Workplace math · Original questions · Worked explanations
WorkKeys Applied Math practice
Practice the calculations behind workplace decisions: quantities, costs, rates, measurements and formulas. Start with a short drill or build stamina with a full timed sitting.
Our practice difficulties run from Foundation to Challenge. They organize our questions, not official ACT skill levels or scores.
Before you start
- Read the workplace scenario, units and rounding instructions carefully. Choose one of five answers. Use scratch paper, the calculator and the formula/conversion reference as needed.
- Submit your answer to see its explanation, then continue. Answers cannot be changed after feedback. Skipping records an unanswered question.
- There is no time limit. Study the worked calculation and the reasoning behind each option before moving on.
Our original practice uses an editorial mix of topics. It does not reproduce ACT’s item bank or predict an official WorkKeys level, certificate or employer pass mark.
Calculator
This calculator uses standard arithmetic order: parentheses, multiplication and division, then addition and subtraction.
Formulas and conversions
Use the factors and rounding instructions in the question when provided. They take precedence over this reference. The ≈ symbol means approximate.
Length
- US customary
- 12 inches = 1 foot · 3 feet = 1 yard · 5,280 feet = 1 mile
- Metric
- 10 millimeters = 1 centimeter · 100 centimeters = 1 meter · 1,000 meters = 1 kilometer
- Between systems
- 1 inch = 2.54 centimeters · 1 mile ≈ 1.609 kilometers
Mass and liquid volume
- Mass
- 16 ounces = 1 pound · 1,000 grams = 1 kilogram · 1 kilogram ≈ 2.205 pounds
- US liquid measure
- 8 fluid ounces = 1 cup · 2 cups = 1 pint · 2 pints = 1 quart · 4 quarts = 1 US gallon
- Metric volume
- 1,000 milliliters = 1 liter · 1 milliliter = 1 cubic centimeter · 1 cubic meter = 1,000 liters
- Between systems
- 1 US gallon ≈ 3.785 liters
Time and temperature
- Time
- 60 seconds = 1 minute · 60 minutes = 1 hour · 24 hours = 1 day
- Celsius to Fahrenheit
- °F = (°C × 9 ÷ 5) + 32
- Fahrenheit to Celsius
- °C = (°F − 32) × 5 ÷ 9
Formulas
- Rectangle
- Area = length × width; perimeter = 2 × (length + width).
- Triangle
- Area = base × perpendicular height ÷ 2.
- Circle
- Area = π × radius²; circumference = 2 × π × radius; diameter = 2 × radius.
- Rectangular solid
- Volume = length × width × height.
- Cylinder
- Volume = π × radius² × height.
- Right triangle
- a² + b² = c², where c is the hypotenuse (the longest side).
- Slope
- Slope = vertical change ÷ horizontal change = (y₂ − y₁) ÷ (x₂ − x₁).
- Percent
- Part = whole × percent ÷ 100; percent change = (new − original) ÷ original × 100.
- Rates
- Amount = rate × time; unit price = total cost ÷ quantity. Match the units before calculating.
π ≈ 3.14159. Squaring means multiplying a number by itself: radius² = radius × radius.
Area uses square units and volume uses cubic units. For example, 1 square foot = 144 square inches, while 1 cubic foot = 1,728 cubic inches. Fluid ounces measure volume; ounces measure mass.
This is our practice reference, not the official ACT formula sheet.
Free worked example · Order enough flooring
A flooring installer measures a rectangular workroom 18 feet long and 14 feet wide. The order must cover the floor area plus 8% extra of that area for cuts and waste.
Each box covers 20 square feet. The supplier sells whole boxes only.
What is the fewest number of boxes that meets the order requirement?
This original worked example is free and does not use a practice attempt. It is not an official ACT question.
Create a free account before you start
Your account’s access is checked before you start. An Applied Math pass covers the timed practice and all topic and difficulty drills. The worked example is always free.
This tab keeps an unfinished sitting for reload recovery; closing the tab may remove it. Independent preparation, not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT. This practice covers Applied Math only, not the other NCRC subjects.