ASVAB/Topics/Arithmetic Word Problems

Arithmetic Word Problems practice test: free ASVAB questions

Drill 13 Arithmetic Word Problems questions with instant explanations and official citations.

Practice domain

Topic overview & passing targets

Arithmetic Word Problems Domain Overview

The Arithmetic Word Problems module is a core testing domain on the ASVAB. QuizCram provides 13 practice questions for this domain with verified handbook rationales.

  • Target Passing Benchmark: 70% (CAT-ASVAB (adaptive) or paper form · AFQT reported as a 1–99 percentile · no universal passing score)
  • Domain Questions: 13 items
  • Source Material: Official Handbooks
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Sample Practice Questions for Arithmetic Word Problems

  1. Question 1Ref: ASVAB — Arithmetic Reasoning: Basic Word Problems

    A platoon of 48 soldiers is organized into fire teams of 8 soldiers each. If 16 soldiers are reassigned, how many full fire teams remain?

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    Correct Answer
    B. 4 fire teams

    After 16 soldiers leave, 48 − 16 = 32 soldiers remain. Dividing by the fire team size: 32 ÷ 8 = 4 full fire teams. Choosing 6 ignores the reassignment entirely (48 ÷ 8 = 6). Always read carefully whether the problem asks for a before or after scenario.

  2. Question 2Ref: ASVAB — Arithmetic Reasoning: Basic Word Problems

    A shipping container holds 200 crates. Crates are loaded at a rate of 5 per minute and unloaded at 8 per minute. How many minutes does it take to completely fill and then empty one container?

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    Correct Answer
    D. 65 minutes

    Loading time: 200 ÷ 5 = 40 minutes. Unloading time: 200 ÷ 8 = 25 minutes. Total time: 40 + 25 = 65 minutes. Students sometimes try to combine the rates by subtraction or averaging, which gives an incorrect answer. Treat each operation separately.

  3. Question 3Ref: ASVAB — Arithmetic Reasoning: Basic Word Problems

    A radio transmits for 15 minutes, rests for 5 minutes, then repeats this cycle. How many full cycles are completed in 2 hours?

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    Correct Answer
    D. 6 cycles

    One full cycle takes 15 + 5 = 20 minutes. Two hours is 120 minutes. Divide: 120 ÷ 20 = 6 full cycles. If you ignore the rest period and divide 120 by 15, you get 8 — but the radio is not transmitting the entire time. Always account for all parts of a cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions About Arithmetic Word Problems

QuizCram covers 13 practice questions in the Arithmetic Word Problems domain, mapped directly to the official examination blueprint.

The benchmark score is 70% (CAT-ASVAB (adaptive) or paper form · AFQT reported as a 1–99 percentile · no universal passing score).

Yes. All questions on QuizCram are written against official handbooks and blueprint specifications with legal citations.