To solve a GED equation, undo what was done to x in reverse order: clear parentheses, gather x on one side, add or subtract, then multiply or divide. Do the same thing to both sides. With an inequality, flip the sign when you multiply or divide by a negative number. Then check by substituting your answer.
The short answer
To solve a GED equation, undo what was done to x in reverse order: clear parentheses, gather x on one side, add or subtract, then multiply or divide. Do the same thing to both sides. With an inequality, flip the sign when you multiply or divide by a negative number. Then check by substituting your answer.
What the lab does
Free and interactive, with original practice items. Practice mode gives feedback on each step; test style asks for every answer first, then shows the result and the worked steps. Goes with GEDPilot lesson GP-M03, Equations and Inequalities: Describe, Solve and Check.
Solving one-step, two-step and multi-step linear equations
Distributing and combining like terms
Equations with the variable on both sides
Writing equations from word problems
Solving linear inequalities and flipping the sign for negative multipliers
Graphing inequality solutions on a number line
Checking answers by substitution
Key facts (checked 2026-10-26)
Math share for expressions and equations (GED assessment guide): 30%
Time for the GED Math test (GED.com): 115 min
Where the on-screen calculator is available (GED.com): Part 2
Score needed to pass each GED subject (GED.com): 145
How do you solve equations on the GED math test?
Think of an equation as a balance. Whatever you do to one side, do to the other side, and it stays balanced. Your goal is x alone on one side.
Undo the operations in reverse order of operations. Most linear equations take two to four moves:
Clear parentheses: distribute the number outside to each term inside, then combine like terms.
If x is on both sides, add or subtract an x term so x is on one side only.
Undo addition or subtraction: subtract or add the constant on both sides.
Undo multiplication or division: divide or multiply both sides by the number in front of x.
Check: put your answer back into the original equation. Both sides must come out equal.
When does the inequality sign flip?
Only when you multiply or divide both sides by a negative number. Adding or subtracting never flips the sign, even when the number is negative.
Example: −2x + 1 > 7. Subtract 1: −2x > 6. Divide by −2 and flip: x < −3. Check with x = −4, a number in the answer: −2(−4) + 1 = 9, and 9 > 7 is true. Check with x = 0, a number outside it: 0 + 1 = 1, and 1 > 7 is false. On a number line, x < −3 is an open circle at −3 with the arrow pointing left. A closed circle is used for ≤ and ≥.
How do you turn a word problem into an equation?
Many adult learners say they can solve an equation once it is written, but freeze when they have to build it from a story. Use the same routine every time:
Name the unknown: "Let x be the number of hours."
Sort the numbers: a one-time amount (a fee, a starting balance) is the constant. An amount "per" or "each" multiplies x.
Write the sentence as math: total = rate × x + fee.
Estimate before you solve, so you can spot an answer that makes no sense.
Check the answer in the story, not only in the equation.
What algebra is on the GED math test?
GED Testing Service's assessment guide lists four reporting categories for Mathematical Reasoning. Algebraic problem solving with expressions and equations is 30% of the test, and graphs and functions is another 25%. Its targets include solving one-variable linear equations (with distributing and like terms), solving and graphing linear inequalities on a number line, and writing equations and inequalities from real situations.
The Math test is 115 minutes. GED.com lists multiple choice, drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank, select an area and drop-down questions. The on-screen calculator is available on Part 2; the first several questions do not allow a calculator, so practise simple arithmetic by hand too. You do not need to memorize formulas: a formula sheet is provided. It lists formulas, not solving steps, which is why the moves in this lab are worth practising.
Worked sample questions (original practice, not GED test items)
A phone repair shop charges a $25 diagnostic fee plus $40 for each hour of labor. Mia’s bill was $145. Which equation can be used to find h, the number of hours of labor? Answer: A, 40h + 25 = 145. The $40 is charged for each hour, so it multiplies h. The $25 fee is charged once, so it is added: 40h + 25 = 145. Solving gives 40h = 120, so h = 3. Check: 40 × 3 + 25 = 145. Choice B swaps the fee and the rate, C charges the fee for every hour, and D adds two amounts that do not belong together.
What value of x makes 3(x − 4) = x + 6 true? Answer: C, 9. Distribute: 3x − 12 = x + 6. Subtract x from both sides: 2x − 12 = 6. Add 12: 2x = 18. Divide by 2: x = 9. Check: 3(9 − 4) = 15 and 9 + 6 = 15, so both sides match.
Which describes every solution of −4x + 7 ≥ 19? Answer: B, x ≤ −3. Subtract 7: −4x ≥ 12. Divide both sides by −4 and flip the sign: x ≤ −3. Check with x = −4: −4(−4) + 7 = 23, and 23 ≥ 19 is true. Choice A forgets to flip the sign.
What to do next
Do one practice set, then one test-style set: Practice mode coaches each move. Test style mixes six problem types. In a large trial with seventh-grade math classes, mixed practice beat practising one type at a time on a delayed test (Rohrer and others, 2020). Come back tomorrow and redo any you missed.
Read lesson GP-M03 in the workspace: Equations and Inequalities: Describe, Solve and Check, with worked examples (included with the book or a plan; GP-M01 is the free sample).
Take the free GEDPilot diagnostic: 32 original questions across all four subjects show which skills need the most work. It is practice, not an official score.
Check readiness with the official practice test: Book the real Math test after a green GED Ready result (Likely to Pass, 145 to 200). Too Close to Call (134 to 144) means a little more practice first.
Plan one subject at a time: GED.com lets you schedule the subjects one at a time. At a test center you can retake a subject twice with no waiting period, though your state may add rules. You do not have to do everything at once.
Is algebra a big part of the GED math test? Yes. GED Testing Service's assessment guide lists algebraic problem solving with expressions and equations as 30% of the Mathematical Reasoning test and graphs and functions as another 25%. Linear equations and inequalities show up often, many of them inside word problems.
Do I need to memorize formulas to solve GED equations? No. GED.com says you do not have to memorize formulas; a formula sheet is given at the test center and on screen. The sheet lists formulas, not solving steps, so practise the moves until they feel routine.
When do you flip the inequality sign? Only when you multiply or divide both sides by a negative number. Adding or subtracting never flips it. Reading an inequality from the other side also reverses the symbol: 4 < x means the same as x > 4.
Can I use a calculator to solve equations on the GED? On Part 2 of the Math test, yes: GED.com lists an on-screen calculator for Part 2. The first several questions do not allow a calculator, so keep simple arithmetic with negatives and fractions sharp by hand.
How do I check my answer to an equation or inequality? Substitute it into the original problem and work out each side separately. For an equation, the two sides must match. For an inequality, the boundary number makes both sides equal, a number in your answer makes the statement true, and a number outside it makes it false.
Are these real GED test questions? No. Every item in this lab is original GEDPilot practice. It practises the same skills and the fill-in-the-blank and drop-down formats GED.com lists for Math, but results here are not GED scores and do not predict one.
Independent preparation materials. Not affiliated with or endorsed by ACE or GED Testing Service. GED is a registered trademark owned by ACE. Practice results do not predict an official GED score, and GEDPilot does not guarantee a passing score.