HESI A2 Math Study Guide: 6 Key Topics to Review
The HESI A2 Math section assesses foundational math skills used in healthcare education. Focus your preparation on understanding the process behind each calculation—not simply memorizing isolated answers.
1. Fractions
A fraction represents part of a whole. The numerator appears above the fraction bar, and the denominator appears below it.
Be prepared to:
- Simplify fractions
- Compare and order fractions
- Convert between improper fractions and mixed numbers
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions
To add or subtract fractions, first find a common denominator. To multiply, multiply the numerators and denominators. To divide, multiply by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
2. Decimals
Practice adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals. Keep place values aligned when adding or subtracting.
You should also be able to convert between fractions and decimals. For example:
- 1/4 = 0.25
- 1/2 = 0.50
- 3/4 = 0.75
To convert a fraction to a decimal, divide the numerator by the denominator.
3. Ratios and proportions
A ratio compares two quantities. A proportion states that two ratios are equal.
For example, if 2 notebooks cost $6, how much would 5 notebooks cost?
2/6 = 5/x
Cross-multiply:
2x = 30
x = 15
Five notebooks would cost $15.
4. Percentages
Percent means “per hundred.” Be prepared to convert among percentages, decimals, and fractions.
- Convert a percent to a decimal by dividing by 100.
- Convert a decimal to a percent by multiplying by 100.
- Find a percentage of a number by multiplying the decimal form by the number.
For example, 25% of 80 is:
0.25 × 80 = 20
5. Basic algebra
Basic algebra questions require you to solve for an unknown value. Use inverse operations and perform the same operation on both sides of the equation.
For example:
3x + 4 = 19
3x = 15
x = 5
Follow the order of operations when an expression includes multiple operations:
- Parentheses
- Exponents
- Multiplication and division from left to right
- Addition and subtraction from left to right
6. Measurement conversions
Healthcare programs require comfort with common measurement relationships. Review conversions involving:
- Length
- Weight and mass
- Volume
- Time
- Household and metric measurements
Use dimensional analysis to organize conversions. Set up conversion factors so unwanted units cancel and the desired unit remains.
How to prepare for HESI A2 Math
- Practice without looking at worked examples.
- Estimate the answer before calculating.
- Write units throughout conversion problems.
- Review why you missed each question.
- Return to weak topics across multiple study sessions.
- Practice solving mixed sets so you learn to identify the required operation.
Prepare for HESI A2 Math with Pocket Prep. Practice questions and detailed explanations can help you strengthen your calculations and learn from common mistakes.
