Numerical Reasoning

Tests

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 CONTENTS

Introduction 7

Example Numerical Reasoning Questions 17

Numerical Prep

• Mental Arithmetic (and answers) 37

• Warm Up (and answers) 47

Numerical Reasoning Basic

• Basic Section 1 (and answers) 61

• Basic Section 2 (and answers) 81

Numerical Reasoning Intermediate

• Intermediate Section 1 (and answers) 101

• Intermediate Section 2 (and answers) 129

Numerical Reasoning Advanced

• Advanced Section 1 (and answers) 145

• Advanced Section 2 (and answers) 167

INTRODUCTION
 8 Numerical Reasoning Tests

INTRODUCTION TO YOUR NEW GUIDE

Welcome to your new guide, Numerical Reasoning Tests. This guide is

a comprehensive testing book which provides lots of practice questions
for basic, intermediate and advanced mathematics.

This guide contains a variety of mathematical questions for anyone

who is asked to take a Numerical Reasoning Test.

The key to success for psychometric testing is through practise and

preparation. We have provided you with lots of questions in order for
you to gain a complete understanding of what you are likely to face in
a Numerical Reasoning Test.

It is important that when working through this book, you check your
answers at the end of each testing chapter. Knowing where you went
wrong, and understanding what you need to do to reach the correct
answer, is just as important as getting the correct answer. If you know
how to fix your mistakes, you are far more likely to get the answer
correct next time.

Good luck and we wish you all the best.

The How2Become Team

 INTRODUCTION 9

STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK

In order to make the most out of your new guide, it is important to

understand the structure of the testing book. We have done our utmost
to create a guide that is suitable for all mathematical abilities; to assist
you in passing any Numerical Reasoning Test.

Your Numerical Reasoning guide has been broken down into three
main sections: basic, intermediate, and advanced. This is to ensure
your mathematical skills are tested in the best way possible.

This comprehensive Numerical Reasoning guide follows the structure

as formulated below:

• Introduction to Your New Guide

o What is Numerical Reasoning?
o Aims and Objectives
o What to Expect
o Numerical Reasoning Testing Strategies
• Numerical Reasoning Example Questions
• Numerical Prep
o Mental Arithmetic
o Warm Up
• Numerical Reasoning – Basic
o Numerical Reasoning – Basic (Section 1) and (Section 2)
o Detailed Answers and Explanations
• Numerical Reasoning – Intermediate
o Numerical Reasoning – Intermediate (Section 1) and (Section 2)
o Detailed Answers and Explanations
• Numerical Reasoning – Advanced
o Numerical Reasoning – Advanced (Section 1) and (Section 2)
o Detailed Answers and Explanations
• A Few Final Words…
10 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Whilst we do not provide an exact account of what your Numerical

Reasoning Test will look like, we do provide an insight into what you
can expect in terms of questions. The most important thing you need
to understand before sitting any Numerical Reasoning Test, is how to
answer the questions.

Fundamentally, our How2Become team have designed this guide to:

• Ensure you are fully prepared for a Numerical Reasoning Test;

• Provide different levels of difficulty: basic, intermediate and
advanced;
• Provide detailed answers and explanations for you to fully
comprehend how to reach the correct answer;
• Demonstrate sample questions, providing a step-by-step account
of what you need to do in that particular arithmetic.

WHO TAKES A NUMERICAL REASONING TEST?

A Numerical Reasoning Test is often used in job selection processes

to determine whether or not you are suitable for the job role. Numerical
Reasoning Tests are a useful way for employers to screen potential
employees. This is a great way for them to assess a person's skillset
before inviting them back for an interview.

This test will measure your ability to solve mathematical problems and
equations. Through practice and perseverance, we will ensure that by
the end of the book, you have the knowledge and understanding to
answer questions at an array of difficulty levels.

WHAT ARE NUMERICAL REASONING TESTS?

A Numerical Reasoning Test is designed to assess mathematical

knowledge through number-related assessments. These assessments
can be of different difficulty levels, and will all vary depending on
who you are sitting the test for. So, be sure to find out what type of
Numerical Reasoning Test you will be sitting, to ensure you are fully
able to practice prior to the assessment.
 INTRODUCTION 11

The majority of Numerical Reasoning Tests are administered to

candidates who are applying for managerial, graduate or professional
positions; any job that deals with making inferences in relation to
statistical, financial or numerical data. However, some employers may
use these tests as a way of determining important job-related skills
such as time management and problem solving efficiency.

Numerical Reasoning Tests cover a wide range of mathematical

formulas; and so it is imperative to comprehend the skills and knowledge
required to work out the mathematics involved. Most Numerical
Reasoning Tests contain questions in relation to:

Adding Subtracting Dividing Multiplying

Fractions Percentages Decimals Ratios

Mean,
Areas
Charts and Mode, Number
and
Graphs Median, Sequences
Perimeters
Range

Measure-
Time Conversions Money
ments

Data Quantitative
Proportions Formulae
Interpretation Data

Data
Correlations Statistics Shapes
Analysis

WHAT SKILLS ARE MEASURED?

Obviously, a Numerical Reasoning Test primarily deals with assessing

your level of mathematical ability. Other skills that are also measured,
and are often assessed include:

• Critical Reasoning;
• Estimations;
• Speed;
12 Numerical Reasoning Tests

• Concentration;
• Analysis;
• Interpretation.

PREPARING FOR A NUMERICAL REASONING TEST

Your performance in a Numerical Reasoning Test can undoubtedly be

bettered through practice! Getting to grips with the format of the test,
and gaining an insight into the typical questions you are likely to face
will only work to your advantage.

The more you practice, the more you will see your performance excel!
With any psychometric test, it is important to fully maximise your skills
and knowledge prior to your assessment to ensure the best result.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with lots of sample questions,
similar to those that will be found on your Numerical Reasoning Test.
Our insightful and ultimate preparation guide will allow you to grasp
each question type, understand what is expected, and show you how
to work out the correct answer.

WHAT TYPES OF NUMERICAL TESTS ARE THERE?

Numerical Reasoning Tests vary in their format, in both types of

question and difficulty. However, they all test similar arithmetic. Before
taking your actual test, we advise that you research the type of test
that you will be required to sit. The key components, which distinguish
different Numerical Reasoning Tests; are Format and Difficulty.

Formats:

• Graph and Charts – to interpret and analyse data and answer the
following questions in relation to that data.
• Word Problems – short word problems or passages that deal with
riddles and/or calculations.
• Number Sequences – the ability to find the pattern or correlation
amongst a sequence.
 INTRODUCTION 13

• Basic Maths – demonstrate basic arithmetical understanding.

Level of Difficulty:

• Basic – Basic GCSE Maths – simple mathematical formulas and

calculations, interpretation, analysis.
• Intermediate – Strong GCSE Maths – interpretation, equations,
charts and graphs, statistics.
• Advanced – Higher Level Maths – critical reasoning and analysis,
quantitative reasoning.
Levels of difficulty and different formats are determined by the job for
which you are applying. Your test will solely depend on the nature of the
job and the position you are applying for, and therefore the requirements
for each test and desired level of ability, will vary.
14 Numerical Reasoning Tests

NUMERICAL REASONING STRATEGIES

• Questions will often require you to identify what

mathematical formulae is being used (division,
percentage, ratio, etc.). Before you answer the
question, carefully read what the question is
asking you to do! Be sure to understand what you
need to work out, before attempting to answer
the question.

• Do not spend too much time on one particular question. You may find
some questions easier than others. You may struggle at a certain
‘type’ of question. It is important not to ponder over questions you
are unsure of. If you're able to, move on and then come back to
those questions at the end.

• Accuracy is key; avoid silly mistakes! You need to remain as accurate

as possible to ensure a high and successful score. That’s why it is
important to fully comprehend the questions and understand what
is being asked.

•
These tests are designed under strict time limits. Psychometric
testing is fundamentally used to measure people’s level of
accuracy, whilst working in speedy conditions.

• Working out mental arithmetic can be difficult. Do not be afraid to

write down your calculations.

• Practice is key. The more you practice your mental arithmetic and
other mathematical formulae; the easier it becomes. This is why we
have provided you with lots of sample questions to work through.
The more you practice these tests, the more likely you are to feel
comfortable and confident with the questions. Remember, practice
makes perfect!
 INTRODUCTION 15

• If you are unsure about the answers, make sure you use our
detailed answers and explanations to understand how to reach the
correct answer. Remember, knowing where you went wrong is just
as important as getting the questions correct. Try practising the
question again after reading through the answers and explanations
to ensure you know where you went wrong.

• Our guide is broken down into three main sections: basic, intermediate
and advanced. If you find one testing section relatively easy, maybe
try the next level of difficulty. The more you test yourself and your
ability, the more confident you will feel when it comes to tackling a
numerical test – no matter what level of difficulty it is!

TIPS FOR PASSING NUMERICAL REASONING

Practice!
•
No great accomplishment comes easy! You have to work hard at it!
Perseverance and practice are two important things to remember
when sitting a Numerical Reasoning Test. Nothing will boost your
chances at success more than if you practice them prior to your
assessment. Not only will this provide clarity and understanding of
what to expect, but it will also take off some of the pressure you may
be feeling before that all important test!

Stay calm.
•
If you lose focus or become overwhelmed during your Numerical
Reasoning Test, it is highly likely that this will impact your overall
performance. Try to stay calm and focused throughout your
assessment. Remember, if you practice prior to the test, you will
have far more experience and knowledge going into the test itself,
and this is invaluable when comparing your results with others who
did not practice, or had no knowledge of the paper beforehand.
16 Numerical Reasoning Tests

You can always work backwards!

•
If you get stuck, why not try the sequence in reverse? This will allow
you to visualise the sequence from a different perspective; and
allow you to spot something you may have missed previously.

Manage your time.

•
The time you are allowed to complete your Numerical Reasoning
Test will very much depend on your circumstances. Try to find
out how long your test is going to last, and use this information
to your advantage. Managing your time in psychometric tests is
significant; practising these tests prior to your assessment will give
you some indication of how well you will perform under extreme
time restrictions.

Finally, we have also provided you with some additional free online
psychometric tests which will help to further improve your competence
in this particular testing area. To gain access, simply go to:

www.MyPsychometricTests.co.uk

Good luck and best wishes,

The How2Become Team

EXAMPLE NUMERICAL
REASONING QUESTIONS
18 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Adding Fractions

5 + 3
7 5
5 + 3 = 25 + 21 = 46 = 1 11
7 5 35 35 35
Crossbow Method:
The CROSS looks like a multiplication sign and it tells you which
numbers to multiply together.

One arm is saying ‘multiply the 5 by the 5’, and the other arm is
saying ‘multiply the 7 by the 3’.

The BOW says ‘multiply the 7 by the 5'.

The answer is 35 and it goes underneath the line in the answer.

Subtracting Fractions

4 - 2
7 5
4 - 2 = 20 - 14 = 6
=
7 5 35 35

To subtract fractions, the method is exactly the same. The only

difference is, you minus the two numbers forming the top of the
fraction, as opposed to adding them.
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 19

Multiplying Fractions

2 × 4
3 7
2 × 4 = 8
3 7 21
Arrow Method:
Multiplying fractions is easy. Draw an arrow through the two top
numbers and the two bottom numbers (as shown above) and then
multiply – simple!

Sometimes the fraction can be simplified, but in the above example,

the answer is already in its simplest form.

Drawing the arrows is just to help you remember which numbers

to multiply. Once you have mastered this knowledge, try doing it
without the arrows.

Dividing Fractions

3 ÷ 1
7 3
3 ÷ 3 = 3 × 3 = 9 =1 2
7 1 7 1 7 7

Most people think that dividing fractions is difficult. However, it’s

actually relatively simple if you have mastered multiplying fractions.

Mathematicians realised that if you turn the second fraction upside

down (like in the above example), and then change the ‘divide’
sum to a ‘multiply’, you will get the correct answer.
20 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Simplifying Fractions

24 = 12 = 4
30 15 5
Simplifying Fractions:
There are a few steps to follow in order to correctly simplify
fractions.

• Can both numbers be divided by 2? If yes, then how many

times does 2 go into each number? Write the new fraction.
• Using the new fraction, do the same thing. Can 2 go into both
numbers? If yes, divide both numbers by 2.
• If both numbers cannot be divided by 2, then try the first odd
number: 3. Can both numbers be divided by 3? If yes, divide
both numbers by 3. Do this again until 3 no longer goes into the
number.
• If 3 does not go into the numbers again, it doesn’t mean it’s
finished. Try the next odd number: 5, and so on until the fraction
can no longer be simplified.

Fractions and Numbers

What is
3 of 700?
7
How to work it out:
• 700 ÷ 7 × 3 = 300.
OR
• 3 ÷ 7 x 100 = 300.
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 21

Percentages

What is 45% of 500?

How to work it out:
• To work out percentages, divide the whole number by 100 and
then multiply the percentage you want to find.
• For example:
o 500 ÷ 100 x 45 = 225
o So, 225 is 45% of 500.

