PERT Math

Practice Test
with

Solution Guide

Below is a full-length, 30-question, multiple-choice PERT math practice test to help students with preparing for 1
the math section of the PERT. Select the correct answer choice for each question. Upon completion of this
practice test, check the provided answer key. A scoring guide is provided on page 4 and the complete step-
by-step Solution Guide for this practice test is on pages 5 - 9.

DO NOT USE A CALCULATOR WHILE WORKING ON THIS PRACTICE TEST. CALCULATORS CANNOT
BE USED ON MOST QUESTIONS ON THE MATH SECTION OF THE ACTUAL PERT PLACEMENT TEST.

30 PERT MATH PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Evaluate: 2 xy
2
 3 xy  7 if x   4 and y  5 . 2. Solve for y: 4  y  5   y  3   2

a.  147 b.  133 25
a.  b. 5
2

c. 233 d. 1653 19
c. 2 d.
5

4. Solve for x: 0 . 2 2 x  1   0 . 2 x  0 . 08
3. Simplify: 6  4 3 2 x  5   4 x 

a. 4 x  30 b. 8 x  30 a. 1 .4 b. 5

c. 8 x  42 d.  8 x  54 c. 2 d. 0 .3

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 5. Find all solutions of 5  2 x  7  6 . 6. Solve the formula 3 x  4 y  12 , for y.

9
a. x   3 b. x  3 a. 4 y  12  3 x b. y 
4

3
c. x  3 d. x   3 c. y   3 x  8 d. y   x  3
4

x  4 3 8. Set up the equation that can be used to solve

7. Solve the equation: 
x 5 the following: “Eight less than the square of
a number is the same as adding the number
and four.” Use x to represent the unknown number.

a. x   5 b. x   6 a. 8  x
2
 x  4 b. x
2
 8  x  4

c. x  10 d. x  2
c. 2 x  8  x  4 d. 8  2 x  x  4

9. The perimeter of a rectangular swimming pool is 30 10. Jose books for the semester cost $432.00.
meters. The width of the pool is 3 meters less than How much tax will he pay if the tax rate is 7%?
its length; find the width of this swimming pool.

a. 10 meters b. 9 meters a. $61.71 b. $28.00

c. 6 meters d. 3 meters c. $302.40 d. $30.24

11. Simplify:  8 x 4
y
3
 6 xy  7
12. Write the number 34,120,000 using scientific
notation.

a.  48 x y
4 7
b.  48 x y
4  10

a. 3 . 412  10
7
b. 3 . 412  10
7

4
48 x
5
 48 x c. 34 . 12  10
7
d. 34 . 12  10
6

c. 4
d. 3
y y

2
9 x y  12 xy
2
 3 xy 14. Subtract: 7 x 3
 6x
2
 
 2x  5x
2
 8x  3 
13. Divide:
3 xy

a. 7 x 3  11 x 2  6 x  3 b.  3 x
a. 6 x  9 y b. 3 x  4 y

c. 3 x  4 y  1 d. 3x
2
 4 y  xy c. 7 x 3  11 x 2  10 x  3 d.  4 x 3  10 x  3

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 15. Multiply: 2 m  5 n 4 m  n  16. Multiply: 4 n  3
2

a. 8m
2
 5n
2
b. 8m
2
 18 mn  5 n
2
a. 16 n
2
 9 b. 16 n
2
 24 n  9

c. 8m
2
 5n
2
d. 8m
2
 18 mn  5 n
2
c. 16 n
2
 9 d. 8n
2
 6

17. Find the product for 2 k 2


 6 k  9 k  3  18. Factor completely: 4x
2
 16

a. 2k
3
 12 k
2
 9 k  27 b. 2 k 3  9 k  27 a. 2 x  4 2 x  4  b. 2 x  4  x  4 

c. 2k
3
 12 k
2
 27 k  27 d. 2 k 3  9 k 2  9 k  27 c. 4  x  2  x  2  d. 2 x  4  x  4 

19. Factor completely: 9x

2
 30 x  25 20. Factor completely: 4x
3
 12 x
2
 x  3

a. 3 x  5
2
b. 3 x  5
2
a.  x  3 4 x 2
1  b. 4x
2
x  3

c. 3 x  5 3 x  5  d. 9 x  5  x  5  c. 4 x  3  4 x  2
1  d.  x  3 2 x  1 
2

21. What is one factor of the trinomial 3 x 2  2 x  8 ? 22. What is one solution of 4 a 2  20 a  0 ?

a. x  2 b. 3 x  2 a. a   20 b. a   5

c. x  8 d. 3 x  4 c. a  4 d. a  5

2 2
23. Solve the equation: x  10 x  24  0 x  4x  4
24. Simplify: 2
x  5x  6

a. x   12 or 2 b. x   6 or  4 4x  4 x  2
a. b.
5x  6 x  3

c. x  6 or 4 d. x  2 or 12
2 x  2
c. d.
3 x  3

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 25. Simplify: 27 a b
8 7
26. Multiply:  6  4  6  4 
a. -10 b. 20
a. 3a b
4 3
3b b. 3a b
2 3
3a b
2

c. 22 d. 6  16
c. 3a b
3 3
3 d.  3a b
2 3
3a b
2

27. Solve the system of two equations for y: 28. Find the x-intercept for the graph 4 x  3 y   12
x  y  8
2x  y  10
a. 4 ,  3  b.  3 , 0 

a. y   4 b. y  6

c. 0 ,  3  d.  3 , 4 
c. y  4 d. y  2

29. Find the slope, m, of the line passing through the 30. Find the standard form of the equation of a line
points  4 ,  3  and 0 ,  2  that passes through the points 1 , 3  and  2 , 5 .

a. y  4 x  3 b. 2 x  3 y  11
2
a. m   b. m  8
3
4
c. y   x 1 d. 2 x  3y  4
1 3
c. m  4 d. m 
4

ANSWER KEY

Question 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Answer a c d a b d c b c d c a c a b b b c a a d b c d a a d b d b

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 The scoring guide below gives you an indication of your possible score on the actual PERT Math Test. Find
the total correct in the # correct line, then see below to find your possible PERT Math score and suggestion.

