Descriptions of the Tested Topics Math

Below are descriptions of all the tested topics in Math.

Numbers and Operations

This topic focuses on whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions. It addresses the properties of numbers and the operations used to compute (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and to solve problems. All of these concepts relate to a student’s number sense.

Algebra and Functions

This topic focuses on recognizing and describing patterns that have numeric and/or geometric features. When a child notices that house numbers increase while walking down the street, he is noticing one of these patterns. This topic teaches students to express these patterns using variables (such as x or y) and to translate sentences into variable expressions. Recognizing patterns and variable expressions is important for many areas of mathematics.

Measurement and Geometry

Students learn to use standard units of measurement, like inches, ounces, and hours, and to talk about amounts that otherwise would be described as “a little,” “a lot,” or “way too much.” This topic focuses on understanding units of measure for time, length, area, volume, temperature, and weight, in both the customary and metric systems. This topic also focuses on the building blocks of geometry: points, lines, and angles. Students should be able to identify and describe various two- and three-dimensional figures and such characteristics of those figures as angle size, side length, and parallel and perpendicular sides. Children show an early understanding of geometry by using shapes in their drawings, and by recognizing the shapes of road signs, buildings, and sports equipment.

Data Analysis: Statistics & Probability

This topic focuses on being able to read and compare the data in tables, charts, bar graphs, line graphs, circle graphs, and line plots. Students should ask questions, collect the data needed to answer the questions, and display their results. This topic also includes finding the probability of chance events by considering the relationship between favorable outcomes and total outcomes. What are the chances of rolling a six? What are the chances of choosing a red king from a deck of cards? What are the chances of winning the lottery? These questions can all be answered by using probability.

Conceptual Understanding

When learning geometry, students name figures and describe their properties. When learning about computation, students add chips or blocks. In these and other areas of mathematics, we ask students to give definitions and show examples to explain the definitions. Students who participate in these activities are demonstrating Conceptual Understanding.

Procedural Knowledge

When students approach a math problem, they are expected to use appropriate procedures to solve for the correct answer. Once they fully understand number concepts, they will develop the essential tools — processes and steps to be followed — for solving problems efficiently. Choosing the best method for solving a problem and communicating the results of the method are addressed in Procedural Knowledge.

Problem Solving

A strong measure of mathematical skill is the ability to solve math problems in real-life situations. Situational problems challenge students to form questions and apply appropriate procedures to produce reasonable results. They apply to a variety of real-life contexts, from buying groceries to determining the percentage of students who watch scary movies. Problem Solving requires students to combine their mathematical knowledge of concepts, procedures, and reasoning with their communication skills.