Mathematics Test for Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test Study Guide (page 2)

The PPST Mathematics test measures those mathematical skills and concepts that an educated adult might need. Many of the problems require the integration of multiple skills to achieve a solution. This test covers several types of questions, and several types of math. Before you start reviewing math concepts, you should familiarize yourself with the test.

Numbers and Operations

• Order: These questions require an understanding of order among integers, fractions, and decimals.
• Equivalence: These questions require an understanding that numbers can be represented in more than just one way.
• Numeration and place value: These questions require an understanding of how numbers are named, place value, and order of value.
• Number properties: These questions require an understanding of the properties of whole numbers.
• Operation properties: These questions require an understanding of the properties (commutative, associative, and distributive) of the basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
• Computation: These questions require an ability to perform computations, change the result of a computation to fit the context of a problem, and recognize what is needed to solve a problem.
• Estimation: These questions require an ability to estimate and to determine the validity of an estimate.
• Ratio, proportion, and percent: These questions require an ability to solve problems dealing with ratio, proportion, and percent.
• Numerical reasoning: These questions require the ability to interpret statements that use logical connectives or quantifiers, use reasoning to determine whether an argument is valid or invalid, and identify a generalization or an assumption.

Algebra

• Equations and inequalities: These questions require an ability to solve simple equations and inequalities and to guess the result of changing aspects of a problem.
• Algorithmic thinking: These questions require an ability to understand an algorithmic view. In other words, you must follow procedure, understand different ways to solve a problem, identify or evaluate a procedure, and recognize patterns.
• Patterns: These questions require an ability to understand patterns in data, including variation.
• Algebraic representations: These questions require an ability to understand the relationship between verbal or symbolic expressions and graphical displays.
• Algebraic reasoning: These questions require the ability to interpret statements that use logical connectives or quantifiers, use reasoning to determine whether an argument is valid or invalid, and identify a generalization or an assumption.