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FREE Praxis Core Math Study Guide 2026: ETS 5733 Number, Data, Algebra & Geometry

Every Praxis Core Math (5733) content category — Number & Quantity, Data & Statistics, and Algebra & Geometry — taught to the ETS test, with worked examples, formulas, built-in quizzes, and flashcards.

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This free Praxis Core Math study guide teaches to the — every content category the test measures, organized the way ETS builds the exam.[1] The Mathematics test is one of three tests (with Reading and Writing) that many states and teacher-preparation programs require.[2]

The math here is roughly high-school level — fractions, percents, basic statistics, beginning algebra, and geometry, with notrigonometry or calculus. It’s interactive, not a wall of text: every category has a built-in checkpoint quiz, hover-able glossary terms, worked examples, and concept questions, so you learn by doing.

Read this guide category by category, test yourself at each checkpoint, then round out your free Praxis Core Math prep with our practice questions and flashcards.

Praxis Core Math is one of the 7 Praxis exams — explore our Praxis study guides to compare and prep across the whole family.

Praxis Core Math (5733) Exam Snapshot

Praxis Core Math (5733) at a glance (2026)
DetailPraxis Core Mathematics (5733)
Questions56 selected-response (multiple choice, multiple-select, numeric entry)
Time90 minutes, one section
FormatComputer-delivered; no essay
CalculatorOn-screen four-function calculator provided (no personal calculator)
Score scale100–200 (scaled)
Qualifying score150 commonly cited; the official cut score is set by each state/program
Content categoriesNumber & Quantity · Data, Statistics & Probability · Algebra & Geometry
Part ofPraxis Core (with Reading 5713 and Writing 5723)
PublisherETS
How the Praxis Core Math (5733) is built

One untimed test section of 56 questions in 90 minutes, delivered on computer with a built-in calculator.

  1. 56 selected-response questionsSingle-select multiple choice, multiple-select, and numeric-entry questions across three content categories.
  2. 90 minutes of testingAbout 96 seconds per question on average. Pace yourself and flag hard ones to return to.
  3. On-screen four-function calculatorProvided inside the test for every question. No personal calculator is allowed.
  4. Scaled score 100–200Your raw score is converted to a 100–200 scale. 150 is the most commonly cited qualifying score, but each state or program sets its own cut score.

Praxis Core Math is one of three Core Academic Skills tests (with Reading and Writing). You can take it on its own or as part of the combined Core test.

Because Number and Quantity is the largest category — about a third of the test — fraction, percent, and ratio fluency pays off most.[3] Spend your study time across all three categories, but build arithmetic confidence first:

Praxis Core Math content categories (2026 approximate shares)
Number and Quantity36% · ~36% · ≈20 questions
Data, Statistics & Probability32% · ~32% · ≈18 questions
Algebra & Geometry32% · ~32% · ≈18 questions
Praxis Core Math content categories (2026 shares)
Number & Quantity
~36%≈20 Q
Data, Statistics & Probability
~32%≈18 Q
Algebra & Geometry
~32%≈18 Q

Number & Quantity is the single largest category — about a third of the test — so build fraction, percent, and ratio fluency first.

ETS reports category shares as approximate ranges, so the exact mix shifts slightly each form.[3] This guide teaches all three content categories — Number and Quantity first, then Data and Statistics, then Algebra and Geometry — as three study modules.

1 · Number and Quantity

About 36% of the test — the single largest category. This is arithmetic done well: fractions and decimals, percents and ratios, number properties, exponents and roots, and estimation. Get fluent here and you bank the most points.[3]

Fractions, Decimals & Operations

To add or subtract fractions, use a common denominator; to multiply, multiply across; to divide, multiply by the (keep–change–flip). Convert freely among fractions, decimals, and percents.

The four fraction operations
OperationRuleExample
Add / subtractCommon denominator, then add/subtract numerators3/4 + 5/6 = 9/12 + 10/12 = 19/12
MultiplyMultiply numerators and denominators, simplify2/3 × 9/10 = 18/30 = 3/5
DivideMultiply by the reciprocal (keep–change–flip)3/4 ÷ 2/5 = 3/4 × 5/2 = 15/8
ConvertFraction → decimal by dividing top by bottom3/4 = 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75 = 75%

Percents, Ratios & Proportions

A is the change divided by the original value, times 100. Set up a for ratio, rate, and scaling problems and solve by cross-multiplying.

Factors, Primes, GCF & LCM

A has exactly two factors; the number 1 is not prime. The splits items into the largest equal groups, and the tells you when repeating events line up again.

GCF vs LCM — which to use
ToolWhat it findsWord-problem signal
GCFLargest factor two numbers share (48 & 60 → 12)Identical kits/groups using ALL items
LCMSmallest multiple two numbers share (8 & 12 → 24)When two cycles coincide AGAIN

Exponents, Roots & Estimation

Know the exponent rules and how to estimate a root, and use rounding to check that an answer is reasonable.

