GED Math: Part 1 - How to use the CALCULATOR for the Test

Purely Persistent - GED and HiSET Prep
19 Jul 202115:26

TLDRThis video tutorial guides viewers on effectively utilizing a calculator for the GED Math test, emphasizing its importance in enhancing test performance. It covers basic arithmetic, percentages, fractions, mixed numbers, scientific notation, and powers. The presenter, Michelle, demonstrates each function using a TI-30XS calculator, highlighting its features and offering tips for online and in-person test takers. The video encourages practice with calculator emulators and ends with a motivational message, believing in the viewers' ability to succeed in their math test.

Takeaways

  • 😀 You can use a calculator during the GED Math test, which can significantly help with your preparation and performance.
  • 📘 The TI-30XS is a recommended calculator for practice, as it is likely the one provided during an in-person test.
  • 🔱 Understanding basic calculator functions like turning it on and off, entering numbers, and using the equals key is crucial.
  • 🔄 The toggle key allows you to switch between different modes, such as fractions, decimals, and square roots.
  • 🔱 The order of operations (PEMDAS) is automatically handled by the calculator, simplifying complex arithmetic.
  • 📉 The calculator can convert percentages, fractions, and even mixed numbers, making it easier to solve problems involving these formats.
  • 🔄 To switch between improper fractions and mixed numbers, use the appropriate calculator keys.
  • 📈 Scientific notation is easily handled by the calculator, useful for very large or very small numbers in scientific contexts.
  • 🔱 Powers and roots are quickly calculated using specific calculator functions, simplifying exponentiation and root finding.
  • 📚 Practicing with a calculator, especially using online emulators, can improve efficiency and confidence during the test.
  • đŸ’Ș Encouragement and self-belief are highlighted as important for test success, alongside proper calculator usage.

Q & A

  • What is the main purpose of the video?

    -The main purpose of the video is to teach viewers how to use a calculator effectively for the GED Math test.

  • What does the GED testing service quote imply about passing the GED Math test?

    -The quote implies that passing the GED Math test does not require being a math genius, but rather having the right preparation and knowing how to use a calculator.

  • Which calculator model is recommended for practicing the GED Math test?

    -The TI-30XS calculator is recommended for practicing the GED Math test, as it is likely the model provided by the test proctor for in-person tests.

  • What is the significance of the '2nd' button on the calculator?

    -The '2nd' button on the calculator is used to access secondary functions of other keys, such as turning the calculator off or accessing the percent key.

  • How does the video demonstrate the use of the calculator for basic arithmetic?

    -The video demonstrates typing in an arithmetic expression directly, using the calculator's understanding of the order of operations (PEMDAS), and pressing 'enter' to get the result.

  • Why is using a calculator beneficial during a timed test like the GED Math test?

    -Using a calculator is beneficial because it saves time and reduces the likelihood of making calculation errors, allowing the test-taker to focus on problem-solving.

  • How can the calculator be used to handle percentages in the script?

    -To handle percentages, the video shows using the '2nd' button to access the percent function and then multiplying the percentage by the base number to get the result.

  • What is the process for entering fractions on the calculator as shown in the video?

    -The process involves pressing the 'ND' button to access the numerator and denominator fields, entering the numerator and denominator, and then using the arrow keys to navigate and perform operations with fractions.

  • How does the video explain converting a mixed fraction to an improper fraction on the calculator?

    -The video explains using the '2nd' button to access the whole number with numerator and denominator function, entering the values, and then using the calculator's functions to convert it to an improper fraction.

  • What is scientific notation and how does the calculator handle it?

    -Scientific notation is a way to express very large or very small numbers using powers of ten. The calculator has a specific button for scientific notation, allowing the user to easily calculate and represent such numbers.

  • How can the calculator be used to find powers and roots as demonstrated in the video?

    -The calculator can find powers by using the '^' button for exponentiation and roots by using the square root button or the '2nd' button for cubed roots, followed by the number and the base of the root.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Using a Calculator for GED Math Test

This paragraph introduces the video's purpose, which is to demonstrate the use of a calculator during the GED high school equivalency test. The speaker emphasizes the importance of preparation and the calculator's role in passing the math section. The video will cover basic calculator functions and is aimed at helping viewers who may not have a strong mathematical background. The TI-30XS calculator is highlighted as the model likely to be used during the test, and the video promises to guide viewers through its functions, even if they appear slightly different in an online test setting.

05:02

🔱 Basic Calculator Operations and Fractions

The speaker provides an overview of basic arithmetic operations on the calculator, such as multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction, using the order of operations (PEMDAS). The importance of the negative key is stressed, and the process of calculating percentages is demonstrated. The paragraph then moves on to explain how to work with fractions, including entering and adding them using the calculator's numerator/denominator feature. The convenience of using the calculator for fraction operations is highlighted, especially in the context of a timed test.

