These aren't guesses about what's hard - they come from real answer data in our GED practice course, tracking how test-takers actually did on each question. Some results were striking: one algebra item was answered correctly by only one learner in ten. Here are the six that caused the most trouble, the exact mistake people made, and a fresh worked problem to fix each one.
1. Checking whether a point is on a line
You don't need to graph anything. A point is on a line only if its numbers make the equation true. Take the x-value, run it through the equation, and see if you get the point's y-value.
- A. (0, 4)
- B. (2, 2)
- C. (1, 1)
- D. (3, 4)
Show the solution
Test each x-value. For (2, 2): 3(2) − 4 = 6 − 4 = 2, which matches the y-value of 2. It works. (Check the others and none do: (0,4) gives −4, (1,1) gives −1, (3,4) gives 5.)
Answer: B. (2, 2)
2. Working backward from an average
To hit a target average, work from the total, not the pieces. The total you need equals the average times the number of values. Subtract what you already have, and what's left is the score you need.
- A. 90
- B. 95
- C. 100
- D. 360
Show the solution
An average of 90 across 4 tests needs a total of 90 × 4 = 360 points. The three scores so far add to 88 + 79 + 93 = 260. So the fourth test must supply 360 − 260 = 100.
Answer: C. 100
3. Multi-step equations that go negative
Distribute first, then move the smaller variable term to the other side so you're not fighting a negative coefficient. Keep signs attached to the number in front of them and there's nothing to fear about a negative answer.
- A. x = 5
- B. x = −5
- C. x = −1
- D. x = 10
Show the solution
Distribute: 3x − 6 = 5x + 4. Subtract 3x from both sides: −6 = 2x + 4. Subtract 4: −10 = 2x. Divide by 2: x = −5.
Answer: B. x = −5
Check it: 3(−5 − 2) = −21, and 5(−5) + 4 = −21. A negative answer can be perfectly correct.
4. The square-root question with two answers
When a squared variable equals a number, there are almost always two solutions: a positive and a negative. Both 7 and −7 square to 49, so both are answers.
- A. 8
- B. 32
- C. ±8
- D. ±32
Show the solution
Ask what number times itself gives 64. That's 8 - but also −8, because (−8)(−8) = 64. So x = ±8. (Choice B halves 64 instead of taking the square root.)
Answer: C. ±8
5. Adding polynomials - watch the squared terms
When you add polynomials, combine like terms by adding their coefficients - and the x² terms are like terms too. Line the matching terms up so none gets missed, and remember 5 + 2 is 7, not 3.
- A. x² − 4x − 4
- B. 7x² − 4x − 4
- C. 7x² + 8x − 4
- D. 7x² − 4x − 6
Show the solution
Add matching terms: 4x² + 3x² = 7x²; then 2x + (−6x) = −4x; then −5 + 1 = −4. Put them together: 7x² − 4x − 4.
Answer: B. 7x² − 4x − 4
Choice A is the exact trap from the course data - it subtracts the x² terms (4 − 3 = 1) instead of adding them.
6. Percent off - price vs. discount
A percent-off question has two steps, and the trap is stopping after step one. Find the discount, then subtract it from the original. (Or in one move: multiply by 1 minus the percent.)
- A. $28
- B. $42
- C. $40
- D. $98
Show the solution
The discount is 40% of $70 = 0.40 × 70 = $28. The sale price is $70 − $28 = $42. (Shortcut: paying 60% of the price, 0.60 × 70 = $42.)
Answer: B. $42
Choice A, $28, is the discount - exactly the wrong answer the course data flagged. Always ask whether the question wants the savings or the final price.
Where the points are hiding
Four of these six are algebra - testing points, solving equations, roots and combining terms - which fits the test, since algebra is the majority of GED Math. The other two, averages and percents, are pure "read the question carefully" traps: the math is easy, but the wording decides the answer. Slow down on the setup, and these become some of the most reliable points on the whole test.
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