Year 9 NAPLAN Numeracy: Practice Questions with Worked Solutions
Year 9 NAPLAN Numeracy is the last NAPLAN, and results can feed into senior-schooling and HSC minimum-standard checks. Expect percentages, Pythagoras, indices, rates and data. Below are six exam-style questions with full worked solutions.
What Year 9 Numeracy is like
- Around 48 questions, split into a non-calculator and a calculator part.
- Mostly multiple choice, with some type-in answers.
- Covers percentages & rates, algebra, Pythagoras, indices, and statistics.
- Reverse-percentage and multi-step money problems are common trap areas.
Try each question first, then open the solution.
6 practice questions
After a 20% increase, a phone plan costs $60 per month. What was the monthly price before the increase?
- A.$40
- B.$48
- C.$50
- D.$72
Answer & worked solution
Answer: C) $50
$60 represents 120% of the original price. Original = $60 ÷ 1.2 = $50. (Subtracting 20% of $60 is the common trap — it gives $48, which is wrong.)
The right-angled triangle above has legs of 6 cm and 8 cm. How long is the hypotenuse?
- A.10 cm
- B.12 cm
- C.14 cm
- D.48 cm
Answer & worked solution
Answer: A) 10 cm
By Pythagoras: c² = 6² + 8² = 36 + 64 = 100, so c = √100 = 10 cm.
Simplify 2³ × 2⁴.
- A.64
- B.128
- C.256
- D.4096
Answer & worked solution
Answer: B) 128
When multiplying powers with the same base, add the indices: 2³ × 2⁴ = 2⁷ = 128.
A plumber charges a $40 call-out fee plus $55 per hour. What is the total cost of a 3-hour job?
- A.$165
- B.$185
- C.$205
- D.$285
Answer & worked solution
Answer: C) $205
Total = call-out + hourly cost = $40 + 3 × $55 = $40 + $165 = $205.
Seven test scores are: 4, 8, 6, 5, 9, 6, 7. What is the median?
- A.5
- B.6
- C.6.4
- D.7
Answer & worked solution
Answer: B) 6
Put them in order: 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9. The median is the middle (4th) value: 6.
A shirt is marked $45. At the register it is discounted 10%, then a $5 voucher is applied. What is the final price?
- A.$30.50
- B.$35.50
- C.$36.00
- D.$40.50
Answer & worked solution
Answer: B) $35.50
10% off $45 is $4.50, giving $40.50. Then subtract the $5 voucher: $40.50 − $5 = $35.50.
Quick exam tips
- For a reverse percentage, divide by the multiplier (e.g. ÷1.2 for a 20% rise) — don't just subtract the percentage.
- Recognise Pythagorean triples (3-4-5, 6-8-10, 5-12-13) to save time.
- Read multi-step money questions to the end before calculating — the order of operations matters.
Related: Year 3, Year 5 and Year 7 Numeracy questions, or the NAPLAN explained guide.
Want hundreds more like these, each explained step by step? Try PrepPath Year 9 Numeracy practice — free, with an AI Tutor for the tricky ones.
PrepPath is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with ACARA or the NSW Department of Education. This guide is general information only — always check the official ACARA (nap.edu.au) or NSW Department of Education websites for current dates and rules.