Basic mathematics usually makes up the vast majority of the questions on the GED math section. The most pertinent topics within this section include basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, division and multiplication), rational mathematics (fractions, decimal notation and percentages) and basic story problems based on the previous mathematical skills. Generally, the vast majority of these skills have already been explained, at great length, in primary and middle school, and test-takers will need very little refreshing.
The GED test will also encompass basic concepts in high school-level algebra. While algebra may seem to be a second language to most people, it is important to realize that it is nothing more than basic mathematics with unknown quantities involved. The algebraic concepts tested in the GED math section include such topics as variables, exponential and scientific notation, linear-equation graphing, linear equations, polynomials, and positive and negative integers. While these topics may seem intimidating at first, one may easily learn them from any math textbook in a school or public library. The key to learning these concepts is to follow them linearly. Because the topics build upon each other, it is important to gain a firm understanding of each one before moving on to the next.
There are a few simple geometric questions on the GED math section. Outside of exceptionally motivated or gifted young adults, very few high school students actually complete a full geometry course because it is not required. As a corollary, little geometry needs to be known for the GED test. Topics of interest for the test's math section include geometric similarity, properties of triangles, and geometric theorems (such as the Pythagorean theorem). These are generally very simple concepts and, compaed to algebra, very easily learned.