Fractions / Decimals / Percentages

1 = 0.1 = 10%
10
How to turn fractions into decimals, and decimals into
percentages:
• To change 0.1 into a percentage, you would move the decimal
point two places to the right, so it becomes 10%.
• To convert 1⁄ 10 into a decimal, you would divide both numbers.
For example, 1 ÷ 10 = 0.1.
• To convert 10% into a decimal, you move the decimal point two
places to the left. For example, to convert 10% into a decimal,
the decimal point moves two spaces to the left to become 0.1.
22 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Volume

9cm

9cm
Volume: 18cm

Length x base x height

• 18 x 9 x 9 = 1,458

Areas / Perimeters

6cm 11cm

13cm
5cm

Area of squares and Area of triangles:

rectangles: ½ base x height
Base x height
• 11 × 5 ÷ 2 = 27.5 cm

Perimeter:
Add all the sizes of each side.
• 6 + 6 + 13 + 13 = 38 cm
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 23

Angles

= 360° = 180° = 360°

= 180°

Symmetry

How to work it out:

• To work out how many lines of symmetry a shape has, you
need to see where the shape can be folded, in order to create
the same reflection.
• Note, an equilateral triangle has 3 lines of symmetry because
it can be rotated 3 turns. The triangle would look exactly the
same for each rotation.
• Remember, don’t count the same line of symmetry more
than once!
24 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Inputs and Outputs

... +12 X5 125

How to work it out:

In order to work out the missing number at the start of the sequence,
you will need to work backwards.

• When working backwards, you need to do the OPPOSITE.

• For example:
o 125 ÷ 5 – 12 = 13
• You can factor ‘13’ into the equation to make sure you have the
correct answer, and the equation works.

Simplifying Equations

Simplify 5w - 6x - 2w - 1x
(5w) (- 6x) (- 2w) (- 1x)
(5w - 2w) = 3w
(-6x - 1x) = -7x
3w -7x

• The important thing to remember for simplifying equations is to

break up the equation (like above).
• The ‘-‘ signs and the ‘+’ signs should also be grouped and be
on the left side of the number.
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 25

Number Sequences

13, 26, 52, 104, 208, 416, ... , ... .

How to work it out:
In order to work out number sequences, you need to understand
what is happening from one number to the next.

• For example, in the above number sequence: you should be

able to see the pattern of ‘doubling’.
• So, the next number after 416 should be double: 832.
• The next number after 832 should be double: 1664.

Ratios

Ben has some sweets. He is going to share them with his two
friends. Ben has 24 sweets and is going to share them in the ratio
of 4 : 2 : 2.

How many sweets does each person get?

• Add up the ratios = 4 + 2 + 2 = 8.

• 24 ÷ 8 = 3.
• So, 3 x 4 = 12.
• 3 x 2 = 6.
• 3 x 2 = 6.

So one person will have 12 sweets and the two other people will
get 6 sweets.
26 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Prime Numbers

2 3 5 7 11 13 17 19
23 29 31 37 41 43 47 53
59 61 67 71 73 79 83 89
A prime number is a number that can only be divided by 1 and
itself.

• For example, no other numbers apart from 1 and 5 will go into

5.

Factors

Factors are numbers that can be divided into the original number.
For example, 6 has the factors of 1 and 6, 2 and 3.

Factors of 12:

• Factors are all the numbers that can go into the number.

So, 1 × 12 = 12
2×6
3×4
So in ascending order, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 are all factors of the
number 12.

Multiples

• A multiple is a number which is made from multiplying a number

in the same pattern.
• For example, the multiples of 2 are: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 etc.
• Multiples of 15 are: 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 etc.
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 27

Speed / Distance / Time

D D D
S T S T S T

To work out the Distance:

• Distance = Speed x Time

To work out the Time:

• Time = Distance ÷ Speed

To work out the Speed:

• Speed = Distance ÷ Time

Tenths / Hundredths / Thousandths

PLACE VALUE CHART

Hundred-Thousandths
Hundred Thousands

Ten-Thousandths
Ten Thousands

Decimal Point

Thousandths
Hundredths
Thousands

Millionths
Hundreds
Millions

Tenths
Ones
Tens
28 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Stem and Leaf Diagrams

7 is recorded as 07

0 7 8 9 9

1 2 7 7

2 0 2 2 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 9

3 0 1 2 2 4 5 6 6

4 1 1 3 7
This number is 36
5

• Stem and leaf diagrams act as a way of handling data.

• These become particularly useful when dealing with large sums
of data.
• They are also helpful ways to work out the mean, mode,
median and range.

Mean / Mode / Median / Range

Mean
• To work out the mean of a set of data, you add up all the
numbers and then divide the total value by the total amount of
numbers.
Mode
• The mode is easily remembered by referring to it as the ‘most’.
What number occurs most throughout the data?
Median
• Once the data is in ascending order, you can then work out
what number is the median. In other words, what number is in
the middle? If no number is in the middle, use the two numbers
that are both in the middle; add them up and divide by 2.
Range
• In ascending order, the range is from the smallest number to
the biggest number.
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 29

Percentage Increase
To work out the percentage increase of a set of data, you need to
remember this formula:

Percent Increase % = Increase ÷ original number x

100
If your answer is a negative number, then this is a percentage
decrease.

Percentage Decrease
To work out the percentage decrease of a set of data, you need
to remember this formula:

Percent Decrease % = Decrease ÷ original number x

100
If your answer is a negative number, then this is a percentage
increase.

Mass / Density / Volume

M M M
D V D V D V

To work out the Mass:

• Mass = Density x Volume

To work out the Volume:

• Volume = Mass ÷ Density

To work out the Density:

• Density = Mass ÷ Volume
30 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Box and Whisker Plots

Upper quartile
Lower quartile Median
Highest value
Lowest value

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

• From the above box and whisker plot, the value of each are as
follows:
o Lowest value = 12
o Lowest quartile = 14
o Median = 16
o Upper quartile = 18
o Highest value = 22
• The use of box and whisker plots are to help evaluate a set of
data and determine the range and quartiles of information.
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 31

Hectares

Work out the area of the shape. Write your answer in hectares.

100cm
400cm
300cm

500cm

Hectares
The important thing to remember when dealing with hectares, is to
use this information as a guideline:

1 hectare = 10,000 m = 2.47 acres

So, if you had measurements in centimetres, you would need
to convert them into metres before attempting to convert the
measurements into hectares.

Example
For the above example, to work out the area of the shape in
hectares, you need to work out the area of the shape first, and
then convert the centimetres into metres.

Step 1 = 300 x 500 = 150,000 cm = 150,000 ÷ 100 = 1,500m

Step 2 = 100 x 400 = 40,000 cm = 40,000 ÷ 100 = 400m
Step 3 = 1500 – 400 = 1,100m
Step 4 = to convert 1,100m² into hectares, we know 10,000 m² = 1
hectare. So, 1,100 ÷ 10,000 = 0.11 hectares.
32 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Velocity Graphs

How much greater is the acceleration of Car B than the acceleration

of Car A?

You need to remember this formula:

Acceleration (m/s2) = Change in velocity (m/s2) ÷

Change in time (s)
Car A
18
Velocity vs. Time
16
Car B
14
Velocity

12

10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Time

How to work it out:

Step 1 = Car A = change in velocity = 16 – 5 = 11
11 ÷ 20 = 0.55
Step 2 = Car B = change in velocity = 15 – 0 = 15
15 ÷ 20 = 0.75
Step 3 = difference from Car B to Car A = 0.75 – 0.55 = 0.2
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 33

Equation Correspondence

A square field, S, has an area greater than 5000m2. Its length is

decreased by 20m and its width also decreases by 20m to give a
rectangular field, R. Which one of the following is true?

A. Perimeter R = area R and perimeter S > area S

B. Area R < area S and perimeter S = perimeter R
C. Area S > area R and perimeter S > perimeter R
D. Area S = area R and perimeter S < perimeter R
E. Area S < area R and perimeter S < perimeter R

Answer = C

How to work it out

• You need to know what ‘<’ ‘>’ and ‘=’ mean in order to work
these out.
• ‘<’ means a small number followed by a large number.
• ‘>’ means a large number followed by a small number.
• ‘=’ means the two numbers are equal.

Powers

4¹¹.

• This does not mean 4 x 11.

• 4¹¹ means = 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 = 4,194,304
34 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Gradients
Negative gradients

The negative gradient of a graph is the line that is going

downwards (not upwards), if the gradient was going upwards,

Exchange Rate

• If you had to exchange £200 into euros which had the exchange
rate of 1.1.46, you would multiply how much you want to
exchange (£200) by the exchange rate (1.46).
• So, 200 x 1.46 = 292 euros.
 EXAMPLE NUMERICAL REASONING QUESTIONS 35

Compound Interest
Compound Interest

If the question is asking you to work out the compound interest,

this means that “interest is added on to the interest”.

For example, if you financed a car and had to pay 4.6% interest
per year for 3 years, including compound interest, based on the
rate of £560.

• 560 ÷ 100 x 104.6 = 585.76

• You then use this sum (585.76) to work out the next interest
rate.
• 585.76 ÷ 100 x 104.6 = 612.70.
• For the third year, 612.70 ÷ 100 x 104.6 = 640.88.

Water Level Rises

If you were given the question:

30 men take a dip in a swimming pool 40m long and 30m broad. If
the average displacement of water by a man is 4m³, what will the
rise in the water level be?

How to work it out:

• Total volume of water displaced = 4m³ x 30 (men) = 120m³.
• Rise in water level = 120 ÷ (40 x 30) = 120 ÷ 1200 = 0.1m x 100
= 10cm.
• So, the rise in water level would be 10cm.
NUMERICAL PREP
(MENTAL ARITHMETIC)
38 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Before you begin undergoing numerical questions, the best preparation

is to ensure your maths is up to par!
That is why we have provided you with 30 simple mental arithmetic
questions. These questions should be be worked out in your head and
WITHOUT the use of a calculator.
The aim of this section is to just get your mind in gear with some of the
basic mathematical concepts.
During this section, you will need to familarise yourself with the following:
• Addition;
• Subtraction;
• Multiplication;
• Division;
• Percentages;
• Decimals;
• Fractions;
• Money.
 NUMERICAL PREP (MENTAL ARITHMETIC) 39

Question 1
12 x 4

Question 2
329 + 234

Question 3
10% of 1,000

Question 4
500 ÷ 4

Question 5
3
/4 of 60

Question 6
£5.34 + 169p
40 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 7
30 x 5

Question 8
25% of 250

Question 9
43,234 - 1,495

Question 10
23.5 + 5

Question 11
42.4 + 234.7

Question 12
£3.47 + £83.43
 NUMERICAL PREP (MENTAL ARITHMETIC) 41

Question 13
288 ÷ 4

Question 14
40% of £900

Question 15
3
/5 of 700

Question 16
18 x 3

Question 17
50 x 8

Question 18
429,485 + 3.586
 42 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 19
75 x 5

Question 20
0.45 + 13.6

Question 21
/5 of 25,000
1

Question 22
82 + 45 + 19

Question 23
5,000 - 82

Question 24
3
/4 of 150,000
 NUMERICAL PREP (MENTAL ARITHMETIC) 43

Question 25
860 ÷ 20

Question 26
£39.47 - £19.04

Question 27
70% of 450

Question 28
2x2x4

Question 29
28 x 2

Question 30
9x9+3
44 Numerical Reasoning Tests

ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL PREP (MENTAL ARITHMETIC)

Q1. 48
Q2. 563
Q3. 100
Q4. 125
Q5. 45
Q6. £7.03
Q7. 150
Q8. 62.5
Q9. 41,739
Q10. 28.5
Q11. 277.1
Q12. 86.90
Q13. 72
Q14. 360
Q15. 420
Q16. 54
Q17. 400
Q18. 433,071
Q19. 375
Q20. 14.05
Q21. 5,000
Q22. 146
Q23. 4,918
Q24. 112,500
Q25. 43
Q26. £20.43
Q27. 315
 NUMERICAL PREP (MENTAL ARITHMETIC) 45

Q28. 16
Q29. 56
Q30. 84
NUMERICAL PREP
(WARM UP)
48 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 1
A charity arranges a bike race. 120 people take part. 1/3 of the people
finish the race in under half an hour. How many people did not finish
the race in under half an hour?

Answer

Question 2
What is 3/5 of 700?

Answer

Question 3
There are 4,000 millilitres of water contained in the jug. If 1 litre is
equivalent to 1,000 millilitres, how many litres of water are there?

Answer

Question 4
What is the missing angle?

b˚
30˚ 50˚

Answer
 NUMERICAL PREP (WARM UP) 49

Question 5
What is 120 multiplied by 13?

Answer

Question 6
Find 60% of £45.

Answer

Question 7
How many lines of symmetry does this shape have?

Answer

Question 8
A packet of biscuits weighs 120 g. Find the weight of 9 packets of
biscuits.

A B C D
1080 kg 1880 g 1080 g 108 kg
50 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 9
A square field has a perimeter of 72cm. What is the area of the square
field?

Answer

Question 10
What is 24/48 in its simplest form?

Answer

Question 11
Look carefully for the pattern, and then choose which pair of numbers
comes next.

