Chapter Outline

(See pages 52–63)

Follow these steps when you solve word problems:

Step 1: Understand the question—try to put the question in your own words.
Step 2: Use the right information—watch for unnecessary information.
Step 3: Choose the operation—certain key words, phrases, and situations suggest arithmetic operations.
Step 4: Solve the problem—be sure to check your work.
Step 5: Think about the answer—make sure your answer makes sense.

(See pages 63–71)

The following types of problems will appear on the GED Mathematics Test:

Multistep problems require more than one operation to find the solution.
An item set is a passage that gives enough information to produce several questions. To answer each question in an item set, be sure you are using only the information that you need.
A formula is a mathematical rule. A complete list of the formulas that you will need on the GED Mathematics Test is on page 439 in your textbook. To use a formula, substitute numerical values for the words or letters in a formula.
Sometimes answer choices will show a method of solution rather than an actual answer. These answer choices are called set-up answers.

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