How to improve Maths for Numerical Tests
If you just found that you have to sit quantitative reasoning and you are fairly new to such assessments then as a first step you must ensure that your maths skills in basic arithmetic and algebra are up to scratch. Any deficiencies in any of these areas may hold you back from moving ahead to perform better in numerical reasoning test. In the below sections we will review three core stones to improve your math skills for aptitude assessment.
Revise basic maths
To improve in mathematic is fairly easy to master. Go over GCSE notes and make sure that you develop proficient understanding of arithmetic and algebraic operations. You need to be familiar with equivalences between decimals, fractions, percentages and ratios and know how to calculate percentages of quantities, finding one number as a percentage of another or working out percentage or proportional changes. To gain greater insight into these functions read maths for numerical reasoning which will provide you with greater overview of what’s involved.
Practice simple aptitude questions
After revising basic mathematical operations, be ready to undertake further practice. Many test takers may feel that they are well prepared for quantitative aptitude assessment once they master basic arithmetic operations, however do not stop at this stage as most of the questions, if not all, tend to measure the extent to which your cognitive abilities allow you to manipulate and make conclusions of data of numerical nature rather than pure knowledge of maths. Therefore, to succeed at such assessments you need to continue to practice further.
Continue with advanced numerical questions
Once you will feel comfortable and become competent solving simple one step routine questions where you will use standard techniques to arrive at the correct solution progress your practice and attempt to confront more complex questions where you will need to apply multiple-step solutions to get the right answer. An example of such questions can be found in our free numerical aptitude test where you can find wealth of these problems. Remember, you need to become proficient in these areas to be able to solve mathematical challenges swiftly and confidently. Hence, regular exposure to the types of challenges which will force you to think and which cannot be solved by merely recognising key words or applying standard knowledge of percentages, fractions or proportions is must to manipulate maths instinctively.
Practice at daily bases
Further, to improve your maths and reasoning abilities you need to undertake systematic practice and solve questions involving arithmetic and algebraic operations that are likely to appear in your assessment. It may be tedious to provide you with precise time-frame within which you will build or strengthen your arithmetic abilities as the pace of your progress will depend on how quickly you can assimilate new learnt things. Perhaps you may demonstrate innate disposition to work with numbers and thus you may need less time to become proficient in such areas than a person who lacks such aptitude. Remember, your competence will improve if you make necessary commitment to advance your capabilities.