5 7 9 11 13 15 17 … …

A B C D
18, 19 19, 21 19, 20 21, 23

Question 12
Look carefully for the pattern, and then choose which pair of numbers
comes next.

0 1 1 2 3 5 8 … …

A B C D
12, 18 13, 21 15, 23 13, 22
 NUMERICAL PREP (WARM UP) 51

Question 13
Liz has £12.00. Steph has £8.50.
What is the ratio of Liz’s money to Steph’s money, in its simplest form?

Answer

Question 14
A newspaper includes 16 pages of sport and 8 pages of TV. What is
the ratio of sport to TV? Give your answer in its simplest form.

Answer

Question 15
Multiply 6 by 7 and then divide by 3.

Answer

Question 16
Divide 120 by 4 and then multiply it by 5.

Answer

Question 17
What is 9/11 of 88?

Answer
52 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 18
An English class of 28 have just sat a mock Exam. The exam has 2
sections – Literature and Language. It takes approximately 6 minutes
to mark the Literature section and 7 minutes to mark the Language
section. Another 2 minutes is given on each exam to check the work
again. How long in hours and minutes does it take to mark the English
mock exam?

A B C D
6 hours 5 hours 9 hours
7 hours
and 45 minutes and 25 minutes and 10 minutes

Question 19
What is 0.9 as a percentage?

A B C D
0.009% 0.9% 9% 90%

Question 20
Simplify x + 8x − 3x.

A B C D
5x 6x 7x 12x

Question 21
Using the rule of BIDMAS, work out 23.7 – 2.5 x 8.

Answer
 NUMERICAL PREP (WARM UP) 53

Question 22
There are 20 buttons in a bag. 12 are red, 5 are green and the rest are
white. A button is chosen at random. Work out the probability that it is
white.

Answer

Question 23
On a school trip at least 1 teacher is needed for every 8 students. Work
out the minimum number of teachers needed for 138 students.

Answer

Question 24
Translate the triangle so that point A moves to point B. Draw your
translation on the graph.

B
54 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 25
Rotate the triangle 90° clockwise so that point A moves to point B.
Draw your rotation on the graph.

Question 26
The school day starts at 08:45. They have 15 minutes form time and
then a 25 minute assembly before the first lesson starts. What time
does the first lesson start?

Answer

Question 27
A cinema has 27 rows of seats, 28 seats in each row. Tickets are £8
each.
The cinema has sold tickets for every seat apart from 5. Estimate how
much, to the nearest hundred, the cinema will make, based on the
information provided.

Answer
  NUMERICAL PREP (WARM UP) 55

Question 28
How many grams are there in 2.5 kilograms?

A B C D
0.0025g 250g 2005g 2500g

Question 29
What is the value of 9 in 5.92?

A B C D
9/10 1/9 1/90 9/100

Question 30
The scatter graph shows the number of driving lessons and the number
of tests taken to pass by 10 people.
What proportion of the 10 people passed on their first test?
7

5
Number of tests to pass

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75
Number of driving lessons

Answer
56 Numerical Reasoning Tests

ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL PREP (WARM UP)

Q1. 80
EXPLANATION = 120 (total number of people) ÷ 3 = 40. This is equal
to 1/3. Therefore: 40 x 2 = 80 (this gives you 2/3 - which is the number of
people who didn't finish the race in under half an hour).

Q2. 420
EXPLANATION = 700 ÷ 5 x 3 = 420.

Q3. 4
EXPLANATION = there are 1,000 millilitres in 1 litre.That means 4,000
millilitres, would be equivalent to 4 litres.

Q4. 100°
EXPLANATION = the angle makes a straight line. A straight line
contains angles which add up to 180°.

• So, 180 – 50 – 30 = 100°.

Q5. 1,560
EXPLANATION = 120 x 13 = 1,560.

Q6. £27
EXPLANATION = £45 ÷ 100 x 60 = £27.

Q7. 0
EXPLANATION = this shape is a parallelogram, and these shapes do
not contain a line of symmetry. No matter where you draw the reflection
line, the shape cannot be reflected symmetrically.

Q8. C = 1,080 g
EXPLANATION = 120 x 9 = 1,080 g. Pay attention to the measurements;
the question is in grams (g), so therefore your answer should also be in
grams, unless stated otherwise.
 NUMERICAL PREP (WARM UP) 57

Q9. 324 cm²

EXPLANATION = the key thing to remember is that the shape is a
square (the sides will be the same length). If the perimeter of the shape
is 72 cm, that means 72 needs to be divided by 4 (4 sides). So, 72 ÷ 4
= 18. Each length of the square is 18 cm. To work out the area = 18 x
18 = 324 cm².

Q10. ½
EXPLANATION = 24/48, both numbers can be divided by 24. It goes into
24 once, and goes into 48 twice. Therefore it gives the fraction of ½.

Q11. B = 19, 21
EXPLANATION = this is a series of repetition. The regular series adds
2 to every number.

Q12. B = 13, 21
EXPLANATION = this is a Fibonacci number sequence. The sequence
follows the pattern of adding the two previous numbers together in
order to get the next number. For example, the 8 is found by adding the
5 and the 3 together, and so forth.

Q13. 24:17
EXPLANATION = both amounts are in pounds. We have to convert
both amounts into pence. £12.00 = 1200p. £8.50 = 850p. Now the ratio
is 1200:850. Both sides are divisible by 50. Dividing both sides by 50
gives 24:17. So the ratio is 24:17.

Q14. 2:1
EXPLANATION = the answer is 2:1. You can divide both sides of 16:8
by 8.

Q15. 14
EXPLANATION = 6 x 7 = 42 ÷ 3 = 14.

Q16. 150
EXPLANATION = 120 ÷ 4 = 30 x 5 = 150.
58 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q17. 72
EXPLANATION = 88 ÷ 11 = 8 x 9 = 72.

Q18. C = 7 hours
EXPLANATION = total time spent marking one exam = 6 minutes
(Literature) + 7 minutes (Language) + 2 minutes (checking) = 15
minutes. So, 28 exams will take = 15 (minutes) x 28 (exams) = 420
minutes. Converted into hours and minutes = 7 hours.

Q19. D = 90%
EXPLANATION = 0.9 x 100 = 90%.

Q20. B = 6x
EXPLANATION = x + 8x = 9x. So, 9x – 3x = 6x.

Q21. 3.7
EXPLANATION = this question asks you to use the method of BIDMAS:

• 2.5 x 8 = 20.

• 23.7 – 20 = 3.7

Q22. 3 or 3/20
EXPLANATION = 20 – 12 – 5 = 3. So your chances of picking a white
button is 3 out of a possible 20.

Q23. 18
EXPLANATION = 138 ÷ 8 = 17.25. You need one teacher for every
8 students, therefore you would need 18 members of staff in order to
cater for 138 students.

Q24. The correct answer would have to look like this:

A

B
 NUMERICAL PREP (WARM UP) 59

Q25. The correct answer would have to look like this:

A

Q26. 09:25
EXPLANATION = 08:45 add 15 minutes (form time) = 9 o’clock. 9
o’clock add 25 minutes (assembly time) = 09:25.

Q27. £6,000
EXPLANATION = 27 rows of 28 seats = 756 – 5 (that are empty) = 751.
751 (number of seats) x £8 = £6,008. To the nearest hundred = £6,000.

Q28. D = 2,500g
EXPLANATION = there are 1,000g in 1 kilogram. Therefore, 2,500g is
equivalent to 2.5 kg (2.5 x 1,000 = 2,500g).

Q29. A = 9/10
EXPLANATION = we use decimal points to distinguish whole parts
from separate parts (tenths, hundredths, thousandths, etc.). A tenth is
1
/10 of a unit, therefore the 9 represents 9 tenths of part of a unit.

Q30. 30% or 3/10 or 0.3

EXPLANATION = the set of data is for 10 people. 3 people passed first
time so therefore: 10 ÷ 100 x 3 = 0.3 or 0.3 x 100 = 30% or simply 3
out of 10 (3/10).
NUMERICAL BASIC
(SECTION 1)
62 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Our Numerical Reasoning (basic) section will provide you with the
skills and knowledge expected for basic GCSE level mathematics.
The difficulty of the questions will depend on the type of Numerical
Reasoning Test that you are going to be taking.

In order for you to successfully pass a Numerical Reasoning Test, we

have done our utmost to ensure that you have as many questions as
possible, that focus specifically on the basics.

In this type of basic Numerical Reasoning Test, you can expect to find
questions on the following areas:

• Percentages;
• Fractions;
• Decimals;
• Areas;
• Perimeters;
• Angles;
• Symmetry;
• Inputs and Outputs;
• Data Interpretation;
• Prime, Multiple and Factor Numbers;
• Mean, Mode, Median and Range.

Whilst we have provided you with an array of questions, your Numerical

Reasoning Test will be tailored more specifically to the job for which
you are applying, and so the questions may not be the same, but
will ultimately test the same skills and knowledge in terms of basic
arithmetic.
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 63

Question 1

2 + 7
Work out
5 8

Answer

Question 2
4 × 3
Work out
6 5

Answer

Question 3
Below is a diagram of a cube. Work out its volume in cubic centimetres.

0.9 cm

0.9 cm
0.9 cm

Answer
64 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 4
Three whole numbers add up to a total of 100. The first number is a
multiple of 15. The second number is ten times the third number. Both
the second and the third number are a multiple of 5. Work out the three
numbers.

Answer

Question 5
The probability of picking a lottery winning ticket in the national lottery
is 1 in 14 million. If 36 million tickets are sold weekly, how many jackpot
winners, on average, would you expect in one week?

A B C D
2,000,000 2 20 1

Question 6
A car travelled 100 metres in 9.63 seconds. On a second occasion, it
travelled 200 metres in 19.32 seconds. Which distance had the greater
average speed?

A B C D
100 metres 200 metres Both the same Cannot say
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 65

Question 7
A function is represented by the following machine.

Input x7 -6 Output

A number is put into the machine. The output of the machine is 71.
What was the number inputted into the machine?

Answer

Question 8
What is one quarter of 6 hours?

A B C D
1 hour 1 hour and
95 minutes 180 minutes
and 30 minutes 20 minutes

Question 9
Simplify 5w − 5x − 4w − 2x.

Answer
66 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 10
A function is represented by the following machine.

9 +12 ×... 126

9 is put into the machine. The output of the machine is 126. What is the
missing function in the second part of the machine sequence?

Answer

Question 11
Write down all of the factors of 48.

Answer
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 67

Question 12
What month saw the mode number of pupils to be absent in the one
month period, across all five subjects?
Number of pupil absences, from five different classes
80

70

60
English
50 Citizenship
History
40
Geography
30 P.E

20

10

0
Jan Feb Mar April May June

A B C D
February May June March

Question 13
How many different numbers can be made from these four playing
cards?

4 9 3 1
Answer
68 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 14
A Science exam is marked out of 50. There are 30 pupils in the class.
The marks of the class are as follows:
7 36 41 22 36 22
41 27 29 30 20 17
9 32 47 43 31 29
27 29 32 9 28 35
17 12 8 34 27 29

Using this stem and leaf diagram, add the data in ascending order.

5
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 69

Question 15
Using the above stem and leaf diagram, what is the median?

Answer

Question 16
Work out the angles for A, B and C.

74˚

C
A B

A=

B=

C=

Question 17
Calculate 158 x 67.

Answer
70 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 18
A farmer has 630 eggs. They are to be placed in egg trays. Each tray
can hold 36 eggs. How many trays will be needed to hold all of the
eggs?

Answer

Question 19
Mark is going to make chocolate peanut squares. There are just three
ingredients: chocolate, peanut butter, and rice crispies. This is mixed in
the ratio 4 : 2 : 3 respectively.
How much of each ingredient will he need to make 900 g of mixture?

Chocolate =

Peanut Butter =

Rice Crispies =
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 71

Question 20
Two of the numbers move from Box A to Box B. The total of the numbers
in Box B is now four times the total of the numbers in Box A. Which two
numbers move?
Box A Box B

2 6 10 1
3 7
9 8
4 5

Answer

Question 21
Work out 256% of 6,800.

Answer

Question 22
Subtract 3/8 of 104 from 5/7 of 98.

A B C D
27 22 31 41
72 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 23
Below is a pie chart illustrating the number of pupils studying a course
in the following subject areas.

Law, 5%

Medicine, 11% Arts, 23%

Mechanics, 10%

Business, 21%
Teaching, 21%

Computing, 9%
Students by Faculty

If the data is based on 3,620 students, how many of those students are
studying either mechanics or law?

Answer
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 73

Question 24
Below is a bar chart displaying some of the heights of the highest
mountains.
29,500 Mountain Height
29,035
29,000

28,500
28,250
28,169
27,940
28,000
27,766
Height in feet

27,500

27,000 26,906
26,795 26,781

26,500

26,000

25,500

25,000
se

lu
a

alu
t

u
K2

iri
es

ng

Oy

as
ot

lag
er

ak
ju

an
Lh

o
Ev

au
M
en

Ch

M
Dh
ch
ng
Ka

Mountains

Work out the average height, to the nearest hundred, based on the
information provided.

