ASVAB · Basic Operations and Word Problems

A soldier must pack 156 rations into boxes that each hold 12 rations. How many full boxes can be packed, and how many rations are left over?

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Correct answer

13 boxes, 0 left over

A 12 boxes, 0 left over
B 13 boxes, 0 left over
C 13 boxes, 5 left over
D 11 boxes, 4 left over

Why this is the answer

This is a division word problem. Divide 156 by 12: 12 × 13 = 156 exactly, so 156 ÷ 12 = 13 with no remainder. That means 13 full boxes can be packed with 0 rations left over. The key skill in arithmetic reasoning is translating words into the correct operation — 'pack into boxes that each hold' signals division, and the remainder tells you the leftover amount. Always check by multiplying the quotient back by the divisor (13 × 12 = 156) to confirm. Here the division comes out even, so the answer is 13 boxes with nothing left over.

Source: ASVAB AR, Division Word Problem

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About this topic: Basic Operations and Word Problems

Basic operations word problems are the core of Arithmetic Reasoning: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division dressed up as money, distance, time or quantity problems. The skill tested is setting the problem up correctly, not the arithmetic itself. This is one of 11 Arithmetic Reasoning questions on basic operations and word problems, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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A soldier must pack 156 rations into boxes that each hold 12 rations. How many full boxes can be packed, and how many rations are left over?

Why this is the answer

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About this topic: Basic Operations and Word Problems

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