Basic Operations Practice Questions

Use these Basic Operations practice questions to review addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, negative numbers, and order of operations. After answering each question, open the explanation to see the steps behind the correct answer.

Basic Operations Topics Covered

  • Adding decimals
  • Subtracting decimals
  • Multiplying by zero
  • Adding negative numbers
  • Subtracting negative numbers
  • Division with negative numbers
  • Order of operations
  • Vertical addition and subtraction

Basic Operations Practice Questions

For questions 1-10, simplify the given expression.

1. 5.68 + 3.4 + 19.21 + 4

  1. 22.29
  2. 31.29
  3. 31.49
  4. 32.29
  5. 32.49
Show Answer

Answer: D. 32.29

Line up the decimal points and add vertically.

5.68
3.40
19.21
+ 4.00
32.29

2. (26.1 + 3.9) • 5.4 • 0 • (12.45 – 8.1)

  1. 0
  2. 50.49
  3. 162
  4. 280.5
  5. 704.7
Show Answer

Answer: A. 0

The expression includes multiplication by 0.

The product of 0 and any other number is 0, so the entire expression equals 0.

3. -4 + (-13) + 10

  1. -27
  2. -7
  3. -1
  4. 1
  5. 19
Show Answer

Answer: B. -7

Add from left to right.

-4 + (-13) = -17

-17 + 10 = -7

4. 23 – (-38)

  1. -61
  2. -15
  3. 13
  4. 15
  5. 61
Show Answer

Answer: E. 61

Subtracting a negative number is the same as adding the positive version of that number.

23 – (-38) = 23 + 38

23 + 38 = 61

5. (20 ÷ 5) + (12 ÷ 4)

  1. 4
  2. 5
  3. 6
  4. 7
  5. 8
Show Answer

Answer: D. 7

Use the order of operations. First simplify the expressions inside parentheses.

20 ÷ 5 = 4

12 ÷ 4 = 3

4 + 3 = 7

6. 215 + 56 + 4 + 490

  1. 656
  2. 655
  3. 755
  4. 756
  5. 765
Show Answer

Answer: E. 765

Line up the digits by place value and add vertically.

215
56
4
+ 490
765

7. 780 ÷ (-26)

  1. -30
  2. -20
  3. 18
  4. 20
  5. 30
Show Answer

Answer: A. -30

A positive number divided by a negative number gives a negative result.

780 ÷ 26 = 30

So, 780 ÷ (-26) = -30.

8. (4 + 7) • (9 – 3)

  1. -132
  2. -66
  3. 66
  4. 96
  5. 132
Show Answer

Answer: C. 66

Use the order of operations. First simplify the expressions inside parentheses.

4 + 7 = 11

9 – 3 = 6

11 • 6 = 66

9. 3 • (-5) • 8 • 2

  1. -240
  2. -120
  3. -80
  4. 80
  5. 120
Show Answer

Answer: A. -240

Multiply from left to right.

3 • (-5) = -15

-15 • 8 = -120

-120 • 2 = -240

10. 6.791 – 4.81

  1. 1.911
  2. 1.981
  3. 2.181
  4. 2.171
  5. 2.709
Show Answer

Answer: B. 1.981

Line up the decimal points and subtract vertically.

6.791
– 4.810
1.981

How to Use These Basic Operations Practice Questions

Try each problem before opening the explanation. Then compare your work with the solution steps.

If you miss a question, look for the specific skill being tested. Many basic operations errors come from misaligned decimals, sign mistakes with negative numbers, or skipping the order of operations.

 

Last Updated: July 7, 2026