A B C D
27,770 28,000 27,800 27,700

Question 25
Which two numbers come next?

2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, … …

A B C D
126 and 215 128 and 256 128 and 265 182 and 265
74 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 26
Lisa cycles at an average speed of 8 km/h. How far (in kilometers) does
she travel if she cycles for 4 hours?

Answer

Question 27
James runs from 4.50pm until 5.20pm at an average speed of 7 km/h.
How far did he go?

Answer

Question 28
What is the highest common factor of 12 and 20?

A B C D
4 8 12 2
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 75

Question 29
Here is a spinner. Circle the chance of the spinner landing on an odd
number.

3
1 1
3 3
5

A B C D
6 4 1 1
or 1 6 2 3
6

Question 30
What is the angle of D?

Answer
76 Numerical Reasoning Tests

ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL REASONING (BASIC SECTION 1)

51 11
Q1. or 1
40 40

EXPLANATION =
2 + 7 = 16 + 35 = 51 or 1 11
5 8 40 40 40

Q2.
12 , 6 or
2
30 15 5
EXPLANATION =
4 × 3 = 4 × 3 = 12 or 6 or 2
6 5 6 × 5 30 15 5
Q3. 0.729 cm3
EXPLANATION = 0.9 x 0.9 x 0.9 = 0.729 cm3

Q4. 45, 50 and 5

EXPLANATION = three numbers with two of these criteria: a multiple
of 15, two numbers in the ratio 10 : 1, and sum of 100.

• Multiples of 15 = 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90. So, the first number will be
one of these numbers. Two of the numbers follow the rule of: being
in the ratio 10 : 1. This works out to be 50 and 5, and will add up to
100 if you add the 45.

Q5. B = 2
EXPLANATION = 36 (million) ÷ 14 (million) = 2.57. So you could expect
2 lottery winners, on average, in a week.

Q6. A = 100 metres

EXPLANATION = 100 ÷ 9.63 = 10.384. 200 ÷ 19.32 = 10.351. Therefore
100 metres has the greatest average speed.

Q7. 11
EXPLANATION = 71 + 6 ÷ 7 = 11. (Remember, to work out the original
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 77

number, you must work backwards. In order for you to work backwards,
you must do the opposite to what the machine is telling you to do).

Q8. A = 1 hour and 30 minutes

EXPLANATION = 6 (hours) x 60 (minutes) = 360 minutes. So, 360
(minutes) ÷ 4 (1/4) = 90 minutes.

Q9. 1w – 7x
EXPLANATION = you need to break up the sequence: (5w) (-5x) (-4w)
(-2x).

• So, 5w – 4w = 1w and -5x – 2x = -7x. So this simplifies to: 1w – 7x.

Q10. Multiply by 6
EXPLANATION = 9 + 12 = 21. 126 ÷ 21 = 6. Therefore if you put (x6)
into the equation (because you divided 126 by 6, you would put the
opposite into the equation). Therefore, 9 + 12 x 6 = 126.

Q11. 1 and 48, 2 and 24, 3 and 16, 4 and 12, 6 and 8.
EXPLANATION = the definition of factors is ‘all the numbers that can be
divided into that number’, i.e. what numbers can be multiplied together
to reach that number?

Q12. B = May
EXPLANATION = you need to add up all of the subjects for each
month. January = 170, February = 170, March = 155, April = 145, May
= 240, June = 175. Therefore the mode (the most) in one given month
is in May.

Q13. 24
EXPLANATION = starting with the number 4, you can get 6 numbers
(4931, 4913, 4319, 4391, 4139, 4193). This can be done for all 4 numbers
(if you start with a different number; you will be able to make 6 different
numbers). Therefore 6 groups of 4 = 24.
78 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q14. Your answer should look exactly like this:

0 7 8 9 9

1 2 7 7

2 0 2 2 7 7 7 8 9 9 9 9

3 0 1 2 2 4 5 6 6

4 1 1 3 7

Q15. 29
EXPLANATION = putting the data in order from smallest to biggest, you
then need to find the median (middle) number. Do this by eliminating
one number from the start, and one number from the end, until you
reach the number in the middle. For this sequence, two numbers are
left in the middle: 29 and 29. So, add both numbers and divide it by 2
to find the middle number. So, 29 + 29 ÷ 2 = 29.

Q16. A = 53°, B = 53°, C = 127°

EXPLANATION = a triangle contains 180°. So, 180 - 74° = 106°. Both
A and B are going to be the same size (you will notice two small lines
placed on both sides of the triangle, illustrating they’re the same size
and length). So, 106 ÷ 2 = 53°. To work out angle C, a straight line has
180°. You’ve just worked out angle B is 53°, so 180° – 53° = 127°.

Q17. 10,586
EXPLANATION = first, multiply by 7 (units): 158 x 7 = 1,106. Then add
a zero on the right side of the next row. This is because we want to
multiply by 60 (6 tens), which is the same as multiplying by 10 and by 6.
Now multiply by 6: 158 x 60 = 9,480. Now add the two rows together:
9,480 + 1106 = 10,586.
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 1) 79

Q18. 18
EXPLANATION = 630 ÷ 36 = 17.5. So, you would need 18 trays in
order to hold all the eggs.

Q19. Chocolate = 400g, Peanut Butter = 200g, Rice Crispies =

300g
EXPLANATION = to work out the chocolate: 900 ÷ 100 x 4 = 400g. To
work out the peanut butter = 900 ÷ 100 x 2 = 200g. To work out the rice
crispies = 900 ÷ 100 x 3 = 300g.

Q20. 9 and 4
EXPLANATION = if you moved 9 and 4, this leaves Box A with a total
of 11. If you add 9 and 4 to 10, 1 7, 8 and 5, you will get 44. Therefore,
this is 4 times as many.

Q21. 17,408
EXPLANATION = 6,800 ÷ 100 x 256 = 17,408.

Q22. C = 31
EXPLANATION =

• 104 ÷ 8 x 3 = 39.

• 98 ÷ 7 x 5 = 70.

• So, 70 – 39 = 31.

Q23. 543
EXPLANATION = 3,620 ÷ 100 x 5 = 181 (Law students). 3,620 ÷ 100 x
10 = 362 (Mechanical students). So, the number of law and mechanical
students is: 362 + 181 = 543.

Q24. D = 27,700
EXPLANATION = add up all of the sums and divide it by how many
mountains there are (8). So, 29,035 + 28,250 + 28,169 + 27,940 +
27,766 + 26,906 + 26,795 + 26,781 = 22,1642 ÷ 8 = 27,705.25. To the
nearest hundred = 27,700.
80 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q25. B = 128 and 256

EXPLANATION = the sequence follows the pattern of ‘the power of 2’.
In other words, the number is multiplied by 2 each time. So, 64 x 2 =
128 and 128 x 2 = 256.

Q26. 32 km
EXPLANATION = Speed x time. So, 8 x 4 = 32 km.

Q27. 3.5 km
EXPLANATION = the difference between 4.50pm and 5.20pm = 30
minutes. 30 minutes = 0.5 hour. Remember, distance = speed x time.
So, distance = 7 x 0.5 = 3.5 km.

Q28. A = 4
EXPLANATION = the factors of 12 are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12. The factors
of 20 are: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10 and 20. So the highest common factor of 12 and
20 is 4.

Q29. A = 6/6 or 1.
EXPLANATION = the spinner contains only odd numbers. So no matter
what number it lands on, you will always spin an odd number.

Q30. 70°
EXPLANATION = 180° – 62° = 118°. So 118° ÷ 2 = 59°. So angles A
and B are 59°.
To work out angle C = 180° – 59° = 121°
Then angle D is 360° - 121° - 59° - 110° = 70°
NUMERICAL BASIC
(SECTION 2)
82 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 1
Below is a stem and leaf diagram showing the finishing time, in
seconds, of 15 sprinters who took part in a race.

1 8 9

2 0 4 5 6 6 9

3 1 3 5 9

4 0 3 4

What is the median finishing time?

Answer

Question 2
Using the above stem and leaf diagram, what is the mean finishing
time? Write your answer to one decimal point.

Answer

Question 3
A ruler is 30 cm in length, correct to the nearest centimetre. What is the
smallest possible length of the ruler?

Answer
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 83

Question 4
Add 7/9 of 189 to 5/8 of 128.

Answer

Question 5
Below show three different offers for a 49 inch plasma TV.

Online Store 1 Online Store 2 Online Store 3

SPECIAL OFFER SPECIAL OFFER SPECIAL OFFER

Original price = Original price =
£268.00 £295.00
Pay £18.50
Discount = Discount = weekly for 16
20% off! 1/4 off! weeks

Work out which online store offers the cheapest deal.

Answer

Question 6
The following table shows the percentage of nickel in two coins.
COIN WEIGHT NICKEL
50p coin 8g 25%

20p coin 5g 16%

If both the coins are made of only nickel and copper, what is the
difference between the weight of copper present in the 50 pence coin
and the weight of copper in the 20 pence coin?

A B C D E
1.3 g 2.5 g 1.8 g 2g 3g
84 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 7
How much more does it cost a company to place two 24 x 10 mono
advertisements and one 22 x 5 colour advertisements, compared to
a company placing three 8 x 10 colour advertisements and one 7 x 5
mono advertisement?

ADVERTISEMENT PRICES
Size of the
Colour Mono
Advertisement
24 x 10 £12,435 £8,567

22 x 5 £6,437 £4,218

8 x 10 £4,208 £3,987

7x5 £2,576 £1,340

A B C D E
£5,040 £1,365 £10,460 £9,607 £2,464

Question 8
Below is a table representing the actual and target income for 2016 for
five different companies.
ACTUAL INCOME TARGET INCOME
COMPANY
(ANNUAL) for 2016 (ANNUAL) for 2016
Company A £234,570 £300,000
Company B £420,000 £421,560
Company C £215,750 £450,000
Company D £310,250 £325,000
Company E £375,995 £325,000

In the following year, Company B earns £275,000. What is the

percentage decrease from Company B’s earnings in 2016 and the
earnings in the following year? To one decimal place.
A B C D E
65.5% 45.5% 39.5% 34.5% 41.5%
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 85

Question 9
Below is a table representing costs for different products.
Manu-
No. of Cost of Sales Total Sales
facturing Total cost
PRODUCT units material price per Revenue
costs per per unit
(1000s) per unit unit After tax
unit

P 18.5 2.25 2.15 4.4 6.5 38,850

Q 29.5 4.75 2.25 7 10 36,400
R 9 1.5 1.75 3.25 8 42,750
S 13 3.5 2.25 5.75 15 120,250

Product P gets taxed 25% of the total sales revenue. What would the
total sales revenue be before tax?
A B C D E
£43,320 £56,700 £51,800 £52,300 £62,700

Question 10
The table shows the number of times a die was thrown. It shows how
many times each number on the die appeared.
Casts 1 2 3 4 5 6
First 10 2 3 1 1 2 1
First 20 5 4 3 4 3 1
First 30 8 5 6 5 4 2
First 40 10 6 7 6 5 6
First 50 13 7 10 7 6 7

The same number did not appear on any two consecutive casts. If the
number 4 appeared in the 20th cast, which number/s could not have
appeared in the 11th cast?

A B C D E
4 1 2 and 3 6 3
86 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 11
Using the above table, which of the following numbers must have
turned up the least amount of times in the first 50 casts?

A B C D E
2, 4 and 6 6 5 3 1

Question 12
Using the above table, if the same number occurred for the 33rd and
the 37th cast, what number/s could it be?

A B C D E
1 2 4 1 and 6 6

Question 13
A farmland is measured to be 220m in length by 80m in width. What
is the approximate area of the field in hectares? 1 hectare = 10,000m2
= 2.47 acres.

A B C D E
17 hectares 1.76 hectares 176 hectares 17.6 hectares 7.67 hectares

Question 14
The sterling to US dollar rate is 1:1.32. How many dollars would you
receive if you changed up £450?

A B C D E
$592 $541 $594 $531 $441
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 87

Question 15
A flight leaves the airport at 2200 hours. It is an 11 hour and 45 minute
flight. There is a 2 hour time difference. What time will they arrive at
their destination, assuming the time difference is 2 hours in front?

Answer

Question 16
Multiply 0.04 by 1.1.

Answer

Question 17
What is 6/8 ÷ 2⁄3 ? Write your number using mixed fractions and its
simplest form.

Answer
88 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 18
A lady has been prescribed medication by her doctor. She is prescribed
a 10.5 fluid ounce bottle of medication with the instructions to take
0.25 fluid ounces three times a day. How many days does she have to
take the medication for?

A B C D E
7 days 10 days 12 days 13 days 14 days

Question 19
What is 2⁄8 x 9?

A B C D
2 1⁄3 1 1⁄4 2 2⁄8 2 1⁄4

Question 20
Responses when asked how they get to school

Bike,
Walk,
50
65
Train,
60 Car,
80
Bus,
105

Among the respondents, 80% of the people who said they walk to
school and 90% of the people who said they bike to school also said
that they used this mode of transport because their school was less
than 5 miles away. How many people said that they walk or bike to
school because it is less than 5 miles away?