SCORING GUIDE FOR PERT MATH PRACTICE TEST

PASSING (CREDIT MATH) SCORE RANGE: 113 - 150

LEVEL I LEVEL II LEVEL III

# correct 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Possible
PERT Math 50 - 59 60 - 69 70 - 79 80 - 89 90 - 99 100 - 109 110 - 119 120 - 150
Score

Your score is in the mid range; you

Your score is in the high range;
may need more preparation before
you may not need additional
Your score is in the range that suggests you need additional preparation taking the actual PERT math test.
preparation before attempting
before attempting the actual PERT math test. Please take advantage of the Please take advantage of the
Suggestion the actual PERT math test.
solution guide provided below and any other resource(s) that will help you with solution guide provided below and
Please review the ones, if any,
your preparation for the test. any other resource(s) that will help
you got incorrect and make note
you with your preparation for the
of your mistakes.
test.

PERT Math Practice Test - Solution Guide

Below is a complete solution guide with step-by-step explanations of answers to the PERT Math practice test.

1. To evaluate 2 xy
2
 3 xy  7 , replace x with -4 and y with 5 and 2. To solve 4  y  5   y  3   2 , remove ( ), collect like
use the order of operations, G E MD AS, to simplify. terms, and use the properties of equality to solve.

Substitute to get:
Do exponents to get:
Multiply to get:
Add/subtract to get:
Choice a. 147
2  4 5   3  4 5   7
2
G E MD AS Distribute to get: 4  y 5  y 3  2
Put 1 in front of ( ) to help with distribution
2  4 25   3  4 5   7
Grouping symbols first
( ) [ ] { }
absolute value Collect like terms: 2y  6  2
200  60  7
Exponents next Move 6 to opposite side: 2y  2  6
147
Working left to right, when you move to the opposite, change to the opposite sign
Multiply or Divide,
2y 4
whichever comes first 
Divide by -2, the multiplier of y:  2  2
Working left to right, y  2
Add or Subtract,
whichever comes first
Choice c. y  2

3. To simplify the expression 6  4 3 2 x  5   4 x  , work inside [ ] 4. To solve 0 . 2 2 x  1   0 . 2 x  0 . 08 , clear decimals by multiplying

to simplify expression, then distribute – 4 and continue to collect by 100, then continue to use the properties of equality to solve.
like terms.
Multiply by 100 to remove decimals from the equation:
Distribute 3 to (2x + 5) 6  4 6 x  15  4 x  100  0 . 2 2 x  1   100  0 . 2 x   100  0 . 08 

Combine like terms inside [ ] 6  4 2 x  15  Result after multiplying by 100: 20 2 x  1   20 x  8

Distribute -4 to [2x + 15] 6  8 x  60 Distribute 20 to (2x - 1): 40 x  20  20 x  8

Combine like terms 8 x  54 Move like terms to the same side: 40 x  20 x  8  20

Combine like terms to get: 20 x  28

Choice d. 8 x  54 20 x 28 14
Divide by 20 and simplify fraction:  
20 20 10

x  1. 4
Choice a. 1 .4

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 5. To solve the inequality 5  2x  7  6 , use the properties of 6. To solve the formula (literal equation) 3 x  4 y  12 , for y,
inequalities,  ,  ,  ,   to solve. use the properties of equality to isolate y.

Move 5 and 7 to opposite side: 2 x  6  5  7 3 x  4 y  12

Move 3x to the opposite side: 4 y   3 x  12
Simplify right side: 2 x  6
opposite side, opposite sign
2 x 6 4y 3 x 12
Divide by - 2:  Divide all terms by 4 to isolate y:  
 2  2 4 4 4
3
x  3 y   x  3
4

Note: when dividing by a negative number in an inequality, you

must reverse your inequality symbol.
3
Choice d. y   x  3
4
Choice b. x  3

x  4 3 8. To translate “eight less than the square of a number is the same

7. To solve the proportion  , use cross multiplication and as adding the number and four,” change the following phrases
x 5
solve the resulting equation. into math expressions.

x  4 3 “eight less than the square of a number” translates to: x 2  8

Cross multiply: 
x 5 “is the same as” translates to: =

“adding the number and four” translates to: x  4

Result after cross multiplying: 3x  5 x  4 

Now, putting these expressions together gives: x 2  8  x  4

Distribute 5 to ( ): 3x  5 x  20

Move 5x to opposite side: 3x  5x   20

Combine like terms: 2 x  20

2 x 20 Choice b. x 2  8  x  4
Divide by -2: 
 2  2

x  10

Choice c. x  10

9. To solve this word situation, sketch a diagram, set up an 10. To find the amount of tax to be paid on $432.00 at a 7% rate,
equation, solve the equation and answer the question. multiply $432 by 0.07, the decimal for 7%.

x
Find 4 3 2  0 .0 7
Diagram:
(x – 3)
2 1
4 3 2
 7
Set up equation: 2 x  3   2 x  30 Answer will need two decimal places because we are
3 0 2 4 multiplying by 0.07

2 x  6  2 x  30
So the tax is $30.24.
4 x  6  30
Solve the equation: 4 x  3 0  6
4x 36

4 4 Choice d. $30.24
x  9

Use 9 to replace x in the expression (x – 3) to get (9 – 3) = 6 meters.

Choice c. 6 meters

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 12. To write 34,120,000 using scientific notation, use the scientific
11. To simplify   8 x 4 y 3    6 xy  7  , use the rules of exponents.
   notation form, M  1 0 n where M is a number less than
or equal to 1 and n is an integer.

