IBEW Math Test: Practice Questions, Algebra, Number Series and Prep Guide

The IBEW apprenticeship test Math Test is one of the most important parts of many electrical apprenticeship aptitude exams.

For many applicants, the math section is the hardest part of the IBEW apprenticeship test-style test because it may include:

• algebra;
• equations;
• functions;
• number series;
• fractions;
• decimals;
• percentages;
• ratios;
• formula rearrangement;
• slope;
• word problems;
• arithmetic without heavy calculator use.

Recommended prep:

These are original IBEW apprenticeship test apprenticeship test-style math practice questions for study purposes. They are not official questions from IBEW, NECA, JATC, NJATC, ETA, any local union, apprenticeship program or test provider.

What Is the IBEW Math Test?

The IBEW apprenticeship test apprenticeship test math section is used to evaluate whether applicants have the numerical and algebra skills needed for electrical apprenticeship training.

Electrical work requires comfort with:

• calculations;
• formulas;
• measurements;
• ratios;
• electrical relationships;
• code-related reasoning;
• technical problem solving;
• classroom math.

The test is not usually advanced calculus or engineering math. It is more often focused on algebra, functions, number patterns and practical arithmetic.

Related guide:

IBEW apprenticeship test aptitude test practice

IBEW Math Test Quick Facts

Feature	What to Expect
Test section	Math / algebra / numerical reasoning
Common exam	IBEW-style electrical apprenticeship aptitude test
Common topics	Algebra, functions, number series, arithmetic and formulas
Calculator	Often restricted or not allowed, depending on program
Difficulty	Moderate to hard if algebra is rusty
Best prep	Timed algebra and number-series practice

Always follow the instructions from your local apprenticeship program.

What Math Is on the IBEW Aptitude Test?

The IBEW math section may include:

Topic	What It Tests
Fractions	Adding, subtracting, multiplying and simplifying fractions
Decimals	Decimal operations and decimal-fraction conversion
Percentages	Percent of a number, increase and decrease
Ratios	Proportional thinking and parts of a whole
Algebra	Solving for x, expressions and equations
Functions	Evaluating f(x), formulas and input-output rules
Number series	Identifying patterns and missing numbers
Slope	Rise over run and simple graph reasoning
Formula rearrangement	Solving formulas for a different variable
Word problems	Translating text into math

IBEW Math Practice Test Instructions

This practice set includes 40 IBEW-style math questions.

Recommended timing:

40 questions
40 minutes

For a harder timed drill:

40 questions
30 minutes

Answer each question before reading the explanation.

Section 1: Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

Question 1: Fraction Addition

What is:

1/3 + 1/6

• A. 1/9
• B. 2/9
• C. 1/2
• D. 2/3

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 1/2

Use a common denominator:

1/3 = 2/6
2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6
3/6 = 1/2

Question 2: Fraction Subtraction

What is:

5/8 - 1/4

• A. 1/8
• B. 2/8
• C. 3/8
• D. 4/8

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 3/8

Convert 1/4 to eighths:

1/4 = 2/8
5/8 - 2/8 = 3/8

Question 3: Fraction Multiplication

What is:

2/3 × 9

• A. 3
• B. 6
• C. 9
• D. 12

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 6

Use:

2/3 × 9 = 18/3 = 6

Question 4: Decimal to Fraction

What is 0.125 as a fraction?

• A. 1/4
• B. 1/8
• C. 1/10
• D. 1/12

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 1/8

0.125 = 125/1000
125/1000 = 1/8

Question 5: Fraction to Decimal

What is 3/4 as a decimal?

• A. 0.25
• B. 0.50
• C. 0.75
• D. 1.25

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 0.75

3 ÷ 4 = 0.75

Question 6: Percentage

What is 12% of 150?

• A. 12
• B. 15
• C. 18
• D. 24

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 18

Use:

12% = 0.12
0.12 × 150 = 18

Question 7: Percentage Increase

A value increases from 80 to 100. What is the percent increase?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 25%
• D. 30%

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 25%

Use:

increase = 100 - 80 = 20
percent increase = 20 ÷ 80 = 0.25 = 25%

Question 8: Ratio

A cable is divided in the ratio 2:5. If the total length is 70 feet, how long is the larger piece?

