HESI A2 Math Exam Prep 2026: 150
Actual-Style Practice Questions &
Detailed Rationales (Pass on Your
First Attempt)
Ace the mathematical sections of your
health education systems entrance exam
with this definitive, high-yield study
resource completely updated for the 2026
HESI A2 Math Blueprint.
This comprehensive digital document
delivers 150 highly realistic, exam-style
practice questions, paired directly with
their correct answers and step-by-step
mathematical rationales
,1. Solve for x:
\(\frac{3}{4}x-5=16\)
A) 14.25
B) 21
C) 28
D) 32
Answer: C) 28
Rationale: To isolate the variable, add 5 to both sides of the equation, which results in
\(\frac{3}{4}x = 21\). Next, multiply both sides by the reciprocal of the fraction, which is
\(\frac{4}{3}\). This gives \(x = 21 \times \frac{4}{3}\). Simplifying this expression yields x
= 7 × 4, which equals 28.
2. A patient is prescribed 1.5 grams of an oral medication. The medication is supplied in
500 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer to the patient?
A) 1.5 tablets
B) 2 tablets
C) 3 tablets
D) 4 tablets
Answer: C) 3 tablets
Rationale: First, convert the prescribed dose from grams to milligrams. Since 1 gram =
1,000 mg, 1.5 grams × 1,000 = 1,500 mg. Next, divide the total required milligrams by
the dosage strength per tablet: \(\frac{1,500\text{ mg}}{500\text{ mg/tablet}} = 3\text{
tablets}\).
3. Convert the following military time to standard 12-hour time format: 1945
A) 7:45 AM
B) 7:45 PM
C) 9:45 AM
D) 9:45 PM
Answer: B) 7:45 PM
Rationale: Military times from 1300 to 2400 represent the afternoon and evening hours
(PM). To convert a military time greater than 1200 to standard time, subtract 1200 from
the value: 1945 - 1200 = 745, which translates directly to 7:45 PM.
4. A medical clinic reports that out of 450 total patients surveyed, 18% missed their
scheduled annual check-ups. Exactly how many patients missed their appointments?
A) 18 patients
B) 54 patients
C) 81 patients
D) 90 patients
Answer: C) 81 patients
Rationale: To find the exact number of patients, convert the percentage to a decimal
value (18% = 0.18) and multiply it by the total patient population: 450 × 0.18 = 81.
Therefore, 81 patients missed their scheduled appointments.
5. Add the following fractions and reduce the final answer to its lowest terms:
\(\frac{2}{5}+\frac{1}{3}\)
A) \(\frac{3}{8}\)
B) \(\frac{11}{15}\)
C) \(\frac{2}{15}\)
, D) \(\frac{7}{10}\)
Answer: B) 11/15
Rationale: To add fractions with unlike denominators, find the lowest common
denominator (LCD), which for 5 and 3 is 15. Convert each fraction: \(\frac{2}{5} =
\frac{6}{15}\) and \(\frac{1}{3} = \frac{5}{15}\). Adding the numerators yields \(\frac{6 +
5}{15} = \frac{11}{15}\), which cannot be reduced further.
6. A liquid medication solution has a total volume of 120 mL. If a nurse administers
\(\frac{3}{8}\) of the bottle to a patient, how many milliliters of medication remain inside
the bottle?
A) 45 mL
B) 60 mL
C) 75 mL
D) 80 mL
Answer: C) 75 mL
Rationale: First, find the volume administered: \(120 \times \frac{3}{8} = 15 \times 3 =
45\text{ mL}\). To find the remaining volume, subtract the administered amount from the
total original volume: 120 mL - 45 mL = 75 mL. Alternatively, if \(\frac{3}{8}\) is given,
\(\frac{5}{8}\) remains: \(120 \times \frac{5}{8} = 75\text{ mL}\).
7. Convert 68 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to its exact equivalent on the Celsius (°C)
temperature scale.
A) 20°C
B) 25°C
C) 36°C
D) 37°C
Answer: A) 20°C
Rationale: Use the standard temperature conversion formula: °C = \(\frac{\text{\degree
F}-32}{1.8}\). Substituting 68 for °F yields: °C = \(\frac{68 - 32}{1.8} = \frac{36}{1.8} =
20\text{°C}\).
8. Evaluate the following algebraic expression if x = 4 and y = -3:
\(2x^{2}-3y+5\)
A) 20
B) 28
C) 46
D) 52
Answer: C) 46
Rationale: Substitute the given values into the expression following the order of
operations (PEMDAS): 2(4)² - 3(-3) + 5. Evaluate the exponent first: 2(16) - 3(-3) + 5.
Perform the multiplications: 32 - (-9) + 5. Simplifying the double negative results in
addition: 32 + 9 + 5 = 46.
