TEAS Math Word Problems and Algebra
Updated October 27, 2026
Word problems are where many TEAS math points are won or lost. The math itself is usually simple; the challenge is turning the words into the right equation. Here’s a method, followed by free practice questions with step-by-step answers.
An on-screen calculator is provided for the TEAS math section, but setting up the problem is up to you.
A four-step method
- Find what’s being asked. Underline the question at the end.
- List what you know, with units.
- Write one equation that connects them.
- Solve and check that the answer makes sense.
Key words
| Words | Usually means |
|---|---|
| “of” | Multiply |
| “per”, “each” | Divide (a rate) |
| “is”, “equals” | = |
| “more than”, “increased by” | Add |
| “less than”, “decreased by” | Subtract |
Percent change = (new − old) ÷ old × 100.
Free TEAS word problem practice
-
A nurse earns $28 per hour and works 36 hours a week. How much does she earn in a week?Answer: CMultiply the hourly rate by the hours: $28 × 36 = $1,008.
-
A patient's weight drops from 200 pounds to 180 pounds. What is the percent decrease?Answer: APercent change = (180 − 200) ÷ 200 × 100 = −20 ÷ 200 × 100 = −10%, a 10% decrease.
-
Three more than twice a number is 17. What is the number?Answer: BWrite the equation 2x + 3 = 17. Subtract 3: 2x = 14. Divide by 2: x = 7.
-
A map scale shows 1 inch = 25 miles. Two towns are 3.5 inches apart on the map. How far apart are they?Answer: CMultiply by the scale: 3.5 × 25 = 87.5 miles.
-
A clinic sees patients at a ratio of 3 adults for every 2 children. If it saw 45 adults, how many children did it see?Answer: BSet up 3/2 = 45/x. Cross-multiply: 3x = 90, so x = 30 children.
-
A recipe needs 2.5 kilograms of flour. How many grams is that?Answer: C1 kilogram = 1,000 grams, so 2.5 × 1,000 = 2,500 grams.
-
A shirt costs $24 after a 20% discount. What was the original price?Answer: CThe sale price is 80% of the original: 0.8 × original = $24, so the original = $24 ÷ 0.8 = $30.
-
An IV bag holds 1,000 mL and drips at 125 mL per hour. How many hours will it last?Answer: C1,000 mL ÷ 125 mL per hour = 8 hours.
-
Which inequality describes "a number x is at least 18"?Answer: A"At least 18" means 18 or more, so x ≥ 18.
-
A car uses 3 gallons of gas to travel 96 miles. How many gallons will it use for 160 miles?Answer: CThe car gets 96 ÷ 3 = 32 miles per gallon. 160 ÷ 32 = 5 gallons.
-
The sum of two consecutive whole numbers is 41. What is the larger number?Answer: CLet the numbers be n and n + 1: 2n + 1 = 41, so n = 20 and the larger number is 21.
-
A recipe makes 12 servings and uses 3 eggs. How many eggs are needed for 20 servings?Answer: BThat's 3 eggs per 12 servings, or 1 egg per 4 servings. 20 ÷ 4 = 5 eggs.
-
Maria is 4 years older than twice her son's age. If Maria is 36, how old is her son?Answer: B2s + 4 = 36, so 2s = 32 and s = 16.
-
A tank is 40% full and holds 120 liters when full. How many more liters are needed to fill it?Answer: BIt holds 40% × 120 = 48 liters now, so it needs 120 − 48 = 72 more liters.
-
A temperature rises from −4°C to 9°C. By how many degrees did it rise?Answer: C9 − (−4) = 9 + 4 = 13 degrees.
Get the TEAS score your nursing program wants
- All 179 questions across reading, math, science, and English and language usage
- An explanation for every answer, with the working shown for every math question
- Unlimited full 75-question practice exams, with each section in its real share