• A. 20 feet
• B. 35 feet
• C. 50 feet
• D. 60 feet

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 50 feet

Total parts:

2 + 5 = 7

Each part:

70 ÷ 7 = 10

Larger piece:

5 × 10 = 50 feet

Section 2: Basic Algebra

Question 9: Solve for x

Solve:

x + 12 = 31

• A. 17
• B. 18
• C. 19
• D. 43

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 19

Subtract 12 from both sides:

x = 31 - 12
x = 19

Question 10: Solve for x

Solve:

x - 8 = 17

• A. 9
• B. 17
• C. 25
• D. 27

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 25

Add 8 to both sides:

x = 17 + 8
x = 25

Question 11: Multiplication Equation

Solve:

6x = 42

• A. 6
• B. 7
• C. 8
• D. 36

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 7

Divide both sides by 6:

x = 42 ÷ 6
x = 7

Question 12: Division Equation

Solve:

x/5 = 9

• A. 14
• B. 25
• C. 40
• D. 45

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: D. 45

Multiply both sides by 5:

x = 9 × 5
x = 45

Question 13: Two-Step Equation

Solve:

3x + 4 = 22

• A. 4
• B. 5
• C. 6
• D. 8

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 6

Subtract 4:

3x = 18

Divide by 3:

x = 6

Question 14: Two-Step Equation

Solve:

4x - 7 = 21

• A. 5
• B. 6
• C. 7
• D. 8

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 7

Add 7:

4x = 28

Divide by 4:

x = 7

Question 15: Negative Numbers

Solve:

x + 9 = -4

• A. -13
• B. -5
• C. 5
• D. 13

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. -13

Subtract 9:

x = -4 - 9
x = -13

Question 16: Expression Evaluation

If x = 6, what is:

4x - 5

• A. 14
• B. 19
• C. 24
• D. 29

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 19

Substitute x = 6:

4(6) - 5 = 24 - 5 = 19

Section 3: Functions and Formulas

Question 17: Function Evaluation

If:

f(x) = 2x + 3

What is f(7)?

• A. 10
• B. 14
• C. 17
• D. 21

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 17

Substitute 7 for x:

f(7) = 2(7) + 3
f(7) = 14 + 3
f(7) = 17

Question 18: Function Evaluation

If:

g(x) = x² - 1

What is g(5)?

• A. 10
• B. 16
• C. 24
• D. 26

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 24

Substitute 5 for x:

g(5) = 5² - 1
g(5) = 25 - 1
g(5) = 24

Question 19: Formula Rearrangement

If:

V = I × R

Which formula solves for I?

• A. I = V × R
• B. I = V ÷ R
• C. I = R ÷ V
• D. I = V + R

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. I = V ÷ R

Divide both sides by R:

I = V ÷ R

Question 20: Formula Rearrangement

If:

P = W ÷ T

Which formula solves for W?

• A. W = P ÷ T
• B. W = T ÷ P
• C. W = P × T
• D. W = P + T

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. W = P × T

Start with:

P = W ÷ T

Multiply both sides by T:

W = P × T

Question 21: Slope

A line rises 8 units and runs 4 units. What is the slope?

• A. 1/2
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 8

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 2

Use:

Slope = rise ÷ run
Slope = 8 ÷ 4
Slope = 2

Question 22: Slope

A line rises 3 units and runs 6 units. What is the slope?

• A. 1/2
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 6

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. 1/2

Use:

Slope = rise ÷ run
Slope = 3 ÷ 6
Slope = 1/2

Section 4: Number Series

Question 23: Simple Addition Pattern

What comes next?

6, 12, 18, 24, ?

• A. 26
• B. 28
• C. 30
• D. 36

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 30

The pattern increases by 6.

24 + 6 = 30

Question 24: Multiplication Pattern

What comes next?

5, 10, 20, 40, ?

• A. 45
• B. 60
• C. 80
• D. 100

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 80

Each number is multiplied by 2.

40 × 2 = 80

Question 25: Subtraction Pattern

What comes next?

90, 83, 76, 69, ?

• A. 60
• B. 62
• C. 64
• D. 66

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 62

The pattern decreases by 7.

69 - 7 = 62

Question 26: Square Numbers

What comes next?

9, 16, 25, 36, ?

• A. 42
• B. 45
• C. 49
• D. 64

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 49

These are square numbers:

3² = 9
4² = 16
5² = 25
6² = 36
7² = 49

Question 27: Alternating Pattern

What comes next?

2, 5, 4, 10, 6, 15, ?

• A. 8
• B. 12
• C. 18
• D. 20

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. 8

Separate the sequence into two patterns.

Odd positions:

2, 4, 6, ?

This increases by 2, so the next odd-position number is 8.

Even positions:

5, 10, 15

This increases by 5.

Question 28: Alternating Operation

What comes next?

3, 6, 7, 14, 15, 30, ?

• A. 16
• B. 20
• C. 31
• D. 60

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 31

The pattern alternates:

3 × 2 = 6
6 + 1 = 7
7 × 2 = 14
14 + 1 = 15
15 × 2 = 30
30 + 1 = 31

Section 5: Word Problems

Question 29: Work Hours

An apprentice works 7 hours per day for 5 days. How many hours are worked?