9. Express the ratio 4 : 25 as a percentage.
A) 0.16%
B) 4.25%
C) 16%
D) 25%
Answer: C) 16%
Rationale: A ratio of 4 : 25 can be written as the fraction \(\frac{4}{25}\). To convert a
, fraction into a percentage, multiply it by 100: \(\frac{4}{25} \times 100 = 4 \times 4 =
16\%\).
10. A infant weighs 8.8 pounds. Convert this weight into kilograms (kg).
A) 4 kg
B) 4.4 kg
%C) 17.6 kg
D) 19.36 kg
Answer: A) 4 kg
Rationale: The standard conversion factor between pounds and kilograms is 2.2 lbs = 1
kg. To convert from pounds to kilograms, divide the total pounds by 2.2: \(\frac{8.8\text{
lbs}}{2.2} = 4\text{ kg}\).
11. Divide the following decimals:
\(14.28\div 0.07\)
A) 2.04
B) 20.4
C) 204
D) 2,040
Answer: C) 204
Rationale: To divide decimals easily, move the decimal point two places to the right for
both the divisor and the dividend to work with whole numbers. This changes the
problem to 1,428 ÷ 7. Performing long division: \(\frac{1400}{7} = 200\) and \(\frac{28}{7}
= 4\), which combines to 204.
12. A nurse must mix a solution using a ratio of 3 parts medication to 5 parts sterile water. If
the nurse uses 45 mL of medication, how many milliliters of sterile water must be
added?
A) 27 mL
B) 60 mL
C) 75 mL
D) 15 mL
Answer: C) 75 mL
Rationale: Set up a proportion based on the given ratio: \(\frac{3\text{ parts
medication}}{5\text{ parts water}} = \frac{45\text{ mL medication}}{x\text{ mL water}}\).
Cross-multiply to solve for x: 3x = 5 × 45, which simplifies to 3x = 225. Dividing both
sides by 3 yields x = 75 mL.
13. Convert the mixed number \(4\frac{3}{7}\) into an improper fraction.
A) \(\frac{12}{7}\)
B) \(\frac{19}{7}\)
C) \(\frac{31}{7}\)
D) \(\frac{43}{7}\)
Answer: C) 31/7
Rationale: To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole
number by the denominator and then add the numerator. Place that result over the
original denominator: (4 × 7) + 3 = 28 + 3 = 31. This results in the improper fraction
\(\frac{31}{7}\).
14. Solve the following proportion for x:
\(\frac{5}{12}=\frac{x}{84}\)
Actual-Style Practice Questions &
Detailed Rationales (Pass on Your
First Attempt)
Ace the mathematical sections of your
health education systems entrance exam
with this definitive, high-yield study
resource completely updated for the 2026
HESI A2 Math Blueprint.
This comprehensive digital document
delivers 150 highly realistic, exam-style
practice questions, paired directly with
their correct answers and step-by-step
mathematical rationales
,1. Solve for x:
\(\frac{3}{4}x-5=16\)
A) 14.25
B) 21
C) 28
D) 32
Answer: C) 28
Rationale: To isolate the variable, add 5 to both sides of the equation, which results in
\(\frac{3}{4}x = 21\). Next, multiply both sides by the reciprocal of the fraction, which is
\(\frac{4}{3}\). This gives \(x = 21 \times \frac{4}{3}\). Simplifying this expression yields x
= 7 × 4, which equals 28.
2. A patient is prescribed 1.5 grams of an oral medication. The medication is supplied in
500 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer to the patient?
A) 1.5 tablets
B) 2 tablets
C) 3 tablets
D) 4 tablets
Answer: C) 3 tablets
Rationale: First, convert the prescribed dose from grams to milligrams. Since 1 gram =
1,000 mg, 1.5 grams × 1,000 = 1,500 mg. Next, divide the total required milligrams by
the dosage strength per tablet: \(\frac{1,500\text{ mg}}{500\text{ mg/tablet}} = 3\text{
tablets}\).
3. Convert the following military time to standard 12-hour time format: 1945
A) 7:45 AM
B) 7:45 PM
C) 9:45 AM
D) 9:45 PM
Answer: B) 7:45 PM
Rationale: Military times from 1300 to 2400 represent the afternoon and evening hours
(PM). To convert a military time greater than 1200 to standard time, subtract 1200 from
the value: 1945 - 1200 = 745, which translates directly to 7:45 PM.
4. A medical clinic reports that out of 450 total patients surveyed, 18% missed their
scheduled annual check-ups. Exactly how many patients missed their appointments?
A) 18 patients
B) 54 patients
C) 81 patients
D) 90 patients
Answer: C) 81 patients
Rationale: To find the exact number of patients, convert the percentage to a decimal
value (18% = 0.18) and multiply it by the total patient population: 450 × 0.18 = 81.
Therefore, 81 patients missed their scheduled appointments.
