GED

The Mathematics Test consists of two parts: Part I examines a test-taker’s ability to solve problems with complex calculations in realistic settings. The Casio fx-260 scientific calculator is provided to aid with calculations for this part of the test. The calculator is not provided for Part II, which examines a test-taker’s ability to solve problems using estimation, mental math, and paper and pencil.

Cognitive Levels and Content Areas

Both parts of the Mathematics Test contain 25 items that are drawn from the following content areas and skills:

NUMBER OPERATIONS AND NUMBER SENSE (20–30%)

	Representing and using numbers in a variety of equivalent forms (integer, fraction, decimal, percent, exponential, and scientific) in real world and mathematical problem situations
	Using number sense for whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, and rational numbers
	Analyzing, explaining, and applying ratios, proportions, and percents in a wide variety of situations
	Using order relations for whole numbers, fractions, decimals, integers, and rational numbers
	Selecting the appropriate operation to represent problem situations
	Relating the basic arithmetic operations to one another
	Computing with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers (with a calculator, with no restrictions, and mentally or with pencil and paper with certain restrictions)
	Using, analyzing, and explaining procedures for making estimates with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, and square roots
	Using estimation to solve problems and to assess the reasonableness of the answer

MEASUREMENT AND GEOMETRY (20–30%)

	Modeling and solving problems using the concepts of perpendicularity, parallelism, congruence, and similarity of geometric figures
	Using spatial visualization to describe and analyze geometric figures
	Using the Pythagorean Theorem and similarity to model and solve problems
	Finding, using, and interpreting the slope of a line, the y-intercept of a line, and the intersection of two lines
	Using coordinates to design and describe geometric figures or translations/rotations of geometric figures
	Identifying and selecting appropriate units of metric and customary measures
	Converting and estimating units of metric and customary measure
	Solving and estimating solutions to problems involving length, perimeter, area, surface area, volume, angle measurement, capacity, weight, and mass
	Using uniform rates in problem situations
	Reading and interpreting scales, meters, and gauges
	Predicting the impact of changes in linear dimension on the perimeter, area, and volume of figures

DATA ANALYSIS, STATISTICS, AND PROBABILITY (20–30%)

	Constructing, interpreting, and drawing inferences from tables, charts, and graphs
	Making inferences and convincing arguments that are based on data analysis
	Evaluating arguments that are based on data analysis, including distinguishing between correlation and causation
	Representing data graphically in ways that make sense and are appropriate to the context
	Applying measures of central tendency (mean, medium, mode) and analyzing the effect of changes in data on these measures
	Using an informal line of best fit to predict from data
	Applying and recognizing the role of sampling and the impact of bias on statistical claims
	Making predictions that are based on experimental or theoretical probabilities, including listing possible outcomes
	Using and interpreting a frequency distribution of outcomes
	Comparing and contrasting different sets of data on the basis of measures of central tendency and dispersion

ALGEBRA, FUNCTIONS, AND PATTERNS (20–30%)

	Analyzing and representing situations involving variable quantities with tables, graphs, verbal descriptions, and equations
	Recognizing that a variety of problem situations may be modeled by the same function or type of function
	Converting between different representations, such as tables, graphs, verbal descriptions, and equations
	Creating and using algebraic expressions and equations to model situations and solve problems
	Evaluating formulas and functions
	Solving equations and systems of linear equations
	Recognizing and using direct and indirect variation
	Analyzing tables and graphs to identify and generalize patterns and relationships
	Analyzing and using functional relationships to explain how a change in one quantity results in change in the other quantity, including linear, quadratic, and exponential functions

Test items also examine a test-taker’s capabilities at the following cognitive levels:

PROCEDURAL (15–25%)

	Selecting and applying appropriate procedures correctly
	Verifying and justifying the correctness of a procedure using concrete models or symbolic methods
	Extending or modifying procedures to deal with factors inherent in problem settings
	Using numerical algorithms
	Reading and producing graphs and tables
	Executing geometric constructions
	Rounding numbers appropriately, including rounding up/down to represent a whole number answer as appropriate in a problem situation
	Ordering lists of numbers

CONCEPTUAL (25–35%)

	Recognizing concepts
	Labeling concepts
	Generating examples and/or counter examples of concepts
	Interrelating models, diagrams, and representatives of concepts
	Identifying and applying principles
	Knowing and applying facts and definitions
	Comparing, contrasting, and integrating related concepts and principles
	Recognizing, interpreting, and applying signs, symbols, and terms
	Interpreting assumptions and relations