The GED Math Test: About the Casio fx-260 Calculator

!±8± The GED Math Test: About the Casio fx-260 Calculator

To score well on the GED math test, it's important to learn how to use the Casio fx-260 calculator, since it's the calculator used for the official General Education Development Test. To prepare well for the test, it's a good idea to get hands-on practice with this Casio, and to understand which calculator functions the test expects you to know.

The Casio fx-260 is used for Part 1 of the two-part math test, which covers basic algebra and geometry, data analysis and basic number operations. Each one of the two parts has 25 questions, with 45 minutes slotted, or 90 minutes total allowed for the entire GED math test. The Casio fx-260 is distributed by the test site center for Part 1 of the test, and then collected before part 2. Calculators can't be used for Part 2.

About the Casio Calculator

The Casio fx-260 is a scientific calculator. It's more advanced than the simpler or basic calculator models most adults use to balance their checkbooks or to add a grocery bill while shopping. Many of today's high schoolers and even college graduates aren't familiar with the advanced calculators and multiple functions of scientific calculators used in today's technology, science fields and for advanced financial operations. So calculator skills aren't just important for GED students; knowledge of scientific calculators is important to everyone engaged in today's rapidly progressive technological society.

Here are some basics to understand about the Casio fx-260:
Learn the location of the keys. Learn the functions that the keys perform. Use the 'On' button to reset the calculator, or to clear the memory. How to use the 'Clear' and 'All Clear' buttons or functions to clear the last number entered or memory. Using number keys 0-9, and basic operation keys for addition, multiplication, subtraction and division. Learning the location of the decimal point key, equals and percent, and how and when each is used. Using the 'Shift' key -- to change other keys to alternate functions. How the 'Change Sign' and 'Fraction' keys work, and when to use them. How the 'Square' and 'Square Root' keys work, and when to use them. The 'Parenthesis' keys are important, since these keys are used to control the order of mathematical operations. Understanding the keys to raise numbers to another power, and for exponentials -- 'EXP' key -- used in scientific notation.

Does it look complicated? Sure, and the Casio calculator used for the GED test has additional functions that can be used for highly complex mathematical functions.

But don't worry. While it seems like a lot to learn -- and to understand -- the test requires only basic knowledge and application of a few functions. And this knowledge will actually help test candidates solve the test's more complicated problems.

The Casio fx-260 is worth learning. Understanding goes a long way toward reducing "math anxiety" and should improve the final GED Test math score.

For additional GED study tips and math test tips, test information and free resources on the GED test, official testing sites, financial aid and student support, visit http://www.passGED.com. The website also provides links to federal agencies and nonprofits that serve GED students, instructors, corrections students and workforce development programs.