A B C D E
50 97 120 132 145
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 89

Question 21
A History test consists of three papers. The first paper will be marked
out of 80, and has a weighting of 35% towards the final grade.
The second paper will be marked out of 60, and has a weighting of
30% towards the final grade.
The third and final test will be marked out of 40, and has a weighting
of 35% towards the final grade.
A pupil scores 60 in the first paper, 45 in the second, and 35 in the third
paper.
What is the pupil’s final percentage score? Give your answer to 1
decimal place.

Answer

Question 22
There are 45 students in a class. 37 students have completed their
challenge of reading 6 books. What is the percentage of students who
have completed their reading challenge? Round up to the nearest
whole number.

Answer
90 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 23

Family Tree

June Walker Jim Phillips

19.04.1924 05.11.1921

Sam Walker Ellie Walker James Walker Jessica Smith

22.03.1958 03.02.1960 25.12.1965 31.01.1969

Abbie Walker
31.01.1983

Sam dies before Abbie is born. James was 16 when Sam died. How
old was Sam when he died?

A B C D E
17 23 19 25 28
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 91

Question 24
Government spending on “Education services” and “Health services”
was 56.3 billion pounds and 106.7 billion respectively for the year
2009-2010. In the same year, the Government spending on “Debt
Interests” was 22.22% of the spending on “Education services”.
The spending on "Education services", “Health services” and “Debt
Interests” constituted 50% of the total spending by the Government.
What was the Government’s approximate total spending for the year
2009-2010?

A B C D
551 billion pounds 615 billion pounds 351 billion pounds 435 billion pounds

Question 25
STORE PERCENT CHANGE FROM PERCENT CHANGE
2011 TO 2012 FROM 2012 TO 2013
U 18 -10
V 17 -7
W 16 6
X 20 -5
Y -15 -8

If the dollar amount of sales at Store W was $456,250 for 2011, what
was the dollar amount of sales at that store for 2013?

Answer
92 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 26
Here are four match sticks.
Pattern 1

The pattern continues as follows:

Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 3

How many match sticks would be in pattern 9?

Answer

Question 27
Below is a table of the total staff at Company A (Staff Distribution).
HR(%) Sales(%) Finance(%) Media(%) Distribution(%) TOTAL(%)

Year 1 21 8 19 32 20 100
Year 2 28 11 17 28 16 100
Year 3 16 21 19 26 18 100
Year 4 13 30 21 14 22 100
Year 5 4 9 25 38 24 100
Year 6 20 27 25 12 16 100

In Year 4, there were 504 people employed in Finance. How many

people in total were employed in Year 4 in the department of Sales?

Answer
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 93

Question 28
Below is a table listing the percentage changes in earnings from 2012
to 2014 for five different companies.

Company Percentage Change Percentage Change

from 2012-2013 from 2013-2014
Company A +17% -5%
Company B +12% +5%
Company C -11% +8%
Company D -5% -7%
Company E +8% -3%

At Company E, the amount of sales for 2013, was what percent of the
amount of sales for 2014? To one decimal point.

A B C D
3.1% 97.3% 103.1% 115.9%

Question 29
Using the above table, if company B earned £412,500 in 2012, how
much money did the company make in 2014?

A B C D
£316,875 £462,000 £415,290 £485,100

Question 30
You are going to drive to your friend’s house. She lives 17 miles away
from you with an average speed limit of 30mph. Your friend asks for
an estimated time of arrival. If you leave your house at 1415, and you
stick to the speed limit, what time will you arrive at your friend’s house?
(Assuming there is no traffic).

A B C D
14:49 15:00 14:32 15:04
94 Numerical Reasoning Tests

ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL REASONING (BASIC SECTION 2)

Q1. 29 seconds
EXPLANATION = ‘median’ simply means ‘middle’. So, what number is
in the middle? Using the data in ascending order, you will notice that 29
(seconds) is the median/middle number.

Q2. 30.1 seconds

EXPLANATION = to work out the mean number, add up all the numbers
and then divide it by how many numbers there are.

So, 452 ÷ 15 = 30.133. To one decimal point = 30.1.

Q3. 29.5 cm
EXPLANATION = if 29.5 is rounded up to the nearest whole number,
it becomes 30cm. If the number is less than 29.5, like 29.4, it would be
rounded down to 29 cm. Therefore, 29.5 cm is the smallest possible
length the ruler can be.

Q4. 227
EXPLANATION = 189 ÷ 9 x 7 = 147.
• 128 ÷ 8 x 5 = 80.
• So, 80 + 147 = 227.

Q5. Online Store 1 offers the cheapest deal

EXPLANATION = Online Store 1 = 20% off £268.00
• 10% = 26.80
• 20% = 26.80 + 26.80 = 53.60
• 268.00 – 53.60 = £214.40
Online Store 2 = ¼ off £295
• 295 ÷ 4 = 73.75
• 295 – 73.75 = £221.25
Online Store 3 = £18.50 for 16 weeks
• 18.50 x 16 = £296
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 95

Therefore Online Store 1 offers the best deal.

Q6. C = 1.8 g
EXPLANATION = to work out the question:
Step 1 = 50p coin = 25% of 8g = 2g (nickel)
= 75% of 8g = 6g (copper)
Step 2 = 20p coin = 16% of 5g = 0.8g (nickel)
= 84% of 5g = 4.2g (copper)
Step 3 = so the difference in copper = 6g – 4.2g = 1.8g

Q7. D = £9,607
EXPLANATION = to work out the question:

Step 1 = first company places orders for two 24 x 10 mono advertisements

= 2 x £8,567 = £17,134 and one 22 x 5 colour advertisement = 1 x
£6,437 = 6,437

Step 2 = 6,437 + 17,134 = £23,571

Step 3 = second company places orders for three 8 x 10 colour

advertisements = 3 x 4,208 = 12,624 and one 7 x 5 mono advertisement
= 1 x £1,340 = £1,340

Step 3 = £12,624 + £1,340 = £13,964

Step 4 = difference between the first company and the second company
= £23,571 – £13.964 = £9,607

Q8. D = 34.5%
EXPLANATION = 420,000 – 275,000 = 145,000.

• So, 145,000 ÷ 420,000 x 100 = 34.5%.

Q9. C = £51,800
EXPLANATION = 38,850 x 100 = 3,885,000
3,885,000 ÷ 75 = 51,850
96 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q10. D = 6
EXPLANATION = the question may seem tricky at first, but if you
notice, the individual number of 6 was cast once in the first 10 attempts,
and only once in the first 20 attempts. Therefore, the number 6 could
not have turned up from casts 11 – 20.

Q11. C = 5
EXPLANATION = the number 5 only appears 6 times in the first 50
casts, no other number has a lower cast rate at the end of 50 casts,
therefore 5 is the number with the least amount of casts in 50 attempts.

Q12. D = 1 and 6
EXPLANATION = the numbers have to occur more than once between
30 and 40. Only the numbers 1 and 6 do this, therefore this would be
the correct answer.

Q13. B = 1.76 hectares

EXPLANATION = 220 x 80 = 17,600 m2. 17,600 ÷ 10,000 = 1.76
hectares.

Q14. C = $594
EXPLANATION = in order to work out the exchange rate, you need
to multiply the amount (£450) by the exchange rate for which you are
changing into ($).
So, 450 x 1.32 = $594.

Q15. 11.45am
EXPLANATION = 10pm + 11 hours 45 minutes = 09.45. Plus 2 hours
time difference (ahead) = 11.45am.

Q16. 0.044
EXPLANATION = in order to work out how to multiply decimals,
multiply the numbers normally, ignoring the decimal points. Then put
the decimal points back into the answer – remember, it will have as
many decimal places as the two original numbers combined.
So, 4 x 11 = 44.
To get 4 from 0.04, it has 2 decimal places. To get 11 from 1.1, it has
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 97

1 decimal place. Therefore your answer needs to contain 3 decimal

places = 0.044.

Q17. 1 1 ⁄ 8
EXPLANATION = an easy way to remember how to divide fractions is
to turn the last fraction upside down, and then multiply.
So, 2 ⁄ 3 becomes 3 ⁄ 2
So, 6 ⁄ 8 x 3 ⁄ 2 = 6 x 3 = 18. 8 x 2 = 16. So, we have the fraction = 18 ⁄ 16
This then needs to be simplified, both numbers can be divided by 2 to
make 9 ⁄ 8.
Finally, we need to change this fraction into a mixed fraction. 8 goes
into 9 once, so that is our number before the fraction. We then know 1
is remaining from (9-8), and the number 8 will remain on the bottom of
the fraction to form: 1 1 ⁄ 8.

Q18. E = 14 days
EXPLANATION = 0.25 x 3 = 0.75 (a day).
So, 10.5 ÷ 0.75 = 14 days.

Q19. D = 2 1 ⁄4
EXPLANATION = this may seem tricky, but you must remember that
‘9’ is also a fraction. You need to add the 1 underneath it to make 9 ⁄ 1.
So, 9 ⁄ 1 x 2 ⁄ 8 = 9 x 2 = 18 and 1 x 8 = 8. This gives us the fraction = 18 ⁄ 8.
This can be simplified to 9 ⁄4 and as a mixed fraction, is equivalent to =
2 1 ⁄4.

Q20. B = 97
EXPLANATION = people who walked = 80% of 65 = 65 ÷ 100 x 80 =
52.
People who biked = 90% of 50 = 50 ÷ 100 x 90 = 45. So 52 + 45 = 97.

Q21. 79.4
EXPLANATION = for paper 1 = the score was 60 out of 80 which
accounted for 35% of the total mark. So, 60 ÷ 80 x 35 = 26.25.
Paper 2 = 45 ÷ 60 x 30 = 22.5.
98 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Paper 3 = 35 ÷ 40 x 35 = 30.625.
Finally, you need to add up all these percentage scores. So, 30.625 +
22.5 + 26.25 = 79.375.
To one decimal place = 79.4.

Q22. 82%
EXPLANATION = 37 ÷ 45 x 100 = 82.222. To the nearest whole number
= 82%.

Q23. B = 23
EXPLANATION = James was 16 = 1965 + 16 = 1981. So Sam died in
1981, 1981 – 1958 = 23.

Q24. C = 351 billion pounds

EXPLANATION = Education services = 56.3 billion pounds and Health
services = 106.7 billion pounds.
22.22% of 56.3 = 56.3 ÷ 100 x 22.22 = 12.50986 (Round up = 12.51).
The total of Education, Health and Debt Interests = 175.51 billion
pounds.
The total Government spending = 175.51 x 100 ÷ 50 = 351.02.
So, the approximate total = 351 billion pounds.

Q25. $561,005
EXPLANATION = for Store W, in 2011 = $456,250. In order to get from
2011 to 2012, we see a 16% increase. So, 456,250 ÷ 100 x 116(%) =
529,250.
To get from 2012 to 2013, we see a 6% increase. So, 529,250 ÷ 100 x
106 = 561,005.
So, the store amount of sales for Store W in 2013 is $561,005.

Q26. 28
EXPLANATION = In each pattern, the number of match sticks is
increasing by 3 each time.
To work out the pattern, you will need to multiply the pattern number by
3 and then add 1.
 NUMERICAL BASIC (SECTION 2) 99

To work out pattern number 9:

9 x 3 = 27 + 1 = 28

Q27. 720
EXPLANATION = in order to work out the number of people working in
Sales in Year 4, you need to work out the total number of employees
in that year.
So, 504 (number of people employed in Finance) x 100 ÷ 21 (percentage
of Finance) = 2400.
So, 2400 ÷ 100 x 30 (number of employees in Sales) = 720.

Q28. C = 103.1%
EXPLANATION = If A is the dollar amount of sales at Company E for
2013, then 3 percent of A, or 0.03 , A is the amount of decrease from
2013 to 2014. Thus 0.03 = 0.97 (to make a whole one).
Therefore, the desired percent can be obtained by dividing A by 0.97.
So, 1 ÷ 0.97 = 1.0309 x 100 = 103.09. Expressed as a percentage to
the nearest tenth = 103.1%.

Q29. D = £485,100
EXPLANATION = According to the table, if the dollar amount of sales
at Company B was £412,500 for 2012, then it was 12 percent greater
for 2013, which is 112 percent of that amount. So, 412,500 ÷ 100 x 112
= 462,000. From 2013 to 2014, the company saw a 5% increase, which
is 105% of the previous month. So, 462,000 ÷ 100 x 105 = 485,100. So,
the correct answer is £485,100.

Q30. A = 14:49

EXPLANATION = if you travel at an average speed of 30 mph for 17

miles, this will take 34 minutes. If you leave your house at 14:15, you
will arrive at 14:49.
 NUMERICAL
INTERMEDIATE
(SECTION 1)
102 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Our Numerical Reasoning (intermediate) section will provide you with

the skills and knowledge expected for a strong GCSE level mathematical
test. The difficulty of the questions will depend on the type of Numerical
Reasoning Test you take.

In order to help you pass a Numerical Reasoning Test, we have provided

you with lots of questions which will test you on an intermediate level.

