Praxis^® Core Math Practice Test

Praxis Core Math Test Overview

If you are on the journey to becoming an educator, figuring out the requirements to become certified can seem daunting. One step in the right direction is completing your Praxis examination. Regardless of what content area or grade you plan to teach, passing the Praxis exam will help prepare you for the classroom. Because the Praxis test is a comprehensive assessment, you will be required to take tests measuring your content knowledge of reading, writing, and math. There are many different Praxis tests, and the correct ones for your certification are dependent on your state requirements.

Praxis Core Math is part of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators and focuses on data literacy. In August 2020, the Praxis I and Praxis Core Math 5732 were phased out, and the Praxis Core Math 5733 was established. The new test places more emphasis on probability and statistics. The test covers three sections:

• Number and Quantity
• Data Interpretation and Representation, Statistics, and Probability
• Algebra and Geometry.

This computer test lasts for 90 minutes and includes selected-response questions, with one or multiple answers, and numeric entry questions. The test has a total of 56 questions divided over the three sections. Section 1 has approximately 20 questions while Sections 2 & 3 each have 18 questions. To familiarize yourself with the test-taking process, there is a set of pretest questions that do not count towards your score. Test takers can also make use of the on-screen calculator, although it can be less helpful and rather time-consuming if it is used for every question in the test. It is best to always double-check computations to ensure you have entered the correct numbers and avoid mistakes.

What's on the Praxis Math Test?

Each section of the Praxis Math test will assess your ability to understand key mathematical concepts and solve problems using a variety of methods. Questions may require you to use multi-step calculations based on your comprehension of core mathematical processes. The sections may include basic equations, word problems, statistical analysis, graphs, and pictures. The praxis math test specifications table provides a snapshot of what each section will include.

Praxis Math Test Specifications

Number and Quantity

The number and quantity section of the exam focuses on your basic understanding of whole numbers and your ability to use arithmetic to solve problems. The following list describes some of the common problems that you will have to solve within this section:

• Rational number operations: Rational numbers are integers, fractions, and decimals. These questions will ask you to perform basic operations and processes including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and equivalence.
• Ratios and proportions: A ratio is a comparison between two quantities, while a proportion is an equality of two ratios. Questions will address your skills in understanding, writing, and solving problems with ratios and proportions.
• Percentages: Percent means parts per hundred, so percentages are ratios with the second term being 100. Word problems may ask you to calculate, compare, or solve percentage questions.
• Rates: Rates are ratios with different units. For example, a problem asking you to calculate the rate of miles per hour.
• Naming and ordering numbers: These questions will ask you to identify, describe, compare, and order numbers.
• Number concepts: Number concept questions will test your skill on the properties that exist between numbers.
• Identifying counterexamples to mathematical statements: These questions will most likely be true or false statements about mathematical conditions or conclusions.
• Pre-Algebra word problems: For these questions, you will solve real-world problems by creating mathematical expressions.
• Unit reasoning: The Praxis exam assumes you are comfortable with standard and metric unit measurements. It will ask you to convert and solve problems with these units.

Data Interpretation and Representation, Statistics, and Probability

This section of the exam involves visual data representations. You can expect to encounter the following types of questions:

• Data representations: These questions will ask you to create or interpret qualitative and quantitative data in graphic displays.
• Center and spread: Center is typical data measured by mean and median. Spread is a variation of data with range and standard deviation. These questions will ask you to find or compare the mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation.
• Random sampling: Questions on random sampling will test your ability to identify and define valid sampling and population methods.
• Scatterplots: Scatterplots display data to determine relationships. Questions will test your ability to interpret and draw conclusions about the data shown in the scatter plot.
• Interpreting linear model: These questions will ask about the line of best fit, slope, and y-intercept.
• Correlation and causation: Correlation is a relationship between data, while causation is one event causing another to occur. Questions will ask you to identify which has occurred in the data.
• Probability: Probability questions will require you to calculate and compare the chance an event will occur.

Algebra and Geometry

This section of the exam will test your knowledge of algebraic and geometric expressions and equations. Questions may address the following subjects:

• Algebraic properties: These questions will test your knowledge of algebraic laws and order of operations to find/compare variables and values.
• Solution procedures: This section will essentially ask you to show your work or explain how a value is found using algebraic sequences.
• Equivalent expressions: Questions on equivalence will ask you to recognize expressions that have the same value and solve for unknown variables.
• Creating expressions and equations: You will utilize your algebraic skills to translate words into algebraic expressions in this section.
• Algebraic word problems: Interpreting and solving word problems using algebraic expressions.
• Linear equations: This section will have you solve single variable equations in order to make the equation true.
• Quadratic equations: Questions in this section require you to solve for a variable but utilize squares and square roots in the equation.
• Properties of shapes: This will test your knowledge of shape definitions and classifications.
• Angles: Angles are formed by two lines coming from a single point; they are measured in degrees. This section will ask you to define types of angles and calculate their measurements.
• Congruence and similarity: These questions will ask you to compare shapes and determine congruence or similarity.
• Circles: Circle questions will require you to solve for radius, diameter, circumference, or area.
• Perimeter, area, volume: This section will have you apply formulas to solve for perimeter, area, and volume.

Preparing for the Praxis Core Math Test

Once you have decided to take the Praxis Core Math test, it is important to set up a study and preparation plan to ensure your success. Some steps for success are:

1. Find out what is going to be on the test. Some basic information on what you can expect to be tested on is covered earlier in this article. You can also read through the Praxis Core Math 5733 ETS Study Companion. This is like a handbook of everything you need to know to study and take the test.

2. Work out a study plan. Ask questions that will help guide your study schedule: What has worked for you in the past? Are you a visual, auditory, or hands-on learner? How much time do you have to prepare for the test? What should be your main focus when studying? Utilize resources that have been proven to help you retain information.

3. Assess your knowledge. Determine what areas of the test you already know, what you need to brush up on, and what you do not know. Start with the new information and work your way back through the things you already know. This strategy will help you be efficient with your study time to help you gain as much information as possible before you take the test.

4. Study, study, study. Use flashcards, look up videos, practice solving problems, or do a combination of things that work for you. Take practice tests to measure your progress and help you narrow down what you need to study.

5. Take a deep breath and remember to trust yourself. You have prepared and put in the time/effort to successfully take and pass the test!

Praxis Math Study Guides

Luckily there are a number of study materials available to help you prepare for the Praxis Core Math test. There are also a variety of reading materials aimed at helping you pass the Praxis exam. It is very important that you double-check every title you access to ensure that the study material is aimed at the Praxis Core Math 5733 test, as the other versions of this have been phased out. Materials that give you the option to work through practice problems in areas where you may need more help can be beneficial in preparing you to take Praxis Math practice tests.

Praxis Core Math Practice Tests

When you are ready, it is helpful to take a Praxis Math practice test. These practice tests should cover the same types of information you would see on the actual Praxis Core Math exam. Practice tests are a great measure of what you should focus on and study. Using more than one practice test, including Praxis online practice test, and completing them multiple times can show you where you've made improvements over time. Remember, when reviewing the results from your Praxis Math practice test, to carefully read through the answer explanations in order to accurately assess how well you know the content.

Expert Contributor

Amanda Carpenter

Amanda Carpenter, M.S. is an ESL Teacher with 5 years of experience teaching English to students in China. She has also worked as a 5th Grade Teacher in Alabama. Amanda completed an M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction at Western Governors University.