Multiply:  8  6   48 and x
4
 x  x
5
and y
3
y
7
 y
4 Place the decimal point between 3 . 4 then count to the right,
the number of places, 7, to get to the original decimal position.
5 4
Putting these together we get: 48 x y which rewrites to
Scientific notation: 3 . 412  10 7
5
48 x
when using positive exponents.
4
y
Exponent Rule:
When multiplying with the
same base, add exponents The exponent 7 is positive because we
5
48 x Choice a. 3 . 412  10 7 counted to the right, a positive direction
Choice c.
4
y
Negative exponent moves
the quantity to the opposite
direction in a fraction.

2
9 x y  1 2 xy
2
 3 xy 14. To subtract these polynomials, use the distributive property
13. To divide , separate the expression and to remove ( ), then combine like terms. Insert 1’s in front
3 xy
of ( ) to help with the distribution.
divide each term as follows:

2 2
1 7x  3
 6x
2

 2x  1 5x  2
 8x  3 
9x y 1 2 xy 3 xy
Divide each term by 3xy:   3 2 2
3 xy 3 xy 3 xy 7x  6x  2x  5x  8x  3

3 2
7x  11 x  6x  3
3x  4y  1

Exponent Rule:
When dividing with
Choice a. 7 x 3  11 x 2  6 x  3
Choice c. 3 x  4y  1 the same base,
subtract exponents

15. To multiply 2 m  5 n 4 m  n  , use the distributive property.
Distribute each term from the 1st ( ) to the 2nd ( ):
2 m 4 m  n   5 n 4 m  n 
16. To multiply 4 n  3 2 , use the special product technique of
squaring a binomial to get a Perfect Square Trinomial (PsT),
2 2
a  2 ab  b .

Thus 4 n  3  = 4 n   2 4 n  3    3 
2 2 2
Distribute 2m and -5n to each ( ): 8m
2
 2 mn  20 mn  5 n
2

Combine like terms: 8m

2
 18 mn  5 n
2
= 16 n2  24 n  9

Perfect Square Trinomial (PsT)

Choice b. 8 m 2  18 mn  5 n 2 Choice b. 1 6 n 2  2 4 n  9
Form: a 2  2 ab  b 2

17. To find the product for  2 k 2  6 k  9  k  3  , use the 18. To factor 4 x 2  16 completely, first factor out the GCF, then
  factor using the Difference of Squares (DoS) method.
distributive property to multiply.

Distribute each term from the 1st ( ) to the 2nd ( ):

Factor out GCF: 4 x 2  4  
2k
2
k  3   6 k k  3   9 k  3 
Factor DoS:  4   x  2  x  2 
2
x

3 2 2
Distribute to each ( ): 2k  6k  6k  18 k  9 k  27
Rewrite final answer: 4 x  2 x  2 
GCF: Greatest Common
Factor
3
Combine like terms: 2k  9 k  27
Choice c. 4 x  2 x  2 
Difference of Squares (DoS)

Form: a 2  b 2
3
Choice b. 2 k  9 k  27

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 19. To factor completely: 9 x 2  30 x  25 , use the Perfect Square 20. To factor 4 x 3  1 2 x 2  x  3 , use the grouping method of
Trinomial (PsT) method. factoring.

 9 x 2  3 x 3 x 

Perfect square? (yes) Group in pairs: 4 x 3
 12 x
2
  x  3 


Check:   2 5    5   5  Perfect square? (yes) Use GCF to factor each pair: 4 x 2  x  3   1  x  3 


  3 0 x  2 3 x   5 

Twice the product of the things being
squared, 3x and –5? (yes)
Use GCF with x  3  : 4 x 2

 1 x  3 

Hence 9 x 2  30 x  25 is a perfect square trinomial (PsT), so we

can factor as follows: 3 x  5 2 Choice a. 4 x 2

 1 x  3 

Choice a. 3 x  5 2

21. To find one factor of the trinomial 3 x 2  2 x  8 , find the 22. To solve 4 a 2  2 0 a  0 , factor the left side of the equation,
master product, 3  8    24 , then find the two factors use the Zero Factor Property (ZFP) to set each factor = 0
whose product is  2 4 and sum  2 : - 6 and 4. Use the and solve for both values of a.
factors – 6 and 4 to split up the middle term, then factor
by grouping. Factor: 4 a a  5   0

Use – 6 and 4 to split up the middle term: Use ZFP: 4a  0 or a  5  0

2
3x  6x  4x  8
4a 0
Use grouping to finish factoring: (see question 20)  a  0  5
Solve for a: 4 4 or
3 x 2

 6 x  4 x  8  a  0
a  5

3 x x  2   4 x  2 
Thus one solution is a  5
Zero Factor Property (ZFP)

x  2 3 x  4 
If a  b  0 , then
Choice b. a  5
a  0 or b  0 .

Choice d. 3x  4

23. To solve the equation x 2  10 x  24  0 , use the three steps x

2
 4x  4
24. To simplify , use the process outlined below.
outlined below: x
2
 5x  6

Factor: x  4 x  6   0 Factor numerator: x  2  x  2 

Use ZFP: x  4  0 or x  6  0 Factor denominator: x  3  x  2 

Solve for x: x  4 or x  6 Cancel common factor (x - 2) to get:

Factoring x 2  10 x  24  0
1
Since x  2  x  2  x  2
=
Choice c. x  6 or 4
(-6)(-4) = +24 and - 6 + (- 4) = - 10 x  3  x  2  x  3
1

Use -6 and -4 in the pair of

factors, see step 1 on left. x  2
Choice d.
x  3

25. To simplify 27 a b
8 7
, rewrite 8
27 a b
7
as 8
9a b
6
3b , 26. To multiply  6  4  6  4  , use the special product method
to multiply and obtain the difference of squares.
then take the square root of 9a b
8 6
to get 3 a 4 b 3 .

