The math portion of the Physical Science 4th Edition course involves:

1. How to convert measurements/units

2. Simple rearranging of equations: given s=d/t, the student needs to be able to rearrange the equation and solve for distance or time as well as speed.

3. Dividing and multiplying fractions

These are all things that are covered in most solid 7th grade math curricula, which would be considered one year before pre-algebra or two years before algebra.

Students who have never done conversions or divided by fractions will struggle the most. Those who have at least some prior knowledge in converting units, rearranging equations to solve for any of the variables, and in dividing and multiplying fractions will be the most successful.