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ASVAB Math Knowledge

Mathematics Knowledge, often called Math Knowledge, is one of the four tests that make up your AFQT score. It covers high school math.

What Math Knowledge measures

Mathematics Knowledge measures your "knowledge of high school mathematics principles."

Questions and time

TestQuestionsTime limit
Mathematics Knowledge (CAT-ASVAB)1531 minutes

These counts do not include tryout questions. Some test takers get extra tryout questions with more time. Calculators are not allowed.

How to study Math Knowledge

  1. Learn the order of operations. Do what is inside parentheses first, then exponents, then multiply and divide, then add and subtract.
  2. Know your sign rules. A negative times a negative is a positive. Squaring a negative number gives a positive.
  3. Practice solving equations. Undo each step in reverse: add or subtract first, then multiply or divide.
  4. Learn the common formulas. Know area formulas like the area of a triangle, A = (1/2)bh. See the math formulas guide.
  5. Plug your answer back in. When you solve for x, put your answer back into the problem to check it.

Sample questions

1. Which expression is the simplified form of 4(x + 2) + 9?

  1. A. 4x + 11
  2. B. 4x + 17
  3. C. x + 15
  4. D. 21x
Show the answer

Answer: B. Multiply 4 by each term inside the parentheses to get 4x + 8. Then 8 + 9 = 17, so the answer is 4x + 17.

2. Evaluate the expression 4x² - 2(3x + 5) for x = -4.

  1. A. 270
  2. B. 78
  3. C. -50
  4. D. 93
Show the answer

Answer: B. 4 × (-4)² = 4 × 16 = 64. Inside the parentheses, 3(-4) + 5 = -7, and -2 × -7 = 14. So 64 + 14 = 78.

3. The area A of a triangle is given by the formula A = (1/2)bh, where b is the base and h is the height. A triangle has base b = 14 inches and height h = 6 inches. What is the value of A?

  1. A. 84 square inches
  2. B. 146 square inches
  3. C. 42 square inches
  4. D. 7 square inches
Show the answer

Answer: C. A = (1/2) × 14 × 6 = (1/2) × 84 = 42 square inches. Choice A forgets to take half.

How SPARK helps with Math Knowledge

SPARK's diagnostic shows which math skills need work. Your study plan starts with those skills, and practice questions explain the mistake behind each wrong choice.

FAQ

How many questions are on ASVAB Math Knowledge?
On the computer ASVAB, Mathematics Knowledge has 15 scored questions with a 31 minute time limit. Some test takers also get extra tryout questions with more time.
What does ASVAB Math Knowledge cover?
ASVAB Mathematics Knowledge tests your knowledge of high school mathematics principles. The sample questions on this page show the kinds of skills to practice.
Does Math Knowledge count toward the AFQT?
Yes. Mathematics Knowledge is one of the four ASVAB tests used to compute the AFQT score, along with Arithmetic Reasoning, Paragraph Comprehension and Word Knowledge.
Can I use a calculator on ASVAB Math Knowledge?
No. Calculators are not allowed on any part of the ASVAB, including Mathematics Knowledge.

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