1 or 2
questions.
To enable a below candidate to become
successful, increase the number correct by only 3
to 5 questions.
Computer World wants to average 25,000 computer sales per month for
the first three months of the year. Computer sales for January and
February are shown in the following graph.
To reach their goal, how many
computers must Computer World sell
in March?
Thousands
60
40
(1) 15,000
(2) 25,000
(3) 30,000
20
(4) 35,000
(5) 60,000
Jan
Feb
Project
Amount
A
$20,720,000
B
$17,600,000
C
$12,480,000
D
$ 5,650,000
E
$
550,000
Which project’s budget was closest to
10% of the total budget?
Visualizing a Reasonable Answer When
Calculating with Fractions
Of all the items produced at a manufacturing plant on Tuesday, 5/6 passed
inspection. If 360 items passed inspection on Tuesday, how many were
PRODUCED that day?
Which of the following diagrams correctly represents the relationship
between items produced and those that passed inspection?
A
produced
passed
B
produced
passed
A marketing company surveyed 800 people
and asked whether they had made internet
purchases. Of those surveyed, 4/5 said that
they had made at least one internet
purchase.
How many of those surveyed had made at
least one internet purchase?
(1)
160
(4)
480
(2)
320
(5)
640
(3)
400
The total budget of $57,000,000 available for road
improvements was allocated among five
projects. One of the projects was awarded 3.25%
of the total budget.
Which is the best approximation of the total
budget that this project received?
(1) $2,000,000
(4)
(2) $5,000,000
(5) $20,000,000
(3) $6,000,000
$16,000,000
Jason shipped two packages. The
heavier package weighed 40 pounds
more than the lighter package, and
together the two packages weighed 300
pounds. What was the weight, in
pounds, of the lighter package?
(1) 130
(2) 150
(3) 170
(4) 210
(5) 260
History of the GED Tests
•To date, there have been four generations of GED Tests:
•The original GED Tests released in 1942, the 1978 series, the 1988 series,
and the current series released in 2002.
• The academic content areas priorities and proficiency have evolved.
A Time for Change
2014 Series: to be released on January 1, 2014.
It’s A Wrap
 Evaluations
Presenters:
Denise Johnson,
LaShondia McNeal, Ed.D.