Exponent and root rules you should know cold
RuleStatement
Product of powersxmxn=xm+n x^m \cdot x^n = x^{m+n}
Quotient of powersxm÷xn=xmn x^m \div x^n = x^{m-n}
Power of a power(xm)n=xmn (x^m)^n = x^{mn}
Zero exponentx0=1 x^0 = 1 (for x0 x \neq 0 )
Negative exponentxn=1xn x^{-n} = \dfrac{1}{x^n}
Order of operations — PEMDAS
  1. PParenthesesDo everything inside grouping symbols first.
  2. EExponentsThen powers and roots.
  3. MDMultiply / DivideLeft to right, whichever comes first.
  4. ASAdd / SubtractLeft to right, whichever comes first.

Multiplication and division share a rank (left to right), and so do addition and subtraction — they are not strictly “multiply before divide.”

Checkpoint · Category 1 · Number & Quantity

Question 1 of 10

Which of the following numbers is prime?

2 · Data, Statistics & Probability

About 32% of the test. Reading graphs and tables, the measures of center and spread, interpreting distributions, and basic probability.[3]

Reading Graphs & Tables

Know what each display is for and always read the scale before estimating a value. A circle (pie) graph shows parts of a whole; a bar graph compares categories; a line graph shows change over time; a scatterplot shows the relationship between two variables.

Which graph shows what
DisplayBest for
Bar graphComparing amounts across categories
Line graphShowing a trend over time
Circle (pie) graphParts of a whole (the slices add to 100%)
HistogramThe shape of grouped numerical data
ScatterplotThe relationship/correlation between two variables

Mean, Median & Mode

The three measures of center each describe a “typical” value differently. The is the average, the is the middle value, and the is the most frequent value.

Measures of center
MeasureHow to find itNote
MeanAdd the values, divide by the countPulled by outliers
MedianMiddle value of ordered data (average two if even count)Resists outliers
ModeValue that occurs most oftenCan be none or several

Range, Spread & Skew

The (largest minus smallest) and the (spread around the mean) describe how scattered the data is. An stretches the range and the mean but barely moves the median.

Probability

is favorable outcomes divided by total outcomes, a value from 0 to 1. For two , multiply the probabilities.

Checkpoint · Category 2 · Data, Statistics & Probability

Question 1 of 10

A histogram shows the frequency distribution of the weights of 60 cats. If the mean weight is 10 pounds and the median weight is 9 pounds, which of the following is true about the distribution?

3 · Algebra & Geometry

About 32% of the test. Solving equations and inequalities, working with lines and the coordinate plane, and the core geometry of perimeter, area, volume, and triangles.[3]

Equations & Inequalities

Solve a linear equation by undoing operations in reverse order until the variable is alone. Solve an the same way, with one rule: flip the symbol when you multiply or divide by a negative.

Slope, Lines & the Coordinate Plane

is rise over run. Between two points it is m=y2y1x2x1 m = \dfrac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1} . In y=mx+b y = mx + b , m m is the slope and b b is the .

Perimeter, Area & Volume

is the distance around a figure, is the surface it covers (square units), and is the space it fills (cubic units). The 5733 gives no formula sheet, so memorize the workhorses:

Area, perimeter & volume formulas to know cold
RectangleArea = length × widthPerimeter = 2(l + w)
TriangleArea = ½ × base × heightAngles sum to 180°
CircleArea = π × r²Circumference = 2 × π × r
Rectangular boxVolume = length × width × heightSurface area = 2(lw + lh + wh)
CylinderVolume = π × r² × heightUse the on-screen calculator for π

The 5733 does not give a formula sheet — memorize these few workhorses so you can apply them quickly.

Triangles & the Pythagorean Theorem

A triangle’s interior angles sum to 180°. The a2+b2=c2 a^2 + b^2 = c^2 relates the legs and the of a right triangle.

The Pythagorean theorem — a² + b² = c²
abc (hypotenuse)
Legs
a and b form the right angle
Hypotenuse
c is opposite the right angle (longest)
3-4-5 triangle
9 + 16 = 25, so 3² + 4² = 5²

Given two sides of a right triangle, the theorem finds the third: a² + b² = c².

Recognize the common Pythagorean triples — 3-4-5 and 5-12-13 — and their multiples, so you can spot a missing side without computing.

Checkpoint · Category 3 · Algebra & Geometry

Question 1 of 10

What is the area of a rectangle that is 9 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide?

