PTA Mathematical Reasoning

Question 1

What is the order of operations in mathematics?

Accepted Answer

Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division (left to right), Addition/Subtraction (left to right)

Answer

Left to right only

Answer

Addition first, then multiplication

Answer

There is no standard order

Question 2

How do you convert a fraction to a percentage?

Accepted Answer

Divide the numerator by the denominator and multiply by 100

Answer

Add 100 to the fraction

Answer

Multiply both numbers by 100

Answer

Subtract the numerator from 100

Question 3

What is the Pythagorean theorem?

Accepted Answer

In a right triangle, a² + b² = c², where c is the hypotenuse

Answer

a + b = c for all triangles

Answer

The area equals base times height

Answer

All triangle sides are equal

Question 4

What is the difference between mean, median, and mode?

Accepted Answer

Mean is the average, median is the middle value, mode is the most frequent value

Answer

They are all the same

Answer

Mean is always the largest

Answer

Mode is always the smallest

Question 5

How do you solve a proportion?

Accepted Answer

Cross-multiply and solve for the unknown variable

Answer

Add all four numbers

Answer

Multiply all four numbers

Answer

Subtract the smaller from the larger

Question 6

What is the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percentages?

Accepted Answer

They are three different ways to represent the same value: 1/2 = 0.5 = 50%

Answer

They represent different values

Answer

Percentages are always larger than decimals

Answer

Fractions cannot be converted to decimals