Then rewrite 27 a b
8 7
as 3 a 4 b 3 3 b .
 6 2
 4
2
 6  16  10

Choice a. 10
Choice a. 3 a 4 b 3 3 b .

+24
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 27. To solve the system for x, use the elimination method. 28. To find the x-intercept for the graph 4 x  3 y   12 , replace
x  y  8 y with 0 and solve for x.
2x  y  10

Replace: 4 x  3 0    12
Add the two equations to eliminate the y variable and solve for x.
3x 18 4x 12
 Solve for x: 
3 3 4 4
x  6
x  3
Now replace x with 6 in the first equation, x  y  8 , and
solve for y.
Choice b.  3 , 0  .
6  y  8
y  8  6
y  2

Choice d. y  2

y2  y1 30. To find the equation of the line passing through 1 , 3  and

29. To find the slope, m, of a line, use the formula m 
x2  x1  2 , 5 , find the slope, m, and use the point-slope formula,
x1 y1 x2 y2 y  y 1  m x  x 1  , to get the equation of the line.
with the points  4 ,  3  and 0 ,  2 
5  3 2 2
Find slope: m    
 2   3   2  3 1  2  1  3 3
Slope: m   
0   4  0  4 4 Use y  y 1  m x  x 1  with the slope and one point to get:
2
y  3   x  1
3
 2 
Multiply by 3 to clear fraction: 3 y  3   3    x  1 
 3 
Distribute to get: 3 y  3    2  x  1 
1
Choice d. m  Move 2x and -9 to get: 3y  9   2 x  2
4
2 x  3y  2  9

Add numbers to get: 2 x  3 y  11

Choice b. 2 x  3 y  11

PREPARED BY: The PERT Test – Center for PERT Readiness
NOTE TO STUDENTS: The intent of this PERT math practice test and solution guide is
to help students review and refresh forgotten math skills. Due to the condensed nature of
this guide, we provided only one method to solving these types of math exercises.
Neither the preparer nor editor is responsible or liable for the use/misuse of the
information provided in this practice test and guide.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2013. No part of this document may be reproduced or utilized in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by
any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Terms & Conditions: Only one student can download this packet on one computer and
only one printed copy can be made for personal use.

9
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 PERT Math
Study Guide
‘your PERT math companion’

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 PERT Math Success Tips

PERT Math Overview

The math subtest of the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT or P.E.R.T.) has 30 multiple
choice questions. The test is computer adaptive, meaning that the computer program chooses your
next question based on your previous answer. Students are not allowed to go back after answering
a question. Students cannot use a calculator for most questions on this test. An on-screen pop-up
calculator is made available for a few questions. Test questions on the math subtest range from
arithmetic through college algebra. There is no time limit for completing the math subtest. Students
in high school can take or retake the PERT a maximum of two times and college students are also
given a total of two attempts to take or retake the PERT.

Upon completion of the test, students are awarded a score between 50 to 150 points. A high score on
the PERT math subtest is 113 points or higher – this is the score range that shows college and career
readiness. High school students with a high score on the math subtest will not need to do remediation
during their senior year. College students with a high score on the math subtest will be allowed to
register for college-level math courses and do not need to do remediation (MAT0018, MAT0028 or any
MAT00_ _) at the start of their college education.

PERT Math Success

The PERT Math subtest has shown to be the most challenging section for most students with almost
80% of students receiving low scores, less than 113 points, on the test. This is the main reason for
giving success tips to help students with scoring high on this very important test.
The key to success on the math section of the PERT is PREPARATION! Students should not take
or retake this test without knowing the level of difficulty and types of questions that are on this test.

Before taking your test

 Practice before you take your test! Use as many resources as possible to practice and refresh
your skills before taking the actual test and keep a positive attitude while preparing
 Practice your multiplication – no calculator allowed for most questions on the test
 Refresh and develop your arithmetic skills – whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, order
of operations, signed numbers, and word situations
 Refresh and develop your algebra skills – equations, formulas, inequalities, exponents, polynomials,
factoring, quadratic equations, graphing, slope, radicals, rational expressions, and word situations

Test day – taking your test

 Schedule ample time to take your test – at least 90 minutes is a highly recommended guide
 Make sure you are not tired or hungry – many students earn low scores because of these factors
 Read the directions and each question carefully – known to increase test scores
 Take your time on each question – for accuracy, re-do each question (three or four times if necessary);
also remember, THERE IS NO TIME LIMIT FOR THIS TEST
 Keep calm throughout the test – nervous feelings usually subside shortly after starting
 Keep a positive attitude while taking your test – known to increase test scores
 Most of all – STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR TEST – do not worry about others finishing quickly – fast
test takers are known to earn lower overall scores

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 After taking your test
High School students: you will receive a score and a possible math preparation class(es) – see below

Score Class Requirement Class Explanation

50 – 95 Math for College Success Additional math preparation class(es) needed to meet
96 – 112 Math for College Success the state’s standard for graduation.

Additional math preparation class needed to meet the

113 – 122 Math for College Readiness
state’s standard for graduation.
123 – 150 Advanced Math No additional math class required

College students: you will receive a score and a math course placement – see table below

Score Course Placement Course Credit Explanation

50 – 95 MAT0018 – Developmental Math I Math Prep (No credits awarded towards your degree)
MAT0028 – Developmental Math II
96 – 112 Math Prep (No credits awarded towards your degree)
or any MAT00_ _ course

113 – 122 MAT1033 – Intermediate Algebra Awards 3 elective credits towards your degree

123 – 150 College Algebra of higher Awards 3 math credits towards your degree

YOUR GOAL IS TO SCORE HIGH ON THE PERT – OUR GOAL IS TO GET YOU THERE!