• A. 12
• B. 25
• C. 35
• D. 40

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 35

Use:

7 × 5 = 35

Question 30: Hourly Pay

A worker earns $22 per hour and works 6 hours. How much is earned before deductions?

• A. $112
• B. $122
• C. $132
• D. $144

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. $132

Use:

22 × 6 = 132

Question 31: Material Length

A conduit is 96 inches long. How many feet is that?

• A. 6 feet
• B. 8 feet
• C. 9 feet
• D. 12 feet

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 8 feet

There are 12 inches in 1 foot.

96 ÷ 12 = 8

Question 32: Proportion

If 4 fittings cost $12, how much do 10 fittings cost at the same rate?

• A. $20
• B. $24
• C. $30
• D. $40

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. $30

Find the cost per fitting:

12 ÷ 4 = 3

Then:

10 × 3 = 30

Section 6: Mixed IBEW Math Practice

Question 33: Equation With Parentheses

Solve:

2(x + 3) = 18

• A. 3
• B. 6
• C. 9
• D. 12

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 6

Divide by 2:

x + 3 = 9

Subtract 3:

x = 6

Question 34: Equation With Negative Result

Solve:

2x + 10 = 4

• A. -3
• B. -2
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. -3

Subtract 10:

2x = -6

Divide by 2:

x = -3

Question 35: Function Input

If:

f(x) = x + 9

and:

f(x) = 20

What is x?

• A. 9
• B. 11
• C. 20
• D. 29

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 11

Set the function equal to 20:

x + 9 = 20
x = 11

Question 36: Formula

If:

A = L × W

and:

A = 48
L = 8

What is W?

• A. 4
• B. 6
• C. 8
• D. 12

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 6

Use:

A = L × W
48 = 8 × W
W = 48 ÷ 8
W = 6

Question 37: Number Series

What comes next?

1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ?

• A. 18
• B. 20
• C. 21
• D. 25

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 21

The differences increase by 1:

+2, +3, +4, +5, +6

So:

15 + 6 = 21

Question 38: Ratio Word Problem

A crew has apprentices and journeymen in a 4:3 ratio. If there are 28 workers total, how many are apprentices?

• A. 12
• B. 14
• C. 16
• D. 21

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: C. 16

Total parts:

4 + 3 = 7

Each part:

28 ÷ 7 = 4

Apprentices:

4 × 4 = 16

Question 39: Percent Decrease

A value drops from 50 to 40. What is the percent decrease?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 25%
• D. 40%

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: B. 20%

Decrease:

50 - 40 = 10

Percent decrease:

10 ÷ 50 = 0.20 = 20%

Question 40: Mixed Arithmetic

What is:

6 + 4 × 3

• A. 18
• B. 24
• C. 30
• D. 36

Answer and Explanation

Correct answer: A. 18

Use order of operations.

Multiply first:

4 × 3 = 12

Then add:

6 + 12 = 18

IBEW Math Test Answer Key

Question	Topic	Correct Answer
1	Fraction addition	C
2	Fraction subtraction	C
3	Fraction multiplication	B
4	Decimal to fraction	B
5	Fraction to decimal	C
6	Percentage	C
7	Percent increase	C
8	Ratio	C
9	Algebra	C
10	Algebra	C
11	Algebra	B
12	Algebra	D
13	Two-step equation	C
14	Two-step equation	C
15	Negative numbers	A
16	Expression evaluation	B
17	Function	C
18	Function	C
19	Formula rearrangement	B
20	Formula rearrangement	C
21	Slope	B
22	Slope	A
23	Number series	C
24	Number series	C
25	Number series	B
26	Square numbers	C
27	Alternating pattern	A
28	Alternating operation	C
29	Word problem	C
30	Word problem	C
31	Unit conversion	B
32	Proportion	C
33	Parentheses equation	B
34	Negative result	A
35	Function input	B
36	Formula	B
37	Number series	C
38	Ratio word problem	C
39	Percent decrease	B
40	Order of operations	A

How to Prepare for the IBEW Math Test

Step 1: Relearn Algebra Basics

Start with:

solving for x
two-step equations
negative numbers
substitution
expressions
parentheses

Do not skip algebra. It is one of the most important IBEW-style test areas.

Step 2: Practice Functions

Make sure you understand this notation:

f(x)
g(x)

It means “the value of the function when x is replaced by a number.”

Example:

f(x) = 2x + 1
f(4) = 2(4) + 1 = 9

Step 3: Practice Number Series

For number series, check:

addition pattern
subtraction pattern
multiplication pattern
division pattern
alternating pattern
square numbers
difference pattern

Do not assume the first pattern you see is correct. Test it against the whole sequence.