How to Use This Study Guide

A study guide is a map, not the whole territory — use it alongside the official ETS Praxis materials and our free tools. Because the 5733 rewards steady accuracy under a 90-minute clock, spaced, mixed practice beats one long cram. Lead with — it’s the largest category and underpins the rest — then layer in statistics, algebra, and geometry.

A study loop that actually works
  1. 1

    Read a category here

    Work through one content category at a time — Number & Quantity, then Data & Statistics, then Algebra & Geometry.

  2. 2

    Take the checkpoint

    The quick check at the end of each category exposes what didn't stick.

  3. 3

    Drill the gaps

    Send your weak category straight into the free practice questions and flashcards.

  4. 4

    Take full, timed practice

    Sit a full timed set to build pacing for 56 questions in 90 minutes, then review every miss.

Praxis Core Math Concept Questions

Common math skills the Praxis Core Math test actually measures — at least one per content category. Tap any card for a short, exam-ready answer backed by an official source (ETS), then test yourself on them as flashcards.

Praxis Core Math Glossary

Quick definitions for the terms you’ll see most across the Praxis Core Math (5733) test:

Area
The amount of surface a 2-D figure covers, measured in square units (rectangle = length × width).
Composite number
A whole number greater than 1 with more than two factors, such as 4, 6, 9, or 12.
Greatest common factor (GCF)
The largest factor shared by two or more numbers. The GCF of 48 and 60 is 12.
Hypotenuse
The longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle.
Independent events
Events where one outcome does not affect the other; their probabilities multiply.
Inequality
A statement comparing two quantities with <, >, ≤, or ≥. Flip the symbol when you multiply or divide by a negative.
Least common multiple (LCM)
The smallest multiple shared by two or more numbers. The LCM of 8 and 12 is 24.
Mean
The average — the sum of the values divided by how many there are.
Median
The middle value of an ordered data set; it resists outliers.
Mode
The value that appears most often in a data set; a set can have no mode or more than one.
Order of operations
PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right).
Outlier
A value far from the rest of the data; it strongly affects the mean and range but barely moves the median.
Percent change
The change in a quantity divided by its original value, times 100. Always divide by the starting amount.
Perimeter
The total distance around a figure — the sum of its side lengths.
Praxis Core
The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests — Reading (5713), Writing (5723), and Mathematics (5733) — used by many teacher-preparation programs and states to certify basic academic skills.
Prime number
A whole number greater than 1 with exactly two distinct factors, 1 and itself (2, 3, 5, 7, 11...). The number 1 is not prime.
Probability
The chance an event occurs, written as favorable outcomes ÷ total outcomes, a value from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain).
Proportion
An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as 2/3 = x/12; solve by cross-multiplying.
Pythagorean theorem
For a right triangle with legs a and b and hypotenuse c, a² + b² = c².
Range
The largest value minus the smallest value in a data set.
Ratio
A comparison of two quantities, written 3:5, 3 to 5, or 3/5.
Reciprocal
The multiplicative inverse of a number — flip the fraction. The reciprocal of 2/5 is 5/2; dividing by a fraction means multiplying by its reciprocal.
Scaled score
A converted score on a 100–200 scale. 150 is the most commonly cited qualifying score, but each state or program sets its own required cut score.
Selected-response
Question formats where you choose or enter an answer: single-select multiple choice, multiple-select (choose all that apply), and numeric entry. The 5733 has no essay.
Slope
The steepness of a line — rise over run, the change in y divided by the change in x. In y = mx + b, the slope is m.
Slope-intercept form
The linear equation y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept.
Standard deviation
A measure of how spread out data is around its mean; larger means more spread, zero means all values are equal.
Test code 5733
The ETS code for the current Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics test, a 56-question, 90-minute computer-delivered test.
Volume
The space a 3-D figure occupies, measured in cubic units (box = length × width × height).
Y-intercept
The point where a line crosses the y-axis, where x = 0.

Free Praxis Core Math Study Materials & Resources

Everything you need to prepare for the Praxis Core Math test is free here — no paywall, no sign-up. This guide is the foundation; pair it with the rest of our free Praxis Core Math study materials for active recall, timed practice, and last-minute review:

Praxis Core Math Study Guide FAQ

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics test (5733) has 56 selected-response questions — a mix of single-select multiple choice, multiple-select, and numeric-entry items. There is no essay; it is entirely selected-response.

References

  1. 1.ETS. “Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators: Mathematics (5733).” ETS.
  2. 2.ETS. “About The Praxis Tests — Core Academic Skills for Educators.” ETS.
  3. 3.ETS. “Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators — Tests at a Glance.” ETS.
  4. 4.ETS. “Praxis Tests — Scores and Score Reporting.” ETS.
  5. 5.ETS. “Praxis Core — How the Tests Are Scored.” ETS.

Sources for the concept answers

Every answer in the Praxis Core Math concept questions above is drawn from an official primary source:

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