Detailed SSAT Tested Points
Arithmetic and number operations usually make up about 15-20% of SSAT Upper Level math, but these skills also support algebra, word problems, and geometry.
Integer Fluency
- Integers: whole numbers, their opposites, and zero
- Positive/negative numbers: add, subtract, multiply, and divide with signs
- Absolute value: understand it as distance from zero
Factors, Multiples, and Primes
- Factors and multiples
- Prime numbers
- Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
- Least Common Multiple (LCM)
Operations and Powers
- Order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Exponents
- Roots and square roots
Rational Numbers
- Fractions
- Mixed numbers
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratios
- Proportions
- Estimation
Core Knowledge
Integer signs: same signs multiply/divide positive; different signs multiply/divide negative.
Absolute value: distance from zero, so |-7| = 7.
GCF and LCM: use prime factorization to compare numbers cleanly.
PEMDAS: parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division, addition/subtraction.
Square roots: √49 = 7 because 7 × 7 = 49.
Estimation: round before calculating to catch unreasonable answers.
Practice
- If 3/5 = x/20, find x.
- Evaluate: 24 - 2(3² + 1).
- What is the least common multiple of 12 and 18?
- What is |-9| + (-4)²?
- Which is greater: 0.64 or 5/8?
- The prime factorization of 90 is 2 × 3² × 5. What are its prime factors?
Show Answer Key
1. x = 12. Multiply 20 by 3/5.
2. 4. 3² + 1 = 10; 2 × 10 = 20; 24 - 20 = 4.
3. 36.
4. 25. |-9| = 9 and (-4)² = 16.
5. 0.64, because 5/8 = 0.625.
6. 2, 3, and 5.