TEAS 7 Fractions & Decimals: The Only Guide You Need

Fractions and decimals make up roughly 25% of the TEAS 7 Math section. If you can nail these, you've already banked a quarter of your math score before touching algebra.

Here's what most TEAS prep courses won't tell you: fractions and decimals aren't "one topic." They're actually six distinct question types, and each one has a specific shortcut. If you're spending hours reading a general math textbook, you're wasting time on content that won't appear on the test. For a full overview of the math section, check out our Ultimate TEAS 7 Study Guide.

In this guide, we'll break down every fraction and decimal question type you'll see on the TEAS 7, show you exactly how to solve each one, and give you the shortcuts that save 30+ seconds per question. You can test your current level with our free TEAS practice quiz.

The 6 Fraction & Decimal Question Types on the TEAS 7

Every single fraction/decimal question on the TEAS falls into one of these categories. If you can solve all six, you'll never miss a fraction question again:

1. Converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages
2. Adding/subtracting fractions with unlike denominators
3. Multiplying fractions
4. Dividing fractions (the dreaded "flip and multiply")
5. Ordering decimals and fractions from least to greatest
6. Rounding decimals to a specified place value

Type 1: Converting Between Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages

This is the highest-frequency question type. The TEAS loves to give you a value in one form and ask for the equivalent in another. Here's the conversion triangle you need to memorize:

Worked Example

Type 2: Adding & Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

This is where most students lose points — not because it's hard, but because they skip the critical first step. You can't add fractions unless they share the same denominator. Period.

Worked Example

Type 3: Multiplying Fractions

Good news — multiplying fractions is actually the easiest operation. No LCD needed.

The Rule: Multiply straight across. Top × Top. Bottom × Bottom. Then simplify.

Type 4: Dividing Fractions — "Keep, Change, Flip"

Here's the mnemonic that saves every student's life on the TEAS:

Worked Example

Type 5: Ordering Fractions and Decimals

The TEAS will give you a list of values in mixed formats (some fractions, some decimals, maybe a percentage) and ask you to arrange them from least to greatest or greatest to least.

The trick: Convert everything to decimals first. Then ordering becomes trivially easy.

Type 6: Rounding Decimals

These are free points — but only if you know the place value names. The TEAS will say "round to the nearest hundredth" and expect you to know that's the second digit after the decimal point.

The Rule: Look at the digit ONE place to the RIGHT of where you're rounding to. If it's 5 or more, round up. If it's 4 or less, keep it the same.

The #1 Mistake That Costs Easy Points

Here it is: not simplifying your final answer.

The TEAS will frequently offer both 6/8 and 3/4 as answer choices. Both are mathematically "correct," but only the simplified version (3/4) is the right answer choice. If you solve the problem perfectly but don't reduce your fraction, you'll pick the wrong bubble.

Always check: Can I divide both the numerator and denominator by the same number? If yes, do it. Keep going until you can't anymore.

Your 1-Week Fractions & Decimals Study Plan

Day	Focus	Practice
1-2	Conversions (frac ↔ dec ↔ %)	20 problems/day
3	Adding/subtracting with LCD	15 problems
4	Multiplying + cross-canceling	15 problems
5	Dividing (KCF) + mixed numbers	15 problems
6	Ordering + rounding	15 problems
7	Mixed review — all 6 types	25 problems (timed)

Ready to Level Up?

Fractions and decimals are the foundation for everything else on the TEAS Math section. Once you've locked these down, your next step should be Ratios & Proportions — they build directly on the fraction skills you just learned. And if you want to see the full math landscape, check out our How to Pass TEAS 7 Math overview.

If fractions still feel confusing after working through this guide, don't struggle alone. Sometimes a 30-minute session with a tutor who can watch you work through problems and catch your specific error pattern is worth more than weeks of solo studying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many fraction and decimal questions are on the TEAS 7?

Fractions and decimals appear in approximately 8-12 of the 38 Math questions. They show up as standalone problems and as components of multi-step word problems involving dosage calculations, ratios, and measurement conversions.

Can I use a calculator for fraction questions on the TEAS?

Yes. The ATI on-screen calculator is available for all Math questions. However, the calculator does not handle fractions natively — you must convert fractions to decimals before entering them, or use division (numerator ÷ denominator).

What is the fastest way to convert fractions to decimals?

Divide the numerator by the denominator. For common fractions, memorize the equivalents: 1/4 = 0.25, 1/3 = 0.333, 1/2 = 0.5, 3/4 = 0.75. For mixed numbers, convert the fraction part only and add it to the whole number.

Do I need to know how to add fractions with unlike denominators?

Yes. This is one of the most commonly tested skills. You must find the Least Common Denominator (LCD), convert each fraction, then add or subtract the numerators. Practice finding the LCD quickly — it saves significant time on the test.

What decimal place values are tested on the TEAS 7?

The TEAS tests tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. You need to know how to round decimals to a specified place value, compare decimals of different lengths (e.g., 0.5 vs 0.45), and convert between decimals, fractions, and percentages.