The HESI A2 entrance exam is a critical step for anyone looking to pursue a career in nursing or healthcare. Among the various sections, the math portion can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to percentages. They might seem straightforward, but you know how math can be—it’s easy to mess up if you’re not careful. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about percentages for the HESI A2 math section, so you can tackle those questions with confidence.
Why Percentages Matter in the HESI A2 Math Section
Percentages are all about parts of a whole. Whether you’re calculating a tip, figuring out a discount, or estimating a patient’s body fat, percentages are everywhere. In the HESI A2 math section, you’ll encounter questions that test your understanding of percentages, ranging from simple calculations to more complex problems that involve other math concepts like proportions and fractions. So, let’s make sure you’re ready for them.
Types of Percentage Questions on the HESI A2 Math Section
Here’s a breakdown of the kinds of percentage questions you might see on the HESI A2 math section:
- Basic Percentage Calculations: These involve finding a percentage of a number or converting a fraction to a percentage. For example, you might be asked what 20% of 150 is, or what fraction represents 75%.
- Percentage Increase or Decrease: You might need to calculate how much something has increased or decreased by a certain percentage. For instance, if a price went from $100 to $120, you’d have to find out by what percentage it increased.
- Calculating Discounts: Retail scenarios are common, where you need to find the final price after a discount. If a product is 30% off, you’d have to calculate the discount and then the final price.
- Real-World Applications: These questions relate percentages to real-world scenarios, such as calculating medication dosages or nutritional information.
Tips for Solving Percentage Questions on the HESI A2 Math Section
Here are some tips to help you navigate the world of percentages on the HESI A2 math section:
1. Understand Basic Percentage Conversions
To convert a percentage to a decimal, divide by 100. So, 25% becomes 0.25. To find a percentage of a number, multiply the decimal by the number. For example, 25% of 200 is 0.25 * 200, which is 50.
2. Learn to Calculate Percentage Increase or Decrease
To calculate a percentage increase, find the difference between the original and new values, then divide by the original and multiply by 100. For a decrease, the process is the same, just with a negative outcome. Our HESI A2 math study guide has examples to help you get the hang of this.
3. Practice with Real Problems
The best way to get comfortable with percentages is to practice with real problems. Work through a variety of percentage questions to build your confidence. Our study guide has plenty of examples, and our free HESI A2 math practice test is a great resource to test your skills.
4. Use Scratch Paper/White Paper (if your test center allows)
Scratch paper/white paper is your best friend when working through percentage questions. It helps you visualize the problem and work through the calculations. Don’t be afraid to use as much scratch paper as you need to get the correct answer.
5. Double-Check Your Work
Percentages can be tricky, so always double-check your work. Make sure you’ve used the correct decimal or conversion factor and that your final answer makes sense. If it doesn’t, rework the problem before moving on.
Need More Help? Check Out Our HESI A2 Math Study Guide
If you need more help with percentages and other topics in the HESI A2 math section, our study guide is just what you need. It covers all the key concepts in detail and provides step-by-step explanations to help you understand them.
And if you want to test your skills with percentages and other math topics, try our free HESI A2 math practice test. It’s a quick way to gauge your current level and identify areas where you might need more work.
Get Ready to Ace the HESI A2 Math Section
Percentages are an important part of the HESI A2 math section, but with the right preparation, you can master them. Grab our study guide, take the free practice test, and let’s get you ready to ace the exam.
Good luck, and let’s crush it!
