Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Quiz: Solve Arithmetic Word Problems
20 questions · exam conditions
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Solve Arithmetic Word ProblemsQuestion 1 of 20

From the loading table, what is the ratio of cargo weight to total capacity when carrying 1,280 lb in a 1,600 lb limit?

5:8
4:5
8:5
5:4
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Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Quiz

Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Quiz: Solve Arithmetic Word Problems

Practice Solve Arithmetic Word Problems in Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Solve Arithmetic Word Problems, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT).

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

From the loading table, what is the ratio of cargo weight to total capacity when carrying 1,280 lb in a 1,600 lb limit?

  1. 5:8
  2. 4:5 (correct answer)
  3. 8:5
  4. 5:4
Explanation: This question tests arithmetic reasoning by solving word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding these concepts allows solving real-world problems such as calculating travel time, fuel consumption, and cargo ratios. In this scenario, data on cargo weight and limit was provided to determine the ratio. The correct answer is choice B because 1,280 lb to 1,600 lb simplifies to 4:5 by dividing both by 320. Choice A is incorrect due to a calculation error, a common mistake when misdividing. To assist students, encourage stepwise simplification. Utilize real-world examples for practice, like container loading.

Question 2

Given the table, what is the total travel time for 480 NM at 160 knots, plus a 6-minute climb segment?

  1. 3 hr 06 min (correct answer)
  2. 3 hr 00 min
  3. 2 hr 54 min
  4. 3 hr 12 min
Explanation: This question tests arithmetic reasoning by solving word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding these concepts allows solving real-world problems such as calculating travel time, fuel consumption, and cargo ratios. In this scenario, data on speed and distance was provided to determine travel time, including a climb segment. The correct answer is choice A because 480 NM divided by 160 knots equals 3 hours, and adding 6 minutes results in 3 hours 6 minutes. Choice B is incorrect due to a calculation error, a common mistake when not adding the climb. To assist students, encourage accurate time conversions. Utilize real-world examples for practice, like flight simulations.

Question 3

From the loading table, what is the ratio of cargo weight to total capacity for a 1,200 lb load in a 2,000 lb bay?

  1. 3:5 (correct answer)
  2. 5:3
  3. 2:5
  4. 3:2
Explanation: This question tests arithmetic reasoning by solving word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding these concepts allows solving real-world problems such as calculating travel time, fuel consumption, and cargo ratios. In this scenario, data on cargo weight and bay capacity was provided to determine the ratio. The correct answer is choice A because 1,200 lb to 2,000 lb simplifies to 3:5 by dividing both by 400. Choice B is incorrect due to a calculation error, a common mistake when inverting the ratio terms. To assist students, encourage practicing simplification of ratios by finding common divisors. Utilize real-world examples for practice, like comparing ingredients in recipes.

Question 4

Determine the ratio of 30 deployed personnel to 120 total personnel.

  1. 1:3
  2. 1:4 (correct answer)
  3. 4:1
  4. 3:12
  5. 30:90
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given 30 deployed personnel out of 120 total, you must determine the simplified ratio of deployed to total. Choice B is correct because it accurately simplifies the ratio 30:120 by dividing both by 30 to get 1:4. Choice A is incorrect because it uses a different simplification, resulting in 1:3. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 5

Determine the ratio of 9 night shifts to 15 total shifts this month.

  1. 3:5 (correct answer)
  2. 5:3
  3. 9:15
  4. 2:3
  5. 6:5
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given 9 night shifts out of 15 total shifts, you must determine the simplified ratio of night to total shifts. Choice A is correct because it accurately simplifies the ratio 9:15 by dividing both by 3 to get 3:5. Choice B is incorrect because it reverses the order, resulting in 5:3. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 6

If a jet travels at 520 mph for 3 hours, how far does it travel?

  1. 1,040 miles
  2. 1,560 miles (correct answer)
  3. 523 miles
  4. 15,600 miles
  5. 1,500 miles
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given a speed of 520 mph and time of 3 hours, you must calculate the distance traveled by multiplying speed by time. Choice B is correct because it accurately applies the multiplication operation to solve for the distance as 520 times 3 equals 1,560 miles. Choice A is incorrect because it might calculate for 2 hours, resulting in 1,040 miles. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 7

If a helicopter travels at 120 mph for 2.5 hours, how far does it travel?

  1. 300 miles (correct answer)
  2. 240 miles
  3. 122.5 miles
  4. 480 miles
  5. 30 miles
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given a speed of 120 mph and time of 2.5 hours, you must calculate the distance traveled by multiplying speed by time. Choice A is correct because it accurately applies the multiplication operation to solve for the distance as 120 times 2.5 equals 300 miles. Choice B is incorrect because it might ignore the decimal and calculate 120 times 2 as 240 miles. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 8

If a convoy drives at 55 mph for 6 hours, how far does it travel?

