MK tests pure math: algebra, geometry, and number properties. It feeds directly into your AFQT score.
Knowledge of algebraic equations, geometric properties, number theory, and mathematical operations typically covered through Algebra I and basic Geometry.
Mathematics Knowledge questions are direct: you are given an expression, equation, figure, or set of values and must apply the correct rule. Accuracy comes from recognizing the form of the problem and executing a short sequence cleanly.
Isolate the variable with inverse operations and preserve equality at every step.
Use exponent laws to simplify products, quotients, powers, and radicals.
Combine like terms, multiply expressions, and reverse multiplication through factoring.
Memorize core formulas and connect given dimensions to the right property.
Review fractions, divisibility, averages, and the probability of simple events.
Open a question to review the choices, correct answer, and a short explanation.
Why: Divide by 2 to get x − 3 = 7, then add 3. Therefore x = 10.
Why: √144 = 12 and 3² = 9, so the sum is 21.
Why: This is a difference of squares: x² − 3² = (x − 3)(x + 3).
Why: c² = 5² + 12² = 25 + 144 = 169, so c = 13.
Why: The sum is 44 and there are 4 values, so the mean is 44 ÷ 4 = 11.
Number operations: Review fractions, decimals, percents, factors, multiples, and order of operations.
Linear algebra: Solve equations and inequalities, including distribution and negative coefficients.
Exponents and roots: Practice exponent laws, radicals, and scientific notation.
Polynomials: Combine terms, multiply binomials, and factor common patterns.
Geometry: Review angle rules, triangles, circles, area, perimeter, and volume.
Statistics and probability: Practice mean, median, range, ratios, and simple probability.
Timed review: Complete 15 mixed problems in 31 minutes and redo every miss from a blank page.
Try Mathematics Knowledge questions in the free AFQT practice test and review every explanation.
Free ASVAB study cheat sheet
Key formulas, composite scores, and score benchmarks in one printable PDF.