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:

1. Basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
2. Fractions and decimals
3. Ratios and proportions
4. Percentages
5. Algebra
6. Measurement conversions
7. 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 math section. 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.

• 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: Multiply the numerators and denominators: (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.

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; cross-multiply to solve for x: 4 × 20 = 80 nurses.

Proportion: If 3 notebooks cost $6, how much do 7 notebooks cost?

Solution: Set up the proportion: 3/6 = 7/x; cross-multiply to solve for x: 3x = 42; x = 14.

Percentages

Calculating Percentages

Percentages represent a fraction of 100 and are useful in various real-life scenarios, including medical dosages and statistics.

Sample Question

Percentage: What is 20% of 150?

Solution: 0.20 × 150 = 30

Percentage Increase/Decrease: 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 should be comfortable solving for unknowns in algebraic equations.

Sample Question

Equation: Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 15

Solution: Subtract 5 from both sides: 2x = 10; then divide by 2: x = 5

Word Problems

Many algebra problems are presented as word problems, requiring you to translate the text into equations.

Sample Question

Word Problem: A nurse administers a drug to a patient every 6 hours. If the first dose is given at 8 AM, when will the third dose be administered?

Solution: First dose: 8 AM; second dose: 2 PM; third dose: 8 PM

Measurement Conversions

Converting Units

Conversions between units are essential, especially in healthcare settings where precise measurements are crucial.

Sample Question

Conversion: Convert 1500 milliliters to liters.

Solution: 1500 mL = 1.5 L

Conversion: Convert 5 feet 8 inches to centimeters (1 inch = 2.54 cm).

Solution: (5 × 12 + 8) × 2.54 = 68 × 2.54 = 172.72 cm

Word Problems

Applying Mathematical Concepts

Word problems test your ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, a critical skill in healthcare.

Sample Question

Word Problem: A patient’s IV drip is set to administer 100 mL per hour. If the IV bag contains 500 mL, how long will it last?

Solution: 500 mL ÷ 100 mL/hour = 5 hours

Additional Resources

To further enhance your HESI A2 math preparation, consider these external resources:

• Khan Academy – Offers free tutorials on basic arithmetic, algebra, and more.
• HESI A2 Practice Tests – Provides free practice tests and study guides.
• Quizlet – Flashcards and study sets created by other HESI A2 test-takers.

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, and measurement conversions, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the exam confidently. Use the sample questions provided to test your knowledge and identify areas that need further review.

Remember, consistent practice and utilizing available resources are key to success. Good luck with your HESI A2 math preparation!

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