Answers with Explanations | Updated 2026 Study Guide
Prepare for the PICAT/ASVAB with latest, verified, exam-style multiple-choice
questions covering all subtests including Word Knowledge, Paragraph
Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge, and Assembling
Objects. Each question includes a bold italic correct answer and a detailed bold
italic explanation for fast, high-yield review. Ideal for college and university
students, military recruits, and anyone seeking an updated, concise study guide
for the PICAT/ASVAB exam.
1. Which word is closest in meaning to DILIGENT?
A. Careless
B. Industrious
C. Temporary
D. Passive
*Answer: B. Industrious *
*Explanation: Diligent means hardworking, careful, and persistent. *
2. A longer wrench makes loosening a tight bolt easier because it increases:
A. Weight
B. Pressure
C. Torque
D. Friction
,*Answer: C. Torque *
*Explanation: A longer lever arm increases torque for the same applied
force. *
3. Which component stores electrical energy in an electric field?
A. Resistor
B. Capacitor
C. Diode
D. Fuse
*Answer: B. Capacitor *
*Explanation: Capacitors store electrical energy between conductive plates.
*
4. Which organ is primarily responsible for filtering blood?
A. Heart
B. Liver
C. Kidney
D. Lung
*Answer: C. Kidney *
*Explanation: The kidneys filter waste products and excess fluid from the
blood to form urine. *
5. Mike has $5.25 in quarters and dimes. He has exactly 15 dimes. How many
quarters does he have?
A. 6
B. 12
C. 15
D. 21
,*Answer: C. 15 *
*Explanation: 15 dimes = $1.50. $5.25 - $1.50 = $3.75. $3.75 ÷ $0.25 = 15
quarters. *
6. Kelly used to pay $500 a month for rent. Now she pays $525 a month. By
what percent did her rent increase?
A. 0.5%
B. 5%
C. 10%
D. 12.5%
*Answer: B. 5% *
*Explanation: Increase = $25. $25 ÷ $500 = 0.05 = 5%. *
7. A bag has 8 pennies, 5 dimes, and 7 nickels. A coin is randomly chosen.
What is the probability that the coin chosen is a dime?
A. 1/20
B. 1/4
C. 1/3
D. 3/10
*Answer: B. 1/4 *
*Explanation: Total coins = 8 + 5 + 7 = 20. Probability = 5/20 = 1/4. *
8. There are 2 pints in 1 quart and 4 quarts in a gallon. How many pints are
in 2 gallons?
A. 32 pints
B. 16 pints
C. 8 pints
D. 4 pints
, *Answer: B. 16 pints *
*Explanation: 2 gallons = 8 quarts. 8 quarts × 2 pints = 16 pints. *
**9. Paul invests $2,000 in an account that pays 4 percent annual interest. How
much will he earn in interest in one year?**
A. $160
B. $80
C. $120
D. $800
*Answer: B. $80** *
***Explanation: I = P × r × t = $2,000 × 0.04 × 1 = $80. *
10. One mile is equal to:
A. 1,000 feet
B. 5,280 feet
C. 2,000 yards
D. 10,000 meters
*Answer: B. 5,280 feet *
*Explanation: One mile is equal to 5,280 feet. *
11. If X + 3Y = 7 and Y = 2, then X equals:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
*Answer: A. 1 *
*Explanation: X + 3(2) = 7; X + 6 = 7; X = 1. *
12. What are the factors of X² + 4X + 3?
A. (X + 2)(X + 2)