Studying for Math on the GED?
Jasmin wrote in with this question:
Hello my name is jasmin, and I’m working on getting my ged. I just need some advice on how you think I can better myself in the mathmatics field. I used to be able to understand it fully, but now it’s like it goes in one ear and out the other. So I was wondering is you have any tricks to help me with understanding math a little better, as far as algerbra and geometry?
Hola, Jasmine! Well, my special area is reading. And I would definitely say, you should check out Curtis’s blog… he’s got a lot of help for GED math. But I do have some suggestions.
First, math is a step-by-step process. Think of it like building a tower. The higher floors all depend on the base. That means, you need to really know the basic math and the foundations first. If you’re having trouble, try taking a step back to a more basic idea, to build up your background knowledge.
Also–math is about doing but also about understanding. You’re learning a way to solve puzzles and problems. So, always ask yourself–why is the math done this way? Why is this thing true? It’s a lot easier to remember something if you know the ‘why’ of it, than just trying to remember it. Like math formulas. If you know why they’re true, you can remember how to do them.
Now the doing part… practice really helps with math. Here’s a good way to practice. Take a practice problem and write it down. Then, do each step. But don’t just do it. Write down why you’re doing it. This is just like my advice for taking notes or studying other stuff… you’re actively learning. Write yourself instructions for solving the problem as you go. This will help you get the way to solve it “set” in your mind. Here’s an example of what I would do:
The reason this helps is because writing down the steps you’re doing helps you think through the problem and remembering it. If you have someone who can study with you, explaining the problem and how you’re doing it to them can help, too. You’ll learn faster and remember better.
For more math help, check out Curtis’s blog. And let me know how you’re doing!
For more information on the GED test and GED test preparation, visit The GED Academy at http://www.passGED.com.
July 6th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
THAT LOOKS SO HARD i use to know it now I don’t remember anything of it I realy need some help in that area does anyone have any suggestions on how to improve my math skills and where would I go to do that like a web site or something
September 15th, 2010 at 9:43 am
This helped me out alot. I could never understand equations. It looks so hard until you understand it. Thank you so much
September 27th, 2010 at 8:53 am
just continue to learn it and eventually youll get it im now going through a tough time to get this ged down pact and its taking a toll on me now so keep up the good work and dont stop practicing.