In this blog post, we are going to break down numbers and operations, one of the most important and most heavily tested content categories on math exams, especially teacher certification tests.
What Are Numbers and Operations?
Numbers and operations are considered the foundation of mathematics. This category includes place value, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, proportions, exponents, roots, and the order of operations (PEMDAS). Because these skills are foundational, they appear across all other math categories, including algebra and word problems.
A question may look like algebra on the surface, but underneath it often relies on strong number sense and correct operations. This is why weaknesses in this area can impact performance across an entire math exam.
Why This Category Appears So Often on Exams
Numbers and operations are usually the first content category tested on math exams. Test makers rely on it because it reveals whether a test taker truly understands math or is simply memorizing procedures.
A single problem may assess multiple skills at once—fractions, decimals, place value, and reasoning—all embedded into one question. Understanding this helps test takers avoid feeling overwhelmed when questions seem more complex than expected.
The Danger of Memorizing Math Problems
One of the biggest mistakes test takers make is trying to memorize math questions from study guides. Exams do not test memorization; they test application.
The same concept can appear as:
-
A word problem
-
A visual model
-
An expression
-
An equation
Strong test performance requires being able to approach the same skill in several different ways.
Common Errors Test Makers Love
Even test takers who feel confident in math often lose points due to small procedural mistakes. Test makers are skilled at exploiting errors involving:
-
Negatives
-
Distribution
-
Fractions
-
Multi-step problems
-
Order of operations
These are not major misunderstandings—they are tiny slips that happen when steps are rushed or skipped.
Ordering Numbers Using Number Sense
Problems that ask students to order fractions, decimals, and repeating decimals are classic number sense questions. Instead of converting everything to decimals immediately, visualizing size and place value can eliminate wrong answers quickly.
For example, recognizing that 0.45 is less than 0.45 repeating instantly removes incorrect choices. Understanding fractions as parts of a whole also helps determine which values are larger without unnecessary calculation.
Using the Calculator Strategically
Most exams provide an on-screen calculator, and practicing with it ahead of time is essential. Comfort with the calculator reduces anxiety and saves time.
However, relying only on the calculator instead of reasoning can slow test takers down. The strongest approach combines mental math, estimation, and strategic calculator use.
PEMDAS and the Order of Operations
Order of operations questions are designed to trip up test takers who rush. Parentheses always mean “work inside first.” Distribution is multiplication—not parentheses—and treating it incorrectly can lead to errors.
Slowing down, rewriting each step, and following PEMDAS carefully prevents mistakes. These problems reward patience and precision.
Error Analysis Questions
Many exams include questions asking where a student made a mistake in a multi-step problem. These questions still fall under numbers and operations.
To answer them correctly, it is necessary to understand not just how to solve the problem, but why each step matters.
Success in numbers and operations depends on conceptual understanding, careful execution, and strong number sense. These skills save time, reduce errors, and support every other area of math.
Mastering numbers and operations is one of the most effective ways to improve overall math test performance.
Watch the video for step-by-step strategies