TEAS-style math practice: cram pack

Formula sheets, the key method steps for every topic and 4 practice problems, with full solutions at the back.

New problemsBack to the course

In the print window, choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy on your device.

1Formulas and methods

Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)

Order of operations
parentheses → exponents → × ÷ (left to right) → + − (left to right)
Fractions
a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd, a/b × c/d = ac/bd, a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c
Percent
p% of N = (p/100)·N; percent = part/whole × 100
Percent change
(new − original)/original × 100
Discount, then tax
price × (1 − d/100) × (1 + t/100)
Proportion
a/b = c/d → ad = bc
Mean, median, mode, range
sum/count; middle of ordered list; most frequent; max − min
Length, capacity, time
1 km = 1000 m, 1 m = 100 cm, 1 ft = 12 in, 1 yd = 3 ft, 1 mi = 5280 ft, 1 gal = 4 qt = 16 cups, 1 h = 60 min
Temperature
°F = °C·9/5 + 32, °C = (°F − 32)·5/9; a change of 1 °C = 1.8 °F
Area
rectangle l·w, triangle ½·b·h, circle π·r²
Perimeter and circumference
rectangle 2l + 2w, circle π·d = 2π·r
Volume
box l·w·h, cylinder π·r²·h; 1000 cm³ = 1 L
Speed
distance ÷ time (time in hours for mph or km/h)

Method

  1. Read the last sentence first: what exactly is asked, and in which unit or form (lowest terms, nearest cent, one decimal place)?
  2. Write the numbers in one form: turn mixed numbers into improper fractions, percents into decimals, and hours and minutes into one unit.
  3. Pick the method: PEMDAS for expressions, a common denominator for adding fractions, part ÷ whole × 100 for percents, cross-multiplying for proportions, inverse operations for equations.
  4. Work one step at a time and write each line down; round only at the very end.
  5. Check the size of the answer with an estimate, and put an equation’s answer back in.

Nursing math & unit conversions

Metric steps
1 kg = 1000 g, 1 g = 1000 mg, 1 mg = 1000 mcg, 1 L = 1000 mL
Weight and length
1 kg = 2.2 lb, 1 lb = 16 oz, 1 in = 2.54 cm, 1 ft = 12 in
Household measures
1 tsp = 5 mL, 1 tbsp = 15 mL, 1 fl oz = 30 mL, 1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
Temperature
°C = (°F − 32)·5/9, °F = °C·9/5 + 32
24-hour clock
PM hours 1–11: add 12; 12 AM = 00:xx; 12 PM = 12:xx
Dose rate
mcg/min × 60/1000 = mg/h
Laboratory factors
glucose 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL; creatinine 1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L; Hb 1 g/dL = 10 g/L

Method

  1. Write the given quantity with its unit and the unit you want.
  2. Pick the equivalent: 1000 between kg, g, mg and mcg or L and mL; 1 kg = 2.2 lb; 1 tsp = 5 mL, 1 tbsp = 15 mL, 1 fl oz = 30 mL, 1 cup = 240 mL.
  3. Write it as a fraction so that the unwanted unit cancels; for a rate, use one fraction per unit that changes.
  4. Check the direction: a smaller unit gives a bigger number.
  5. Round only the final answer, to the precision the question names.

2Practice problems

1.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)Medium
1/212 7/84/5

Work out 3/8 + 2 1/2. Click the answer in lowest terms.

3/8 + 2 1/2
  1. 11/2
  2. 21
  3. 32 7/8
  4. 44/5
2.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)Hard
20242025A205145B255250C60190

The table shows the number of volunteers at centres A, B and C in 2024 and 2025. What percent p of all 2025 volunteers were at centre B? Round to the nearest whole number.

p = %
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
12345678910111202:25?4:25 AM1:25 AM2:25 AM2:25 PM

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 02:25 (24-hour clock). Which entry is the same time on the 12-hour clock? Click it.

02:25
  1. 14:25 AM
  2. 21:25 AM
  3. 32:25 AM
  4. 42:25 PM
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
½ tbsp · 2/day · 5 d? × 100 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads ½ tbsp of an oral suspension every 12 hours for 5 days. The suspension comes in 100 mL bottles. Using 1 tbsp = 15 mL, how many whole bottles N must be supplied so the course is complete?

½ tbspevery 12 hours5 days100 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
N =

3Solutions

1.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)

Answer: 2 7/8

Adding and subtracting fractions: the denominators must be the same. Find the least common denominator (LCD), rewrite each fraction with it by multiplying top and bottom by the same number, then add or subtract the numerators only. Simplify by dividing top and bottom by their greatest common factor, and write an improper fraction as a mixed number.

Improper fractions

3/8 = 3/8
2 1/2 = 5/2

Common denominator

The least common multiple of 8 and 2 is 8.

3/8 = 3/8
5/2 = 20/8

Add the numerators

3/8 + 20/8 = 23/8

Simplify

23/8 = 2 7/8

Answer

2 7/8
2.Pre-nursing math (entrance exam)

Answer: p = 43 %

Percent means per hundred: p% of a number is (p/100) × the number. To find what percent A is of B, divide A by B and multiply by 100. A percent change compares the change with the original value: percent change = (new − original)/original × 100.

Total 2025

145 + 250 + 190 = 585

Percent

p = 250/585 × 100 = 42.74 ≈ 43%

Answer

p = 43%
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 2:25 AM

24-hour clock: from 1 PM onwards add 12 to the hour (3:45 PM = 15:45). Midnight to 12:59 AM is 00:00–00:59, and 12:00–12:59 PM stays 12:00–12:59. Going back, subtract 12 from hours 13–23 and add PM; hours 00 become 12 AM. Count time across midnight in two parts: up to 24:00 (00:00), then from 00:00 on.

Convert the hour

02 → 2 AM

Answer

2:25 AM

Answer

2:25 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: N = 1

Dimensional analysis: write the given quantity, then multiply by conversion factors written as fractions (for example 60 min/1 h or 1 mg/1000 mcg) so that each unwanted unit appears once on top and once underneath and cancels. When only the wanted unit is left, calculate. Use the equivalents the question gives and round only the final answer.

Total volume

7.5 mL × 2 × 5 = 75 mL

Bottles

75/100 = 0.75 → N = 1

Answer

N = 1

ExamProblems · examproblems.com/courses/teas-math-practice