A good portion of the TAKS exit-level math exam deals with basic algebra. The objectives of this portion of the test are varied but mainly deal with functional relationships, linear functions, linear equations, non-linear functions and quadratic functions. You should be able to understand and apply these concepts in order to pass this section.
The test requires a fundamental understanding of basic geometric principles. You should be able to identify geometric figures and display spatial reasoning. Understanding the role angles play in creating different forms of triangles is necessary, in addition to understanding the basics of points, lines and planes. A student should be able to use measurements to approximate shapes, and to use deductive reasoning to figure out unknowns lengths of segments and degrees of angles.
A student should be able to grasp and understand concepts of measurement and how different units convert from metric to American units of measurement. To pass this segment, a student will need to know the different units of measurement for length, area, volume, weight and temperature. It is crucial to understand when to use different units, in addition to knowing what information is needed to convert from square to cubic measurements.
A key objective of the TAKS exam is to understand percentages and how they relate to fractions and the conversions back and forth. In addition to proportional relationships, a mastery of basic probability and statistics is a key objective of the TAKS exam. Understanding mean, median, average and variance is necessary. Additionally, this examination also requires the student to be able to use decimals and fractions in conjunction with each other.
This test also requires that a student be able to use high school level math skills in a real world setting; this skill set is tested using word problems. To successfully approach these problems, a student must be able to break down the problem into its basic mathematical elements and then use calculations. The problem-solving questions deal with fundamental understanding of when to use the concepts outlined in the other sections of the exam.