🧮 TSI Math Tutoring — Student Handout
🎯 Objective
I can identify the math skill being tested and choose the correct strategy to solve TSI-style questions.
⏱️ Tutoring Agenda (60 Minutes)
1. Welcome + Test Mindset (5–10 min)
-
There is no time limit on the TSI
-
Accuracy is more important than speed
-
Read the entire question before looking at answers
-
Eliminate answers that clearly do not make sense
-
Double-check negative signs, fractions, and units
2. Core Skills Review (30–35 min)
We will work through example problems together:
-
Solving linear equations
-
Percent problems
-
Ratios and proportions
-
Fractions (operations and word problems)
-
Reading graphs and understanding slope
Focus: What is the question asking?
Goal: Choose the correct setup, then solve.
3. Independent Practice (10–15 min)
-
Attempt each problem on your own
-
Use scratch paper
-
Ask for help if you are stuck after trying
4. Test Reminders (5 min)
-
Do not rush early questions
-
Skip difficult questions and return later
-
Use elimination
-
Trust your setup
📄 TSI Math Crash Sheet
(Formulas + Reminders)
🧠 General Reminders
-
Translate words into math
-
Units matter (percent, dollars, hours, feet)
-
Negative signs are a common mistake
-
Check if your answer makes sense
📐 Key Formulas
Percent
[
\text{Percent} = \frac{\text{part}}{\text{whole}} \times 100
]
- To find a percent of a number:
Convert the percent to a decimal and multiply
Ratios / Proportions
[
\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d}
]
-
Cross multiply to solve
-
Keep units consistent
Slope
[
m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}
]
-
Positive slope: rising line
-
Negative slope: falling line
Linear Equations
[
ax + b = c
]
Steps:
-
Distribute
-
Combine like terms
-
Isolate the variable
Fractions
-
Find a common denominator to add or subtract
-
Flip the second fraction when dividing
-
Convert mixed numbers if needed
Graph Basics
-
x-axis: horizontal
-
y-axis: vertical
-
Ordered pair ((x, y)): move left/right, then up/down
✅ Sample TSI-Style Practice Questions
1. Linear Equation
Solve:
[
3(x - 4) + 2 = 2x + 5
]
2. Percent
What is 30% of 50?
A. 15
B. 20
C. 30
D. 150
3. Ratio / Proportion
A recipe uses 2 cups of flour for 3 servings.
How many cups of flour are needed for 9 servings?
4. Fractions
[
\frac{3}{4} + \frac{1}{2}
]
5. Expression Evaluation
Evaluate the expression when (x = 2):
[
5x^2 - 3x
]
6. Slope Concept
A line rises 4 units and runs 2 units to the right.
What is the slope?
7. Word Problem
A student earns $12 per hour and works 5 hours.
How much money does the student earn?
🔍 Final Reminder
The TSI tests your ability to:
-
Identify the skill
-
Choose the correct strategy
-
Avoid careless mistakes
Take your time. Think through each problem.