Quantitative (Math) Section

  • Number of questions: 50, broken into two parts
  • What it measures: Your ability to solve problems involving arithmetic, elementary algebra, geometry, and other concepts
  • Scored section: Yes
  • Time allotted: 30 minutes for each section of 25 questions
  • Topics covered:

    Number Concepts and Operations

    • Arithmetic word problems (including percent, ratio)

    • Basic concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
    • Estimation
    • Rational numbers
    • Sequences and series
    • Frequencies

    Algebra (elementary concepts of algebra)

    • Properties of exponents
    • Algebraic word problems
    • Equations of lines
    • Patterns
    • Absolute value

    Geometry/Measurement

    • Area and circumference of a circle
    • Area and perimeter of a polygon
    • Volume of a cube, cylinder, box
    • Pythagorean theory and properties of right, isosceles, equilateral triangles
    • Properties of parallel and perpendicular lines
    • Coordinate geometry
    • Slope

     Data analysis/probability

    • Interpretation (tables, graphs)
    • Trends and inferences
    • Probability

The two quantitative (mathematics) sections of the Middle Level SSAT measure your knowledge of algebra, geometry, and other quantitative concepts. You do not require and may not use a calculator for this section.

Many of the questions that appear in the quantitative sections of the Middle Level SSAT are structured in mathematical terms that directly state the operation you need to perform; others may not. In these problems, carefully consider how the question is worded and the way the information is presented to determine the operation(s) to perform.