GED® Test - Mathematical Reasoning - Performance Level Descriptors: GED® College Ready (Level 3)

Sep 14, 2026

Upload by Rhys

GED® Mathematical Reasoning Performance Level Descriptors define what scores at Level 3 (GED® College Ready) indicate for test-takers. The content outlines strong proficiency across number sense and computation, geometric measurement, data analysis and statistics, and algebraic expressions and functions. It further details strong-level abilities in rational numbers, measurement topics such as the Pythagorean theorem and cylinder volume/surface area, and algebra skills including polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, linear inequalities, inequalities in real-world contexts, quadratic equations, and graphing linear functions. It also lists the key focus areas needed to progress toward the GED® College Ready + Credit level.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Performance Level Descriptors

What Your Score Means: Level 3 - GED® College Ready

Quantitative Problem Solving with Rational Numbers

Quantitative Problem Solving in Measurement

Algebraic Problem Solving with Expressions and Equations

Algebraic Problem Solving with Graphs and Functions

Skills to Progress to GED® College Ready + Credit

GED® Test: Mathematical Reasoning Performance Level Descriptors What Your Score Means: Level 3— GED® College Ready Test-takers who score at this level typically have a strong proficiency in demonstrating skills in the following categories: number sense and computation, geometric measurement, data analysis and statistics, and algebraic expressions and functions. Test-takers are generally able to demonstrate knowledge of and ability with the skills identified in the Below Passing level and the Pass/High School Equivalency level, as well as the following skills: Quantitative Problem Solving with Rational Numbers • Simplify numerical expressions with rational exponents at a strong level • Identify absolute value of a rational number as its distance from 0 on the number line and determine the distance between two rational numbers on the number line, at a strong level • Compute numerical expressions with squares and square roots of positive, rational numbers ata strong level • Determine when a numerical expression is undefined at a strong level • Solve arithmetic and real-world problems involving ratios and proportions at a strong level Quantitative Problem Solving in Measurement • Use the Pythagorean theorem to determine unknown side lengths in a right triangle at a strong level • Compute volume and surface area of cylinders at a strong level • Determine radius, diameter, and height of cylinders, when given volume or surface area, at a strong level • Compute volume and surface area of composite figures at a strong level • Use counting techniques to solve problems and determine combinations and permutations at a strong level • Determine the probability of simple and compound events at a strong level Algebraic Problem Solving with Expressions and Equations • Compute with polynomials at a strong level • Factor polynomial expressions at a strong level • Compute with rational expressions • Solve linear inequalities in one variable at a strong level [GEDtestingservice.com](GEDtestingservice.com) • [GED.com](GED.com) GED® and GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education. They may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of ACE or GED Testing Service. The GED® and GED Testing Service® brands are administered by GED Testing Service LLC under license from the American Council on Education. Copyright © 2016 GED Testing Service LLC. All rights reserved. GED® Test: Mathematical Reasoning Performance Level Descriptors What Your Score Means: Level 3 – GED® College Ready (continued) • Solve real-world problems involving inequalities at a strong level • Write linear inequalities to represent context at a strong level • Solve quadratic equations in one variable at a strong level Algebraic Problem Solving with Graphs and Functions • Determine the slope of a line from a graph, equation, or table at a strong level • Graph two-variable linear equations at a strong level • Write the equation of a line with a given slope through a given point at a strong level • Use slope to identify parallel and perpendicular lines and to solve geometric problems at a strong level • Compare two different linear or quadratic functions, each represented in different ways, at a strong level In order to progress to GED® College Ready + Credit level, test-takers need to continue to strengthen the skills listed in the GED® College Ready level, including: -‐ Compute volume and surface area of composite figures -‐ Use counting techniques to solve problems and determine combinations and permutations -‐ Write linear inequalities to represent context -‐ Solve quadratic equations in one variable -‐ Graph two-variable linear equations -‐ Use slope to identify parallel and perpendicular lines and to solve geometric problems -‐ Compare two different linear or quadratic functions, each represented in different ways [GEDtestingservi

FAQs

What does a Level 3 score mean for the GED® Mathematical Reasoning test?

A Level 3 score indicates strong proficiency in demonstrating key mathematical skills across number sense and computation, geometric measurement, data analysis and statistics, and algebraic expressions and functions.

Which rational number skills are emphasized at the GED® College Ready level?

Test-takers should be able to simplify expressions with rational exponents, find absolute value distances on a number line, compute expressions using squares and square roots of positive rational numbers, identify when expressions are undefined, and solve ratio and proportion problems.

What additional skills are required to progress to GED® College Ready + Credit level?

The document highlights continuing improvement in composite figure volume and surface area, counting techniques for combinations and permutations, writing linear inequalities to represent context, solving quadratic equations in one variable, graphing two-variable linear equations, and using slope to identify parallel/perpendicular lines to solve geometric problems and compare linear or quadratic functions.

Sep 14, 2026

Upload by Rhys