PMA Entrance Exam Math Review: Algebra and Geometry
PMA Entrance Exam Math Review: Algebra and Geometry
PMA lists the math on its entrance exam as algebra and geometry. That's narrower than many college entrance tests, so you can go deep on both. PMA doesn't publish the number of items. Its application page has sample problems — start with those.
Algebra
- Arithmetic foundations — fractions, decimals, percentages, order of operations
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Systems of equations — substitution and elimination
- Quadratic equations — factoring, the quadratic formula, the discriminant
- Exponents, radicals and polynomials — laws of exponents, special products, factoring
- Word problems — number, age, work, motion, mixture and investment
- Ratio, proportion and variation
- Sequences — arithmetic and geometric
For word problems, define your variable in words first ("let x = the son's age now"), write the equation, then solve. Most mistakes happen in the setup.
Geometry
- Lines and angles — parallel lines and transversals, complementary and supplementary angles
- Triangles — angle sums, congruence and similarity, the Pythagorean theorem, 30-60-90 and 45-45-90 triangles
- Polygons — interior and exterior angle sums
- Circles — radius, diameter, circumference, arcs, central and inscribed angles
- Perimeter, area and volume of common figures and solids
- Coordinate geometry — distance, midpoint, slope, equation of a line
Draw a figure for every geometry problem, even when one is given, and label what you know.
A four-week plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arithmetic foundations, linear equations, systems |
| 2 | Quadratics, exponents and polynomials, word problems |
| 3 | Geometry: angles, triangles, polygons, circles |
| 4 | Area and volume, coordinate geometry; timed mixed sets |
Practise without a calculator — PMA's list of what to bring is two #2 pencils and a valid ID.
On test day
- Do the quick items first; mark long word problems and return to them.
- Don't let one problem take several minutes.
- Check that your answer makes sense (a negative length or an age of 200 means a setup error).
Where Super Tutor fits
Super Tutor's PMAEE reviewer has mathematics chapters on arithmetic, algebra, word problems, geometry, and perimeter, area and volume — the ones that match PMA's coverage — plus trigonometry, statistics and more if you want extra depth. Each comes in 11 study formats with practice quizzes at three difficulty levels and an AI tutor that explains solutions step by step. It doesn't have full PMAEE mock exams. Start free — 5-day trial, no card needed.
What to read next
The PMA entrance exam guide covers the full review. The numerical reasoning in the SPMA uses the same skills.
Start your PMAEE review free
Super Tutor's PMAEE reviewer has every chapter in 11 study formats, practice quizzes at three difficulty levels, an AI tutor for the questions you get stuck on, and a study planner. Start with a 5-day free trial, no card needed.
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