10:03

🔄 Converting Mixed Fractions and Scientific Notation

This section delves into handling mixed fractions on the calculator, showing how to input and manipulate them to obtain results in different forms, such as improper fractions or decimals. The speaker also introduces scientific notation, explaining its relevance in scientific contexts for representing very large or very small numbers. The calculator's functionality for converting numbers into scientific notation is demonstrated, as well as converting them back to standard form.

15:04

🔱 Advanced Calculator Features: Powers, Roots, and Encouragement

The final paragraph covers more advanced calculator features, such as calculating powers and roots, including square roots and cubed roots. The speaker illustrates how to use these functions with examples. The video concludes with motivational words, encouraging viewers to believe in themselves and use the calculator effectively to excel in their math test. The message emphasizes self-worth and the importance of confidence in achieving test success.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Calculator

A calculator is an electronic device used to perform arithmetic operations and various other mathematical functions. In the context of the video, the calculator is an essential tool for the GED Math test, helping students to efficiently solve problems within the time constraints of the exam. The script mentions the TI-30XS model, which is likely to be provided during an in-person test or used in an online testing environment.

💡GED Math Test

The GED Math Test is a standardized exam that assesses an individual's mathematical skills as part of the General Educational Development program. The video emphasizes the importance of preparation and the proper use of a calculator to pass this test, highlighting that it is not solely about having a 'math mind' but also about knowing how to utilize tools effectively.

💡PEMDAS

PEMDAS is an acronym that stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), and Addition and Subtraction (from left to right). It is a mnemonic used to remember the order of operations in mathematics. The video script uses this term to explain the sequence in which operations should be performed when using a calculator, ensuring that calculations are done correctly.

💡Percentage

A percentage is a way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100. It is often used in everyday contexts such as discounts, tax rates, and polling data. In the script, the instructor demonstrates how to use a calculator to find what 80% of 75 is, showcasing the calculator's utility in quickly solving percentage problems.

💡Fractions

Fractions represent a part of a whole, expressed as a ratio of two numbers. The video script explains how to input and manipulate fractions using a calculator, which can simplify the process of adding and comparing fractions, a common task in mathematical problem-solving.

💡Mixed Fraction

A mixed fraction consists of a whole number and a proper fraction. The video demonstrates how to convert a mixed fraction into an improper fraction using a calculator, which is a useful skill for simplifying complex mathematical expressions.

💡Scientific Notation

Scientific notation is a way of expressing very large or very small numbers in the form of a single digit times a power of ten. It is particularly useful in scientific contexts where such numbers are common. The script illustrates how to use a calculator to work with numbers in scientific notation, making it easier to handle large or small values.

💡Powers

In mathematics, powers refer to the operation of exponentiation, where a number is multiplied by itself a certain number of times. The video script shows how to calculate powers using a calculator, such as squaring a number (raising it to the power of 2) or finding higher powers.

💡Square Root

A square root is a value that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. It is the inverse operation of squaring. The script mentions using a calculator to find the square root of a number, which is a fundamental mathematical operation.

💡Cubed Root

A cubed root is the inverse operation of cubing a number, where you find a value that, when multiplied by itself three times, equals the original number. The video demonstrates how to calculate cubed roots using a calculator, which can be useful for solving certain types of equations.

💡Toggle Key

A toggle key on a calculator is used to switch between different modes or functions, such as changing from fractions to decimals or toggling between different types of roots. The script highlights the importance of this key for quickly changing settings on the calculator to suit the problem being solved.

Highlights

You can use a calculator during the GED Math test.

Proper preparation, including knowing how to use a calculator, is key to passing the GED Math test.

The TI-30XS is the recommended calculator for practice and likely what will be provided during the test.

Understanding the calculator's functions can significantly improve your test performance.

The calculator's ON button has a secondary function when used with the 2nd button.

The ENTER key functions as the equal sign on the calculator.

Using the 2nd and ANS buttons can recall previous answers.

The toggle key allows switching between different calculator modes such as fractions, decimals, and square roots.

The arrow keys are useful for navigating through equations on the calculator.

Calculators automatically follow the order of operations (PEMDAS).

The negative key is crucial for inputting subtraction in calculator equations.

Calculators can simplify working with percentages, fractions, and mixed numbers.

The calculator can convert improper fractions to mixed numbers and decimals.

Scientific notation is easily handled by the calculator for very large or small numbers.

The calculator has a button for squaring numbers and a separate function for other powers.

Square roots and cubed roots can be calculated using specific calculator functions.

Trigonometry functions, while available on the calculator, are not part of the GED Math test.

Practice with a calculator emulator if you don't have a physical calculator.

Believing in oneself and utilizing the calculator effectively can lead to success on the GED Math test.