Your Answers to the PERT -:- Practice before you test!

2
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Provided below are the main topics on the PERT math section. A Concept-Guide, Exercise Set, Additional Math Resources and Answer Key are provided to help
you with preparing for the math section of the PERT test. CAUTION: DO NOT USE A CALCULATOR WHILE WORKING ON THESE PRACTICE EXERCISES.
CALCULATORS CANNOT BE USED ON MOST QUESTIONS ON THE PERT MATH TEST.

Concept-Guide Exercise Set

Topic 1: Signed Numbers

Perform the indicated operation.
Rule for multiplying and dividing signed numbers

1. An even (0, 2, 4, 6, . . . ) amount of negative signs

1)  1 24 2)  9 2 3)  9 2 4)  3  2  4 
gives a positive (+) answer

2. An odd (1, 3, 5, 7, . . . ) amount of negative signs

gives a negative (-) answer 36 8 2 15 9 15
5) 6) 7)   8) 
 4  48 5 8 16 8

Rule for adding and subtracting signed numbers 4 1

9) 2 . 7  1 . 4  10)   11) 7 .6 1  1 9 .3 12) 16  21  28
5 3
1. Same signs: add and keep sign
3
2. Two different signs: subtract and keep sign of larger 2 3 3 .2 4
13)   14) 2 4   15)  16)  4 . 68   0 . 9 
3 8 4

Topic 2: Order of Operations

Simplify each expression.
ORDER OF OPERATIONS (G E MD AS)

G: Work within Grouping symbols first ( ), [ ] , { }, 6  1 6   2 

1) 12  24  3  2  8 2)  5 2  4 2  3 
3)
2 2
division 3  5
absolute value,
bar

E: Compute Exponents

MD: Multiply or Divide left to right (whichever comes first) 4)  15  21   3  2

3
 17 5) 20  18  3  2   8  6)  1  5 2  3 7  4 2
AS: Add or Subtract left to right (whichever comes first)

Topic 3: Evaluating Algebraic Expressions and Formulas

Evaluating Expressions 1
Find the value of each expression if x  6 , y  6 , z  
2
Substitute and carefully follow the order of operations to find
2
the value of the expression  6  xy
1) 2) 9 x  8 yz  7 y 3) 4 z 2  3 xz  5 z
x  y
* It is best to use ( ) when you substitute.

Find the value of each formula if a  14 , b  5 , c  1

Evaluating Formulas

Substitute and carefully follow the order of operations to find 1

the value of the missing variable 4) P  2 a  2 b 5) A  ab 6) D  b 2  4 ac
2

Topic 4: Solving Equations, Formulas and Inequalities

Solve each equation.

Guide for Solving a linear Equations

1. Clear all fractions and decimals by multiplying by the LCD 1) 2   x  3   7 2) 5 y  2  4 y  0 3) 4 y  5   2 y  5 

2. Distribute to remove all ( )

3. Move (  ,  ) to get variable terms on one side and

2 2 1 1 7 x  3 x
numbers on the other side, then simplify 4) y 5  y  4 5) x     x 6) 
3 5 5 2 10 4 7
* when you move a term to the opposite side, you must use the
opposite sign

4. Divide on both sides by the coefficient on the variable 8) 0 . 03 2 x  1   0 . 1 x  0 . 08

7) 0 .1 x  0 .8  0 .3 x  0 .6

3
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 Solve each formula for the indicated variable.

For Formulas
9) P  2 l  2w , solve for w 10) Ax  By  C , solve for y
Use the Guide for Solving Equations above to isolate the
indicated variable
a  b  c
11) I  Pr t , solve for P 12) S  , solve for b
3

Solve each inequality. (Remember to reverse inequality if you divide by a negative)

Solving a linear inequality

Solve using the Guide for Solving (see above), however, if 13) 22  6 x  2 x  6 14) 3 2 x  5    2 x  1
division or multiplication by a negative number (step 4 in the
Solving Guide) is performed, then the inequality symbol
MUST be reversed.

Graphing inequality

x  a 15) 0 .6 x  5  2 x  0 .8 16) 5  4 x  1   16
x  a

x  a
x  a

Topic 5: Exponent Rules

Simplify each expression.
Exponent Rules

a
m
 a
n
 a
mn
multiply: add exponents x y
7 9
x 8 9 2

1)
xy
8 2)  2 xy  6
4
3)
x
10
y
y
5
m
a m n
 a , a  0 divide: subtract exponents
n
a

a  m
n
 a
m n
exponent to exponent: multiply exponents 7 9
a b 6 9
5)  5x y
3 8 6)
4) 2 ab 4
10 x y
a  b
n
 a b
n n
product with exponent: distribute exponent

n n
a  a quotient with exponent: distribute exponent
   ,b  0
n
b b

0 th
a  1, a  0 any non-zero quantity raised to 0 exponent = 1
x y 
3
3 9 2
 2x7y 8 
7) 3 m n  2 2
8)   9)
1
 6 xy

9 
 x y 2 5

a
n
 , a  0 negative exponent on top of fraction goes to
n
a
bottom and becomes positive and vice versa

Topic 6: Polynomials
Perform the indicated operation.
Add/Subtract Polynomials

Remove all (
terms
) using distributive property and collect like
1) x 2
y  4 xy  y
2
  7 xy  2y
2
 3    
2) 5 x 2  5 x  6  2 x 2  3 x  4 

Multiply Polynomials 
3)  3 x 2 x 3  5 x  2  4) y  8  y  4  5) 3 x  5 3 x  5 

Monomial factor: distribute to multiply each term inside ( )

Binomial factor: use each term in first ( ) to multiply all terms

in second ( ) 6) 2 n  3 4 n  5  7) 4 x  3
2
8)  x 2  3   x 2  6 
  

Divide Polynomials: for monomial divisor

4 3 2
 
4 3
9x  6x  12 x 8x y  6 x y  xy
Use the divisor in the denominator to divide each term in the 9) x  4 x
2
 3x  3 10) 2
11)
3x 2 xy
numerator

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Topic 7: Factoring
Use the GCF to factor each expression.
GCF Factoring
2 2
Factor out the greatest factor common to all terms 1) 3 x 5  15 x 3  3 x 2 2) xy  6 x y  8 xy 3) 4 y 3  6 y 2  8 y  2

Use the DoS technique to factor each expression.

