What’s on the PERT math test in Florida?
There will be three types of questions on the PERT math test in Florida: pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry.
You need to be really careful at the start of the test because the exam is computer-adaptive.
So if you answer questions incorrectly at the start, the system will start to give you easier questions.
On the other hand, if you answer questions correctly, you will keep getting more difficult questions.
The easy questions may be worth fewer points than the more difficult ones, so take your time and answer each question carefully.
You won’t be able to go back and correct an answer once you have finished a question.
Pert Math Test (Florida) Sample Questions
For the PERT math test in Florida, you will need to know all of the common skills in pre-algebra, as well as those in algebra and plane geometry. In addition, the test will also have questions on coordinate geometry on the following concepts:
Calculating slope
Calculating slope is one of the most important skills that you will need for coordinate geometry problems on the exam. To put it in simple language, slope is the measurement of how steep a straight line on a graph is.
Slope will be negative when the line slants upwards to the left. On the other hand, slope will be positive when the line slants upwards to the right. The two points are represented by the coordinates (x1, y1) and (x2, y2).
Slope is represented by variable m.
We can calculate slope by using the slope formula:
m = (y2 − y1) ÷ (x2 − x1)
We can also use the slope-intercept formula to calculate slope:
y = mx + b
In the slope-intercept formula, m is the slope, b is the y intercept (the point at which the line crosses the y axis), and x and y are points on the graph.
Problem:
The point x = 5, y = 165 lies on a line on a two-dimensional linear graph. The line crosses the y axis at 15. Using the slope-intercept formula, determine the slope of this line.
A. 10
B. 20
C. 30
D. 36
Solution:
Substitute the values into the formula.
y = mx + b
165 = m5 + 15
165 − 15 = m5 + 15 − 15
150 = m5
150 ÷ 5 = m5 ÷ 5
30 = m
So, answer C is correct.
Determining midpoints
As the name suggests, the midpoint is represented by coordinates that are midway between two other stated points.
You will need to use the midpoint formula for questions that ask you to determine the midpoint:
(x1 + x2) ÷ 2 , (y1 + y2) ÷ 2
Now use the formula to solve the following problem.
Problem:
The coordinates (−4, 2) and (2,−4) lie upon a line in a two-dimensional, linear graph. What is the midpoint?
A. (1, 1)
B. (−1, −1)
C. (2, 2)
D. (−2, −2)
Solution:
The correct answer is B.
Remember that to find midpoints, you need to use these formulas:
midpoint x = (x1 + x2) ÷ 2
midpoint y = (y1 + y2) ÷ 2
First, find the midpoint of the x coordinates for (−4, 2) and (2,−4).
midpoint y = (y1 + y2) ÷ 2
midpoint y = (2 + −4) ÷ 2
midpoint y = −2 ÷ 2
midpoint y = −1
Then find the midpoint of the y coordinates for (−4, 2) and (2,−4).
midpoint x = (−4 + 2) ÷ 2
midpoint x = −2 ÷ 2
midpoint x = −1
So, the midpoint is (−1, −1)
x and y intercepts
The x intercept is the point where a line intersects with the x axis (where y is equal to zero). On the other hand, the y intercept is the point where the line intersects with the y axis (where x is equal to zero).
To solve these problems, substitute 0 for x to solve for y, and substitute 0 for y to solve for x.
Problem:
State the x and y intercepts that fall on the straight line represented by the equation: y = x + 14
A) (–14, 0) and (0, 14)
B) (0, 14) and (0, –14)
C) (14, 0) and (0, –14)
D) (0, –14) and (14, 0)
Solution:
The correct answer is A. Remember that the y intercept is where the line crosses the y axis, so x = 0 for the y intercept. Begin by substituting 0 for x.
y = x + 14
y = 0 + 14
y = 14
Therefore, the coordinates (0, 14) represent the y intercept.
On the other hand, the x intercept exists where the line crosses the x axis, so y = 0 for the x intercept.
Now substitute 0 for y.
y = x + 14
0 = x + 14
0 – 14 = x + 14 – 14
–14 = x
PERT Test Information
The PERT math test is administered in Florida and contains 30 questions. There are also reading and writing sections on the PERT exam.
The test is untimed, but you will need to be able to finish it without taking any breaks.
Can I use a calculator?
You won’t be allowed to bring a calculator along with you, but a calculator will pop up on the test screen when you are allowed to use one.
PERT Math Topics
The following types of skills will be covered on the pre-algebra questions on the exam.
- Fractions and Mixed Numbers, including simplifying fractions and performing operations on fractions and mixed numbers
- Decimal operations, comparing decimal figures, rounding decimals up or down
- Factor and factoring, such as finding the greatest common factor or least common multiple
- Operations on integers nd ordering integers, including positive and negative whole numbers
- Order of Operations (PEMDAS)
- Absolute Value
- Ratio, percentage, proportions, discounts and tax calculations
In addition, you will need to know algebraic concepts such as square roots, exponents, polynomials, and solving equations with one or two variables.
Finally, you will also need to brush up on your geometry, including both plane geometry (circles, triangles, and rectangles) and coordinate geometry (graphing).
Free PERT math practice questions
Please note that PERT and the Postsecondary Educational Readiness Test are trademarks of McCann Associates in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education, which are neither affiliated with nor endorse this website.