HSPT Quantitative

A comprehensive exploration of quantitative reasoning skills tested on the HSPT, including problem-solving, number concepts, and data analysis.

Basic Concepts

Number Concepts and Operations

Building Blocks of Math

Numbers are everywhere! To master HSPT quantitative questions, you need to understand how numbers work and how to use operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Types of Numbers

  • Natural numbers: Counting numbers like 1, 2, 3...
  • Whole numbers: All natural numbers plus zero.
  • Integers: Whole numbers and their opposites (negative numbers).
  • Fractions & Decimals: Parts of a whole or something in-between integers.

Arithmetic Operations

Operations are how we combine or compare numbers:

  • Addition (\(+\)) and Subtraction (\(-\)): Combining or removing amounts.
  • Multiplication (\(\times\)) and Division (\(/\)): Repeated addition or splitting into equal groups.

Order of Operations

To solve problems accurately, remember the order: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction (PEMDAS).

Why This Matters

Strong number sense helps you solve everyday problems, like figuring out change, doubling a recipe, or splitting a bill.

Examples

  • Calculate \(7 \times (3 + 2)\).

  • Rewrite 0.75 as a fraction.

In a Nutshell

Understanding numbers and how to operate with them is the foundation of quantitative reasoning.

Key Terms

Integer
A whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero.
Fraction
A way of expressing part of a whole with a numerator and denominator.