- Back solving is a technique for finding the right answer when you are unsure. Because the ASVAB is a multiple choice test, the correct answer is always among the choices. If you have a question that can be put into algebraic form, with an equation containing one variable, you can test each answer by plugging it into the variable.
- Don't rely on back solving. The test is times and you only receive credit for correct answers. Back solving takes time. If you try to use it for every question, you'll waste time and miss answering other questions.
- The ASVAB is administered as a computerized test and a paper test. On the paper test, you can mark questions you don't know and answer them later. On the computer exam, once you mark an answer the computer moves on and you cannot change it. If you are taking the paper exam, mark questions you don't know and come back to them later using back solving. On the computerized version, only use back solving if you don't know the answer.
- Back solving works with equations. Word problems do not explicitly give you an equation, just the facts to build one. Convert the word problem into a numerical equation.