Topic Importance

Approximate emphasis based on common SSAT Upper Level math patterns.

TopicApproximate Weight
Word Problems30%
Algebra25%
Geometry20%
Arithmetic & Number Operations15%
Probability & Data10%

Full Teaching Guide: What SSAT Upper Level Math Tests

Use this as the class checklist. These are the exact sub-points students should know before mixed practice.

1. Arithmetic & Number Operations

  • Integers
  • Positive/negative numbers
  • Absolute value
  • Factors and multiples
  • Prime numbers
  • Greatest Common Factor (GCF)
  • Least Common Multiple (LCM)
  • Order of operations (PEMDAS)
  • Exponents
  • Roots and square roots
  • Fractions
  • Mixed numbers
  • Decimals
  • Percentages
  • Ratios
  • Proportions
  • Estimation

2. Algebra

  • Simplifying expressions
  • Combining like terms
  • One-step equations
  • Multi-step equations
  • Variables
  • Solving for unknowns
  • Simple inequalities
  • Graph inequalities
  • Slope
  • y = mx + b
  • Intercepts
  • Basic simultaneous equations

3. Word Problems

  • Distance/rate/time: D = RT
  • Work problems
  • Age problems
  • Consecutive numbers
  • Money problems
  • Mixtures
  • Ratios
  • Percent increase/decrease
  • Profit and discounts

4. Geometry

  • Complementary angles
  • Supplementary angles
  • Vertical angles
  • Parallel line angles
  • Triangle area
  • Triangle perimeter
  • Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
  • Similar triangles
  • Squares
  • Rectangles
  • Parallelograms
  • Trapezoids
  • Circle circumference
  • Circle area: A = πr²
  • Coordinate-plane distance
  • Midpoint
  • Slope
  • Cubes
  • Rectangular prisms
  • Surface area
  • Volume

5. Data Analysis & Probability

  • Mean
  • Median
  • Mode
  • Range
  • Basic probability
  • Reading graphs
  • Tables
  • Charts

6. Logic & Quantitative Reasoning

  • Patterns
  • Sequences
  • Number relationships
  • Logical deduction
  • Missing values

Study Sequence

1. Arithmetic & Number Operations

Integers, factors, multiples, PEMDAS, exponents, roots, fractions, decimals, and estimation.

2. Fractions, Ratios & Percents

Proportions, percentages, percent change, discounts, and ratio reasoning.

3. Algebra

Expressions, equations, inequalities, slope, intercepts, and basic systems.

4. Word Problems

Distance, work, age, money, mixtures, percent change, profit, and discounts.

5. Geometry

Angles, triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, coordinate geometry, surface area, and volume.

6. Data & Probability

Mean, median, mode, range, tables, charts, graphs, and basic probability.

7. Logic & Quantitative Reasoning

Patterns, sequences, missing values, and logical deduction.

8. Mixed Timed Sets

Short mixed drills for accuracy, pacing, and test-day decision making.

High-Frequency SSAT Path

Arithmetic → Fractions → Ratios → Algebra → Word Problems → Geometry → Mixed Timed Sets

This sequence builds fluency first, then reasoning, then timing. It is designed to help stronger SSAT students move from roughly 60-70% accuracy toward 85-95% accuracy.