TSIA2 (Texas Success Initiative)

The TSI Mathematics section assesses readiness for college-level math courses. The test is computer-adaptive, meaning question difficulty adjusts based on your responses. You will encounter multiple-choice questions covering four primary domains: Quantitative Reasoning, Algebraic Reasoning, Geometric and Spatial Reasoning, and Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning.

No calculator is provided for most questions, so mental math skills and estimation techniques are essential. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing formulas.

Quantitative reasoning involves working with numbers, operations, and real-world numerical relationships. This domain tests your ability to interpret, calculate, and apply mathematical concepts to practical situations.

Rational numbers include integers, fractions, and decimals. Mastery of operations with these numbers forms the foundation for all mathematical reasoning.

Integers include positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero. When adding integers with the same sign, add their absolute values and keep the sign. When adding integers with different signs, subtract the smaller absolute value from the larger and keep the sign of the number with the larger absolute value.

Multiplication and division follow sign rules: same signs yield a positive result; different signs yield a negative result.

To add or subtract fractions, find a common denominator. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator, then add or subtract the numerators.

To multiply fractions, multiply numerators together and denominators together. Simplify the result by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. The reciprocal of a/b is b/a.

When adding or subtracting decimals, align the decimal points vertically. When multiplying decimals, multiply as if they were whole numbers, then count the total decimal places in both factors and place the decimal point accordingly in the product.

When dividing decimals, move the decimal point in the divisor to make it a whole number, then move the decimal point in the dividend the same number of places.

Follow PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (left to right), Addition and Subtraction (left to right). Failure to follow this order is one of the most common errors on standardized tests.

A ratio compares two quantities. The ratio of a to b can be written as a:b, a/b, or "a to b." Ratios should typically be expressed in simplest form.

A proportion states that two ratios are equal. To solve a proportion, cross-multiply and solve for the unknown. If a/b = c/d, then ad = bc.

Percent means "per hundred." To convert a decimal to a percent, multiply by 100. To convert a percent to a decimal, divide by 100.

To find a percent of a number, convert the percent to a decimal and multiply. To find what percent one number is of another, divide the part by the whole and multiply by 100.

Percent increase = (New Value − Original Value) / Original Value × 100

Percent decrease = (Original Value − New Value) / Original Value × 100

Unit conversion requires multiplying by conversion factors that equal 1. Set up conversion factors so unwanted units cancel and desired units remain.

Common conversions to memorize:

1 foot = 12 inches

1 yard = 3 feet 1 mile = 5,280 feet

1 kilogram = 1,000 grams

1 liter = 1,000 milliliters

1 hour = 60 minutes

1 minute = 60 seconds

Many TSI questions present scenarios requiring numerical reasoning. Read carefully to identify what is being asked. Translate words into mathematical operations:

"Sum" or "total" indicates addition

"Difference" indicates subtraction

"Product" indicates multiplication

"Quotient" indicates division

"Per" often indicates division or a rate

"Of" often indicates multiplication (especially with percentages)

Estimate answers before calculating to catch errors. If your calculated answer differs drastically from your estimate, recheck your work.