10 Math Questions that appear in Civil Service Exam.

…
as of 2016
1.Greatest Common Factor (GCF) – This often goes without saying that math questions
never gets dull with the GCF. Expect to see this.
What are the common factors of 12 and 18?

Factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
Factors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
If we examine the factors of 12 and 18, we see that there are 4 common factors: 1, 2, 3 and
6. Among the factors, 6 is the largest. Therefore, we say that 6 is the greatest common
factor (GCF) or greatest common divisor (GCD) of 12 and 18.

2. Least Common Multiple (LCM) – The most important among the multiples is the least
common multiple. The least common multiple is the smallest among all the multiples.
Clearly, the least common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6. Here are some examples.

Example 1: Find the least common multiple of 3 and 5

Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9. 12, 15, 18
Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30As we can see, 15 appeared as the first common multiple,
so 15 is the least common multiple of 3 and 5.

3. Integers (Postive/ Negative) – These questions never get tired of appearing and they are
very easy. Both signs of positive is equals to positive. For opposite signs (+ -), you will get
the bigger number’s sign after subtracting. When both signs are negative and when you
add/subtract, the answer will still be negative. Easy right?

4. PEMDAS – In elementrary, we call these operations MDAS in the elementary grades and
later and PE making it PEMDAS. It is the acronym for Parenthesis, Exponent, Multiplication,
Division, Addition and Subtraction. This is basically the order of operations when you
calculate an arithmetic problem involving two or more
operations.
(5 + 8)2 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2
Parenthesis: (5 + 8)2 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2 = 132 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2
Exponent: 132 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2 = 169 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2
*Divide: 169 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2 = 169 – 3 x 2
*Multiply: 169 – 3 x 2 = 169 – 6
Subtract: 169 – 6 = 163

5. Decimals – these are one of the easiest part of the Math exam part of the civil service
and they often pop up more than usual. Just remember to align the Decimals within the
solution and whether you add or substract, ensure that they line up properly. When you
multiply, move the decimal from right to left, then if it is division, then go left to right.
6. Fractions – In the Civil Service numerical Reasoning tests, fractions appear in almost
every test: basic arithmetic, number sequences, equations and problem solving. Make sure
you know how to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers. Also make sure that you
know how to change fractions into decimals and vice versa.

7. Decimals and Percentages – Almost these two are closely related and when I took my
civil service exam, these topics in Math are often made as questions. Converting Decimals
to Percentage and Vice Versa are often asked. Say for example: to get 60% you multiply .60
to any number. As for conversion to fraction, you will divide 60 and 100 by its greatest
common factor (GCF) which is 20 so the answer will be- 3/5.
For fraction to decimal you will convert it by: by moving the decimal the hundredth place
have it as fraction (1/100)

Then 60 x 1/100 = 60/100, then you will get the lowest term by dividing both the
numerator and denominator with their greatest common factor. The answer will be still
3/5.

8. Volume, Area, and Perimeter – if you know basic algebra and geometry then these are
easy to get. Make sure you know how to get the length x width x height for volume specially
for the circle which is A= pi(squared). You know, basic stuff. Do not also forget the
perimeter which is to add all sides if its a square and if it is a circle then get the basic
formula of Perimeter = 2 x pi x radius

example:
A circular flower-bed has a radius of 9 m. Find the perimeter/circumference of the flower-
bed.
Solution:
P=2·π·R
P = 2 · 3.1416 · 9
P = 56.5487 cm

9. Algebraic Equations – you might want to study equations in algebra because you will find
them so many times in the civil service exam. Just the basic stuff you know…
For ex:
Let x = 2
2x + 8 = 12
Solution : We assume that x is equal to 2 , so the equation will be 2 (2) + 8 = 12 yehey!

10. Chart Readings with percentages and equations – Now I know some would say that this
is not part of the math exam but the exam that I took actually composed of these chart and
diagrams. They are quite easy to understand if you know how to read them. Just follow
their instructions for the equations like get the total or the difference and the projection of
estimated amount (I was talking about a chart question regarding how Toyota would get a
profit after 10 year or so). All in all, this is a no biggie as long you know how to read.