Math Skills and Knowledge for Praxis II ParaPro Test Prep Study Guide

Test-Taking Tips For Math Skills and Knowledge Questions

Below are a handful of specific tips for the math section of the ParaPro Assessment.

Use the Answer Choices

Some math problems on the ParaPro Assessment can be very time-intensive—especially if you are not accustomed to solving those types of problems. However, every question on the test will have four answer choices. That means that the correct answer is right there, directly below each question. You can sometimes use that information to take a shortcut and save yourself some time. For example, look at the following algebra problem:

4. If 45 – z = 36, the value of z must be
   1. 7
   2. 9
   3. 11
   4. 81

Maybe you've forgotten the steps needed to solve for a variable (z) in an equation. But you know, based on the given answer choices, that the value of z must be 7, 9, 11, or 81. It may be easier for you to simply plug the values for z from the answer choices into the equation and see which one fits. The number that makes the equation true is the correct answer choice. In this case, only 9 would fit the equation: 45 – 9 = 36 is true, so choice b would be correct.

Recognize the Order of the Answer Choices

The usefulness of the process of elimination can be used on any multiple-choice standardized test. However, the answer choices on the math section of the ParaPro Assessment, when they are in numeric form, will always be in order. Sometimes they will be in order from smallest to largest; other times they will be in order from largest to smallest. Either way, you can use this quirk of the test design to your benefit. How? Look at the following question.

5. If 18 + k = 90, k =
   1. 98
   2. 82
   3. 72
   4. 5

Notice that the numbers in the answer choices are listed from greatest to least. If you were unsure of how to solve this algebra problem, you could use this order to help save you time. In this case, you can start with the number in choice b. Using 82 for the value of k results in the following:

18 + 82 = 90

100 = 90

Using 82 for k gives you a value that is too high. The value of k must be lower than 82. Therefore, you don't even have to try choice a, 98, because it is higher than 82. You can skip right to the number in choice c, 72. You were able to eliminate choice a without even trying it. This can save you valuable time—especially since you will have to take a whole extra section of the test after the math section. The correct answer is indeed choice c, 72: 18 + 72 = 90.

Rewrite the Problem

Many questions on the ParaPro Assessment will ask you to solve for the sum, difference, product, or quotient of whole numbers, decimals, or fractions. For example, a possible question on the test may look like this:

6. 32.13 + 5.8 =
   1. 26.33
   2. 32.71
   3. 37.21
   4. 37.93

Do not try to solve this problem just by looking at it. It's much more difficult to solve a problem written horizontally like this. Rewrite the problem by stacking the numbers to be added, making sure to align them by the decimal value:

32.13

+ 5.8

Now it's much easier to perform the addition. You can just add the numbers in each place value. You should get 37.93, the number listed in answer choice d.

The practice quiz for this study guide can be found at:

Math for Praxis II ParaPro Test Prep Practice Problems