NUMERICAL REASONING

Typical Structure
Generally speaking, numerical reasoning tests are short, timed
assessments presented in a multiple-choice format. Their exact
length can vary from roughly 10 to 45 minutes, and the number of
questions will be relevant to their duration. As a guide, one
question for every minute is a reasonable expectation, but some of
the more difficult tests require more speed.

If you have the right skill set, the questions themselves would not
be too difficult to answer under normal circumstances. However,
these tests aren’t designed to be straightforward, and the time limit
isn’t the only added complication.

Many test publishers use what are known as distractors – answer

options purposefully similar to the correct answer, or that could be
achieved if a common mistake was made.

In addition, numerical reasoning tests for graduate-level positions

can be quite complex in their nature. The data given may include
information that’s not relevant to the question posed but is there to
distract you. It’s also likely that you’ll need to apply a number of
processes to draw the right conclusion, not just a single action.

Common Question Types

You can expect a range of questions that cover various aspects of
numerical understanding.

These are likely to include general arithmetic, or numerical

computation, where you’ll work with addition, subtraction,
division and multiplication, as well as dealing with things like
percentage change and simplified ratios.

Currency conversion questions are also a common occurrence.

Numerical reasoning questions often take the form of a number

series, where your numerical logic will be tested, rather than your
ability to perform basic calculations.
You’ll also encounter numerical estimation questions. Here, you’ll
be asked to give an approximation as opposed to an exact answer,
usually through graph interpretation.

The last common question type is data interpretation. With these,

you may be presented with numerical data in the form of graphs,
charts and tables, or in a paragraph of written text, and asked to
make an inference based on the information provided.

Scoring
How well you’ve performed in your numerical reasoning test will
usually be assessed comparatively. Your prospective employer will
receive your raw score, that is the number of correct answers,
which will then be measured against a benchmark score.

This benchmark score will either be based on the performance of

other candidates for the role, or the historical scores of employees
in a similar position of comparative level.

There is no differential or negative scoring in a numerical

reasoning test. You’ll get one point for every correct response and
won’t be marked down for an incorrect answer.

You can easily improve your score with practice, and by mastering
some key formulas for success.

Key maths skills you'll need – and how to improve

Although numerical reasoning tests focus more on your
interpretation and analytical abilities, rather than your
mathematical skills, there are a few key areas you’ll need to be
confident in.

Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division should be

revised as the very basics. Generally speaking, GCSE-level
understanding is sufficient.
You’ll also need to be able to work with percentages, fractions,
ratios and averages. Here are a few key formulas to get you started.

Percentage Increase
To calculate a percentage increase, subtract the original number
from the new number, divide this difference by the original
number, and multiply by 100.

Example: find the percentage increase of 200 to 300

300 - 200 = 100

100 ÷ 200 = 0.5

0.5 x 100 = 50

Answer: 50%

Percentage Decrease

To find a percentage decrease, subtract the new number from the

original number, divide this difference by the original number, and
multiply by 100.

Example: find the percentage decrease of 500 to 240

500 - 240 = 260

260 ÷ 500 = 0.52

0.52 x 100 = 52

Answer: 52%

Adding Percentages
To add two percentage increases together, first add 100 to each
given percentage and convert into decimals. Multiply the base
figure by the first decimal, and then multiply the resulting value by
the second decimal.

Example: your phone bill is £42. It increases by 10% after 12

months, and a further 20% increase is applied six months later.
What’s the price of your phone bill after 18 months?

10 + 100 = 110, expressed as 1.10 as a decimal

20 + 100 = 120, expressed as 1.20 as a decimal

42 x 1.10 = 46.2

46.2 x 1.20 = 55.44

Answer: £55.44

Converting Percentages into Fractions

To convert a percentage into a fraction, simply write down the
percentage as a proportion of 100, and simplify if necessary.

Example: Convert 75% into a fraction

75/100 simplified to 3/4

Answer: 3/4

Mean Averages
To find the mean average of a series of numbers, add them all
together and divide the answer by the total amount of numbers
present.

Example: find the mean average of 3, 15, 8 and 22

3 + 15 + 8 + 22 = 48

48 ÷ 4 = 12
Answer: 12

Adding Fractions
To add two fractions together, first make sure the denominators are
the same, then add the two numerators together and place over the
denominator. Simplify the fraction if needed.

Example: 1/5 + 3/5

The denominators are the same, so 1 + 3 = 4

Answer: 4/5

If your denominators are not the same, multiply one fraction by the
required amount to get two equal denominators. You must
multiply both the denominator and numerator to keep the value of
the fraction.

Example: work out 2/3 + 1/6

To get a common denominator, multiply 2/3 by 2

2x2=4

3x2=6

Now work out 4/6 + 1/6

4+1=5

Answer: 5/6

Subtracting Fractions
To subtract fractions, simply deduct one numerator from the other
and place over the denominator.

Example: work out 3/7 - 2/7

3–2=1

Answer: 1/7

If the denominators are not the same, follow the steps as above to
first achieve a common denominator.

Multiplying Fractions
For multiplication, multiply the numerators, then multiply the
denominators and write as your new fraction.

Example: 1/3 x 2/5

01
1x2=2

3 x 5 = 15

Answer: 2/15

Dividing Fractions
To divide fractions, find the reciprocal of the dividing fraction by
turning it upside down, then multiply the first fraction by this
reciprocal.

