TEAS Math · Practice Question

    Mixed numbers: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

    An original TEAS 7-style math practice question, written for nursing-school applicants — with a full breakdown of every answer choice.

    Question

    What is 2 1/3 - 3/4?

    • A.1 1/12
    • B.1 7/12
      Correct
    • C.1 5/7
    • D.2 1/12

    Correct answer: B. Convert to twelfths: 2 4/12 - 9/12 requires borrowing, giving 1 16/12 - 9/12 = 1 7/12.

    Why B is correct

    Convert to twelfths: 2 4/12 - 9/12 requires borrowing, giving 1 16/12 - 9/12 = 1 7/12.

    How to solve this TEAS question

    Identify what the question is testing, eliminate choices that conflict with the relevant rule or evidence, and then select the option that directly answers the prompt.

    Review the alternatives

    The other choices do not satisfy the scientific fact, mathematical operation, language rule, or reading evidence tested by this question. Always compare each option with the exact wording of the prompt before deciding.

    Quick study tip: Borrow one whole when the first fractional part is smaller.

    Ready to practice more TEAS Math questions?

    Test yourself on the full TEAS math question bank — with instant scoring, explanations, and progress tracking.

    Take a free TEAS Math quiz See all Math questions

    More TEAS Math practice questions

    Math
    Statistics and Data Interpretation
    Learn how to calculate the statistical range by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum value in a data set.
    Math
    Fractions and Decimals
    To solve, add the first two fractions and subtract the third using a common denominator, then convert the remaining fraction to a decimal.
    Math
    Comparing Rational Numbers
    Compare these values by converting fractions to decimals: 0.4, 3/7 (0.428), 0.44, and 4/9 (0.444). Choice D is the correct ascending order.
    Math
    Statistics and Data Interpretation
    To find the median, arrange the numbers in order (18, 21, 24, 29, 30, 33, 51) and identify the middle value, which is 29.
    Math
    Ratio and Fraction Conversion
    To convert the ratio 24:36 to a fraction, write it as 24/36 and simplify by dividing by the greatest common factor (12) to get 2/3.
    Math
    Ordering Rational Numbers
    To order rational numbers, convert fractions to decimals and arrange them from the most negative value to the most positive value.

    Learn more about TEAS Math

    Review the wider topic with these closely related study guides and practice resources.

    TEAS Math Practice Guide

    Review arithmetic, algebra, ratios, measurement, and data.

    TEAS Math Flashcards

    Practice formulas and methods with worked answers.

    50-Question TEAS Math Practice Test

    Continue with a larger, focused math practice set.

    TEAS Calculator Guide

    Learn when and how to use the exam calculator efficiently.