Difference of Squares (DoS): binomial with the form a 2  b 2

Factor as: a  b  a  b  4) x 2  25 5) 4m
2
 49 n
2
6) c
6
 36

Trinomial I: form x 2  bx  c Use the product sum method to factor each expression.

Find two factors that multiply to give c and add up to give b.

Use the two factors to write the product as two binomial 7) x 2  2 x  15 8) x 2  10 x  24 9) y 2  1 3 y  3 0
factors.

Use the master product method to factor each expression.

2
Trinomial II: form ax  bx  c , a  1

Multiply a  c to get master product (MP), then find two factors

that multiply to get the MP. Rewrite trinomial by splitting up
the middle term with the two factors and use grouping to 10) 2 x 2  5 x  3 11) 3 n 2  7 n  6 12) 8 x 2  10 x  3
factor. See Grouping technique below.

Perfect Square Trinomial (PST) Use the PST technique to factor each expression.
Trinomial with the form a 2  2 ab  b 2

Factor as a  b  if middle term is positive (+)

2
13) 4 x 2  20 x  25 14) 9 y 2  2 4 y  1 6 15) 4 m 2  28 mn  49 n 2
Factor as a  b  if middle term is negative ( - )
2

Grouping: polynomial with 4 terms Use the Grouping technique to factor each expression.

2
Factor: x  5 x  2 x  10

1. Group in pairs: x 2
 5x   2 x  10 
16) x 3  3 x 2  5 x  15 17) 4 n 3  2 n 2  6 n  3 18) 3 x 3  9 x 2  x  3
2. GCF factor on each pair: x x  5   2 x  5 

3. GCF again with x  5  to get: x  5 x  2 

Factoring Completely – General Strategy Factor each expression completely.

1. Use GCF factoring first (if possible)

2. BINOMIAL – two terms? 19) 12 x 2  18 x 4 20) b 3  49 b 21) 5x

2
 25 x  30

Use difference of squares (DoS) technique

3. TRINOMIAL – three terms?

 x 2 form: use product-sum 22) 8 x 2  4 x  40 23) 9 m 2  30 m  25 24) 3 x 3  12 x 2  15 x
 ax 2 , a  1 form: use master product and grouping

 PST form: use perfect square trinomial (PST) technique

4. FOUR TERMS? 25) v 4  w 4 26) 5 a 2  10 ab  3 a  6 b 27) 12 x 2  26 x  10

Use grouping technique

Topic 8: Solving Quadratic Equations

Solve each equation by factoring.

Solving Quadratic Equations

1. Make equation = 0
1) x 2  7 x  0 2) 2 x  7  x  5   0 3) x 2  3 x  10
2. Factor it.
3. ZFP it.

ZFP – Zero Factor Property

4) 4 x 2  9  0 5) 2 x 2  x  10 6) y y  9    14
If a  b  0 , then a  0 or b  0 .

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Topic 9: Rational Expressions
Simplify each rational expression.
Simplifying Rational Expressions
2 2
x y  3 xy x  4x  4
1. Factor top, factor bottom (where necessary) 1) 2)
2
x  3 x  5x  6
2. Cancel common factors
Multiply or divide as indicated.

Multiplying/Dividing* Rational Expressions 2 3

8 xy 2x x 6 5x
3)  4) 
2 3 2 3 x  18
1. Factor top, factor bottom (where necessary)  6x y 3y x  4x

2. Cancel common factors on top and bottom

2
3. Multiply top, multiply bottom 21 6 2x  4 x  3 x  10
5)  6) 
2 2
x 9 x 3 x 4 12
* Division - multiply by reciprocal (flip) before performing step 1

Topic 10: Radicals (Square Roots)

Radical Rules Simplify each square root.

a a
1. a b  a  b 2.  , b  0 25
b 6 8
b 1) 2) 81x 3) 45 4) 7 5 mn
49
Simplifying Square Roots
Use radical rule 1. to rewrite using a perfect square
3
16 a
5) 6) 18  50 7) 48  3 75
Adding/Subtracting Square Roots 121
Use radical rule 1. to simplify each square root, then add or
subtract as indicated

Multiplying/Dividing Square Roots 8) 6  7 4 5  

9) 5  
6 3  6  10) Rationalize
8

Use radical rule 1. and 2. to multiply or divide accordingly, then 3

simplify each square root where possible Hint: multiply top and bottom by 3

Topic 11: Graphing, Slope, System of Two Equations

Finding Intercepts Find the x or y intercept as indicated.

x-intercept: replace y with 0 and solve for x

1) 4 x  3y   9 , y-int 2) x  2 y  4 , x-int 3) y  2 x  5 , x-int
y-intercept: replace x with 0 and solve for y

Graphing a Line Graph each line.

Find the intercepts, plot them on the rectangular coordinate 2

system and draw your line. 4) 2 x  3y  6 5) y   x 5
3

Find the slope (m).

Finding Slope of a Line
y 2  y1
If given two points, use the formula: m  6) passing through the points: 7) passing through the points:
x 2  x1 (2, -3) and (-1, 3) (5, 0) and (-5, 5)

If given an equation: solve for y to get y  mx  b form - the

8) Given the equation: 9) Given the equation:
slope is the m value
4 x  3y   9 2y  6 x  5

Finding the Equation of a Line Find the equation of each line.

