How to Improve Mental Arithmetic Aptitude
To answer majority of questions in timed numerical reasoning test your need to have well defined way of working to tackle such assessments swiftly and accurately. At times using your calculator or writing down notes on scrap paper will not be the most efficient or time saving method as some problems will present you with data which you can eyeball, estimate or compute mentally. In the below paragraphs you can review some tips on how to improve your mental arithmetic competence for numerical reasoning tests.
Compute simple steps mentally
The first step to gain greater freedom in mental math is to attempt to perform certain calculations without the use of calculator. Try to compute simple arithmetic in your head. Moreover, try to visualize some of the steps necessary to tackle the test questions. For example, consider the table and question below.
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How many more employees have to join team that work on project A if the company wants to finish the project within 72 days?
To improve your mental arithmetic competencies for numerical reasoning visualize the steps involved in the above calculation and do not use the paper to arrive at the correct solution. You can use the calculator to perform the actual calculation; however, the techniques of how to get to the right answer should be formulated in your head that is, [(18 * 95) / 72] – 18. This kind of practice will go a long way to help you perform computation in real aptitude tests quickly and correctly. To see further examples how your skills can be employed in objective standardised examinations view mental arithmetic section.
Practice conversion questions
To further advance your mental computation skills attempt to practice currency conversions problems. Try to transform in your head one currency into another, for example pounds to dollars or sums of money in one currency to another. Try to form the steps in your head how to arrive at the correct answer and use calculator only to calculate the exact answer. You can review our currency practice test guide which shows you how to make such calculations and provides you with variety of sample questions ranging from simple to advanced conversions.
Alternatively, you may undertake practice related to converting units of measure where you can convert different units of customary or metric systems. For example, you may try to convert feet to yards, inches to feet or ounces to pounds or pounds to tons. Again, this kind of exercise is invaluable and will help you enormously not only to improve your mental arithmetic skills but also will boost your numerical thinking approach.
Practice in your daily routine
To achieve proficiency in mental arithmetic undertake systematic course of preparation and attempt to make as many computations as possible in your head. At first it may seem to be difficult and could take a little while however it will prove to be worthwhile investment long term. Don’t fall into the trap of using calculator for simple computations as you will not train your brain to make visual approximation to avoid unnecessary steps in order to move quickly through the selection exercise. Additionally, you may want try to practice adding, subtracting, multiplying or dividing numbers in your daily routine. Remember, you will improve your mental aptitude with necessary commitment.