TEAS Math · Practice Question

    Order of operations: TEAS Practice Question with Answer & Explanation

    An original TEAS 7-style math practice question, written for nursing-school applicants — with a full breakdown of every answer choice.

    Question

    Evaluate 18 - 3(4 + 2).

    • A.0
      Correct
    • B.3
    • C.72
    • D.90

    Correct answer: A. Evaluate parentheses first: 4 + 2 = 6. Then 3 × 6 = 18, and 18 - 18 = 0.

    Why A is correct

    Evaluate parentheses first: 4 + 2 = 6. Then 3 × 6 = 18, and 18 - 18 = 0.

    How to solve this TEAS question

    Identify what the question is testing, eliminate choices that conflict with the relevant rule or evidence, and then select the option that directly answers the prompt.

    Review the alternatives

    The other choices do not satisfy the scientific fact, mathematical operation, language rule, or reading evidence tested by this question. Always compare each option with the exact wording of the prompt before deciding.

    Quick study tip: Complete grouping symbols before multiplication and subtraction.

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