Getting the Right Answer: A Guide to Solving HSPT Math Problems

When tackling the High School Placement Test (HSPT), math problems often provoke a bit of anxiety. But don't sweat it! You’ve got the right resources at your fingertips. Let’s break down one tricky problem—what number is 14 less than two-thirds of 54?

Okay, it sounds complicated, but once you know where to start, you'll be breezing through similar questions! First, we need to calculate two-thirds of 54. Remember those fractions you learned in class? They're your friends here. To find two-thirds of any number, you multiply by (\frac{2}{3}). So, let’s lay it out:

[ \frac{2}{3} \times 54 = \frac{2 \times 54}{3} = \frac{108}{3} = 36. ]

Now, once we’ve got 36, the next step is the real kicker: we need to find what is 14 less than 36. It’s as simple as subtracting:

[ 36 - 14 = 22. ]

But hold on! If we look back at the options given in the original question—20, 30, 36, and 67—none of them match 22. What’s going on? Did the question mean to say something different? Here’s the bottom line: the correct answer we derived is 22, a number that definitely should have been presented.

This example illustrates an important lesson for HSPT takers. Often, you'll find questions filled with numbers that may seem straightforward at first glance but can lead you astray if you're not careful. Taking the time to double-check your calculations and questioning whether what’s asked matches the provided answers is crucial.

So, as you prep for HSPT, remember this: learn the strategies, embrace your math skills, and always ask—does it add up?

In the grand scheme of things, approaching each math problem confidently will take you far. Not only does practicing different types of questions build your problem-solving toolkit, but it also helps you recognize patterns in questions. Now that’s a small, yet mighty skill for your HSPT journey!