Preparing for the TEAS Math section is critical for anyone aiming to enter nursing school. This part of the exam tests your understanding of essential math skills that you’ll use regularly in healthcare. Let’s walk through the key concepts and formulas you need to succeed.
1. Basic Arithmetic
You’ll need to be confident with basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The TEAS Math section will test these skills through real-world problems. It’s important to practice regularly and brush up on fundamental math concepts before tackling more advanced topics.
2. Fractions and Decimals
Understanding how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions and decimals is crucial. You’ll also need to know how to convert between fractions, decimals, and percentages. These operations are commonly tested through word problems, requiring you to apply what you’ve learned in practical situations.
3. Percentages
Calculating percentages—whether it’s finding a percentage of a number or determining percentage increases and decreases—is a frequent challenge in the TEAS Math section. You might come across problems that ask you to figure out the discount on an item or the total price after a sales tax is applied.
4. Ratios and Proportions
Ratios and proportions are fundamental for working out dosage calculations in healthcare. A common type of question might ask you to scale a recipe or adjust the concentration of a solution, making this a practical concept to master for both the exam and future nursing scenarios.
5. Algebra
Solving for unknowns and simplifying algebraic expressions will also be tested. You may encounter problems where you need to use the slope-intercept form of a linear equation y=mx+by = mx + by=mx+b or solve basic quadratic equations. Understanding algebra is important not just for the exam but also for interpreting charts and data in nursing.
6. Geometry
Geometry questions will involve calculating the area, perimeter, circumference, and volume of basic shapes. Here are some key formulas to remember:
- Area of a rectangle: A=lwA = lwA=lw
- The perimeter of a square: P=4sP = 4sP=4s
- Volume of a rectangular prism: V=lwhV = lwhV=lwh
- Circumference of a circle: C=2πrC = 2\pi rC=2πr
Geometry problems often relate to practical scenarios like determining the amount of medication to fill a specific container, so it’s important to have these formulas at your fingertips.
7. Statistics
The TEAS Math section may also test your ability to calculate and interpret basic statistics, such as mean, median, mode, and range. You’ll likely need to analyze data sets and apply these concepts in real-world nursing contexts, such as interpreting patient information.
8. Conversions
Conversion questions require you to convert between metric and imperial units for length, weight, and volume. You may be asked to convert between milliliters and liters, or inches and centimeters, which is a vital skill for nurses handling medication doses and patient measurements.
Essential Formulas for TEAS Math
Here are some key formulas you’ll need for the TEAS Math section:
| Formula | Application |
|---|---|
| Distance formula: d=rtd = rtd=rt | Calculate distance using rate and time. |
| Simple interest formula: I=PrtI = PrtI=Prt | Find interest based on principal, rate, and time. |
| Slope-intercept form: y=mx+by = mx + by=mx+b | Solve linear equations and interpret graphs. |
| Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2a2+b2=c2 | Calculate the length of the sides of a right triangle. |
If you’d like to explore more formulas, check out our TEAS Math practice resources here.
Preparing for the TEAS Math Section
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Success in the TEAS Math section requires regular practice. Solve problems, review concepts, and make use of online practice tests to simulate exam conditions. You can find additional practice materials on our dedicated TEAS page.
- Time Management: Remember that the TEAS Math section consists of 36 questions to be answered in 54 minutes. Prioritize easy questions first and return to the tougher ones later. Our TEAS study tips can help you manage your time more effectively during the exam.
Conclusion
By mastering these essential math concepts and formulas, you’ll be well-prepared to ace the TEAS Math section. Focus on regular practice, timed problem-solving, and solidifying your understanding of key concepts like percentages, algebra, and geometry. For additional resources and test prep strategies, explore our TEAS study guide.
