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100+ Free PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics Practice Questions

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Key Facts: PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics Exam

100 Questions

Full Practice Bank Size

OpenExamPrep Bank

4 Reporting Categories

PA Core Grade 8 Math Domains

PDE

Proficient ≥ 1284

Target Benchmark Scaled Score

PDE PSSA Performance Levels

The PSSA Grade 8 Math exam measures 8th-grade student proficiency across four PA Core reporting categories: Algebraic Concepts (35%), Numbers & Operations (25%), Geometry (25%), and Data Analysis & Probability (15%). Performance is reported in four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced.

Sample PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following numbers is an irrational number?
A.0.333...
B.√16
C.√11
D.5/8
Explanation: √11 is an irrational number because 11 is not a perfect square, so its decimal expansion (≈ 3.3166...) is non-terminating and non-repeating. In contrast, 0.333... = 1/3, √16 = 4, and 5/8 = 0.625 are all rational numbers.
2Simplify the expression: 4³ × 4⁵.
A.4¹⁵
B.4⁸
C.16⁸
D.4²
Explanation: When multiplying exponential terms with the same base, keep the base and add the exponents: 4³ × 4⁵ = 4³⁺⁵ = 4⁸.
3Write the number 0.00045 in standard scientific notation.
A.4.5 × 10⁻⁴
B.4.5 × 10⁴
C.45 × 10⁻⁵
D.4.5 × 10⁻³
Explanation: Move the decimal point 4 places to the right to create a coefficient between 1 and 10 (4.5). Moving right makes the exponent negative: 4.5 × 10⁻⁴.
4What is the value of 7⁰ + 7⁻¹?
A.0
B.1/7
C.8/7
D.8
Explanation: Any non-zero base raised to the power of 0 equals 1 (7⁰ = 1). A negative exponent indicates the reciprocal: 7⁻¹ = 1/7. Adding them gives 1 + 1/7 = 8/7.
5Evaluate: ∛64 + √49.
A.11
B.13
C.15
D.11/2
Explanation: The cube root of 64 is 4 because 4³ = 64. The square root of 49 is 7 because 7² = 49. Adding them gives 4 + 7 = 11.
6Which of the following is equivalent to (3²)³?
A.3⁵
B.3⁶
C.9⁶
D.3⁸
Explanation: According to the power-of-a-power rule, (aᵐ)ⁿ = aᵐˣⁿ. Therefore, (3²)³ = 3²ˣ³ = 3⁶.
7Convert 6.2 × 10³ to standard decimal notation.
A.620
B.6,200
C.62,000
D.0.0062
Explanation: To convert 6.2 × 10³ to standard notation, move the decimal point 3 places to the right: 6.2 × 1,000 = 6,200.
8Between which two consecutive integers does √50 lie?
A.5 and 6
B.6 and 7
C.7 and 8
D.8 and 9
Explanation: Identify perfect squares surrounding 50: 7² = 49 and 8² = 64. Since 49 < 50 < 64, taking square roots gives 7 < √50 < 8. So √50 lies between 7 and 8.
9Simplify: (5.4 × 10⁸) ÷ (1.8 × 10³). Write your answer in scientific notation.
A.3.0 × 10⁵
B.3.0 × 10¹¹
C.3.6 × 10⁵
D.3.0 × 10²⁴
Explanation: Divide the coefficients: 5.4 / 1.8 = 3.0. Subtract the exponents: 10⁸⁻³ = 10⁵. Combining these gives 3.0 × 10⁵.
10Evaluate: (2 × 10⁴) + (3.5 × 10⁵). Express the answer in scientific notation.
A.5.5 × 10⁵
B.3.7 × 10⁵
C.3.7 × 10⁴
D.5.5 × 10⁹
Explanation: Convert 2 × 10⁴ to have an exponent of 5: 0.2 × 10⁵. Now add coefficients: (0.2 + 3.5) × 10⁵ = 3.7 × 10⁵.

About the PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics Exam

The PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics assessment evaluates student mastery of Pennsylvania Core Standards in 8th grade math. The test assesses four reporting categories: Numbers and Operations (25%), Algebraic Concepts (35%), Geometry (25%), and Data Analysis and Probability (15%).

Assessment

Two sections of 24 multiple-choice/technology-enhanced items and 2 open-ended items each, reported at Grade 8 as The Number System 14-17%, Expressions and Equations 30-35%, Functions 20-25%, Geometry 17-21%, and Statistics and Probability 14-17%.

Time Limit

Untimed; PDE's test design plans two sections with an estimated 78 minutes of testing each. Delivered online only beginning with the Spring 2026 administration.

Passing Score

Proficient (Scaled Score ≥ 1284)

Exam Fee

Free (State-mandated public school assessment) (Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) & Data Recognition Corporation (DRC))

PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics Exam Content Outline

25%

Numbers and Operations

Rational and irrational numbers, square roots, cube roots, integer exponents, and scientific notation.

35%

Algebraic Concepts

Linear equations, systems of linear equations, slope, rate of change, y = mx + b, and function properties.

25%

Geometry

Pythagorean theorem, coordinate distance, rigid transformations, dilations, and volume formulas for 3D shapes.

15%

Data Analysis and Probability

Scatter plots, lines of best fit, patterns of association, and two-way tables.

How to Pass the PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Proficient (Scaled Score ≥ 1284)
  • Assessment: Two sections of 24 multiple-choice/technology-enhanced items and 2 open-ended items each, reported at Grade 8 as The Number System 14-17%, Expressions and Equations 30-35%, Functions 20-25%, Geometry 17-21%, and Statistics and Probability 14-17%.
  • Time limit: Untimed; PDE's test design plans two sections with an estimated 78 minutes of testing each. Delivered online only beginning with the Spring 2026 administration.
  • Exam fee: Free (State-mandated public school assessment)

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master integer exponent rules and practice converting numbers between standard notation and scientific notation.
2Understand slope as rate of change (y = mx + b) and solve one-variable equations and 2x2 linear systems.
3Memorize and apply the Pythagorean theorem (a² + b² = c²) and volume formulas for cylinders, cones, and spheres.
4Practice interpreting scatter plots, identifying positive/negative/no association, and analyzing two-way frequency tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PSSA Grade 8 Math exam?

The PSSA Grade 8 Mathematics test is Pennsylvania's statewide standardized assessment designed to measure student progress toward PA Core Standards in 8th grade math.

What topics are covered on the PSSA Grade 8 Math test?

The exam covers four reporting categories: Algebraic Concepts (35%), Numbers and Operations (25%), Geometry (25%), and Data Analysis and Probability (15%).

Is a calculator allowed on the PSSA Grade 8 Math test?

Yes, calculators (such as scientific or graphing calculators) are permitted on designated calculator sections of the PSSA Grade 8 test.

How are PSSA Grade 8 Math scores reported?

Student performance is reported as scaled scores categorized into four performance levels: Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, and Advanced.