TEST YOUR MATH KNOWLEDGE


When your children are young, helping them with their homework is not a problem. But as they move through middle school and beyond, the concepts and problems they face become more challenging, particularly in math. Take this quiz to test your math knowledge and find out if you have what it takes to help your children when they get stuck.

1. spacer An integer is:
  a) spacer any whole number, either negative or positive
  b) spacer any whole number, either negative or positive, excluding zero
  c) spacer any positive whole number
  d) spacer any number, negative or positive
 
2. spacer If 3 : 5 as x : 30, x =
  a) spacer 15
  b) spacer 18
  c) spacer 21
  d) spacer 50
 
3. spacer Choose the prime number:
  a) spacer 21
  b) spacer 39
  c) spacer 67
  d) spacer 87
 
4. spacer The reciprocal of 7 1/2 is:
  a) spacer 2/15
  b) spacer 1/7
  c) spacer 2/7
  d) spacer 7/15
 
5. spacer Which answer has a mistake in the order of operations?
  a) spacer First, do all operations that lie inside parentheses.
  b) spacer Next, do any work with exponents, radicals and negative numbers.
  c) spacer Working from left to right, do all multiplication and division.
  d) spacer Finally, working from left to right, do all addition and subtraction.
 
6. spacer Which statement is incorrect?
  a) spacer n1 = n
  b) spacer (n2)3 = n6
  c) spacer n0 = 1
  d) spacer n-5 = n1/5
 
7. spacer If 3x+5 = 7x-13, then x=
  a) spacer 4
  b) spacer 5
  c) spacer 4.5
  d) spacer 4.3
 
8. spacer In the linear equation y = mx+b, m represents:
  a) spacer slope
  b) spacer y-intercept
  c) spacer x-intercept
  d) spacer x-coordinate
 
9. spacer An isosceles triangle has:
  a) spacer three equal sides
  b) spacer no equal sides
  c) spacer a right angle
  d) spacer angles that total 180 degrees
 
10. spacer The ordered pair (3,4) does not represent:
  a) spacer the coordinates of a point
  b) spacer the slope and the y-intercept of a line
  c) spacer x = 3 and y = 4
  d) spacer a concept that can be graphed
 
11. spacer The Pythagorean theorem states:
  a) spacer a2 + b2 = c
  b) spacer 2a + 2b = 2c
  c) spacer a2 x b2 = c2
  d) spacer a2 + b2 = c2
 
12. spacer A polygon is:
  a) spacer any four-sided figure
  b) spacer a three dimensional figure
  c) spacer a figure made up of any number of line segments joined together
  d) spacer any shape with more than four sides
 
Answers:
1. spacer a
2. spacer b
3. spacer c
4. spacer a
5. spacer b
6. spacer d
7. spacer c
8. spacer a
9. spacer d
10. spacer b
11. spacer d
12. spacer c

Questions one through four deal with pre-algebra, questions five through eight deal with algebra and questions nine through 12 test geometry skills. For each four-question section, add up the number of questions you got right to see how you did.

4 correct – You have a good sense of the concepts that your child will be using through this type of math, but you still might not be able to help with everything. If you are unsure about an answer, look it up or seek other help. Consider visiting a supplemental education provider who can help with math problem areas and assist in developing strong computational skills.

2 or 3 correct – Some of your math skills in this subject could use work. While you will be able to help your child with some problems, recognize that you have limitations. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something and that your child should get help from someone else. Enrolling your child in a math supplemental education program will provide your child with individualized instruction in math and can help with the development of strong math skills.

0 or 1 correct – In order for you child to do his or her best in math, you should get outside help. While the basics are one thing, you can’t help your child with this level of math. If your child needs help or is struggling in math, enrolling in a math supplemental education program in very important in order for your child to get the help that he or she needs. Developing strong math skills is essential to your child’s future mathematical success.

If your child needs help in math, visit tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/info or call 1-800-31-SUCCESS. Math courses are offered exclusively through Sylvan Learning Centers and provide a combination of learning math through basic math facts and discovery. This type of learning builds the foundation for mathematical competency and continued success


By Elaine Mernick