Basic Concepts
Numbers and Operations
Understanding Numbers
Numbers are the foundation of all mathematics. In GED Math, you'll work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percents.
Types of Numbers
- Whole Numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
- Integers: ... -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...
- Rational Numbers: Numbers that can be written as a fraction.
- Irrational Numbers: Numbers that cannot be written as fractions (like \( \pi \) or \( \sqrt{2} \)).
Basic Operations
The four basic operations are addition (+), subtraction (−), multiplication (×), and division (÷). Mastering these is crucial for solving more complex problems.
Working with Fractions and Decimals
- To add or subtract fractions, make sure the denominators are the same.
- To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators and denominators.
- Converting decimals to fractions and percents helps compare values.
Estimation and Mental Math
Estimation is a useful skill for checking your answers quickly and making smart guesses when needed.
Real-Life Applications
Numbers and operations help you with tasks like budgeting, measuring, and cooking.
Examples
Adding \$12.50 and \$7.30 to find the total cost of groceries.
Dividing a pizza into 8 equal slices and figuring out how many each person gets.
In a Nutshell
Numbers and operations are the building blocks of math, used in every aspect of daily life.