UCAT - Descision Making UCAT - Abstract Reasoning
The UCAT Quantitative Reasoning subtest assesses one’s ability to implement standard numerical skills (GCSE standard) to solve quantitative problems. The questions in this section test you on your problem-solving skills, as opposed to your numerical ability.
The UCAT Quantitative Reasoning section is specifically designed to give everyone an equal opportunity to successfully complete it. A-level math is not required, but most of the questions on the Quantitative Reasoning section are at least GCSE-level.
UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Subtest Format
On the UCAT Quantitative Reasoning section, you must draw out the pertinent information from numerical presentations (such as tables). Each numerical presentation will have four questions that relate to it, each with five possible answer choices, from which you must select the best answer. The Quantitative Reasoning subtest is comprised of nine data sets, making a total of 36 questions.
You have 24 minutes to complete this section (plus one minute for instructions). You will be provided with a simple on-screen calculator for this part of the test.
What Are the UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Challenges?
The most difficult element of the Quantitative Reasoning subtest is answering the questions in the time allocated. How can you improve your time management?
One of the key skills for the Quantitative Reasoning test is mental arithmetic. In this test, you generally need to make more than one calculation to come to the answer, and you must be able to do these calculations quickly and accurately. Sharpening your mental arithmetic skills should be a large part of your UCAT Quantitative Reasoning preparation.
The Quantitative Reasoning subtest is difficult, but not impossible. First, work on the basics. It is worth taking time to ensure you possess the basic skills before you start preparing and solving practice tests. Then, practice multiple accurate tests. A good preparation of your math and reasoning skills, as well as practising working through questions quickly, will help you come out with a good score.
Our Dedicated UCAT Quantitative Reasoning practice pack contains revision materials for skills, as well as test tips and 7 practice tests.
UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Preparation [2021]
- UCAT Score Guide
- UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Full Guide
- 7 Quantitative Reasoning Practice Tests
- 10 Video Tutorials
- Thorough Explanations for every question
UCAT Quantitative Reasoning Sample Questions
The example questions below demonstrate the types of questions you will experience in this test. By going through it with you, we highlight some of the challenges you will come up against in this section.
Sample Questions 1
A clothing business is trying to increase its brand awareness through the distribution of advertising items. It has addressed a number of advertising companies for their price quotes.
If BrandMad were to increase its prices by 10%, what would be the net change in price of an order that includes 1000 pens, 2000 match boxes, and 300 shirts?
- 926.2
- 833.58
- 888.79
- 907.51
- 1014
Sample Question 2
The following diagram describes the percentage of students who passed the exam 'Introduction to Economics' out of those who took the exam at the University of Cambridge between the years 1990–1996.
For example, in 1993, 20% of the students who took the exam passed it.
It is known that a quarter of the students who passed the exam in 1992 passed it in the first trial. Assuming each exam has two trials, what percent of all the students who took the exam that year passed it in the second trial?
Answers:
- 10%
- 15%
- 30%
- 75%
- None of the above
For more free samples, check out our free UCAT practice test.
4 Tips to Use the UCAT Calculator
On the UCAT Quantitative Reasoning subtest, you will be provided with an on-screen calculator. The calculator may be helpful on the test, but it can also present challenges and slow you down. Here are some helpful tips:
The UCAT calculator is a TI-108, which is the most basic calculator. It includes the four basic functions as well as square root and percentage keys. In each Quantitative Reasoning question, there is a link to the online calculator on the top left-hand side of the screen. When you click on this link, the UCAT calculator will appear on your screen. You may either click the buttons using your mouse or by using the number buttons on your keyboard.
You may find using a calculator while you practise for the UCAT Quantitative Reasoning section to be beneficial. Make sure to use the same type of basic calculator so that you can get acquainted with it before the test. Here are some tips to consider regarding the UCAT calculator:
- It is good to know and understand what you can and can’t do with a basic calculator. Brushing up on the different functions you can perform with the calculator will save you time on the test.
- Preparing with the calculator will help you answer questions more accurately. Some of the common problems with using a basic calculator include inputting the equation into the calculator in the wrong order or getting confused about how to calculate a percentage or a decimal point.
- You will have to perform more difficult calculations without the help of a calculator. Prepare for these in advance so that you will know how to perform these tasks correctly, quickly, and easily on the test.
- Practising will help you to become familiar with the calculator, making it quicker for you to input necessary information (numbers, functions, etc).
UCAT - Descision Making UCAT - Abstract Reasoning