Mathematics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Data, and Geometry Under Time Pressure
The TEAS Math section mixes arithmetic, algebra, measurement and data, and geometry. Most missed questions are not hard math - they are setup errors, so slow down at the translation step and speed up on the computation.
Core concepts
Be fluent converting among fractions, decimals, and percents, and know that percent of means multiply while percent change means (new − old) ÷ old. Order of operations (parentheses, exponents, multiply/divide left to right, add/subtract left to right) governs every expression; distribution of a negative sign is a frequent slip. Solve linear equations by undoing operations in reverse order, and remember that multiplying or dividing an inequality by a negative number flips the sign. Ratios and proportions solve most unit-conversion and scaling problems. In data, know mean, median, mode, and range and how outliers pull the mean. In geometry, memorize perimeter, area, volume, angle rules (a triangle's angles sum to 180°), the Pythagorean theorem, and circle formulas - and check whether a problem gives diameter or radius.
Traps
Unit mismatches (minutes vs. hours, cm vs. m), adding successive percents instead of compounding them, forgetting to flip an inequality sign, averaging averages incorrectly, and answering with the wrong quantity (e.g., giving the discount rather than the final price).
Rule of thumb
Label every number with its unit and let the units cancel; if the units of your answer are wrong, your setup is wrong.
Worked example: An $80 jacket is marked down 25%, then an extra 10% is taken off the sale price. Do not add 25% + 10% = 35% (which gives $52). Instead: $80 × 0.75 = $60, then $60 × 0.90 = $54.