In this type of intermediate Numerical Reasoning Test, you can expect

to find questions on the following areas:

• Percentages;
• Fractions;
• Decimals;
• Data Interpretation;
• Prime, Multiple and Factor Numbers;
• Mean, Mode, Median and Range;
• Box and Whisker Plots;
• Statistics;
• Currency;
• Mass, Density and Volume;
• Stem and Leaf Diagrams.

Whilst we have provided you an array of questions, your Numerical

Reasoning Test will be tailored to the job for which you are applying,
and so the questions may not be the same, but will test the same skills
and knowledge in terms of an intermediate level numerical test.
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 103

Question 1

Representation of the grades students achieved across five subjects

English Maths Science History Media Grade Pass Mark

David A- B+ C- C+ B+ A+ 96-100
Billy C- C+ B+ A+ A A 91-95
Elliott B+ B- A+ A- C A- 86-90
Taralyn C+ B+ B+ C+ A+ B+ 81-85
Alecia C C+ A- B- C+ B 76-80
James B- B+ C- C+ C B- 71-75
Gareth B+ B- A B- C- C+ 65-70
Duncan B- C- C+ C- C C 59-64
Joe B+ B B C A C- 50-58

In the above table, find the minimum possible of total marks for all nine
candidates in Science.

A B C D E
None of
507 776 667 676
these

Question 2
In the above table, what is the highest mark across all five subjects
that David could have got?

A B C D E
298 386 320 408 None of these

Question 3
There are two lists of numbers. One list contains 11 numbers, the
average of which is 36. The second list contains 13 numbers and has
the average of 41. If the two lists are combined, what is the average of
the numbers in the new list? To the nearest whole number.

A B C D E
36 37 38 39 40
104 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 4
The diagram below shows the plan of a building site. All angles are
right angles.

200m 800m
500m

1,200m

What is the area of the building site? Give your answer in hectares.
1 hectare = 10,000m² = 2.47 acres.

A B C D
60 hectares 40 hectares 44 hectares 4.4 hectares
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 105

Question 5
The diagram below shows the layout of an animal sanctuary.
The animal sanctuary contains 6 separate enclosures for different
animals.
The animal sanctuary is a rectangle with the following dimensions:

48 meters

24 meters

NOT DRAWN TO SCALE

The distance from the outer edge of the sanctuary to the enclosures
must be 1.5 metres.
The distance between each enclosure must be 1.5 metres.

Each enclosure is the exact same size. Using the information provided
in the diagram above, work out the length and height of an enclosure.

Length

Height
106 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 6

Carbon Emissions
Last
15% 10% 20% 25% 30%
year

This
15% 15% 25% 20% 25%
year

Power Generation
Transport
Industrialisation
Commercial
Residential

If transport emitted 6 million tons this year, and industrial emissions

are the same as last year, what were the commercial emissions last
year?

A B C D E
11.5 million 12.5 million 8.5 million
10 million tons 3 million tons
tons tons tons
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 107

Question 7
A square field, S, has an area greater than 6400m2. Its length is
increased by 31m and its width is also increased by 35m to give a
rectangular field, R. Which one out of the following is true?
A. Area S > area R and perimeter S > perimeter R
B. Area S = area R and perimeter S = perimeter R
C. Area S < area R and perimeter S < perimeter R
D. Area S < area R and perimeter S > perimeter R
E. Area S > area R and perimeter S = perimeter R

Answer

Question 8
A bank pays 6.8% compound interest per year on an investment of
£7,000.
What is the value of the investment after two years? Round your
answer to 2 decimal places.

Answer
108 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 9
The following table shows the cost of booking holidays from a travel
agent for next year.

HOLIDAY PRICES
Types of Holiday Turkey Mexico America Spain
Deals
All inclusive £276pp £720pp £880pp £320pp
Half board £220pp £640pp £795pp £275pp
Self-Catering £180pp £550pp £620pp £235pp

Work out the difference in cost of booking three all-inclusive holidays

to Mexico, for two people, instead of booking one-self-catering holiday
to Turkey for five people.

A B C D
£1,250 £3,420 £9,000 £4,500

Question 10
Kent Police have put out a tender for electrical equipment and sup-
plies. Below are quotes from 3 suppliers.
Electrical Supplier 1 Supplier 2 Supplier 3
Equipment and Total cost over Total cost over Total cost over
Supplies 2 years (£) 2 years (£) 1 years (£)
Basic Services 34,550 36,660 15,450
Electrical Safety
39,550 42,000 20,000
Checks
Full Equipment
120,850 150,500 60,000
Maintenance

Based on an annual year cost, which supplier offers the best price for
electrical safety checks?

A B C D
Supplier 1 Supplier 2 Supplier 3 All the same
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 109

Question 11
Study the following graph carefully and answer the questions given
below.
This graph shows the distribution of candidates who were enrolled
for a fitness course and the candidates (out of those enrolled) who
passed the course in different institutes.

Candidates enrolled = 1500

V P
U 7% 15%
14% Q
T 12%
13%
S R
16% 23%

Candidates passed = 920

U V P
10% 5% 16%
T Q
15% 14%

S R
18% 22%

Which institute has the highest percentage of candidates passing the

selection process to candidates enrolled?

A B C D
Institute P Institute Q Institute T Institute V
 110 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 12
Consumption of Petrol
2014 Petrol Consumption 2013 Petrol Consumption
Consumption (millions) per day

20

18 18

12

10
9

5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3
2 2

USA England China Japan India Brazil Russia Canada

In England, if the petrol consumption per year continued to rise by

6.8% until 2016 and then decreased by 4% from 2016 to 2018, what
would be the petrol consumption per day in 2018?

A B C D
18.9 million 19 million 21.5 million 19.8 million
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 111

Question 13
The set of data below shows the results in a year 11 Media mock
exam. The marks are out of 100%. The teacher wants to find the
mean mark for this test which was given to 68 pupils. Give your
answer to 1 decimal place.

Media mock exam No. of pupils No. of pupils X media mock exam
(%) (%)
10 0 10 x 0 = 0
20 2 20 x 2 = 40
30 3
40 6
50 8
60 11
70 8
80 15
90 12
100 3
Totals 68

The mean mark is:

Question 14
Look at the sequence below:
1 9 17 25 33 … …
What are the next two terms in the sequence?
112 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 15
A sequence uses the following rule:
. nth term = 3(n + 1)
Work out the first six terms in this sequence, using the rule provided.
‘N’ represents the term number in the sequence. Fill in the table below
with your answers.
1st term 2nd term 3rd term 4th term 5th term 6th term

Question 16
Factorise:
. 12 + 20x

Question 17
Factorise:
. x² - 81

Question 18
Solve:
. 6(x – 3) = x + 7
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 113

Question 19
Simplify:
. a² + a²

Queston 20
Factorise completely:
.20a² - 10a

Question 21
(a) Circle the THREE squared numbers.

(b) Circle ALL of the factors of 90.

(c) Circle ALL of the prime numbers.

114 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 22
Here is a map of an island.

Write down the bearing from Calindon to Biddenden.

Question 23
Write each of the following expressions in their simplest form.
(a) 80
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 115

(b) 99 x 95

(c) 78 ÷ 77

(d) 139 ÷ 131

(e) y15 x y4

Question 24
Using trial and improvement, solve the equation x² + 2x = 40, correct
to 1 decimal place.
116 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 25
Andy says that 4 x 3 – 2 x 7 = -2
Ryan says the answer to this calculation is 70.
Who is correct, and explain your reasons why.

Question 26
Calculate the following
(5.5 x 107) – (3.14 x 104)
Give your answer in standard form.
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 117

Question 27
The below diagram shows one square and four regular pentagons.
.
Work out the value of x.

x
118 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 28
The following table lists the type of bonus each member of staff will
receive if they reach a specific number of sales per hour they work.
The table has not yet been completed. Staff work seven hour shifts.
In order to answer the questions, you will need to complete the table.

How much would a worker earn in bonuses if they reached 10 sales

during their first and last hour, 20 sales during the 2nd and 6th hours,
30 sales during the 3rd and 5th hours, and 40 sales during the 4th hour?

A B C D
£124.50 £124 £125.55 £121.55

Question 29
Jasmine has two 4-sided dice.
The first dice has the numbers 1, 6, 7 and 9.
The second dice has the numbers 2, 3, 8 and 4.

How many different combinations can be made if both dice are rolled
at the same time?
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 119

Question 30

On the grid, represent x + y = 4, with values of x from -2 to 4.

120 Numerical Reasoning Tests

ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL REASONING (INTERMEDIATE

SECTION 1)

Q1. D = 676
EXPLANATION = 50 + 81 + 96 + 81 + 86 + 50 + 91 + 65 + 76 = 676.

Q2. E = none
EXPLANATION = 90 + 85 + 58 + 70 + 85 = 388. None of the answers
match, so therefore the answer must be ‘none’.

Q3. D = 39
EXPLANATION = 11 x 36 = 396. 13 x 41 = 533. 533 + 396 = 929 ÷ (11
+ 13) = 38.708. To the nearest whole number = 39.

Q4. C = 44 hectares
EXPLANATION = Work out the area of the whole shape: 1200 x 500
= 600,000
Work out the area of the missing rectangle (to make a complete
rectangle): 800 x 200 = 160,000
• So, 600,000 – 160,000 = 440,000m².
• 440,000m² in hectares = 440,000 ÷ 10,000 = 44 hectares.

Q5. Length of each enclosure = 21.75 metres, Height of each

enclosure = 6 metres
EXPLANATION = To work out the length = total 48 metres
• 48 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 = 43.5
• 43.5 ÷ 2 = 21.75 metres
To work out the height = total 24 metres
• 24 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 – 1.5 = 18
• 18 ÷ 3 = 6 metres

Q6. D = 12.5 million tons

EXPLANATION = if transport emissions this year are 6 million tons
– and equal 15% of the total – the overall total for this year would be
6,000,000 x 100 ÷ 15% = 40,000,000.
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 121

So industrial emissions for this year would be = 40,000,000 ÷ 100 x 25

= 10,000,000.
The industrial emissions are the same for last year, so to work out the
overall total of last year = 10,000,000 x 100 ÷ 20 = 50,000,000.
So the commercial emissions for last year = 50,000,000 ÷ 100 x 25 =
12,500,000 (12.5 million tons).

Q7. C = Area S < area R and perimeter S < perimeter R

EXPLANATION = if the perimeter is increased on both sides of the
Square field S, that means the area of square field R is going to be
bigger. This is also true about the perimeter; if both sides are increased
in size to form field R, which means the perimeter for R is going to be
bigger than that of perimeter S. So, the correct way to demonstrate this
is answer C.

Q8. £7984.37
EXPLANATION = for this question, it is vitally important to remember
that interest will be added on to previous interest.
Step 1 = for the first year = 7,000 ÷ 100 x 6.8 = £476.
• So, 7,000 + 476 = 7,476.
Step 2 = for the second year = 7,476 ÷ 100 x 6.8 = 508.37.
• So, 7,476 + 508.37 = £7984.37.

Q9. B = £3,420
EXPLANATION = Self-catering holiday to Turkey for 5 people = 180 x
5 = 900.
All-inclusive holiday to Mexico for 2 people = 720 x 2 = 1440. Booked
three times = 1440 x 3 = 4320.
• So, 4320 – 900 = 3,420.

Q10. A = Supplier 1
EXPLANATION = Supplier 1 = 39,550 ÷ 2 = 19775
Supplier 2 = 42,000 ÷ 2 = 21,000
122 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Supplier 3 = 20,000

Therefore, Supplier 1 offers the best price for electrical safety checks,
for one year.

Q11. B = Institute Q

EXPLANATION =

16% of 920 16 x 920

P= x 100 % = x 100 % = 65.42%.
15% of 1500 15 x 1500
14% of 920
Q= x 100 % = 71.56%.
12% of 1500
22% of 920
R= x 100 % = 58.67%.
23% of 1500
18% of 920
S= x 100 % = 69%.
16% of 1500
15% of 920
T= x 100 % = 70.77%.
13% of 1500
10% of 920
U= x 100 % = 43.81%.
14% of 1500
5% of 920
V= x 100 % = 43.81%.
7% of 1500

So, the institute with the highest percentage rate of candidates passed,
to candidates enrolled, is Institute Q.

Q12. A = 18.9 million

EXPLANATION = first, you need to work out the percentage increase
each year from 2014 to 2016.
So, in 2014 there is 18 (million); to work out a 6.8% increase would equal
106.8%. So, 18 ÷ 100 x 106.8 = 19.2 (million). This is the consumption
for 2015. From 2015 to 2016, the same thing applies. 19.2 ÷ 100 x
106.8% = 20.5 (million).
From 2016 to 2017, there is a 4% decrease. So, 20.5 ÷ 100 x 96% =
19.7 (million). From 2017 to 2018 = 19.7 ÷ 100 x 96% = 18.9 (million).
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 123

Q13. 67.2%
EXPLANATION = Add up the “number of pupils multiplied by media
mock exam” and then divide it by the “number of pupils”.

Media mock exam No. of pupils No. of pupils X media mock exam
(%) (%)
10 0 10 x 0 = 0
20 2 20 x 2 = 40
30 3 30 x 3 =90
40 6 40 x 6 = 240
50 8 50 x 8 = 400
60 11 60 x 11 = 660
70 8 70 x 8 = 560
80 15 80 x 15 = 1200
90 12 90 x 12 = 1080
100 3 100 x 3 = 300
Totals

So, 4570 ÷ 68 = 67.2%.

