Unit 6 · GED Mathematical Reasoning

Data &
Probability.

Making sense of numbers in charts, tables, and chance.

Start studying← Unit 5All GED units

Topic A: Statistics & Graphs

Center, spread, and reading data displays.

01 — Mean, Median, Mode & Range

Mean, Median, Mode & Range

These four numbers describe a list of data.

  • Mean: the average. Add them up, divide by how many.
  • Median: the middle number after putting them in order. If two middles, average them.
  • Mode: the number that shows up most.
  • Range: biggest minus smallest.
Example: 3, 5, 5, 8, 9 → mean 6, median 5, mode 5, range 6.
Practice — Mean, Median, Mode & Range
Q1 · Short Answer

Find the mean of 4, 8, 10, 6.

Q2 · Short Answer

Find the median of 12, 3, 7, 9, 5.

02 — Charts & Graphs

Reading Charts & Graphs

The GED loves bar graphs, line graphs, circle graphs, and tables. Read the title and labels first!

  • Bar graph: compares groups.
  • Line graph: shows change over time.
  • Circle (pie) graph: shows parts of a whole; the parts add to 100%.
  • Scatter plot: shows if two things are related (positive, negative, or no trend).
Example: A pie chart shows 25% of 200 students walk to school. 0.25 × 200 = 50 students.
Practice — Reading Charts & Graphs
Q3 · Multiple Choice

Which graph is best for showing temperature changes over a week?

Q4 · Short Answer

A circle graph shows 40% of a $500 budget is rent. How many dollars is rent?

Topic B: Probability

Chance, counting, and combined events.

03 — Simple Probability

Simple Probability

Probability is how likely something is, from 0 (never) to 1 (always).

  • Probability: P = (ways you want) ÷ (total ways).
  • As a percent: 1/4 = 0.25 = 25%.
  • Not happening: P(not A) = 1 − P(A).
  • Fair coin: P(heads) = 1/2. Fair die: P(any one number) = 1/6.
Example: A bag has 3 red and 7 blue marbles. P(red) = 3/10.
Practice — Simple Probability
Q5 · Multiple Choice

You roll a fair die. What is the probability of rolling an even number?

Q6 · Short Answer

The chance of rain is 0.3. What is the chance it does NOT rain? (as a decimal)

04 — Counting & Combined Events

Counting & Combined Events

When two things happen, multiply to count all the ways.

  • Counting principle: 3 shirts and 4 pants make 3 × 4 = 12 outfits.
  • Independent events: one doesn't change the other. P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B).
  • Permutation: order matters (1st, 2nd, 3rd place).
  • Combination: order doesn't matter (picking a team).
Example: Flip a coin twice. P(two heads) = 1/2 × 1/2 = 1/4.
Practice — Counting & Combined Events
Q7 · Short Answer

A café has 4 sandwiches and 3 drinks. How many sandwich-and-drink combos are there?

Q8 · Multiple Choice

You flip a coin and roll a die. What is P(heads and a 6)?