ASVAB · Geometry

A rectangle has a length of 12 inches and a width of 5 inches. What is its perimeter?

Correct answer

34 inches

  1. A 17 inches
  2. B 34 inches
  3. C 24 inches
  4. D 60 inches

Why this is the answer

PERIMETER of a rectangle = 2 × (length + width) = 2 × (12 + 5) = 2 × 17 = 34 inches. ASVAB Mathematics Knowledge tests perimeter vs area. Strategy: PERIMETER is the distance around (add all sides; for a rectangle, 2L + 2W); AREA is the space inside (L × W = 60 sq in here).

Common error: confusing perimeter with area — perimeter uses addition of sides and is in linear units (inches); area uses multiplication and squared units. The perimeter here is 34 inches (12+5+12+5).

Source: ASVAB Mathematics Knowledge — Rectangle Perimeter

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Geometry and other topics.

Take the Mathematics Knowledge practice test →

About this topic: Geometry

Geometry on the Mathematics Knowledge section covers angles, triangles (including the Pythagorean theorem), circles, polygons, perimeter, area and volume, and basic coordinate geometry such as slope. Formulas are not provided, so they must be memorised. This is one of 19 Mathematics Knowledge questions on geometry, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions