When it comes to the HESI A2 entrance exam, the math section can be a minefield—especially if fractions make you break out in a cold sweat. Whether it’s adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing fractions, these tricky little buggers are all over the test. But don’t stress, I’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll dive into how to solve fractions on the HESI A2 math section and help you feel more confident when test day rolls around.
Why Fractions Matter in the HESI A2 Math Section
Fractions might seem like something you learned back in middle school, but they’re a core part of the HESI A2 math section. This test is designed to evaluate your foundational math skills, and fractions are a big chunk of that (no pun intended). You need to know how to work with them, whether you’re dealing with a dosage calculation or figuring out a ratio. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty of solving fractions.
Types of Fraction Problems on the HESI A2 Math Section
First, let’s talk about what you’re likely to encounter on the test. The HESI A2 math section covers various types of fraction problems, including:
- Adding and Subtracting Fractions: You need to find a common denominator and then add or subtract the numerators.
- Multiplying Fractions: This one’s pretty straightforward—just multiply the numerators and denominators.
- Dividing Fractions: Flip the divisor (the second fraction) and then multiply.
- Converting Fractions to Decimals: This involves dividing the numerator by the denominator to get a decimal.
- Simplifying Fractions: Reducing fractions to their simplest form by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor.
Tips for Solving Fractions on the HESI A2 Math Section
If fractions are giving you grief, don’t worry—here are some tips to help you tackle them with ease:
1. Find a Common Denominator
When you’re adding or subtracting fractions, you need a common denominator. To find one, look for the least common multiple of both denominators. Once you’ve got that, rewrite the fractions with the common denominator and then add or subtract the numerators.
2. Multiply the Numerators and Denominators
Multiplying fractions is simpler than adding or subtracting. Just multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Don’t forget to simplify the result if possible.
3. Flip and Multiply for Division
Division can be a bit tricky, but it’s just multiplication with a twist. Flip the second fraction (the divisor) and then multiply it by the first fraction. This is known as finding the reciprocal.
4. Convert to Decimals When Needed
Sometimes, converting a fraction to a decimal makes it easier to understand. Just divide the numerator by the denominator. This is especially useful when dealing with complex fractions or mixed numbers.
5. Simplify Your Fractions
Simplifying is about making fractions as clean and straightforward as possible. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and the denominator, and divide both by the GCD. This gives you the simplest form of the fraction.
Need More Help? Check Out Our HESI A2 Math Study Guide
If you need more help with fractions 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 a ton of practice questions to help you master them.
And if you want to see how you’re doing with fractions and other math topics, take our free HESI A2 math practice test. It’s a great way to identify areas where you might need more work.
Get Ready to Ace the HESI A2 Math Section
Fractions don’t have to be your worst nightmare. With the right preparation and a little practice, you can conquer the HESI A2 math section. Grab our study guide, take the free practice test, and let’s get to work.
Good luck, and let’s ace that exam!
