Problem Solving in Numerical Reasoning Tests

To succeed at graduate numeracy tests you need to develop effective reasoning skills that will allow you to solve questions without spending too long time thinking about the problem. As previously mentioned to score high in such assessments you have to be well acquainted with key elements of numerical reasoning measurements i.e. basic mathematic, metal arithmetic and problem solving. In this section we will be concerned with third element of such tests which is the fundamental element of these assessments. The following section will give you ideas of kind of intellectual abilities that are required to gain upper range score in these selection exercises.

 

How to solve multiple step solution questions

In context of numerical reasoning, problem solving relates to algebraic concepts of mathematics which assume interpreting and translating facts into mathematical terms. Often, such interpretation will include setting up an equation with one or two unknowns. Think of an equation as a balanced scale where everything what is on the right must equal what is on the left. At times formulating equations may assume number of steps.

A good example to demonstrate this could be the below question extracted from our selection test where you have to set up an equation and go through few steps to arrive at the correct answer. For the following consider the below.

numerical_problem_solving

Next month, the transportation cost for a THBX 1 pallet will increase by 10%. By what percentage would a company have to reduce its volume of pallets transported per week to leave its weekly THBX1 spend unchanged?

Do you find the above challenging? If yes, read the explanation below and review our guide on how to improve problem solving skills in scope of aptitude assessments. Note that if you come across the above challenge in numerical reasoning test you may think at first that the question would be impossible to work out under tough time limit. Moreover, at first sight it may not seem obvious particularly to candidates that just began their practice that the above problem requires you to set up a simple equation for one unknown. The unknown in this case relates to figure that represents percentage decrease. To solve for such unknown you need to quickly work out following.

So you can set up simple equation as follows: 35,750 = (650 x 1.10) x X; 35,750 = 715X; X = 50; then follow up with calculating the percentage decrease: (55 – 50) / 55 * 100 = 9.09%, or 9.1% to one decimal place. Hence, the company must transport 5 pallets less per week to maintain its costs at the same level.

Remember, to get it right in numerical reasoning test you need to be familiar with setting up equations for one or two unknowns. Speed is of essence and thus well developed maths, metal arithmetic and problem solving abilities will allow you to tackle challenging questions that comprise multiple steps solutions.