There are two math components of the ASVAB test. First, there is arithmetic reasoning – your ability to reason with numbers in day-to-day situations. The second, perhaps more challenging part, is the mathematics knowledge exam.
What is the difference?
The ASVAB mathematics knowledge exam tests your understanding of more abstract math questions. For example, you are required to deal with algebra and other high school standard questions.
With the right preparation, then, there is no reason why you can’t ace this part of the ASVAB examination.
In many respects, this component of the ASVAB test is one of the easiest to prepare. Whilst the content may initially come across as abstract and “difficult”, once you begin to break down that barrier you find that questions become very repetitive.
This is not the case with other parts of the ASVAB exam. With word knowledge, for instance, you cannot plausibly prepare for every question. There are too many words, for one thing. With the mathematics knowledge exam, though, you only need to learn the steps, and the reasons behind performing those steps, to answer questions correctly. You can prepare far, far more readily in advance.
Many candidates ask why they need to learn abstract math concepts.
The reason is simple – candidates with greater critical thinking skills, who can and are able to think out the box – are more useful in situations that involve complex decision making. Rather than viewing the math exam through the lens of irrelevance, you should instead think of the exam to test and improve your critical thinking skills; skills that can be used elsewhere in real life situations.
With this in mind, then, let’s take a few moments to review the type, style and difficulty of the exam with our sample ASVAB mathematics knowledge practice questions.
Q1. What is (x3).(x4)?
a) x7
b) x12
c) 2x7
d) 2x12
Q2. Solve 2(x + 4) = 3(2x + 6)
a) 4.5
b) -4.5
c) 2.5
d) -2.5
Q3. If y = 2ab + 4b3, what is the value of y if a is 2 and b is 3?
a) 20
b) 80
c) 120
d) 160
Q4. A square has 4 equal squares within its perimeter, each of those squares having a length of 5cm. What is the perimeter of the entire outer square?
a) 5cm
b) 20cm
c) 40cm
d) 200cm
Q5. To the nearest whole number, 56 is 71% of the value of what number.
a) 40
b) 56
c) 79
d) 100
Q6. Convert 4.8 x 10-4 to a decimal number.
a) 0.00048
b) 0.0048
c) 0.048
d) 000048.0
Q7. What is the square root of 27?
a) 3
b) 5.2
c) 7.1
d) 9
How did you do?
Don’t be disheartened if you’ve only scored one or two. Nobody scores 100% on their first attempt, particularly with the ASVAB mathematics knowledge exam. You must first become familiar with the method behind answering each question.
With those methods to hand, and with more practice questions under your belt, there is no reason why you can’t score more than 90% on the day of your exam.
Here are the answers to the questions above:
Q1 – (a)
Q2 – (d)
Q3 – (c)
Q4 – (c)
Q5 – (c)
Q6 – (a)
Q7 – (b)
Registered members to our online ASVAB program have instant access to the explanations of each question. We have the largest collection of ASVAB mathematics knowledge practice questions on the net; all of which have prepared to meet the needs of the 2019 ASVAB test.
If you haven’t yet become a registered member, take a few minutes to join now.
The ASVAB mathematics knowledge exam doesn’t need to be difficult. It requires both time and patients. It’s not an exam you can wing on the day. You must practice the method and understand the rules behind solving equations and the use of algebra.
With that knowledge, experience and preparation to hand, you can ace the ASVAB exam on your very first performance!