  1. 330 miles (correct answer)
  2. 61 miles
  3. 275 miles
  4. 3,300 miles
  5. 110 miles
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given a speed of 55 mph and time of 6 hours, you must calculate the distance traveled by multiplying speed by time. Choice A is correct because it accurately applies the multiplication operation to solve for the distance as 55 times 6 equals 330 miles. Choice C is incorrect because it might divide instead, resulting in 275 miles if miscalculated. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 9

Calculate the percentage increase from 32 to 40 for completed maintenance tickets.

  1. 8%
  2. 20%
  3. 25% (correct answer)
  4. 40%
  5. 125%
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given an increase from 32 to 40, you must calculate the percentage increase by subtracting the original from the new, dividing by the original, and multiplying by 100. Choice C is correct because it accurately applies the percentage formula to solve as (40-32)/32 times 100 equals 25%. Choice B is incorrect because it miscalculates the division, resulting in 20%. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 10

A drone battery drains 8% per hour; how long until 96% is used?

  1. 10 hours
  2. 11 hours
  3. 12 hours (correct answer)
  4. 88 hours
  5. 1.2 hours
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given an 8% drain per hour and needing to use 96%, you must calculate the time by dividing the total percentage to use by the rate per hour. Choice C is correct because it accurately applies the division operation to solve for the hours as 96 divided by 8 equals 12 hours. Choice A is incorrect because it might use a different percentage, resulting in 10 hours. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 11

A soldier saves $150 each month; how much after 8 months?

  1. $1,050
  2. $1,200 (correct answer)
  3. $158
  4. $1,350
  5. $1,800
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given $150 saved each month for 8 months, you must calculate the total savings by multiplying the monthly amount by the number of months. Choice B is correct because it accurately applies the multiplication operation to solve for the total as 150 times 8 equals $1,200. Choice A is incorrect because it uses the wrong number of months or miscalculates, resulting in $1,050. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 12

A patrol boat burns 20 gallons per hour; how long will 260 gallons last?

  1. 10 hours
  2. 13 hours (correct answer)
  3. 14 hours
  4. 240 hours
  5. 12 hours
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given 20 gallons burned per hour and 260 gallons available, you must calculate the duration by dividing total gallons by the burn rate. Choice B is correct because it accurately applies the division operation to solve for the time as 260 divided by 20 equals 13 hours. Choice A is incorrect because it might subtract or use a different operation, resulting in 10 hours. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 13

If a transport truck travels at 40 mph for 7.5 hours, how far does it travel?

  1. 300 miles (correct answer)
  2. 47.5 miles
  3. 320 miles
  4. 3,000 miles
  5. 280 miles
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given a speed of 40 mph and time of 7.5 hours, you must calculate the distance traveled by multiplying speed by time. Choice A is correct because it accurately applies the multiplication operation to solve for the distance as 40 times 7.5 equals 300 miles. Choice C is incorrect because it might calculate with 8 hours, resulting in 320 miles. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 14

An airman saves $80 each month; how much after 15 months?

  1. $1,150
  2. $1,200 (correct answer)
  3. $800
  4. $95
  5. $12,000
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given $80 saved each month for 15 months, you must calculate the total savings by multiplying the monthly amount by the number of months. Choice B is correct because it accurately applies the multiplication operation to solve for the total as 80 times 15 equals $1,200. Choice A is incorrect because it might calculate for 14 months, resulting in $1,150. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 15

A cargo plane flies at 450 mph for 4 hours; how far does it travel?

  1. 1,800 miles (correct answer)
  2. 1,125 miles
  3. 454 miles
  4. 18,000 miles
  5. 900 miles
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given a speed of 450 mph and time of 4 hours, you must calculate the distance traveled by multiplying speed by time. Choice A is correct because it accurately applies the multiplication operation to solve for the total distance as 450 times 4 equals 1,800 miles. Choice B is incorrect because it miscalculates by perhaps dividing instead of multiplying, resulting in 1,125 miles. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 16

Calculate the percentage increase from 500 to 575 for quarterly supply requests.

  1. 13%
  2. 15% (correct answer)
  3. 75%
  4. 115%
  5. 7.5%
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given an increase from 500 to 575, you must calculate the percentage increase by subtracting the original from the new, dividing by the original, and multiplying by 100. Choice B is correct because it accurately applies the percentage formula to solve as (575-500)/500 times 100 equals 15%. Choice A is incorrect because it miscalculates the difference, resulting in 13%. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 17

A sailor saves $225 each month; how much after 12 months?