Step 4: Review Fractions, Decimals and Percentages

You should be comfortable with:

1/2 = 0.5 = 50%
1/4 = 0.25 = 25%
3/4 = 0.75 = 75%
1/8 = 0.125 = 12.5%

Also practice adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators.

Step 5: Practice Without Overusing a Calculator

Many electrical apprenticeship aptitude tests restrict calculators.

Practice:

• mental arithmetic;
• multiplication;
• division;
• fraction simplification;
• estimating answers;
• solving equations by hand.

Always follow your official program’s calculator policy.

Step 6: Use Timed Practice

Suggested timed drills:

10 algebra questions in 10 minutes
10 number series questions in 8 minutes
10 fraction/percent questions in 8 minutes
20 mixed math questions in 20 minutes
40 mixed math questions in 40 minutes

Common IBEW Math Test Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes:

• forgetting order of operations;
• skipping negative signs;
• not using common denominators;
• confusing percent increase with raw increase;
• treating f(x) like multiplication by f;
• failing to check number-series patterns;
• not rearranging formulas correctly;
• using a calculator when not allowed;
• practicing only easy arithmetic;
• ignoring timed practice.

Best IBEW Math Test Prep

JobTestPrep is useful for IBEW math preparation because it provides structured practice for algebra, functions, number series and timed aptitude testing.

Use JobTestPrep for:

• IBEW math test prep;
• algebra practice;
• functions;
• number series;
• formula rearrangement;
• electrician apprenticeship math;
• timed practice tests;
• answer explanations.

Recommended prep:

IBEW Math Study Plan

24-Hour Study Plan

If your test is tomorrow:

1. Review solving equations.
2. Practice functions.
3. Practice number series.
4. Review fractions and percentages.
5. Review formula rearrangement.
6. Complete one timed math set.
7. Review every wrong answer.
8. Rest.

7-Day Study Plan

Day	Study Focus
Day 1	Diagnostic math practice and algebra basics
Day 2	Linear equations and negative numbers
Day 3	Fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios
Day 4	Functions and substitution
Day 5	Number series and patterns
Day 6	Word problems, formulas and slope
Day 7	Timed mixed math practice and mistake review

IBEW Math Test vs IBEW Reading Test

The IBEW aptitude test often includes both math and reading.

IBEW Math	IBEW Reading
Algebra, functions and number series	Passage comprehension
Requires calculations	Requires careful reading
Often feels harder for rusty math students	Often feels harder under time pressure
Needs repeated practice	Needs passage strategy

Related guide:

IBEW Reading Comprehension

When your hiring step includes mixed sections, pre-employment assessment practice can support broader review before test day.

Yes. Mechanical aptitude test practice can offer practice materials for similar assessment formats.

IBEW apprenticeship practice can support extra practice with explanations when you want more timed drills.

For additional preparation, pre-employment assessment practice may be useful when your invitation includes similar question types.

Before test day, mechanical aptitude test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.

IBEW apprenticeship practice can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.

When your hiring step includes mixed sections, pre-employment assessment practice can support broader review before test day.

Yes. Mechanical aptitude test practice can offer practice materials for similar assessment formats.

IBEW apprenticeship practice can support extra practice with explanations when you want more timed drills.

For additional preparation, pre-employment assessment practice may be useful when your invitation includes similar question types.

Before test day, mechanical aptitude test practice can help you rehearse timed sections and build answer consistency.

IBEW apprenticeship practice can help candidates become familiar with common question formats before the live assessment.

Related IBEW and Electrical Apprenticeship Guides

Use these related pages to continue preparing:

Guide	Best For
IBEW Aptitude Test	Full IBEW-style test overview
IBEW Reading Comprehension	Reading section prep
Electrical Apprenticeship Test	Broader apprenticeship test prep
Electrician Aptitude Test	Electrician aptitude prep
Electrical Circuits Questions	Electrical basics
Mechanical Aptitude Test	Mechanical reasoning
Best Mechanical Aptitude Test Prep	Prep options

Sources / Information to Verify Before Publication

Before publication, verify IBEW math test details with current official and program-specific sources.

Use sources such as:

• official local IBEW / JATC application instructions;
• NECA / IBEW apprenticeship program pages where relevant;
• electrical training center applicant bulletins;
• official test invitation emails;
• apprenticeship program FAQs;
• JobTestPrep IBEW aptitude test prep resources.

Verify:

• exact test name;
• math section format;
• algebra topics;
• number-series format;
• number of questions;
• time limit;
• calculator policy;
• required score;
• retest waiting period;
• whether reading is tested separately;
• current JobTestPrep product contents;
• current affiliate URL;
• access duration and refund terms.

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