CAEC Math Practice: Test Format, Sample Questions, and Study Tips

CAEC math test format at a glance

The CAEC math test is delivered in two parts on the same test day. The split is important because Part I bans calculators while Part II allows them.

Total: 42 questions in 2 hours. Pacing works out to roughly 2.5 minutes per question in Part I and 3 minutes per question in Part II.

Topics covered on the CAEC math test

The math section is built around four broad topic areas. A solid practice test will mix questions from all of them.

• Number sense and operations: fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, exponents.
• Algebra: solving linear equations, working with variables, simplifying expressions, plotting lines.
• Geometry and measurement: area, perimeter, volume, basic angle relationships, unit conversions.
• Data and probability: reading charts and tables, calculating mean/median/mode, simple probability.

Five sample CAEC math questions (with answer key)

Try each question on your own before reading the worked solution. These are written at the difficulty level you'll see on the actual test.

1. Question 1: Solve for x: 3x + 5 = 20

   • x = 3
   • x = 5
   • x = 15
   • x = 25
   Show answer

   Answer: x = 5

   Subtract 5 from both sides: 3x = 15. Then divide both sides by 3: x = 5.

2. Question 2: What is 25% of 80?

   • 10
   • 15
   • 20
   • 25
   Show answer

   Answer: 20

   25% means 25 out of 100, or 1/4. One quarter of 80 is 80 ÷ 4 = 20.

3. Question 3: The area of a rectangle is 24 cm². If its length is 6 cm, what is its width?

   • 3 cm
   • 4 cm
   • 5 cm
   • 6 cm
   Show answer

   Answer: 4 cm

   Area = length × width, so width = area ÷ length. width = 24 ÷ 6 = 4 cm.

4. Question 4: A train travels at 60 km/h for 2.5 hours. How far does it go?

   • 120 km
   • 135 km
   • 150 km
   • 180 km
   Show answer

   Answer: 150 km

   Distance = speed × time. distance = 60 × 2.5 = 150 km.

5. Question 5: Add the fractions: 2/3 + 1/4

   • 3/7
   • 1/2
   • 11/12
   • 8/12
   Show answer

   Answer: 11/12

   Find a common denominator (12). 2/3 = 8/12 and 1/4 = 3/12. 8/12 + 3/12 = 11/12.

How to study for the CAEC math test

A few tactics that consistently move the needle for adult learners preparing for the math sections:

• Sit a full practice test under timed conditions. Doing 42 questions in 2 hours is a stamina test as much as a math test. Practising the pacing matters as much as practising the content.
• Separate Part I from Part II in your prep. Part I is short and calculator-free. Get comfortable with arithmetic, fractions, and percentages by hand before relying on the calculator section.
• Work through every wrong answer. The answer key explanations matter more than the score itself. Knowing why an answer is right (and why the wrong options are tempting) is what builds real understanding.
• Make a formula card. Area of a rectangle, area of a triangle, perimeter, distance = speed × time, percentage = part ÷ whole, basic algebra steps. Drill the formulas until they're automatic.
• Build a study schedule. A four-week or eight-week plan with daily 20-30 minute blocks outperforms cramming the week before the test.

Where to get the full practice tests

The sample download above is a preview. For a complete CAEC math practice test with full answer keys and worked solutions you have two options on our store:

• CAEC Math Bundle , focused practice tests for Math I and Math II with full answer keys, in printable PDF format.
• CAEC Ready Complete Workbook , covers all five CAEC subjects (Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) with 200+ pages of lessons, worked examples, practice tests, and answer keys. Available as PDF or printed paperback.