Q14. 41 and 49
EXPLANATION = The number sequence is adding 8 to the previous
number.

Q15. Your answer should look like this:

1st term 2nd term 3rd term 4th term 5th term 6th term

6 9 12 15 18 21

Q16. 4 (3 + 5x)

Q17. (x + 9) (x – 9)

Q18. x = 5
124 Numerical Reasoning Tests

• 6x - 18 = x + 7
• 5x - 18 = 7
• 5x = 25
• x=5

Q19. 2a²
• a + a = 2a
• Both of these are being squared, so 2a squared = 2a².

Q20. 10a (2a – 1)

• Highest common factor = 10
• 10a (2a – 1)
• = 20a² - 10a
Q21. (a) 49, 64 and 4
• 2x2=4
• 7 x 7 = 49
• 8 x 8 = 64

Q21. (b) 45, 5, 18, 30, 15

EXPLANATION = The factors of 90 are:
• 1 and 90;
• 2 and 45;
• 3 and 30;
• 5 and 18;
• 6 and 15;
• 9 and 10.

Q21. (c) 17 and 5

EXPLANATION = Prime numbers are numbers that can only be
divided by itself and one:
• 1 x 17 = 17 (no other numbers can be divided into 17).
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 125

• 1 x 5 = 5 (no other numbers can be divided into 5).

Q22. 249°

• The bearing from Calindon to Biddenden is 249°.

Q23. (a) 1

Q23. (b) 914

• 99 x 95 = 99+5

Q23. (c) 71 or 7

• 78 ÷ 77 = 78-7

Q23. (d) 138

• 139 ÷ 131 = 139-1

Q23 (e) y19

• y15 x y4 = y15+4

Q24. x = 5.4

Let’s start with y = 5

• 5 x 5 = 25

• 2 x 5 = 10

• 25 + 10 = 35 TOO SMALL

Let’s try with y = 6

• 6 x 6 = 36

• 2 x 6 = 12

• 36 + 12 = 48 TOO BIG

Let’s try with y = 5.5

126 Numerical Reasoning Tests

• 5.5 x 5.5 = 30.25

• 2 x 5.5 = 11

• 30.25 + 11 = 41.25 TOO BIG

Let’s try with y = 5.4

• 5.4 x 5.4 = 29.16

• 2 x 5.4 = 10.8

• 29.16 + 10.8 = 39.96 CLOSE

Therefore correct to 1 decimal place = 5.4

Q25. Andy is correct. You need to do the multiplications
before subtraction (BIDMAS).
• 4 x 3 = 12
• 2 x 7 = 14
• 12 – 14 = -2
Q26. 5.49686 x 107
• 55,000,000 – 31,400
• 54,968,600
• = 5.49686 x 107

Q27. 54°
• Angles in a square = 90° (90 x 4 = 360°)
• Angles in a regular pentagon = 108°
• 360 – 108 – 108 – 90 = 54°

Q28. D = £121.55
EXPLANATION = £23.50 + £2.50 + £23.50 + £7.50 + £25.55 +
£15.15 + £23.85 = £121.55
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 1) 127

Q29. 16
EXPLANATION = There are 16 different combinations. The first set of
combinations are: (1, 2) (1, 3) (1, 8) (1, 4).
• That means there are four sets of combinations for each number.

Q30. Your answer should look like this:

 NUMERICAL
INTERMEDIATE
(SECTION 2)
130 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 1

Write the following in the form a√b where a and b are integers.

Question 2

Work out the mode, median and mean of the following data set:

8 4 -4 -3 1 4 2 13 9 13 -2 4 3

a) Mode

b) Median

c) Mean
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 2) 131

Question 3

Make b the subject of the formula:

Question 4

Evaluate 8 -4. Leave your answer in fraction form.

Question 5

In any given week, the probabilities of Andy and Dave playing football
are 0.5 and 0.3 respectively. Work out the probability that, in any
given week, either Andy plays football, Dave plays football, or both
play football.
132 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 6

A straight line has a gradient of 4 and a y intercept of 6. Work out the

equation of the line.

Question 7

Solve the following linear inequality:

2 - 6x ≤ -8x - 4

Question 8

Fully simplify the following expression:

 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 2) 133

Question 9

Express the following expression as a single fraction and write this

in its simplest form.

Question 10

Below is a right-angled triangle.

A
NOT DRAWN
TO SCALE

28 cm

C 20 cm B

Work out the length of side AB. Write your answer to the nearest whole
number. You must show ALL of your working out.
134 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 11
Find the coordinates of Point Z on the unit circle. Give your answer
to 2 decimal places.
y 1

Z 145°

-1 1
x

Question 12
Solve the simultaneous equation:
y = x2 + 3 and y - 2x = 18
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 2) 135

Question 13
A square field, S, has an area greater than 2,916 m2. Its length is
decreased by 14 metres and its width is increased by 14 to give a
rectangular field, R.
Which one of the following is true?

A. Area S < Area R and Perimeter S > Perimeter R

B. Area S > Area R and Perimeter S > Perimeter R
C. Area S = Area R and Perimeter S = Perimeter R
D. Area S < Area R and Perimeter S = Perimeter R
E. Area S > Area R and Perimeter S = Perimeter R

Question 14
A field is shown on a map. The field measures 6cm by 8cm on the map
and the scale of the map is 1 : 6,000. Given that 10,000m2 is equivalent
to 1 hectare, what is the area of the field in real life in hectares?

A. 16 hectares
B. 17.28 hectares
C. 19 hectares
D. 20.55 hectares
E. 21 hectares
136 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 15
The following graph shows the velocity of two cars at different times.
Velocity (m/s)

Time (s)

How much greater is the acceleration of Car A than the acceleration of

Car B?
Acceleration (m/s2) = Change in velocity (m/s) / Change in time (s)

A. 1.83 m/s2
B. 0.25 m/s2
C. 0.53 m/s2
D. 1.73 m/s2
E. 0.63 m/s2
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 2) 137

Question 16

Annual Taxable Income Total Tax paid ($) at the top of this taxable
Tax Rate
Bracket ($) income bracket
0-8,950 10% 895
8,950-36,250 15% 4,990
36,250-87,850 25% 17,890
87,850-183,250 28% 44,602
183,250-400,000 33% 116,129.50
Over 400,000 39.6%

The table shows the total tax paid in $ on annual taxable income.

For example, a person with an annual taxable income of $60,000 will

pay $4,990 plus 25% of ($60,000 - $36,250).

Sam has an annual taxable income of $18,500. The income tax, to the
nearest $, he has to pay is:

A. $2,328
B. $2,456
C. $2,139
D. $1,985
E. $3,457
138 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 17
The number of people with Malaria in Country A is 80% of the number
of people with Malaria in Country B. The number of people with
Malaria in Country C is 25% of that in Country A.

If the number of people with Malaria in Country C is 2350, what is the

number of people with Malaria in Country B?

A. 10,500

B. 13,750

C. 11,750

D. 11,500

E. 14,550

Question 18
The maximum amounts any family can claim for "Basic Working Tax
Credits", "Severe Disability Tax Credits" and "Child Tax Credits" are
£1,940, £1,255 and £545 respectively.

Suppose a family is eligible to claim 70% of the maximum tax credits

in each category. What is the total amount of tax credits the family can
claim?

A B C D E
£2,618 £3,119 £2,186 £1,628 £1,268
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 2) 139

Question 19
Kent Police have put out a notice for staff to enrol onto training courses.
Below are quotes from 3 suppliers.

Academic College 1 College 2 College 3

training Total cost over Total cost over Total cost over
course 4 years (£) 2 years (£) 6 years (£)
PR and 14,500 8,350 34,500
Advertising
Finances 18,250 8,750 42,750
Social Media 24,050 13,000 72,000
What percentage of the total quote provided by College 2 accounts for
Social Media training?

A B C D
40.1% 45.6% 43.2% 44.5%

Question 20
Place the numbers from 1 to 9 in each square. Each number should
only be used once. The number in the circle should equal the sum of
the four surrounding squares. Pay attention to the colour of the squares.
Each colour needs to represent the total as shown in the coloured
circles underneath the grid.

16 21

22 22

13 17 15
140 Numerical Reasoning Tests

ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL REASONING (INTERMEDIATE

SECTION 2)

Q1.

EXPLANATION = √38 × √20 = √(38×20) = √760

However when simplifying surds you are often asked to go a step

further by looking for square factors. In this example 760 has a factor
of 4 because 4 × 190 = 760. We can now write that √760 = √(4×190) =
√4×√190.

Now because √4=2, so we can rewrite this again: √4 × √190 = 2√190.

Q2.

a) 4

• The number that occurs the most number of times is 4.

b) 4

• If you put all the numbers in ascending order, and find the ‘middle’
number, you will reach the answer of 4.

c) 4

• To work out the mean, you need to add up all of the numbers, and
then divide it by how many numbers there are.

• 52 ÷ 13 = 4

Q3. b = 144ac2 - 9

EXPLANATION = step 1 = square both sides to get rid of the square

root = (b + 9) ÷ a = (12c)2

Step 2 = Multiply by a to get rid of the fraction = b + 9 = 144ac2

Step 3 = Collect all the terms without b on the right-hand side by

subtracting 9:

b = 144ac2 – 9
 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 2) 141

Q4.

EXPLANATION =

Q5. 0.65

EXPLANATION = P("Andy plays OR Dave plays" ) = 0.5 + 0.3 - 0.15 =

0.65.

So, P(A or D) = 0.5 + 0.3 – 0.15 = 0.65

Q6. y = 4x + 6

EXPLANATION = the gradient is 4, and the y-intercept is 6.

So, y = 4x + 6

Q7. x ≤ -3

EXPLANATION = 2 – 6x ≤ -8x – 4 so 2x ≤ -6 so x ≤ -3

Q8. 4a2b4

EXPLANATION = first, divide the numbers: 32 ÷ 8 = 4 =

Next, cancel the common factor a:

Apply exponent rule: xa ÷ xb = xa - b

b8 ÷ b 4 = b8 - 4 = b 4

So the answer is 4a2b4

142 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q9.

EXPLANATION =

Q10.34 cm

EXPLANATION = ACB = right angle

AC = 28 cm

BC = 20 cm

AB2 = 282 + 202

= 784 + 400 = 1,184

= √1,184 = 34.4093…

To the nearest whole number = 34 cm.

Q11. (-0.82, 0.57)

EXPLANATION = Point Z is on the unit circle.

The x coordinate is cos 145° = -0.81915…

 NUMERICAL INTERMEDIATE (SECTION 2) 143

The y coordinate is sin 145° = 0.57357…

So, the coordinates of Point Z to 2 d.p. are (-0.82, 0.57)

Q12. x = -3 and y = 12 OR x = 5 and y = 28

Q13. E

EXPLANATION = the area of S will be larger than the area of R. The

perimeter of S and R will remain the same.

Q14. B

Q15. B

Q16. A

Q17. C

Q18. A

Q19. C = 43.2%

EXPLANATION = 13,000 + 8,750 + 8,350 = 30,100

13,000 ÷ 30,100 x 100 = 43.18%

Rounded to 43.2%

Q20.

1 6 5
16 21
7 2 8
22 22
4 9 3

13 17 15
NUMERICAL
ADVANCED
(SECTION 1)
146 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Our advanced Numerical Reasoning section will provide you with

the skills and knowledge you will be expected to demonstrate when
taking a paper that contains particularly challenging mathematical
questions. The difficulty of the questions will depend on the type of
Numerical Reasoning test you take.

In order for you to successfully pass a Numerical Reasoning Test, we

have done our utmost to ensure you with lots of questions that focus
specifically on an advanced level.

In this type of advanced Numerical Reasoning Test, you can expect to

find questions on the following areas:

• Percentages;
• Fractions;
• Decimals;
• Data Interpretation;
• Equations;
• Quantitative Data;
• Increases / Decreases;
• Speed / Distance / Time;
• Mean / Mode / Median / Range;
• Box and Whisker Plots;
• Statistics;
• Currency;
• Mass / Density / Volume;
• Stem and Leaf Diagrams.

Whilst we have provided you with an array of questions, your Numerical

Reasoning test will be tailored to the job for which you are applying,
and so the questions may not be the same, but will test the same skills
and knowledge in terms of an advanced level of mathematics.
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 147

Question 1

Mineral water is classified on the basis of the amount of dissolved

solid materials it contains. The chart shows the codes of different
levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) and the number of mineral water
bottles for each code sold at a store.

MINERAL WATER BOTTLES

Code TDS (mg/I) Number of bottles

TDS 1 Less than 50 52

TDS 2 Greater than or equal to 50 but less than 500 85
Greater than or equal to 500 but less than
TDS 3 65
1,500
TDS 4 Greater than or equal to 1,500 50

What fraction of the total number of bottles sold at the store with TDS
greater than or equal to 50 mg/l, have the code TDS 4?

