According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
80% of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States require some
training after high school. Many of these jobs require a strong
basis in math and science. Mathematics engages critical thinking,
abstract reasoning, and problem solving. Invididuals can use these
skills throughout their lifetime for higher learning and many different
careers. The WorkKeys Applied Mathematics assessment helps current
and potential employees measure the math skills they have against
those the workplace requires.
This assessment measures the skill people use when
they apply mathematical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving
techniques to work-related problems. The test questions require
the examinee to set up and solve the types of problems and do the
types of calculations that actually occur in the workplace. This
test is designed to be taken with a calculator. A formula sheet
that includes all formulas required for the assessment is provided.
While individuals may use calculators and conversion tables to help
with the problems, they still need to use math skills to think them
through. |
| Level 3 |
Characteristics
of Problems
| • |
Translate easily from a verbal setup to a Mathematical
equation |
| • |
All information provided is necessary to solve
the problems and is presented in logical order |
| • |
Units of measurement not involved in actual calculations
(i.e., function solely as labels), except dollars
& cents |
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Skills
| • |
Perform single-step basic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division) using
whole numbers |
| • |
Change a number from one form to another, using
whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages |
| • |
Add and subtract negative numbers as well as positive
numbers |
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|
| Level 4 |
Characteristics
of Problems
| • |
Involve reordering verbal information before performing
calculations |
| • |
May include simple charts or graphs |
| • |
Must be read carefully to determine which operations
to perform and in what order |
|
|
Skills
| • |
Perform one or two mathematical operations, such
as addition, subtraction, or multiplication on several
positive or negative numbers |
| • |
Add commonly known fractions, decimals, or percentages
(e.g., ½, .75, 25%), and three fractions
that share a common denominator |
| • |
Calculate averages, simple ratios, proportions,
and rates, using whole numbers and decimals |
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| Level 5 |
Characteristics
of Problems
| • |
Involve separating important facts from extraneous information |
| • |
Several steps of logic involved in calculations |
| • |
Mixed unit quantities may need conversion to a single
and/or different set of units (e.g., 4 hours and 30 minutes
= 4.5 hours) |
|
|
Skills
| • |
Perform single-step conversions within and between English
and non-English systems of measurement |
| • |
Calculate perimeters and areas of basic shapes |
| • |
Calculate percentage discounts and markups |
| • |
Compute the “best deal” using one- and two-step
calculations and then comparing costs |
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|
| Level 6 |
Characteristics
of Problems
| • |
May require considerable translation from verbal form
to mathematical expression |
| • |
May require considerable setup and involve multiple-step
calculations or conversions |
| • |
May involve transposition of formulas before calculating
(e.g., v = ir=> r=v/I) |
| • |
May involve conversions using two formulas within a
system of measurement |
|
|
Skills
| • |
Calculate using negative numbers, fractions, ratios,
percentages, and mixed numbers |
| • |
Calculate multiple rates and then compare the rates
or use them to perform other calculations |
| • |
Find basic areas and volumes of rectangular solids |
| • |
Calculate the “best deal” using the result
in another problem |
| • |
Identify and correct errors in calculations |
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|
| Level 7 |
Characteristics
of Problems
| • |
Content or format may be unusual |
| • |
Information may be incomplete or implicit, requiring
derivation from the setup the information needed to solve
the problem |
| • |
Involve several steps of reasoning and multiple calculations |
| • |
May include nonlinear functions (e.g., rates of exchange),
and applications of basic statistical concepts (e.g.,
error of measurement) |
|
|
Skills
| • |
Solve problems involving more than one unknown |
| • |
Calculate the percent of change |
| • |
Calculate multiple areas and volumes of spheres, cylinders,
and cones |
| • |
Setup and manipulate complex ratios and proportions |
| • |
Determine the best economic value of several alternatives |
| • |
Find mistakes in multiple-step calculations |
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