Middle School Math Praxis Practice Test and Prep

Middle School Mathematics Practice Test

Welcome to our Praxis®️ Middle School Mathematics (5169) practice test and prep page. On this page, we outline the content categories and key concepts for the Praxis®️ Middle School Mathematics exam. It is a free resource we provide so you can see how prepared you are to take the official exam.

While this free guide outlines the content categories found on the exam, our paid Praxis®️ Middle School Mathematics study guide covers EVERY concept you need to know and is set up to ensure your success! Our online Praxis®️ Middle School Mathematics study guide provides test-aligned study material using interactive aids, videos, flash cards, quizzes and practice tests.

Will I pass using this free article? Will I pass using your paid study guide?

If you use this guide and research the key concepts on the Praxis®️ Middle School Mathematics exam on your own, it’s possible you will pass, but why take that chance? With our paid study guide, we guarantee you will pass.

Not ready to start studying yet? That’s OK. Keep reading, and when you’re ready, take our free Praxis®️ Middle School practice tests.

In this article, we will cover:

• Middle School Mathematics Praxis Test Information
• Middle School Mathematics Key Concepts to Know
  • Category 1: Arithmetic and Algebra
  • Category 2: Geometry and Data

Middle School Mathematics Praxis Test Information

The Praxis®️ Middle School Mathematics exam is designed to measure the skills and knowledge necessary for a beginning middle school mathematics teacher.

Format:

You will encounter drag and drop questions and table grid questions, as well as selected-response and numeric-entry questions. There are a total of 55 questions on the exam.

Cost:

$130

Scoring:

Scores range from 100 to 200. States and other institutions that are requesting the test set their own passing scores. To find out what these scores are, visit

https://www.ets.org/praxis/states.

Study time:

You can find a study plan here:

https://www.ets.org/s/praxis/doc/studyplan_5169.docx. Use it to plan time to study each of the topics covered on this exam. You will want to plan to take the test a couple months after you register so that you have enough time to review all the topics covered.

What test takers wish they would’ve known:

• There is no penalty for answering incorrectly. If you don’t know the answer, guess.
• All questions ask about the subject in a straightforward manner; there are no trick questions.
• Skip questions that are particularly difficult; you can come back to them later.
• You will be able to use an onscreen graphing calculator during the exam. You can test out the trial version of the calculator here: https://www.infinitysw.com/ets. Make sure you know how to use it before the test.

Information and screenshots obtained from the ETS Praxis®️ website:

https://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials/5169

Middle School Mathematics Key Concepts to Know

The Arithmetic and Algebra content category has about 34 questions. These questions account for 62% of the entire Praxis Middle School Mathematics exam.

This content category can be neatly divided into 3 sections:

• Numbers and Operations
• Algebra
• Functions and Their Graphs

Numbers and Operations

This section tests your ability to manipulate numerical expressions, as well as use ratios and proportions.

Let’s talk about some concepts that you will more than likely see on the test.

Prime Factorization

Prime factorization is breaking an integer down into its prime factors.

For example:

34 can be factored as 2, 17. Since both 2 and 17 are prime numbers (they cannot be factored), 2(17) is the prime factorization of 34.

180 can be factored as 18, 10. Both of these factors can be factored again. For example, 18 can be factored as 9, 2, and 10 can be factored as 5, 2:

180 = 18(10) = 9(2)(5)(2)

Now, all of these factors are prime except for 9, which can be factored as 3

3. Therefore:

180 = 3(3)(2)(5)(2)

Now, let’s group the factors that are duplicates:

180 =2²3²5

2²3²5 is the prime factorization of 180.

Absolute and Relative Error

Absolute error is the discrepancy between the actual value and the measurement you found.

For example, you have 20.2 mL of water in a vial. When you measure the volume of the water, you record the volume as 20.1 mL; therefore, the absolute error in your measurement is 0.1 mL.

However, suppose you estimate the internal temperature of a turkey at 170℉, when the actual temperature is 172℉. The absolute error in this situation is 2℉.