5. Add the following fractions and reduce the final answer to its lowest terms:
\(\frac{2}{5}+\frac{1}{3}\)
A) \(\frac{3}{8}\)
B) \(\frac{11}{15}\)
C) \(\frac{2}{15}\)
, D) \(\frac{7}{10}\)
Answer: B) 11/15
Rationale: To add fractions with unlike denominators, find the lowest common
denominator (LCD), which for 5 and 3 is 15. Convert each fraction: \(\frac{2}{5} =
\frac{6}{15}\) and \(\frac{1}{3} = \frac{5}{15}\). Adding the numerators yields \(\frac{6 +
5}{15} = \frac{11}{15}\), which cannot be reduced further.
6. A liquid medication solution has a total volume of 120 mL. If a nurse administers
\(\frac{3}{8}\) of the bottle to a patient, how many milliliters of medication remain inside
the bottle?
A) 45 mL
B) 60 mL
C) 75 mL
D) 80 mL
Answer: C) 75 mL
Rationale: First, find the volume administered: \(120 \times \frac{3}{8} = 15 \times 3 =
45\text{ mL}\). To find the remaining volume, subtract the administered amount from the
total original volume: 120 mL - 45 mL = 75 mL. Alternatively, if \(\frac{3}{8}\) is given,
\(\frac{5}{8}\) remains: \(120 \times \frac{5}{8} = 75\text{ mL}\).
7. Convert 68 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to its exact equivalent on the Celsius (°C)
temperature scale.
A) 20°C
B) 25°C
C) 36°C
D) 37°C
Answer: A) 20°C
Rationale: Use the standard temperature conversion formula: °C = \(\frac{\text{\degree
F}-32}{1.8}\). Substituting 68 for °F yields: °C = \(\frac{68 - 32}{1.8} = \frac{36}{1.8} =
20\text{°C}\).
8. Evaluate the following algebraic expression if x = 4 and y = -3:
\(2x^{2}-3y+5\)
A) 20
B) 28
C) 46
D) 52
Answer: C) 46
Rationale: Substitute the given values into the expression following the order of
operations (PEMDAS): 2(4)² - 3(-3) + 5. Evaluate the exponent first: 2(16) - 3(-3) + 5.
Perform the multiplications: 32 - (-9) + 5. Simplifying the double negative results in
addition: 32 + 9 + 5 = 46.
9. Express the ratio 4 : 25 as a percentage.
A) 0.16%
B) 4.25%
C) 16%
D) 25%
Answer: C) 16%
Rationale: A ratio of 4 : 25 can be written as the fraction \(\frac{4}{25}\). To convert a
, fraction into a percentage, multiply it by 100: \(\frac{4}{25} \times 100 = 4 \times 4 =
16\%\).
10. A infant weighs 8.8 pounds. Convert this weight into kilograms (kg).
A) 4 kg
B) 4.4 kg
%C) 17.6 kg
D) 19.36 kg
Answer: A) 4 kg
Rationale: The standard conversion factor between pounds and kilograms is 2.2 lbs = 1
kg. To convert from pounds to kilograms, divide the total pounds by 2.2: \(\frac{8.8\text{
lbs}}{2.2} = 4\text{ kg}\).
11. Divide the following decimals:
\(14.28\div 0.07\)
A) 2.04
B) 20.4
C) 204
D) 2,040
Answer: C) 204
Rationale: To divide decimals easily, move the decimal point two places to the right for
both the divisor and the dividend to work with whole numbers. This changes the
problem to 1,428 ÷ 7. Performing long division: \(\frac{1400}{7} = 200\) and \(\frac{28}{7}
= 4\), which combines to 204.
12. A nurse must mix a solution using a ratio of 3 parts medication to 5 parts sterile water. If
the nurse uses 45 mL of medication, how many milliliters of sterile water must be
added?
A) 27 mL
B) 60 mL
C) 75 mL
D) 15 mL
Answer: C) 75 mL
Rationale: Set up a proportion based on the given ratio: \(\frac{3\text{ parts
medication}}{5\text{ parts water}} = \frac{45\text{ mL medication}}{x\text{ mL water}}\).
Cross-multiply to solve for x: 3x = 5 × 45, which simplifies to 3x = 225. Dividing both
sides by 3 yields x = 75 mL.
13. Convert the mixed number \(4\frac{3}{7}\) into an improper fraction.
A) \(\frac{12}{7}\)
B) \(\frac{19}{7}\)
C) \(\frac{31}{7}\)
D) \(\frac{43}{7}\)
Answer: C) 31/7
Rationale: To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, multiply the whole
number by the denominator and then add the numerator. Place that result over the
original denominator: (4 × 7) + 3 = 28 + 3 = 31. This results in the improper fraction
\(\frac{31}{7}\).
14. Solve the following proportion for x:
\(\frac{5}{12}=\frac{x}{84}\)
