TEAS 7 Math: How to Solve Word Problems Without the Panic
By Michael O'Connor, B.S. · Published April 12, 2026
Treat every word problem like a translation puzzle. First, highlight the exact unit the question is asking for, identify your numbers, and translate words like 'of' to multiplication. Always verify your final units match.
Let's be honest: nobody likes word problems. But on the TEAS 7, math word problems are just simple equations hiding behind a wall of text.
The ATI test writers design word problems to test your reading comprehension as much as your math skills. They deliberately include extra numbers you don't need, use confusing phrasing, and format the question to look intimidating. Your job is to act like a translator: turning English into Math.
📋 From the Tutor's Desk
When I analyze practice test data, students drop the most points on word problems not because they can't do the math, but because they set up the equation backwards. If you read a problem and immediate start punching numbers into the calculator before writing the equation down, you are falling into a trap. Stop. Read. Write the formula. Then calculate.
The Translation Guide
Certain English words always translate to specific math symbols. Memorize this dictionary before you take the TEAS:
- Is, Are, Replaces, Will Be ➔ Equals (
=) - Of ➔ Multiply (
x) (e.g., "50% of 200" means "0.50 x 200") - Out Of, Per, Ratio ➔ Divide (
/) - More Than, Combined, Total ➔ Add (
+) - Difference, Less Than ➔ Subtract (
-) - A Number, What Amount, How Many ➔ Variable (
x)
The 3-Step Word Problem Framework
Apply this framework to every word problem you encounter:
Step 1: Identify the Goal
Ignore the numbers for a second. Read the very last sentence of the problem. What is it actually asking you to find? Write that down (e.g., "Goal: Total cost in dollars").
Step 2: Hunt for Distractors
A distractor is a number that is in the paragraph but has absolutely nothing to do with the math. Example: "A 45-year-old patient weighing 180 lbs needs 2 pills every 8 hours. How many pills does he need in 24 hours?" The patient's age (45) and weight (180) are distractors. Cross them out immediately.
Step 3: Translate and Solve
Convert the remaining text into an equation using the Translation Guide above. Let X be your unknown variable. Work through the algebra to solve for X.
Putting It all Together
A hospital has 500 beds across 4 floors. 15% of the beds are currently occupied by cardiac patients. How many beds are occupied by cardiac patients?
- Goal: Find the number of cardiac occupied beds.
- Distractor: "across 4 floors" does not matter. The total is 500. Cross out the 4.
- Translate: "What is 15% of 500?" translates to: "X = 0.15 x 500".
- Solve: 0.15 x 500 = 75.
Answer: 75 beds
Word problems get substantially easier precisely because there are only a handful of templates the TEAS writers use. Start by mastering the translation guide, and drill word problems on our free TEAS practice quiz.
Word Problems FAQs
Find TEAS 7 Prep Near You
Get personalized math tutoring in your city. Select your nearest location to get started.