Now we have two different situations. In the first one, the absolute error is 0.1 mL, and in the second one, the absolute error is 2℉. How can we compare these errors since they are in different units?

This is where relative error is useful. Relative error is equal to the absolute error divided by the measurement.

In the case of the vial of water, the relative error =0.1/20.1 ≈005. In the turkey situation, the relative error =2/170 ≈.0118.

This section tests your ability to manipulate numerical expressions, as well as use ratios and proportions.

Let’s talk about some concepts that you will more than likely see on the test.

 

Algebra

This section tests your ability to solve linear equations and inequalities, as well as represent patterns using sequences.

Here are some concepts you should know.

Linear Equations and Inequalities

Take a look at this linear equation in one variable: 5 x– 9 = 4

To solve this equation, we need to isolate the variable x. We can move the -9 to the other side by adding 9 to both sides:

5 x– 9 + 9 = 4 + 9

5 x= 13

Now we can move the 5 to the other side by dividing both sides by 5:

5x/5=13/5

x=13/5

This is the solution to the equation.

Here is a linear inequality

in one variable:

-7 x+ 10 ≤ 31

To solve this inequality, again we need to isolate the variable x. Subtract 10 from both sides:

-7 x+10-10≤ 31 – 10

-7 x≤ 21

Divide both sides by -7:

x≥ -3

*NOTE: When you multiply or divide an inequality by a negative number, you must reverse the inequality (flip the sign).*

We can represent the solution x≥ -3 on a number line. Since this inequality uses the symbol “≥”, the solution includes the value -3 and everything greater than -3. So we shade to the right of -3 on the number line.

Quadratic Equations

Quadratic equations are equations where the variable has degree 2.

Let’s solve the quadratic equation:

5x²+ x = 2

Some quadratic equations can be solved by factoring; however, this equation can only be solved algebraically by using the quadratic formula or by graphing. We will solve using the quadratic formula.

To use this method, first put the equation into the form

ax^2+bx+c=0. To do this, subtract 2 on both sides of the equation:

5x² + x -2 = 0

Now we can see that a= 5, b= 1, and c= -2. We will plug these coefficients into the quadratic formula:

 

Functions and Their Graphs

This section tests your knowledge of functions and their different representations, including notation. You’ll be evaluating functions, modeling with functions, and finding various properties of functions.

Let’s talk about some concepts.

Domain and Range

The domain of a function is the set of inputs that a function can take which produce a real number output.

The range of a function is the set of outputs a function can take on.

Example 1:

2 ≥  x

Therefore, x must be less than or equal to 2. We can write the domain as the interval from 2 to infinity using the notation [2, ∞).

The range of f(x) is the set of values the function can take on. Since the output can never be negative for this function, the range is the set of all real numbers where x ≥0. We can write that in set notation as [0, ∞).

Example 2: Consider the function g( x) = (6x-2)/(3x+12)

This function can take on any value of x and produce a real number output, unless the denominator is zero; therefore, to find the value which is not in the domain, solve the equation 3 x + 12 = 0:

3 x= -12

x= -4

The domain of g( x) is therefore all real numbers where x ≠ -4.

In set notation, this is written as (-∞, -4) U (-4, ∞).

The range of g( x) in this case is all real numbers where y ≠ 2.

You can see this from the graph of the function:

Evaluating Functions

We will look at evaluating functions for a given value using algebraic, graphical, and tabular methods.

Example 1: Consider the function f( x) =-4x²+ 2x + 1. Find f(2).

To evaluate the function algebraically, simply substitute x= 2 into the equation:

f(2) =-4(2)²+ 2(2) + 1 = -16 + 4 + 1 = -11

Therefore, f(2) = -11.

Example 2: Consider the function represented by the graph below. Find f(-1).

To evaluate the function graphically at -1, find the y-coordinate of the point on the graph that corresponds to x= -1.

From the graph, you can see that the y-coordinate of the function at x= -1 is -3.

Therefore, f(-1) = -3.

Example 3: Consider the function represented by the table below. Find f(3).

To find f(3), we need to find the value of the function at x= 3.

