Do word problems make you blank out on the test? Do you feel like you can't pass the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning section?
We've got your back. To pass the Arithmetic Reasoning section of the ASVAB, you must improve your ability to do word problems. But what does that mean?
That means you need to learn the topics, formulas, and strategies to stay calm and score your highest. That's exactly what we're going to show you on this page!
In this guide, we'll cover:
- What is the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Section?
- How Many Questions are on the AR Section?
- What Topics are on the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning?
- How to Tackle ASVAB Math Word Problems (3 Step Strategy)
- ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Practice Questions
- How Do You Raise Your Arithmetic Reasoning Score?
What is the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Section?
The Arithmetic Reasoning section is 1 out of 10 subjects tested on the ASVAB and primarily covers word problems.
If you don't like word problems, don't worry. Go through this entire study guide to understand the types of word problems you'll face, the formulas you need to know, and strategies to help you stay calm and avoid test anxiety.
How Many Questions are on the AR Section?
There are 16 questions on the Arithmetic Reasoning Section (CAT-ASVAB).
Here's what matters though. You only have 39 minutes to complete all 16 questions. Do the math, and that's just 2 minutes and 26 seconds per question.
No worries though! Using the following strategies, you'll have more than enough time to complete all 16 questions.
What Topics are on the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning?
The Arithmetic Reasoning section is all word problems. Here's a list of the topics you'll encounter:
- General Word Problems - Word problems that don't have a specific formula. You'll need to understand the situation and create a solution.
- Ratios and Proportions - Word problems that compare the same things in the same way.
- Distance, Rate, and Time - Problems involving the formula: Distance = Rate × Time
- Percentages - Basic percent calculations, tax, discount, simple interest, and compound interest.
- Fractions - Any word problem involving fraction operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
- Geometry (Perimeter, Area, Volume) - Measurement problems requiring formulas for different shapes.
- Unit Conversion - Problems requiring you to change units (including converting rate units)
- Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode) - Basic statistics problems, including working backwards from the mean.
- Probability - Simple probability, compound probability, and the fundamental counting principle.
How to Tackle ASVAB Math Word Problems (3 Step Strategy)
Word problems cause test anxiety. You blank out on them. Sometimes it feels like you just need to throw the numbers together and hope for the best. But it doesn't have to be that way.
Raising your Arithmetic Reasoning score starts with having a strategy. That's where our 3-Step Word Problem Success Strategy comes in!
- What do you want? (Read the question sentence first)
- What do you have? (Identify the information - write what numbers MEAN)
- What's the connection? (Make a plan before calculating)
Watch: 3 Steps to Dominate Word Problems
Step 1: Read The Question Sentence
The first thing you should always do is understand what the problem is asking you to figure out. Do not read the whole problem first.
Think about it: Do you like playing a game if you don't know how to win? Do you ever drive without knowing where you're going?
Step 2: Identify The Information
This doesn't just mean "write down the numbers." Whenever you write a number down, always write down what the number means.
Instead of writing "45", write "45 miles per hour". This helps you see the path to your answer.
Step 3: Make a Plan
Connect what you want and what you have. If you wrote down the numbers and what they mean, you'll see a clear path to the answer.
Remember: Word problems are about understanding the story. The numbers don't matter unless you know what they mean.
ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Practice Questions
Practice makes perfect. Just reviewing strategies or watching videos isn't enough. Click on any topic below to watch practice problem videos with full solutions.
General Word Problems
Key concept: These don't have a specific formula. You'll need to create a solution that makes sense within the story.
Proportion Word Problems
Key concept: "Compare the same things in the same way." Understanding how to simplify ratios and solve equations helps a lot.
Distance, Rate, and Time Word Problems
Key formula: Distance = Rate × Time
Percent Word Problems
Key concept: Part = Percent × Whole. Also covers tax, discount, and interest calculations.
Fraction Word Problems
Key concept: Know your fraction operations and how to convert between fractions, decimals, and percents.
Geometry: Perimeter, Area, and Volume Word Problems
Key concept: Know your formulas for rectangles, triangles, circles, and 3D shapes.
Unit Conversion Word Problems
Key concept: Know common conversions (feet to inches, hours to minutes, etc.) and how to convert rates.
Mean, Median, Mode Word Problems
Key concept: Mean = sum ÷ count. Median = middle value. Mode = most frequent.
Probability Word Problems
Key concept: Probability = favorable outcomes ÷ total outcomes
How Do You Raise Your ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning Score?
Here's a list of tips to guarantee you'll raise your score:
Tip #1: Learn Your Numbers
Knowing how to handle numbers saves you time on the test. Constantly practice order of operations, fractions, decimals, negative numbers, and percents. Any problem can include any type of number.
Tip #2: Focus On Common Topics
Proportions, Rates, and Unit Conversions are the most common topics. Master those first if you're just trying to pass.
Tip #3: Learn + Practice Word Problem Strategy
Use the 3 Steps to Word Problem Success on every problem. It'll help you stay focused, identify necessary information, and learn from mistakes.
Tip #4: Use the Right Resources
Buying a random book isn't enough. You need practice tools that present information in a way you can learn from. That's why thousands of ASVAB students use structured programs with video explanations and unlimited practice.
Conclusion
That's the complete guide to handling word problems for the ASVAB Arithmetic Reasoning test.
For every problem that you come across, attack it in this order:
- What do I want?
- What do I have?
- What's the connection?
This will help you stay on track while answering problems so you don't get overwhelmed or run out of time.
For more ASVAB knowledge and test-taking tips, check out our other blog posts!
