Capítulo 1 de 814% del examen

Arithmetic Reasoning

Arithmetic Reasoning tests your ability to solve real-world word problems using basic arithmetic. Rather than testing raw calculation, it measures whether you can translate a situation into the right operation and carry it out accurately. This subtest counts toward the AFQT score that determines eligibility, so it is one of the most important sections. Success comes from reading carefully, identifying what is asked, and choosing the correct sequence of steps.

Reading and Setting Up Word Problems

The first skill is translating words into math. Look for the question actually being asked and the numbers that matter, then decide which operation connects them. Underlining key quantities and units helps you avoid setup errors that lead to wrong answers even when your arithmetic is correct.

Identify the unknown

Restate what the question asks in your own words before touching the numbers so you solve for the right quantity.

Match keywords to operations

Words like total and combined signal addition, difference signals subtraction, of often signals multiplication, and per signals division.

Track your units

Carry units such as miles, dollars, or hours through the work; the units of your answer should match what the question asks for.

Watch for extra information

Some problems include numbers you do not need, so select only the values relevant to the question.

Fractions, Decimals, and Percents

Many problems require moving fluidly between fractions, decimals, and percents. Being able to convert quickly lets you pick the easiest form for a given calculation and check that your answer is reasonable.

Convert percent to decimal

Divide a percent by 100 to get a decimal, so 8% becomes 0.08 before you multiply.

Find a percent of a number

Multiply the whole by the decimal form of the percent; 25% of 240 is 0.25 times 240, or 60.

Convert fractions to decimals

Divide the numerator by the denominator, so 3/4 equals 0.75.

Increase or decrease by a percent

For a 15% discount multiply by 0.85; for an 8% tax multiply by 1.08.

Ratios, Proportions, and Rates

Ratios and rates compare two quantities, and proportions let you scale them up or down. These appear constantly in mixing, pricing, and map-scale problems.

Write a ratio in lowest terms

Reduce a ratio the same way you reduce a fraction to compare quantities clearly.

Set up a proportion

Place matching quantities in the same position across an equals sign, then cross-multiply to solve for the unknown.

Use unit rates

Divide to find the cost or amount per single unit, which makes comparison and scaling straightforward.

Apply scale factors

Multiply every part of a ratio by the same factor so the relationship stays the same.

Averages, Interest, and Multi-Step Problems

Higher-value questions combine several steps, such as finding an average, computing simple interest, or working with rates of work. Organizing the steps prevents mistakes.

Compute an average

Add all the values and divide by how many there are; to find a missing value, multiply the average by the count to get the total first.

Use simple interest

Interest equals principal times rate times time, calculated only on the original amount.

Solve work and rate problems

Multiply rate by number of workers and by time to find total output, keeping units consistent.

Estimate to check

Round the numbers and estimate the answer to confirm your exact result is in a sensible range.

Pon a prueba tus conocimientos

Preguntas de práctica sobre Arithmetic Reasoning

Practicar ahora →

Word Knowledge

Last updated: September 2026

¿Estudias en orden?

La práctica sigue gratis. La guía completa de ASVAB es el material en sí, explicado de principio a fin — un PDF + EPUB descargable que conservas.

Obtén el libro — $19.99