Tips to Improve Your ASVAB Math Test Score

One of the most widespread myths related to mathematics is that better arithmetic ability is associated with higher intelligence. This causes a negative attitude towards math in a wide majority of people. However, if you are planning to appear for the ASVAB test, you must face your fear and learn to tackle math without using a calculator!

Math plays an essential role on the ASVAB test. There are two subtests on this subject - Mathematics Knowledge (MK) and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR) that make up the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. In the Mathematics Knowledge section, you will come across a straightforward mathematical equation that will test your understanding of mathematical formulas. On the other hand, Arithmetic Reasoning will analyze your knowledge of concepts and will consist of simple and complicated word problems. For instance, an Arithmetic Reasoning word problem often looks like the following:

David earns twice as much per hour as Natasha. Natasha earns $3 more per hour than Mark. As a group, they earn $41 per hour. What is Mark’s hourly wage?

a) $8.00

b) $8.50

c) $8.75

d) $9.50

The solution to this kind of math problem involves three steps:

1. Read the question carefully and recognize the kind of answer needed. In this case, it will be in dollars and cents.

2. You will then have to express the word problem as a numerical equation and solve it. Here, keeping Mark’s salary as ‘x,’ we can transform the question mathematically in the following manner:

x+(x+3)+2(x+3)=41
x+x+3+2x+6=41
4x+9=41
4x=32
x=8

3. Check your answer by putting it in the original equation

8+(8+3)+2(8+3)=41
8+11+22=41
41=41

Hence, our answer is right.

The major mathematical topics that you need to cover before taking the test include fractions, circles, algebra, factorials, equations, exponents, interest, integers, patterns, reciprocal, prime numbers, natural numbers, real numbers, irrational numbers and rational numbers.

Here are some tips that will help you prepare for ASVAB mathematics tests:

• Math gives a lot of candidates a panic attack and causes their head to spin in a flurry of percentage, average, positive, negative, etc. symbols. Therefore, you need to battle this math monster and defeat the fear. Keep a positive attitude while preparing and remember that math is just another subject.

• As you are not allowed to use a calculator, you must learn to solve arithmetic problems without one. Practice division and multiplication with pencil and paper and use logical shortcuts.

• Understand the basic math concepts thoroughly instead of depending on rote learning. This will help you solve both straightforward equations as well as complicated arithmetic reasoning word problems easily.

• Memorize all the formulas to quickly solve geometry problems.

• Take online practice tests to get an idea of the actual ASVAB test. These tests will help you time yourself and ascertain your abilities and shortcomings.

So, abandon your fear, practice regularly, manage your time well and stop using a calculator to solve your problems and you are on your way to scoring high on the math sections of the ASVAB!

ASVAB Boot Camp offers online courses, interactive practice tests and study guides for Math practice at (  asvabbootcamp/asvab-math  ) to help military applicants achieve a higher score on the ASVAB test. To get a feel of sample Mathematics Knowledge questions asked on the ASVAB test, visit Official-ASVAB.com.