1. Find the slope, m

2. Use the formula y  y 1  m x  x1  with slope, m, and
10) passing through the points: 11) with slope 2 and passes through the
one point  x 1 , y 1  to solve for y, giving y  mx  b
(2, -3) and (-1, 3) point (2, - 2)
3. If needed (based on directions) rearrange equation to write
it in standard form Ax  By  C

Solving a System of Two Equations - Elimination Method Solve each system of equations.

1. Make sure equations are lined up, if needed, rearrange

terms to get them in the form: x’s y’s = number x  y  5 x  3y  9
12) 13)
2. Multiply top and bottom equations by the appropriate x  y  3 2x  2y   10
number to eliminate one variable
3. Add the two new equations and solve the resulting equation
2x  4y  10 3x  4y  21
4. Replace the answer obtained from step 3. into one of the 14) 15)
3x  8y  1 y  2x  3
original equations and solve for the other variable

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Topic 12: Word Problem (Situation)
Solve each word situation.

1) A 28-ft piece of rope is cut into two pieces such that the second piece is 4 feet less than
three times the first piece. Find the length of the second piece.
Guide for Solving Word Situations
2) Joe scored 78, 90, 68 and 76 on his first four tests. What possible score could he earn on
1. Read the situation carefully. Use a diagram where needed
his next test to have an average of at least 80?
to help with understanding the situation.

2. Translate phrases into math – create equation(s)
3. Solve equation and answer.
3) It took Marsella 2.5 hours to travel 145 miles; at the same rate, how far will she travel in
the next 7 hours?
4) A ship started off travelling 40 miles north then 30 miles west. What is the shortest
distance from the ship’s starting point to it current position?

5) The area of a rectangular rug is 96 square feet. If the length of the rug is 4 feet more than
its width, find the length and width of this rug.
See keyword guide below in Additional Math Resources.

6) Paul wants to invest $8,000 into two stocks, stock A and stock B, for one year. Stock A
earns 7% simple interest and Stock B earns 5%. If Paul wants a $500 return on his
investment, how much should he invest into each stock?

Additional Math Resources

Classifying Numbers

Prime: a number with exactly two factors, 1 and

itself; the first five prime numbers are: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11
Multiplication Table (Commutative Style)
Composite: a number with more than two factors;
the first five composite numbers are: 4, 6, 8, 9, 10
2’s
MULTIPLICATION FACTS
Even: a number that can be divided evenly by 2; the
2×2  Each number in multiplication is called a factor first six even numbers are: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
4 3’s
 Multiplication with 0 equals 0
Odd: a number whose remainder is 1 when divided
2×3 3×3 by 2; the first six odd numbers are: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11
6 9 4’s  Multiplication with 1 does not change the other value

 Multiplication is commutative (reversible) Integers: the group of number consisting of the

2×4 3×4 4×4
5’s following: ...,  3 , 2 ,  1 , 0 , 1 , 2 , 3 ,...
8 12 16  Perfect squares: 0, 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36,
49, 64, 81, 100, 121, 144
2×5 3×5 4×5 5×5
10 15 20 25 6’s Number Properties
* addition and multiplication only
2×6 3×6 4×6 5×6 6×6
12 18 24 30 36 7’s
Commutative (reversible)
2×7 3×7 4×7 5×7 6×7 7×7 a  b  b  a and a  b  b  a
14 21 28 35 42 49 8’s
Associative (grouping)
2×8 3×8 4×8 5×8 6×8 7×8 8×8 a  b   c  a  b  c  and a  b   c  a  b  c 
16 24 32 40 48 56 64 9’s

2×9 3×9 4×9 5×9 6×9 7×9 8×9 9×9 Distributive (give out)
18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81 10’s a b  c   ab  ac and b  c a  ba  ca

2 × 10 3 × 10 4 × 10 5 × 10 6 × 10 7 × 10 8 × 10 9 × 10 10 × 10
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 11’s
Two Very Important Numbers
2 × 11 3 × 11 4 × 11 5 × 11 6 × 11 7 × 11 8 × 11 9 × 11 10 ×11 11 × 11 1. Zero is called the additive identity; it can be used
22 33 44 55 66 77 88 99 110 121 12’s to add to any quantity without changing the value
of that quantity.
2 × 12 3 × 12 4 × 12 5 × 12 6 × 12 7 × 12 8 × 12 9 × 12 10 × 12 11 × 12 12 × 12
24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 2. One is called the multiplicative identity; it can be
used to multiply any quantity without changing
the value of that quantity.

7
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 Fractions/Mixed Numbers

Mixed number - A number with a whole number part and a fractional part
Simplifying a fraction
KEY: divide out the common factor from both numerator and denominator
Converting improper fraction to mixed number
KEY: divide the denominator into the numerator and the remainder represents
Multiplying fractions
the fractional part of the mixed number.
a c a  b multiply numerator values
KEY:  
b d c d multiply denominato r values

Converting mixed number to improper fraction

Dividing fractions KEY: multiply the denominator from fractional part by the whole number and
a c a d a d add the numerator to get the new numerator of the improper fraction
KEY:     change division to multiplication and
b d b c b c

d Multiplying/Dividing Mixed Numbers

multiply by the reciprocal (flip) fraction,
c
KEY: convert mixed numbers into improper fractions and use the rule for
multiplying or dividing fractions

Adding and Subtracting fractions

Adding/Subtracting Mixed numbers
KEY: need the Lowest Common Denominator (LCD) for all fractions
KEY: add/subtract whole number parts, then add/subtract fractional parts

Decimals Percents
Adding/Subtraction decimals

KEY: line-up decimal places and add or subtract Percent (%): fraction whose denominator is 100

