Test Strategies for ASVAB Math

Remember: The ASVAB has NO guessing penalty. ALWAYS answer every question, even if you have to guess!

Time Management

Know Your Pace

Time Strategy by Question Type

AR (Word Problems):

• Read the problem twice
• 30 seconds to understand and set up
• 1 minute to calculate
• 30 seconds to check and move on

MK (Direct Math):

• These should be faster
• If you know the concept, 30-45 seconds
• If stuck after 1 minute, make your best guess and move on

Estimation and Approximation

When to Use Estimation

1. To quickly eliminate wrong answers
2. To check if your calculated answer is reasonable
3. When exact calculation is difficult and answers are spread apart

Estimation Techniques

Rounding: Round numbers to make calculations easier, then adjust.

Example: What is 23% of 198?

• Round to: 25% of 200 = 50
• Actual answer should be slightly less
• If choices are 32, 45, 52, 78 → Answer is likely 45

Benchmarks: Use known values as reference points.

Worked Example: Estimation in Action

Problem: A circular pool has radius 12 feet. Approximately how many feet of fencing are needed to enclose it?

Choices: A) 36 B) 48 C) 75 D) 144

Solution by Estimation: Circumference = $2\pi r = 2 \times 3.14 \times 12$ Estimate: $2 \times 3 \times 12 = 72$

With $\pi$ slightly more than 3, answer is slightly more than 72. Answer: C) 75

Process of Elimination

Strategy: Eliminate Before Calculating

1. Look for obviously wrong answers first
2. Check units and magnitude
3. Use estimation to narrow down
4. Calculate only if needed

Common Patterns to Spot

Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

Trap 1: The Partial Answer

Example: "John bought 3 shirts at $25 each and 2 pairs of pants at $40 each. How much did he spend?"

• Trap answer: $75 (only shirts) or $80 (only pants)
• Correct: $3(25) + 2(40) = 75 + 80 = \$155$

Tip: Always re-read what the question asks for after solving.

Trap 2: Percent OF vs. Percent MORE

"30% of 50" = $0.30 \times 50 = 15$

"30% more than 50" = $50 + (0.30 \times 50) = 50 + 15 = 65$

Trap 3: Forgetting to Flip the Inequality

When dividing by a negative number in an inequality, you MUST flip the sign!

Example: $-2x < 10$ → $x > -5$ (not $x < -5$)

Trap 4: Misreading the Question

Mental Math Tricks for Speed

Quick Multiplication

Quick Division

Checking Your Work

Odd/Even Check:

• Odd + Odd = Even
• Even + Even = Even
• Odd + Even = Odd
• Odd × Anything with Odd = Odd

Last Digit Check: Multiply last digits to check your answer's last digit.

$23 \times 47 = ?$ Last digit check: $3 \times 7 = 21$, ends in 1 Answer must end in 1 → eliminates some choices

Strategy Summary

Before the Test

1. Memorize formulas (they're not provided)
2. Know your Pythagorean triples
3. Practice mental math daily
4. Take timed practice tests

During the Test

1. Read each question carefully—twice if needed
2. Use scratch paper for ALL calculations
3. Estimate first when answers are spread apart
4. Never leave a question blank (no penalty)
5. On CAT: Don't spend more than 2 min on any question

Confidence Builders

• If you're stuck, eliminate what you can and make an educated guess
• Trust your first instinct unless you have a clear reason to change
• Stay calm—panicking wastes time and mental energy
• Use remaining time to double-check flagged questions (P&P only)