By looking at the table, we can see that f(3) = -2.

And that’s some basic info about the Arithmetic and Algebra content category.

Geometry and Data

The Geometry and Data content category has about 21 questions. These questions account for 38% of the entire exam.

This content category can be neatly divided into 2 sections:

• Geometry and Measurement
• Probability, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics

So, let’s talk about the Geometry and Measurement section first.

Geometry and Measurement

This section tests your knowledge of circles, triangles, quadrilaterals, area, volume, geometric transformations, congruence, properties of lines, and measurement.

Let’s take a look at some concepts that you definitely need to know for the test.

Angle Relationships

Angle relationships help us to find missing angles when we are given a diagram, often involving parallel and intersecting lines.

Some important angle relationships are supplementary, complementary, vertical angles, alternate interior angles, and alternate exterior angles.

Supplementary angles are angles whose measures add to 180 degrees. If the angles are next to each other, they will form a straight line.

Complementary angles are angles whose measures add to 90 degrees. If the angles are next to each other they will form a right angle.

For example, if ∡a=48° and ∡b=42°, then angle a and angle b are complementary since they sum to 90°.

Vertical angles are opposite each other on other sides of two intersecting lines. Vertical angles are always congruent (have equal measure).

For example, in the diagram below, angle a and angle c form a vertical pair. Angle b and angle d are also vertical to each other; therefore, we can say that ∡b=∡d and ∡a=∡c .

.

Also, angle a and angle d are supplementary, as are angle a and angle b. Other supplementary pairs are: Angle b and angle c

Angle c and angle d A transversal is a line that cuts through at least two other lines.

When we have transversals that cut through more than one line, they form alternate angles.

Alternate interior angles are on opposite sides of the transversal but inside the two lines being cut by the transversal.

For example, in the diagram below, a and b are alternate interior angles, and c and d are alternate interior angles.

*NOTE: When the two lines cut by the transversal are parallel to each other, then alternate interior angles are always congruent.*

Likewise, alternate exterior angles are congruent if the two lines cut by a transversal are parallel. These are angles on the outside of the two lines, but opposite each other.

For example, in the diagram below, the two lines are parallel which we know by the arrow markings on them.

Angle e and angle h are therefore congruent, since they are alternate exterior angles. Angle g

and angle f are also alternate exterior angles and therefore congruent.

Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem is used to find the missing side of a right triangle.

For the right triangle, where a and b are the shorter sides of the triangle, and c is the hypotenuse, then a²  +  b²  =  c² .

Example 1: Suppose we know one side of a right triangle is 10 cm, and the hypotenuse of the triangle is 26 cm. Find the remaining side.

Let a= 10 cm and c= 26 cm. Then we will use the Pythagorean Theorem to find b:

a²  +  b²  =  c²

10²  +  b ² =  26 ²

b ² =  26 ² –  10 ² =576

b = √ 576  = 24

Therefore, the remaining side of the triangle is 24 cm.

Example 2: Suppose two people start walking from the same point. After 1 hour, Person A has walked 2.8 miles due north. Person B has walked 3.2 miles due east. Find the distance between them at this time.

Since the two people are walking at right angles to each other, we can apply the Pythagorean Theorem. In this case, the distance between Person A and Person B is the hypotenuse of a right triangle.

Let a= 2.8 and b= 3.2. Then a²  +  b ² =  c ² gives:

2.8² +3.2²=c²

18.08 =c²

c ≈4.25

Therefore, Person A and Person B are approximately 4.25 miles apart after 1 hour.

Probability, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics

This section tests your knowledge of statistical measures, probability, algorithms, and charts.

Here are some concepts you need to know.

Measures of Central Tendency

Measures of central tendency help us to determine how data is distributed. We will consider several measures of central tendency below.

The mean of a data set is average value of a data set. This can be found by adding together all of the values and dividing by the total number of values.

The mode of a data set is the value that occurs most frequently in the data set. It is possible to have more than one mode in a data set if several values occur the most.

