Percents and Numbers in Numerical Tests
Learning about percentages may be yet another essential topic for people who want to perform well in numerical tests. In fact, once you understand percentages you will enjoy challenges of questions that are built around percents. In essence, the word percent consists of two parts 'per' which means divide whereas 'cent' which refers to hundred. Hence problems build around percentages are related to calculating quantities per 100. To get you on the track we have compiled some straightforward and easy to follow up tips for percentage questions that you are likely to encounter in numerical reasoning tests. The below examples provide you with basic starting point however to review all necessary percentage topics you can see numerical test percentage guide which summarises all key percentage concepts.
How to find number as a percentage of another
Often in your numeracy tests you may be required to find number as a percentage of another to calculate wide range of problems. To demonstrate this, study the question below.
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If 30 undergraduate students passed finance exam what percent passed?
When you will be working out similar problems in numerical tests the formula to express the above may be formulated as follows: Q1 / Q2 x 100; that is if Q1 equals 30 whereas Q2 is equivalent to 50 then 30 of 50 would be 0.6. To finish your calculation simply multiply it by 100. In numerical reasoning tests, the time limit will be tight and to quickly calculate this question input into your calculator only 30/50 and then mentally multiply by 100. Alternatively, you can mentally multiply numerator, in the above case 30 x 100 and then divide by 50 in your calculator. If you find it difficult to perform calculations mentally then see tutorial on how to improve mental arithmetic aptitude. Remember, to work out numerical reasoning questions quickly some parts of your calculations will always have to be performed in your head.
How to find percentage of a quantity
In your numerical reasoning test it is high likely that you will encounter problems related to calculating percents or fractions of some amounts. Consider the question below.
If 20% of all post-graduates are part time students then how many part time master degree students are there?
To answer the question right divide percent by 100 and multiply it by given number. For example, to find 20% of 150 calculate as follows: 20 / 100 x 150. To make these calculations quicker and effective mentally divide each number by 10 which would give you 2.0 and 15 and then multiply them. Alternatively, if questions provide you with more complex numbers divide in your head either integer or given quantity by 100 and then only perform multiplication on your calculator. Additionally, you can formulate the above calculation in the following steps: 10% of 150 equals to 15 so 20% must equal to 30.
How to find quantity of percentage of given amount
You may encounter questions in which you will need to find number where you will be provided with unknown for which you will have to solve. For example consider the problem below.
If Mike spends GBP 240.00 or 20% of his salary for rent then how much he earns?
To calculate this you may use formula 240 x 100 / 20. When you are given questions that require you to perform the above calculation, mentally multiply the number by 100 and input into your calculator only division. Otherwise, you may turn the above calculation around 100 / 20 x 240 = 60. Remember, it is important that you make as many calculations as you can mentally in your head when working out numerical psychometric test percentage questions to save valuable time during your assessment.