Numerical Reasoning Tests and Numerical Ability Tests often referred to as Numeracy Tests are the most common type of aptitude-psychometric test you are likely to have to do, along with Verbal Reasoning Tests in any assessment centre you will participate in or recruitment process.
While a general term – such as Numerical Reasoning – is commonly used for numeracy aptitude tests there are various types and formats.
Numerical Ability Tests mostly test your basic arithmetic skills. These tests are usually short and they assess your ability to make quick and accurate estimations and/or quick calculations. The skills required for these types of tests are – addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, proportions and sometimes square roots.
Numerical Ability tests include:
- Basic Arithmetic
- Estimation
- Computer / Number Checking – assesses your ability to compare sets of data within a set time frame
Sample Questions:
1. Numerical Estimation:
Which of the numbers below are closest to the correct answer?
8946 : 279 ~
A. 32 B. 61 C. 6.7 D. 4.5
8946 is a large number and can be rounded up to 9000. 279 can be rounded to 300. 9000 / 300 = 30. The closest number to 30 is 32. The correct answer is 32
2. Computer Checking:
In each row you must identify and select the two sets of characters that are identical. You have 15 minutes to complete the test.
| | A | B | C | D | E |
| 1. | GPS: =7W | GPS: =9W | GPS; =7W | GPS, =7W | GPS: =7W |
| 2. | LP=51 | LP#59 | PL#59 | LP5#9 | LP#59 |
| 3. | RAMGAUKER | RAGMAUKER | ROMAGAUKER | RAMGAUKER | RAMAUKER |
| 4. | L ^ { N } | L ^ ( M ) | L ^ ( N ) | L ( ^ N ) | L ^ ( N ) |
The corrects answers are:
| | A | B | C | D | E |
| 1. | GPS: =7W | GPS: =9W | GPS; =7W | GPS, =7W | GPS: =7W |
| 2. | LP=51 | LP#59 | PL#59 | LP5#9 | LP#59 |
| 3. | RAMGAUKER | RAGMAUKER | ROMAGAUKER | RAMGAUKER | RAMAUKER |
| 4. | L ^ { N } | L ^ ( M ) | L ^ ( N ) | L ( ^ N ) | L ^ ( N ) |
Numerical Reasoning Tests (aka Numeracy Tests) measure your ability to make logical conclusions and deductions based on numerical data. These tests are often called data interpretation test as well as numerical critical reasoning tests.
Numerical Reasoning tests include:
- Numerical Reasoning – very similar to problem solving tests
- Numerical Critical Reasoning – measure your ability to reach a correct answer based on data interpretation presented in the text, graph or table form
- Number Series – measure your ability to figure out the logic behind a numerical series
Sample Questions:
3. Numerical Reasoning:
Please choose one correct answer
It takes 8000 medium size oranges to make 500 litres of orange juice. How many oranges does it take to make 1,279 litres of orange juice?
A. 79.9 B. 3127.4 C. 6254.8 D. 12509.6 E. 18.947 F. 20464
There are two ways of solving this problem. The first is by doing the actual calculation: 8000 (oranges) / 500 (litres of juice) = 16 oranges per litre 1279 (litres) × 16 = 20464 The second is using estimation, which may be quicker: 1279 litres is roughly 2.5 times the initial amount of 500 litres. Therefore, the amount of oranges required to produce 1279 litres is 2.5 times the initial number of oranges = 8000 x 2.5 = 20000. The answer is 20,464
4. Numerical Critical Reasoning:
Please choose one correct answer
Percentage of reported sick days in sectors
| | Jan-Feb | Mar-Apr | May-Jun | Jul-Aug | Sep-Oct | Nov-Dec |
| Construction | 15.2 | 14.9 | 12.5 | 16.2 | 12.2 | 13.5 |
| IT | 8.5 | 8.2 | 7.6 | 8.6 | 7.5 | 8.6 |
| Civil Service | 16.2 | 15.5 | 14.8 | 18.0 | 18.5 | 17.1 |
| Financial | 6.5 | 7.2 | 5.8 | 4.5 | 6.2 | 5.4 |
| Healthcare | 11.2 | 12.5 | 14.8 | 13.5 | 12.5 | 14.2 |
For every 600 people working in the Financial services sector, how many typically report sick days in the July-August period?
A. 27 B. 45 C. 2.7 D. 4.5 E. 5.5
The percentage of reported sick days for the Financial services sector during the Jul-Aug period stands at 4.5%. This means that for every 600 employees in the Financial services sector, 27 report in sick (600 x (4.5/100)) = 27. The answer is 27
5. Number Series
What is the next number in the following series? Please choose one correct answer
1, 3, 6, 2, -1, ?
A. -1/3 B. 2 C. -3 D. 4
In this series, all basic arithmetic functions are used (+, -, x, ÷) and all of them involve the number 3. The order of the arithmetic functions are: x3, +3, ÷3, -3. Because the last action was subtraction, the next one should be multiplication: (-1) x 3 = (-3). The answer is -3.
Numerical ability can definitely be improved through practice. Exposure to the type of tests used and their format as well as understanding the underlying principles of each test are key to succeeding. Further, on going 'hands on' practice is guaranteed to increase your confidence and improve your ability.
JobTestPrep offers you a range of aptitude preparation courses tailored per industry and position with a large variety of numerical ability and numerical reasoning tests for you to practice with and increase your chances of success in landing your dream job.