Example: 2/3 ÷ 1/4

1/4 becomes 4/1

2x4=8

3x1=3

Answer: 8/3

Expressing Mixed Fractions as Improper Fractions

First take the whole number of the mixed fraction and multiply it
by the denominator of the fractional part. Add this result to the
numerator and write above the existing denominator.
Example: convert 3 2/4 into an improper fraction

3 x 4 = 12

12 + 2 = 14

Answer: 14/4, simplified to 7/2

How best to prepare for a numerical test

Numerical reasoning tests aren’t easy. Even if you have an
excellent grasp of basic arithmetic and years of experience
working with data in its various forms, exam nerves, time
constraints and intentional decoys can all impact your
performance.

The good news is that with a bit of effort, and some tips to pass
your numerical reasoning assessment, you can greatly improve
your chances of a better than average score.

Make sure to take plenty of practice tests and time yourself as you
do. Analyse your results, and if there’s an area you’re struggling
with, make this a priority.

Don’t just push a test aside once completed. Read through the
answer explanations in detail, regardless of whether you got it right
or wrong. The more you do this, the better you’ll understand
relevant processes and when to apply them.

If they’re willing to divulge the information, find out what test

provider your prospective employer uses. It’s likely the publisher
has practice tests of its own that you can take for a more realistic
representation of what’s in store.

Finally, brush up on your mental arithmetic. The skills you need

here are easily improved with practice, and the quicker you are at
basic calculations, the more time you’ll have to interpret complex
data.

Paragraph Organization
Instruction: Choose the best order and sequence of the following
sentences to form a well-organized paragraph.
1.
A. One effective way is to diversify his funds to different
investments like real estate, stocks and money instruments like
bonds and trust funds.
B. It is always best to expand money to different investment
wheels.
C. A wise investor must not put all his eggs in one basket.
D. He should always consider the risks involved in investing his
money.

1. CBAD 2. CBDA 3. CDAB

4. CDBA
2.
A. It is very vital to have social media presence however personal
blogs serve as web domains.
B. Most people including celebrities and businessmen have blogs
nowadays.
C. Therefore, building them will help anyone in promoting himself
or his business.
D. Apparently blogs are like our offices only they are in the
internet.

1. BDAC 2. BADC 3. BACD

4. BDCA
3.
A. The basic steps in building a website are easy to remember and
registering a domain name is the usual priority.
B. Designing a layout will come after that.
C. Finally, adding more content and social media presence are
required to keep your site active.
D. Then you need a hosting provider to host your site’s content in
the World Wide Web.

1. ABCD 2. ADBC 3. ACBD

4. ADCB
4.
A. Speaking in English every day is also proven effective.
B. Another way is watching English movies and TV shows
particularly with English subtitles.
C. Reading articles in books, newspapers, and magazines is just
among the helpful ways.
D. There are many ways to improve and develop English
proficiency.

1. DCBA 2. DACB 3. DABC

4. DCAB

5.
A. Others don’t realize yet what to pursue because they have many
dreams.
B. Finding the right course in college is one of the most
challenging decisions anyone can make.
C. Some people want to pursue their dreams ever since they were
just little.
D. Indeed destiny is a matter of choice.

1. BDAC 2. BCDA 3. BADC

4. BCAD
6.
A. While passport, airline tickets and valid IDs are required, proof
of financial capacity may be required for visa application.
B. Many Filipinos rejoiced hearing that good news.
C. The Bureau of Immigration announced recently that proof of
financial capacity is not a primary requirement at the airport.
D. Positive points go to the bureau for this.

1. CBAD 2. CADB 3. CABD

4. CBDA
7.
A. This will be one of your tickets to land a job in the government.
B. That is why many people apply to take the Career Service
examination.
C. If you passed the exam, you will get a certificate of eligibility.
D. Career Service Eligibility is a major requirement to apply for a
job position in the government.

1. DCBA 2. DBAC 3. DBCA

4. DCAB
8.
A. Your passport will arrive in 7 days if you choose the rush
processing.
B. Getting a passport is faster nowadays.
C. Now, it only takes about 10 working days.
D. Compared before, it would take about a month for the regular
processing.

1. BCAD 2. BDCA 3. BADC

4. BACD
9.
A. Facebook has been the number one social network in the web
and the world for quite long now.
B. Mobile instant messaging apps are also dominating social
presence in the internet.
C. After many acquisitions, Facebook bought Instagram, one of the
fastest growing photo sharing networks.
D. Because of that, Facebook acquired WhatsApp, a leading
instant chat platform like

1. ACBD 2. ABCD 3. ADCB

4. ADBC

10.
A. They will help you to purchase through zero-interest installment
schemes.
B. Thus, you must be wise and pay in full if you want to avoid
never-ending debts.
C. Credit cards are helpful if you know how and when to use them
wisely.
D. However, they will produce interests from interests if you didn’t
pay the whole amount at the due date.
 1. CDBA 2. CABD 3. CDAB
4. CADB

Answer Key

1. (3) CDAB
2. (2) BADC
3. (2) ADBC
4. (1) DCBA
5. (4) BCAD
6. (4) CBDA
7. (3) DBCA
8. (2) BDCA
9. (1) ACBD
10. (4) CADB