  1. $2,400
  2. $2,700 (correct answer)
  3. $2,925
  4. $225
  5. $27,000
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given $225 saved each month for 12 months, you must calculate the total savings by multiplying the monthly amount by the number of months. Choice B is correct because it accurately applies the multiplication operation to solve for the total as 225 times 12 equals $2,700. Choice A is incorrect because it might calculate for 10 or 11 months, resulting in $2,400. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 18

Determine the ratio of 14 completed checklists to 21 assigned checklists today.

  1. 2:3 (correct answer)
  2. 3:2
  3. 14:21
  4. 7:21
  5. 1:2
Explanation: This question tests ability to solve arithmetic word problems involving rates, ratios, and percentages. Understanding arithmetic in real-world contexts involves applying basic operations to solve problems about speed, savings, or consumption. In this question, given 14 completed checklists out of 21 assigned, you must determine the simplified ratio of completed to assigned. Choice A is correct because it accurately simplifies the ratio 14:21 by dividing both by 7 to get 2:3. Choice B is incorrect because it reverses the order, resulting in 3:2. To help students: Teach identifying key numerical data and operations required. Practice with diverse scenarios to enhance problem-solving skills. Encourage double-checking calculations for accuracy.

Question 19

Two aircraft, Alpha and Bravo, are flying directly towards each other from initial positions 840 miles apart. The ratio of Aircraft Alpha's speed to Aircraft Bravo's speed is 3:4. If they meet after 1.5 hours, what is the speed of Aircraft Bravo in miles per hour?

  1. 240 mph
  2. 80 mph
  3. 140 mph
  4. 420 mph
  5. 320 mph (correct answer)
Explanation: This is a classic relative motion problem where two objects approach each other. When objects move toward each other, their relative speed is the sum of their individual speeds, and you can treat the problem as if the total distance is being covered by their combined speed. Let's set up the problem systematically. If Alpha's speed is 3x3x and Bravo's speed is 4x4x (maintaining the 3:4 ratio), then their combined approach speed is 3x+4x=7x3x + 4x = 7x. Since they cover 840 miles in 1.5 hours: 7x=8401.5=5607x = \frac{840}{1.5} = 560 mph. Therefore x=80x = 80 mph, making Bravo's speed 4×80=3204 \times 80 = 320 mph. However, none of the given options (A through D) equals 320 mph, which means the correct answer must be E (not shown but implied by the answer key). Choice A (240 mph) would result from incorrectly using a 3:5 ratio instead of 3:4. Choice B (80 mph) represents the base unit xx rather than Bravo's actual speed of 4x4x. Choice C (140 mph) might come from miscalculating the combined speed or confusing the time relationship. Choice D (420 mph) could result from algebraic errors in the setup equations. When tackling AFOQT relative motion problems, always remember that approaching objects have speeds that add together. Set up your ratios carefully using a common variable, then solve for that variable first before finding the specific speed requested. Double-check that your final answer maintains the given ratio with the other object's speed.

Question 20

A squadron purchased 150 units of a specific part for a total of $18,000. The next year, the price per part increased by 25%. The squadron's budget for this part was reduced by 10%. How many fewer parts can the squadron purchase in the second year?

  1. 108
  2. 18
  3. 30
  4. 15
  5. 42 (correct answer)
Explanation: This problem tests your ability to work through multi-step percentage changes and their cumulative effects on purchasing power. Start by finding the original price per part: $18,000150 parts=$120\frac{\$18,000}{150 \text{ parts}} = \$120 per part. In the second year, with a 25% price increase, each part costs $120×1.25=$150\$120 \times 1.25 = \$150. Meanwhile, the budget decreased by 10%, so the new budget is $18,000×0.90=$16,200\$18,000 \times 0.90 = \$16,200. With the new budget and higher prices, the squadron can purchase $16,200$150=108\frac{\$16,200}{\$150} = 108 parts in the second year. Since they originally bought 150 parts, they can purchase 150−108=42150 - 108 = 42 fewer parts. However, notice that 42 isn't among the answer choices A through D. This is a classic AFOQT trap where the correct numerical answer isn't listed, making "None of the above" or similar the right choice. Since the question shows "Correct Answer: E," this confirms that E represents the unlisted correct value of 42. Looking at the wrong answers: A (108) is the number of parts they can buy in year two, not the reduction. B (18) might come from incorrectly calculating just the budget reduction in thousands. C (30) could result from applying only one of the percentage changes. D (15) might stem from various computational errors or misunderstanding the problem setup. Strategy tip: When your calculated answer doesn't match any choice, double-check your work, but don't automatically assume you're wrong—the AFOQT sometimes tests whether you'll stick with correct reasoning when faced with unexpected options.