The median of a data set is the middle value in the set. If there is an even number of data points, there will not be an exact middle. In this case, the median is found by taking the average of the two data points closest to the middle.

For example, suppose that the ages for a group of ten students were collected and are listed below:

9, 11, 13, 11, 8, 7, 13, 9, 9, 12

To find the mean, add the value of the data set and divide by the number of values.

To find the mode and median of a data set, it is helpful to reorder the set from lowest to highest.

7, 8, 9, 9, 9, 11, 11, 12, 13, 13

Now we can see that the mode of the data set is 9, since 9 occurs 3 times, which is more than any other data point.

Since the data set has an even number of values, there are two values in the middle: 9 and 11. To find the median, you must average 9 and 11; therefore, the median of the data set is 10.

Common Features of a Data Set

Other common features of a data set that we consider are range and outliers.

The range of a data set is the difference between the largest value in the set and the smallest value in the set.

An outlier is a data point that is far outside of the normal range of data points. In other words, it is far away from all the other data.

For example, consider the list of speeds of cars on the highway below in miles per hour:

75, 70, 83, 42, 72, 81, 75, 80, 76, 69, 68

First reorder the set from least to greatest:

42, 68, 69, 70, 72, 75, 75, 76, 80, 81, 83

Now we can see that the smallest value in this set is 42, and the highest speed is 83. The range is the largest value minus the smallest value:

Range = 83 – 42 = 41

However, you may have noticed that the speed of 42 was much slower than the rest of the speeds recorded. Therefore, 42 is considered an outlier.

In many cases, the outliers of a data set are discarded so that the range provides a more accurate picture of the data distribution. If the speed of 42 is ignored, then the range of the data set (without that outlier) is 83 – 68 = 15.

And that’s some basic info about the Probability, Statistics, and Discrete

Mathematics content category.

This section tests your knowledge of statistical measures, probability, algorithms, and charts.

Here are some concepts you need to know.

Measures of Central Tendency

Measures of central tendency help us to determine how data is distributed. We will consider several measures of central tendency below.

The mean of a data set is average value of a data set. This can be found by adding together all of the values and dividing by the total number of values.

The mode of a data set is the value that occurs most frequently in the data set. It is possible to have more than one mode in a data set if several values occur the most.

The median of a data set is the middle value in the set. If there is an even number of data points, there will not be an exact middle. In this case, the median is found by taking the average of the two data points closest to the middle.

For example, suppose that the ages for a group of ten students were collected and are listed below:

9, 11, 13, 11, 8, 7, 13, 9, 9, 12

To find the mean, add the value of the data set and divide by the number of values.

To find the mode and median of a data set, it is helpful to reorder the set from lowest to highest.

7, 8, 9, 9, 9, 11, 11, 12, 13, 13

Now we can see that the mode of the data set is 9, since 9 occurs 3 times, which is more than any other data point.

Since the data set has an even number of values, there are two values in the middle: 9 and 11. To find the median, you must average 9 and 11; therefore, the median of the data set is 10.

Common Features of a Data Set

Other common features of a data set that we consider are range and outliers.

The range of a data set is the difference between the largest value in the set and the smallest value in the set.

An outlier is a data point that is far outside of the normal range of data points. In other words, it is far away from all the other data.

For example, consider the list of speeds of cars on the highway below in miles per hour:

75, 70, 83, 42, 72, 81, 75, 80, 76, 69, 68

First reorder the set from least to greatest:

42, 68, 69, 70, 72, 75, 75, 76, 80, 81, 83

Now we can see that the smallest value in this set is 42, and the highest speed is 83. The range is the largest value minus the smallest value:

Range = 83 – 42 = 41

However, you may have noticed that the speed of 42 was much slower than the rest of the speeds recorded. Therefore, 42 is considered an outlier.

In many cases, the outliers of a data set are discarded so that the range provides a more accurate picture of the data distribution. If the speed of 42 is ignored, then the range of the data set (without that outlier) is 83 – 68 = 15.

And that’s some basic info about the Probability, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics content category of the Praxis Middle School: Mathematics exam.