Multiplying decimals Convert % to decimal or fraction

KEY: sum the numbers of decimal places in each factor, multiply as usual KEY: divide decimal or fraction by 100
and use the sum of decimal places in answer

Convert decimal or fraction to %

Dividing decimals
KEY: multiply decimal or fraction by 100
KEY: must have a whole number divisor – get whole number divisor by
multiplying by both divisor and dividend by the appropriate power of 10

WORD SITUATION - KEYWORD GUIDE This table gives a good starting guide of helpful
keywords that usually appear in word situations.
Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Equality Inequality
There are three key words from the list that can be
add subtract multiply divide equals is less than (<) tricky in its translation: less than, subtracted from
and divided into. We translate these three keywords
plus minus product divided by yields at most (  ) opposite to what is written.

more than difference times divided into gives no more than (  ) Examples:

added to subtracted from of quotient is not exceed (  ) 1. “Twelve less than a number” is: n  12

sum less than twice into results in is greater (more) than (>) 2. “Nine subtracted from seven” is: 7  9

n
total less ratio at least (  ) 3. “Four divided into a number” is: n  4 or
4
no less than (  )
All other keywords on the list can be translated
must exceed (  ) directly as it is written.

Pay careful attention to the word “and;” “and” should not be quickly interpreted as addition or multiplication; we must first understand keywords that precede or
follow the word “and.”
Examples
1. “The difference of six and a number” is translated: 6  n 2. “When eight and a number are multiplied” is translated: 8 n

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 Study Guide - Answer Key

Topic Answer Key

1 3 3
1) 1 2)  81 3) 81 4)  24 5) 9 6) 7)  8)
Signed 6 4 10
Numbers 7 8
9)  3 . 78 10)  11)  11 . 69 12) 9 13) 14) 9 15)  0 . 81 16) 5 .2
15 27

Order of 1
1)  20 2) 1 3) 4)  79 5) 9 6) 108
Operations 8

Evaluating
Algebraic
1) 6 2) 120 3)  5 .5 4) P  38 5) A  35 6) D  81
Expressions
and Formulas

2 2 P  2l P
Solving 1) x  2 2) y  3) y  15 4) x  23 5) x  6) x  7 7) x  7 8) x   2 . 75 9)  w or l w
9 7 2 2
Equations,
Formulas and
Inequalities C  Ax I 5
10) y  11)  P 12) 3S  a  c  b 13) x  4 14) x 2 15) x  3 16) x  
B rt 2

17 10 8 3 16
Exponent 1 1 1 1 b x y 1 27 y x
1) x 6 y 2) 16 x 4 y 24 3) x 6 y 13 4)    5) 6)  7) 8) 9)
Rules 8 2 4 2 18 13
2 2 2 8 a 9m n x y

1) x 2 y  3 xy  y 2  3 2) 3 x 2  8 x  2 3)  3 x 5  15 x 3  6 x 2 4) y 2  4 y  32 5) 9x
2
 25 6) 8 n 2  2 n  15

Polynomials
1
7) 16 x 2  24 x  9 8) x 4  3 x 2  18 9) x 3  x 2  9 x  12 10) 3 x 2  2 x  4 11) 4 x 3  3 x 2 
2


1) 3 x 2 x 3  5 x  1  2) xy y  6 x  8  3) 2  2 y 3  3 y 2  4 y  1 
 
4) x  5 x  5  5) 2 m  7 n 2 m  7 n   
6) c 3  6 c 3  6 
7) x  3 x  5  8) x  6 x  4  9) y  2 y  15  10) x  1 2 x  3  11) n  3 3n  2  12) 4 x  3 2 x  1 

Factoring 13) 2 x  5 2 14) 3 y  4 2 15) 2 m  7 n 2 

16)  x  3  x 2  5  
17) 2 n  1  2 n 2  3  18)  x  3  3 x 2  1 
 


19) 6 x 2 2  3 x 2  20) b b  7 b  7  21) 5 x  6 x  1 22) 4 2 x  5 x  2  23) 3 m  5 2 24) 3 x x  5 x  1 

 
25) v 2  w 2 v  w v  w  26) a  2 b 5a  3  27) 2 3 x  5 2 x  1 

Solving 7 3 5
Quadratic 1) x  0 or x  7 2) x   5 or x  3) x  5 or x   2 4) x   5) x   2 or x  6) y  2 or y  7
2 2 2
Equations
4
Rational x 2 2y 5 7 x 5
1) xy 2) 3)  4) 5) 6)
Expressions x 3 4 3 x  12 2x  6 6
x

Radicals 5 4a a 8 3
(Square Roots) 1) 2) 9 x 3 3) 3 5 4) 5 n 4 3 m 5) 6)  2 2 7) 19 3 8) 42  4 30 9) 9  2 6 10)
7 11 3

 5  1 4
1) 0 ,  3  2) 4 , 0  3)   , 0  4) 5) 6) 2 7)  8) 
 2  2 5 2 3

-3 15/2
Graphing
and Slope
9) m  3 10) y   2 x  1 11) y  2 x  6

12) 4 , 1  13)  12 , 7  14)  3 , 1 15) 3 , 3 

Word Problem 1) 20 feet 2) Score  88 3) 406 miles 4) 50 miles 5) 12 ft × 8 ft 6) Paul should invest $5000 in stock A
(Situation) and $3000 in stock B.

PREPARED BY: The PERT Test – Center for PERT Readiness
NOTE TO STUDENT: The intent of this PERT math study guide is to help students review
and refresh forgotten math skills necessary to take or retake the math section for the
Florida PERT test. Due to the condensed nature of this guide, we provided only one
method to solving these types of math exercises. Neither the preparer nor editor is
responsible or liable for the use/misuse of the information provided in this guide.
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