Did you know that 93% of adult Americans indicate that they experience some level of math anxiety (Luttenberger et al., 2018)? This anecdote should point to the fact you are not alone if you are nervous about the math section of the GED. Suppose you’ve realized that you have some math anxiety and want to work with it to achieve your highest GED scores. Fret not! This blog will help build confidence and give strategies to succeed in the GED math test.
Understanding Math Anxiety
You may experience math anxiety if you sense yourself fearing math in everyday circumstances, avoiding it, experiencing physical symptoms of stress, or gripping onto a calculator too tightly (this one is a joke, but many do it consistently when a check arrives at their table when dining out). You might be experiencing such symptoms because of negative past experiences, lack of foundational knowledge, a long time without practicing, or societal stigma. You may be nervous about jumping back into practicing math for fear that you’ll get it all wrong, but we want to assure you that with math (and all things), your intelligence is not fixed. It is malleable, and with hard work, you will expand your knowledge and conquer your test-day fears. GED Prep tools will help you succeed in math questions on the GED. You put in the grit, and we’ll ensure you understand math concepts with our GED test prep.
Shifting Your Mindset For GED Math Practice
First things first, let’s talk about some things that will help you absorb all the math information you can.
- Adopt a Growth Mindset—You must trust that your math skills can improve with practice.
- Reframe Your Perspective on Math—Math can be a set of problem-solving skills functional in everyday life rather than a source of anxiety.
- Celebrate Small Wins—Acknowledge your progress along the way, no matter how small, to build confidence.
Practical Tips for Tackling GED Math
Tip 1: Start with the Basics—To build a strong base, focus on foundational math concepts (arithmetic, fractions, decimals). Our GED prep course has lessons and helps you get started.
Tip 2: Break Problems into Steps—Simplify complex problems by tackling them step-by-step.
Tip 3: Use Visual Aids—Tools like graphs, diagrams, and videos make abstract concepts tangible.
Tip 4: Practice, Practice, Practice—Take a GED math practice test and use interactive materials like the ones available through Peterson’s. We have five full practice tests and over 30 interactive lessons, so you can see where your study efforts are making an impact.
Tip 5: Find a Tutor—Personalized guidance can help you grasp GED math concepts. Live online tutoring is available with Peterson’s 3- and 6-month subscriptions.
Tip 6: Leverage Online Resources—Get involved in GED prep online as it caters to the tools you need to succeed in the math section with overviews on:
- Basic operations with numbers
- Integers, divisibility, factoring, and multiples
- Number signs, absolute value, the real number line, and ordering
- Decimals, place value, and scientific notation
- Percents and fractions
- Exponents (powers) and roots
- Ratio and proportion
- Undefined numerical expressions
- Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode, and range)
- Frequency distribution
- Probability
- Setting up and evaluating algebraic expressions
- Linear equations and equation systems
- Algebra word problems
- Algebraic inequalities
- Factorable quadratic expressions
- Functional relationships, including series and patterns
- Parallel lines, transversals, and perpendicular lines
- Properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons
- Properties of circles (area, circumference, interior degree measures)
- The Pythagorean theorem
- Right triangle trigonometry
- Three-dimensional figures (rectangular solids, right cylinders, square pyramids, cones)
- Coordinate geometry
- Systems of measurement for length, area, volume, weight, and mass
Tip 7: Manage Test-Taking Anxiety—Use techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to stay calm during tests. Remind yourself that you have prepared for test day.
Conclusion
Although the math section is considered one of the most challenging sections of the GED, remember that with adequate preparation, you can conquer this test section—giving you confidence in your math skills. You can always retake the GED if you are unhappy with your score. Overcoming math anxiety is possible with time and effort; visualize success before taking the GED math test; apply the tips you read today and explore resources. Remember, your GED journey is about progress, not perfection. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll conquer math anxiety—and the test—before you know it!
