Article
Mathematical information is not always presented as a list of equations. Sometimes, students must interpret data displayed in tables. Tables are useful because they organize information into rows and columns. They allow readers to compare values, identify patterns, and perform calculations. Students preparing for the TEAS should practice reading numerical information carefully and answering questions based on the values provided.
1. Understand the structure of a table
A table usually contains: - A title describing the information. - Column headings identifying categories. - Row labels identifying individual items. - Numerical values showing measurements or quantities. Consider this example: Student Practice tests completed Correct answers A 3 75 B 4 88 C 2 46 D 5 110 The table compares the number of practice tests completed and the number of correct answers recorded by four students. Before calculating anything, identify which column contains the information requested by the question.
2. Find specific values
A question may ask you to identify a particular value. For example: "How many practice tests did Student C complete?" Locate Student C's row and read the value under the practice tests column. The answer is 2. This sounds simple, but students sometimes read across the wrong row or column, especially when tables contain many categories.
3. Calculate totals
Tables often provide information that must be combined. Using the previous example, calculate the total number of practice tests completed. \[ 3+4+2+5=14 \] The four students completed 14 practice tests altogether. Always check whether the question asks for the total of one column or another.
4. Calculate averages
An average can be calculated by adding all the values and dividing by the number of values. The correct answers recorded by the students were: 75, 88, 46, and 110. Add them: \[ 75+88+46+110=319 \] Divide by four: \[ 319\div4=79.75 \] The average number of correct answers is 79.75.
5. Compare values
A table may ask you to identify the highest or lowest value. In the example: - Student D completed the most practice tests. - Student C completed the fewest practice tests. - Student D recorded the highest number of correct answers. - Student C recorded the lowest number of correct answers. Do not confuse the largest value in one column with the largest value in another.
6. Understand percentages in tables
Suppose a table shows that a student answered 36 questions correctly out of 40. The percentage correct is: \[ \frac{36}{40}\times100=90\% \] This calculation can help compare performance across tests containing different numbers of questions. For example, 36 correct answers out of 40 represents a higher percentage than 40 correct answers out of 50. The first score is 90%, while the second is 80%.
7. Pay attention to units
Numerical tables may include units such as: -
- Milliliters.
- Kilograms.
- Minutes.
- Percentages.
- Degrees Celsius.
- Dollars.
Always read the headings and units before calculating. For example, a table may list medication volumes in milliliters rather than liters. Confusing the units can lead to incorrect calculations.
8. Avoid common mistakes
- When interpreting tables:
- - Read the title first.
- - Check row and column labels.
- - Pay attention to units.
- - Do not assume that missing values are zero.
- - Use the correct numbers for the calculation.
- - Recheck whether the question asks for a total, difference, average, or percentage.
9. Practice with different types of data
Use simple tables from textbooks, science lessons, or everyday reports. Try identifying the largest value, calculating the average, and finding percentage differences. As your confidence improves, practice tables that require multiple calculations.
Final tip
Slow down before performing calculations. Many table questions test whether you can locate the correct information as much as they test your mathematical ability. Practice question: A table records the following number of books read by four students: 5, 8, 6, and 9. What is the average number of books read? A. 6 B. 7 C. 8 D. 9 Answer: B. 7.
