GED Math Vocabulary Guide

This guide provides a comprehensive list of essential mathematical vocabulary and concepts used on the GED exam.

Integer

A whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero.

Fraction

A number that represents part of a whole.

Numerator

The top number in a fraction.

Denominator

The bottom number in a fraction.

Reciprocal

A fraction flipped upside down. Example: $\frac{3}{4}$ becomes $\frac{4}{3}$.

Opposite Reciprocal

The reciprocal with the sign changed. Example: $2$ becomes $-\frac{1}{2}$.

Decimal

A number written with a decimal point.

Percent

A number out of $100$.

Ratio

A comparison between two numbers.

Proportion

An equation showing two ratios are equal.

Variable

A letter that represents an unknown number.

Expression

A math phrase without an equals sign.

Equation

A math sentence with an equals sign.

Coefficient

The number attached to a variable.

Exponent

Shows how many times a number is multiplied by itself.

Square Root

A value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number.

Absolute Value

Distance from zero on a number line.

Inequality

A math statement using $<$, $>$, $\leq$, or $\geq$.

Slope

The steepness of a line.

Y-Intercept

Where a line crosses the $y$-axis.

Coordinate Plane

A graph with $x$- and $y$-axes.

Ordered Pair

A point written as $(x, y)$.

Mean

The average of a set of numbers.

Median

The middle number in a data set.

Mode

The number that appears most often.

Range

The difference between the highest and lowest values.

Probability

The chance that something will happen.

Area

The amount of space inside a shape.

Perimeter

The distance around a shape.

Volume

The amount of space inside a 3D object.

Parallel Lines

Lines that never meet.

Perpendicular Lines

Lines that cross at a $90^{\circ}$ angle.

Radius

Distance from the center of a circle to the edge.

Diameter

A line across a circle through the center.

Circumference

The distance around a circle.

Pi ($\pi$)

A number used with circles, about $3.14$.

Function

A rule where each input has only one output.

Graph

A visual representation of data or equations.

System of Equations

Two or more equations solved together.

Order of Operations

The rules for solving math problems in the correct order (PEMDAS).