ISEE Upper Level Math Review

Ultimate ISEE Prep Guide

Math skills are tested in the Quantitative Reasoning and Mathematics Achievement sections of the ISEE. The ERB follows the standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) to determine how the ISEE will test a student’s ability in mathematics. Students taking the Upper Level ISEE should be familiar with the following concepts, as stated by the ERB:

Numbers and Operations 

  • Understand numbers, relationships among numbers, meanings of operations, and relationships among operations
  • Classify, perform operations on, make reasonable estimates of, and compare whole numbers, integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers, real numbers, and complex numbers
  • Perform operations on matrices and vectors and compute combinations and permutations

Algebra

  • Understand, represent, and analyze mathematical, algebraic, and graphical situations involving patterns, relations, and functions
  • Understand relations and functions when presented as symbolic equations, graphs, and tables
  • Model real‐world situations using symbolic equations and graphs
  • Use symbolic manipulation to determine equivalent expressions, equations, and inequalities

Geometry

  • Analyze characteristics of geometric figures
  • Visualize and describe spatial relationships for geometric objects
  • Classify and describe basic 2‐ and 3‐dimensional figures
  • Understand and use coordinate grids, including transformations of geometric figures
  • Understand the concepts of congruency, symmetry, and similarity

Measurement

  • Develop, analyze, and use formulas for measurable attributes of objects
  • Understand and use formulas for the area, surface area, and volume of geometric figures, including cones, spheres, and cylinders
  • Make decisions about units and scales that are appropriate for problem situations involving measurement

Data Analysis & Probability 

  • Analyze, interpret, and make inferences about a set of data
  • Understand and apply the concepts of probability
  • Collect, display, interpret, and make predictions about a set of data
  • Calculate mean, mode, median, range, standard deviation, and first and third quartiles of a set of data
  • Calculate probabilities and expected values

Mathematics Review

Listed in the column to the right, you’ll find quick review guides for the 48 most important math topics tested on the ISEE Upper Level. Though you may be familiar with a concept, it would behoove you to review the information and complete the practice.

It is important to note that some of the concepts covered in this review are ones that you probably have never seen before. Do not worry if this is true. Instead, you should solidify your knowledge of familiar concepts, and then begin building your knowledge of the new concepts.

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Math Review Topics

  1. Estimation & Rounding
  2. Number Types
  3. Mathematic Properties
  4. Order of Operations
  5. Arithmetic Word Problems
  6. Number Lines 
  7. Fractions & Decimals 
  8. Powers & Roots
  9. Scientific Notation
  10. Factors & Multiples
  11. Prime Numbers
  12. Ratios & Proportions
  13. Percentages
  14. Percent of Change
  15. Sequences
  16. Set Notation
  17. Fundamental Counting Principle
  18. Permutations
  19. Combinations
  20. Probability
  21. Distance, Rate, & Time
  22. Work Word Problems
  23. Simple & Compound Interest
  24. Mean, Median, Mode, Range, & Weighted Average
  25. Units of Measurement
  26. Operations on Algebraic Expressions
  27. Multiplying Polynomials
  28. Factoring Algebraic Expressions
  29. Balancing Algebraic Equations
  30. Absolute Value
  31. Direct and Inverse Variation
  32. Inequalities
  33. Systems of Linear Equations
  34. Linear Equations & Their Graphs
  35. Midpoint & Distance Formulas
  36. Linear Inequalities & Their Graphs
  37. Quadratic Equations and Their Graphs
  38. Function Notation
  39. Domain & Range
  40. Transformations on Functions
  41. Matrices
  42. Geometric Notation
  43. Types of Angles
  44. Triangles: Types and Rules
  45. Polygons: Angles, Perimeter, and Area
  46. Circles
  47. Solid Geometry: Surface Area and Volume
  48. Advanced Math: Matrix Multiplication, Standard Deviation, and Trigonometry