Master Praxis 5003 Math: Step-by-Step by

In this blog post, we're diving into the mathematics section of the Praxis Elementary Education 5003 exam. Many aspiring teachers find this part of the test especially challenging, and for good reason — it's packed with foundational concepts that require precise execution and a solid understanding of math basics.

Here are three math problems that mirror the difficulty and style of what you'll encounter on the actual test. These problems come straight from our extra practice materials, and we'll walk you through the strategies to solve them effectively.

Problem 1: Order of Operations (PEMDAS)

Expression:
-6 + 25 ÷ 5 × (5 - 2)

Step-by-step breakdown:

Parentheses: Simplify (5 - 2) → 3
Division & Multiplication (left to right):
- 25 ÷ 5 = 5
- 5 × 3 = 15
Addition: -6 + 15 = 9

Correct Answer: A (9)

Tip: Always apply PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction) carefully. Don’t let simple mistakes in order of operations cost you points on test day!

Problem 2: Percent and Proportions

Question:
Liam purchased a book for $26.77. To find the sales tax at a rate of 9%, which of the following ratios should be used?

Answer Choices Simplified:

We're solving:
9/100 = x/26.77

This proportion sets up the percentage (9%) equal to the unknown tax (x) over the purchase price.
When you cross multiply:
9x = 2677 → x ≈ $2.40

Correct Answer: D

Tip: If you're unsure, plug values into real-world logic — a 9% sales tax on a $26.77 item should not equal $28 (that would be over 100%). Using proportions helps confirm your answer makes sense.

Problem 3: Surface Area of a Right Triangular Prism

Question:
Find the surface area of a right triangular prism with:

Triangle base: height = 6, base = 5
Side rectangles: 6×8, 5×8, and 7×8

Step-by-step:

Rectangles:
- 6×8 = 48
- 5×8 = 40
- 7×8 = 56
  → Rectangles total: 48 + 40 + 56 = 144
Triangles:
- Area of one triangle: ½ × base × height = ½ × 5 × 6 = 15
- Two triangles = 30
Total Surface Area:
- 144 + 30 = 174

Correct Answer: C (174)

Tip: Think about the net (unfolded shape) of the prism — it helps visualize how each face contributes to the surface area. You don’t need to halve the triangle area twice since there are two triangles.

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🎬 Watch the full video for an in-depth walkthrough of each practice problem and more helpful tips🎬