Math Practice TEAS Test

1. In a fraction, which number is the numerator and which is the denominator?

• A. Numerator: top, Denominator: bottom
• B. Numerator: bottom, Denominator: top
• C. Numerator: left, Denominator: right
• D. Numerator: right, Denominator: left

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Numerator: top, Denominator: bottom.' In a fraction, the numerator is the top number, representing the part of the whole being considered, while the denominator is the bottom number, indicating the total number of equal parts into which the whole is divided. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they provide inaccurate descriptions of the numerator and denominator positions in a fraction.

2. What is a direct proportion? What is an inverse proportion?

• A. Direct: Both quantities increase or decrease together; Inverse: When one quantity increases, the other decreases by the same factor
• B. Direct: Both quantities decrease together; Inverse: When one quantity increases, the other increases
• C. Direct: One quantity stays the same while the other increases; Inverse: Both quantities increase together
• D. Direct: One quantity increases while the other decreases; Inverse: Both quantities decrease together

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a direct proportion, both quantities increase or decrease together. This means that as one quantity goes up, the other also goes up, and vice versa. On the other hand, in an inverse proportion, when one quantity increases, the other decreases by the same factor. Therefore, choice A is correct as it accurately defines direct and inverse proportions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the relationship between quantities in direct and inverse proportions.

3. What must you always use in all math?

• A. PEMDAS
• B. Variables
• C. Conversion factors
• D. Estimation

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: PEMDAS. PEMDAS stands for the order of operations: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). It is a fundamental rule to follow in mathematics to ensure calculations are done correctly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not encompass the essential rule that PEMDAS provides for solving mathematical expressions.

4. Can a rational number be a fraction or decimal, or must it be a whole number?

• A. It must be a whole number
• B. It can be a fraction or decimal
• C. It can be any of the three
• D. It cannot be a decimal

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A rational number can be a whole number, fraction, or decimal. A rational number is any number that can be expressed as a ratio of two integers (where the denominator is not zero), which includes whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Choice A is incorrect because rational numbers are not limited to being whole numbers. Choice B is incorrect because a rational number can be a fraction, decimal, or whole number. Choice D is incorrect because rational numbers can definitely be decimals, as long as the decimal representation is either terminating or repeating.

5. What is the least common denominator of two fractions?

• A. The smallest number that is a multiple of both denominators
• B. The smallest number that both fractions can divide into evenly
• C. The least common multiple of both denominators
• D. The greatest common factor of both denominators

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The least common denominator of two fractions is the least common multiple of both denominators. This is because the least common denominator is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly, ensuring that both fractions can be expressed with a common denominator. Choice A is incorrect as the least common denominator is a multiple of both denominators, not a number that multiplies into both. Choice B is incorrect because the common denominator needs to be a multiple of both denominators, not just a number they can divide into evenly. Choice D is incorrect as the greatest common factor is not used to find the least common denominator, but rather the least common multiple.