
HESI A2 Math Practice: Key Concepts and Sample Questions
The HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) exam is a critical step for aspiring nursing and health-related program students. Among its sections, the math portion often poses a significant challenge for many test-takers. This comprehensive guide will delve into the key concepts tested in the HESI A2 math section and provide sample questions to help you prepare effectively.
Understanding the HESI A2 Math Section
The HESI A2 math section evaluates your mathematical skills, focusing on areas essential for nursing and health-related fields. It consists of 50 questions that you need to complete within 50 minutes. The topics covered include:
- Basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
- Fractions and decimals
- Ratios and proportions
- Percentages
- Algebra
- Measurement conversions
- Word problems
Let’s explore each of these key concepts in detail.
Basic Operations
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division
Basic arithmetic operations form the foundation of the HESI A2 exam. Ensure you are comfortable with:
- Addition: Combining numbers to find the sum.
- Subtraction: Finding the difference between numbers.
- Multiplication: Calculating the product of numbers.
- Division: Determining how many times one number is contained within another.
Sample Question
- Addition: What is the sum of 345 and 678?
Solution: 345 + 678 = 1023 - Subtraction: What is the difference between 950 and 475?
Solution: 950 – 475 = 475 - Multiplication: What is the product of 12 and 15?
Solution: 12 × 15 = 180 - Division: What is the quotient of 144 divided by 12?
Solution: 144 ÷ 12 = 12
Fractions and Decimals
Converting Fractions to Decimals and Vice Versa
Understanding fractions and decimals—and being able to convert between them—is crucial for the HESI A2 practice test.
- To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator.
- To convert a decimal to a fraction, write the decimal as a fraction with 1 as the denominator and multiply both the numerator and denominator by 10 until you have an integer.
Sample Question
- Fraction to Decimal: Convert 3/4 to a decimal.
Solution: 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75 - Decimal to Fraction: Convert 0.2 to a fraction.
Solution: 0.2 = 2/10 = 1/5
Operations with Fractions
Be comfortable performing operations with fractions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Sample Question
- Addition: What is 1/3 + 1/4?
Solution: Find a common denominator: 1/3 = 4/12, 1/4 = 3/12. Then add: 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12 - Multiplication: What is 2/3 × 3/5?
Solution: (2 × 3) / (3 × 5) = 6/15 = 2/5
Ratios and Proportions
Understanding Ratios and Solving Proportions
Ratios compare two quantities, while proportions state that two ratios are equal. This concept is frequently tested in the HESI exam practice.
Sample Question
- Ratio: The ratio of nurses to doctors in a hospital is 4:1. If there are 20 doctors, how many nurses are there?
Solution: 4/1 = x/20 → x = 80 nurses - Proportion: If 3 notebooks cost $6, how much do 7 notebooks cost?
Solution: 3/6 = 7/x → 3x = 42 → x = 14
Percentages
Calculating Percentages
Percentages are crucial in dosage calculations and interpreting data in healthcare—commonly seen in HESI A2 exam practice questions.
Sample Question
- What is 20% of 150?
Solution: 0.20 × 150 = 30 - A patient’s weight increased from 60 kg to 66 kg. What is the percentage increase?
Solution: ((66 – 60) / 60) × 100 = 10%
Algebra
Basic Algebraic Equations
You’ll need to solve simple algebraic equations in the HESI test prep.
Sample Question
- Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 15
Solution: 2x = 10 → x = 5
Word Problems
These require you to translate written scenarios into equations—vital for hesi practice questions.
Sample Question
- A nurse administers a drug every 6 hours. The first dose is at 8 AM. When is the third dose?
Solution: 8 AM → 2 PM → 8 PM
Measurement Conversions
Converting Units
Conversions are frequent in hesi a2 practice test questions, especially in medication dosing.
Sample Question
- Convert 1500 milliliters to liters:
Solution: 1500 mL = 1.5 L - Convert 5 feet 8 inches to centimeters (1 inch = 2.54 cm):
Solution: 68 × 2.54 = 172.72 cm
Word Problems
Applying Mathematical Concepts
Critical thinking is tested via hesi a2 exam practice test items.
Sample Question
- A patient’s IV drip is set to administer 100 mL/hour. The IV bag contains 500 mL. How long will it last?
Solution: 500 ÷ 100 = 5 hours
Additional Resources
To reinforce your understanding and get the best possible HESI A2 exam prep, here are verified and high-quality platforms that offer hesi test practice test tools and tutorials:
- ✅ Elsevier HESI A2 Official Resources – Official publisher of the HESI exam with guides, FAQs, and practice materials.
- ✅ NurseHub – Offers full-length hesi a2 practice tests, explanations, and adaptive testing tools.
- ✅ Mometrix Test Prep – Features free hesi sample exams and a premium course option for in-depth study.
- ✅ Serrari Ed – Provides comprehensive hesi a2 admission practice test materials.
Conclusion
Preparing for the HESI A2 math section requires a solid understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts. By mastering:
- Basic operations
- Fractions and decimals
- Ratios and proportions
- Percentages
- Algebra
- Measurement conversions
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