Percentages & Interest practice test: free ASVAB questions

Sample Practice Questions for Percentages & Interest

1. Question 1Ref: ASVAB — Arithmetic Reasoning: Percentages

   A military base receives 200 cases of MREs. If 15% are vegetarian meals, how many vegetarian MREs are there?

   A25 casesB30 casesC35 casesD40 cases
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   Correct Answer
   B. 30 cases

   To find 15% of 200, convert the percentage to a decimal (0.15) and multiply by the total: 0.15 × 200 = 30. The other choices come from misidentifying the percentage (25 is roughly 12.5%, 35 is 17.5%, 40 is 20%). Always convert the percent to a decimal before multiplying.

2. Question 2Ref: ASVAB — Arithmetic Reasoning: Percentages

   A unit's equipment budget increased from $50,000 to $62,500. What was the percent increase?

   A12.5%B20%C25%D30%
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   Correct Answer
   C. 25%

   The increase is $62,500 − $50,000 = $12,500. Percent increase equals the change divided by the original amount: ($12,500 ÷ $50,000) × 100 = 25%. Dividing by the new amount ($12,500 ÷ $62,500 = 20%) is a frequent mistake that yields the wrong answer.

3. Question 3Ref: ASVAB — Arithmetic Reasoning: Percentages

   A soldier earns $3,200 per month. After receiving a 5% raise, what is the soldier's new monthly pay?

   A$3,250B$3,360C$3,400D$3,520
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   Correct Answer
   B. $3,360

   First calculate 5% of $3,200: 0.05 × 3,200 = $160. Then add the raise to the original salary: $3,200 + $160 = $3,360. The choice $3,250 reflects a miscalculation of 5%, while $3,520 would be a 10% raise. Always find the dollar amount of the percentage first.