Depth guide · elementary–intermediate algebra

PERT Math Study Guide

What the PERT Math subtest really asks — the algebra that actually shows up, the moves worth the most reps, and the sign-error traps that cost fluent students easy points.

Drill the math questions

What's really tested

One adaptive Math subtest, roughly 30 questions, spanning elementary through intermediate algebra. Expect linear equations and inequalities, evaluating and simplifying expressions, quadratics, literal equations, polynomial operations, the coordinate plane, and systems of two linear equations. It is not a calculus test and it is not a trick test — it's the algebra you've seen, asked cleanly, with the difficulty adapting to your answers. This guide stays narrow to the PERT on purpose; it is not a general algebra textbook.

The traps that cost easy points

Most missed PERT Math questions aren't missed because the algebra was hard. They're missed on mechanics — the small, fast steps your brain runs on autopilot.

On the PERT, the algebra rarely beats you. The minus sign does.

The Placement Day approach

Study it, then prove it

Read the moves above, then go earn them: the Math practice test is 30 questions with the explanation on every answer, and the full practice test mixes Math back in with Reading and Writing. Back to the study-guide hub for the other subtests.