A. 1/5
B. 1/6
C. 2/4
D. 1/4
E. 3/5
148 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 2

Government spending on "Defence Services" and "Transport Services"

was 31 billion pounds and 6.4 billion pounds respectively for the year
2010-2011. In the same year, spending on "Education Services"
was 150% of the spending on "Defence Services". The spending on
"Defence Services", "Transport Services" and "Education Services"
constituted 15% of the total spending by the Government.

What was the approximate total spending of the Government for the
year 2010-2011?

A. 540 billion pounds

B. 559 billion pounds

C. 432 billion pounds

D. 380 billion pounds

E. 700 billion pounds

 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 149

Question 3

Here is some information about the costs of purchasing land. Prime

farmland is £7,500 per acre. Building land is £1.1 million per hectare.

1 hectare = 10,000 m2 = 2.47 acres

A plot of building land is square. The length of one side of the plot is 80m.
Which one of the amounts below is closest in value to the cost of buying
the plot?

A. £704,000
B. £568,000
C. £850,000
D. £902,000
E. £400,000
150 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 4
The length of one side of a square is √8 + √12 cm. Work out the area
of the square.

Question 5
Find f(9) for the function f(x) = (x + 14)2

Question 6
Samuel's walk is represented by a straight line graph.
At time t = 4 hours, he has walked a distance of d = 20 kilometres.
At time t = 5.5 hours, he has walked a distance of d = 27.5 kilometres.
Work out the equation of the line in the form d = mt + c.
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 151

Question 7
The table shows information about the heights of a group of people.

Height (h, cm) Frequency

140 < h ≤ 160 100
160 < h ≤ 180 84
180 < h ≤ 200 60
200 < h ≤ 220 12

Draw a histogram to represent the information above.

Question 8
Using your answer to question 7, estimate the number of people
between 145 cm and 190 cm tall.
152 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 9
Find the centre and the radius of the following circle:
(x - 2)2 + (y - 4)2 = 25

Question 10
Solve the simultaneous equations:
-6x + 8y = -35
2x + 3y = -11
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 153

Question 11
Work out the missing side length labelled l for the triangle below.

60° 14 cm
l

Question 12
Solve the following quadratic equation:
6x2 - 9x + 1 = 0
Give your answer to 3 s.f.
154 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 13
Kent Police have put out a tender for energy services. Below are
quotes from 3 suppliers.

Energy services Supplier 1 Supplier 2 Supplier 3

Total cost over Total cost over Total cost over
2 years (£) 6 years (£) 1 year (£)
Home central 6,800 22,500 4,500
heating
Business central 8,000 42,000 7,750
heating
Boiler repairs and 4,500 18,000 2,350
maintenance

What percentage of the total quote provided by Supplier 3 accounts

for business central heating services? Give your answer to 1 decimal
place.

A B C D E
50.1% 53.1% 54.1% 57.1% 48.1%

Question 14
You leave your house at 10:05. You travel for half an hour at 50 mph.
When you reach the motorway, the traffic forces you to drive at 15 mph
for 12 minutes. After the traffic clears, you continue your journey at 50
mph and arrive at your destination at 11:25.

a) How far do you travel in total? Your answer should be to the nearest
mile.

b) How long does the third part of your journey, after the traffic has
cleared, take?
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 155

Question 15
Below is a table listing the percentage changes in earnings from 2014
to 2016 for five different companies.

Percentage Change Percentage Change

COMPANY
from 2014 to 2015 from 2015 to 2016
Company A +22% +12%

Company B +34% -5%

Company C -24% +20%

Company D -10% -10%

Company E +13% +43%

Using the above table, if company D earned £620,000 in 2014, how

much money did the company make in 2016?
156 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 16
Using the graph below, plot the following inequalities. Shade in the
region which satisfies all three inequalities.
• y≥x
• y≤4
• y ≥ 8 – 4x
  NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 157

Question 17
The following table shows the daily earnings of an independent book
publishing company.
Earnings (x) Frequency
500 ≤ x < 540
540 ≤ x < 560
560 ≤ x < 570 100
570 ≤ x < 600 180
600 ≤ x < 640 80
640 ≤ x < 700 360

30

25
Frequency Density

20

15

10

Frequency
5

0
460 480 500 520 540 560 580 600 620 640 660 680 700

Takings (x)
Earnings (x)

Complete the above frequency table and draw the missing bars on the
histogram.
158 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 18
Sarah draws two shapes – a square and a circle. The area of the
square is 49 cm².

She then makes a pattern using the two shapes which looks like this:

Work out the total surface area which is covered by circles. Round your
final answer to 2 decimal places.
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 159

Question 19
Work out the inverse function to f(x):
f(x) = 8 - 14x

Question 20
Below is a circle. Work out the area of the circle. Use the
approximation Pi = 3.1 in your calculation.
NOT DRAWN TO
SCALE

4 cm
160 Numerical Reasoning Tests

ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL REASONING (ADVANCED

SECTION 1)

Q1. Q1. D = ¼

EXPLANATION = first, you need to work out the denominator of the

fraction. You are trying to work out the total number of bottles sold at
the store with TDS greater than or equal to 50, so you need to add up
the following:

• 85 + 65 + 50 = 200 (you add up these numbers because these

numbers have TDS 50 or above).

You then to work out the numerator of the fraction. You are working out
how many bottles have the code TDS 4. According to the table, there
are 50 bottles with the code TDS 4.

So the fraction would look like: 50/200. Simplified, this would be 1/4

Q2. B = 559 billion pounds

EXPLANATION = first, you need to work out what the total was for
“Education Services”. You know that this was 50% more than the
spending for "Defence Services".

• 31 billion x 1.5 = 46.5 billion pounds

You then need to add up all of the costs:

• 31 + 6.4 + 46.5 = 83.9 billion pounds

Step 3 = you know that the above amount (83.9 billion pounds)
constituted 15% of the total spending. So now you need to work out
the overall total.

• 83.9 x 100 ÷ 15 = 559.33333 billion pounds.

So the approximate value would be 559 billion pounds.

 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 161

Q3. A = £704,000

EXPLANATION = first you need to multiply 80 by 80 to give you the

area:

• 80 x 80 = 6,400m2

Converting 6,400m2 to hectares = 6,400 ÷ 10,000 = 0.64 hectares

Multiply this by the price of building land:

• 0.64 x 1,100,000 = £704,000

Q4. 20 + 8√6

EXPLANATION = to work out the area:

(√8 +√12)2 = (√8 +√12) (√8 +√12)

= (√8)2 + 2√8 √12 + (√12)2

= 8 + 2 √96 + 12

= 20 + 2√16 √6

= 20 + 8√6

Q5. 529

EXPLANATION = Put x = 9 into the function:

f(9) = (9 + 14)2 = 232 = 529

162 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q6. d = 5t

EXPLANATION =

So the equation so far = d = 5t + c.

Now substitute (4, 20) into the equation and solve for c.

d = 5t + c ⇒ 20 = 5 x 4 + c ⇒ c = 30 – 20 = 0

d = 5t

Q7.

Height (h, cm) Frequency Frequency Density

140 < h ≤ 160 100 100 ÷ 20 = 5
160 < h ≤ 180 84 84 ÷ 20 = 4.2
180 < h ≤ 200 60 60 ÷ 20 = 3
200 < h ≤ 220 12 12 ÷ 20 = 0.6
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 163

Q8. 189 people

EXPLANATION = between 145 cm and 160 cm

• 5 x (160 – 145) = 5 x 15 = 75

All of the 160 < h ≤ 180 class is included = 84

Between 180 cm and 190 cm =

• 3 x (190 – 180) = 3 x 10 = 30

So the estimate is = 75 + 84 + 30 = 189 people

Q9. Centre of the circle (2, 4) and the radius = 5

EXPLANATION = A circle with centre (a, b) and radius r has an

equation of (x - a)2 + (y - b)2 = r2. In our equation a = 2, b = 4 and r2 =
25

That means the centre of the circle is (2, 4) and the radius is 5.

Q10. x = 0.5 and y = -4

EXPLANATION =

• (Equation 1) = -6x + 8y = -35 (Equation 2) = 2x + 3y = -11

• -6x + 8y = -35 6x + 9y = -33

• -6z + 6x + 8y + 9y = (-35) + (-33)

• 17y = -68 y = -4

Substitute y = -4 into equation 1 = -6(x) + 8(-4) = -35

• -6x - 32 = -35 -6x = -35 + 32 -6x = -3

• x = 0.5

Q11. 7

EXPLANATION = cos 60° = ⇒ l = 14 x cos 60° = 7

164 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q12. x = 1.38 or x = 0.12

EXPLANATION = 6x2 – 9x + 1 = 0 ⇒ a = 6, b = -9, c = 1

− −9 ± −9 2− 4x6x1
X1,2 =
2x6

9± 81 − 24 9 ± 57
x1,2 = =
12 12

So x1 = 9 + 57 = 1.38 to 3 s.f.
12

Or x2 = 9 − 57 = 0.12 to 3 s.f.
12
Q13. B = 53.1%

EXPLANATION = 4,500 + 7,750 + 2,350 = 14,600.

7,750 ÷ 14,600 x 100 = 53.08.

Rounded to 53.1%

Q14.

a) 59.7 miles

EXPLANATION = Part 1 = 50 mph x 0.5 hrs = 25 miles

Part 2 = 15 mph x (12 ÷ 60) = 3 miles

Part 3 = 50 mph x (38 ÷ 60) = 31.7 miles.

25 + 3 + 31.7 = 59.7 miles

b) 38 minutes

Q15. £502,200

EXPLANATION = 620,000 ÷ 100 x 90 = 558,000

 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 1) 165

558,000 ÷ 100 x 105 = 502,200

Q16.

Q17.

The two missing gaps in the table are 40 and 80.

The bar for 560-570 has a frequency density of 10.

The bar for 570-600 has a frequency density of 6.

The bar for 600-640 has a frequency density of 2.

The bar for 640-700 has a frequency density of 6.

Frequency density = frequency ÷ class width

Q18. 230.88

Area of a circle = Pi x radius²

Radius of the circle = 7 ÷ 2 = 3.5

3.5² = 12.25
166 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Pi x 12.25 = 38.4845

38.4845 x 6 = 230.907 = 230.91 to 2 decimal places.

Q19.

EXPLANATION = f(x) = 8 – 14x

x = 8 – 14y ⇒ y =

So f-1(x) =

Q20. 49.6

EXPLANATION = 3.1 x 4 x 4 = 49.6

NUMERICAL
ADVANCED
(SECTION 2)
168 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 1

C is a curve. This curve has the equation 4y3 + 20y + 4 = x

Find 𝑑𝑦 in terms of y.
𝑑𝑥

Question 2

Given that sin θ = 6 , find the exact value of sin 6θ .

4
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 169

Question 3

Work out how many integers, n, where 0 ≤ n < 1,000 are NOT divisible
by 2 or 5.

Question 4

A dance battle is arranged for 2n dancers. The tournament sees only

the winners in any given round proceed to the next stage. Opponents
in each round except the fnal are drawn at random, and in any match
either player has a probability 0.5 of winning. Two dancers are chosen
at random before the frst round.

Work out the probability in terms of n that they will compete against
each other in the first round.
170 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 5

Solve the simultaneous equations:

3x - 2y = 9

x + 4y = 10

Question 6
63
Show that, in the diagram below, cos α = 65
A
5 cm NOT
3 cm C DRAWN TO
a 4 cm SCALE
B
5 cm 13 cm

E
D 12 cm
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 171

Question 7

In triangle ABC, AB = 4i - 3j and AC = i - 3j

Work out the value of <BAC in degrees to 1 d.p.

A

Question 8

Write 6x2 - 4x = -4 in the form p(x + q)2 + r = 0

172 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 9

Find the length AC in the triangle below. Write your answer to 1 decimal
place.

NOT DRAWN TO
SCALE A

30° 52°
B C
14 cm

Question 10

Solve the simultaneous equations:

y = 14 - x

x-y=8
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 173

Question 11

A straight line y = 4x - 8 meets the x-axis at point A. Work out the

equation of the line with gradient 1/3 that passes through point A.

Write your answer in the form ax + by + c = 0, where a, b and c are

integers.

Question 12

A cuboid box is made from 63m2 of cardboard. The box has a horizontal
base and no top. The height of the box is x metres. The two opposite
vertical faces are squares.

Show that the volume of the box is given by V = 21x - 2/3x3

174 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 13

Find the coordinates of the stationary points on the curve with the
following equation:
2 3 2
y = x - 12x + 20x + 2
3

Question 14

If 4x - y = 16, what is the value of 16x / 2y?

 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 175

Question 15

Below is an image of an enclosure. If the length of the diagonal BD is

80 metres, work out the angle between the fences AB and BC.

NOT DRAWN TO
SCALE
A B

36 m 110°

D
40 m
C
176 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 16

Here is some information about the costs of purchasing land.

Prime farmland is £6,500 per acre. Building land is £1.2 million per
hectare. The table shows the costs, in thousands of pounds per hectare,
of cleaning sites. These are paid in addition to cost of purchasing the
land.

1 hectare = 10,000 m² = 2.47 acres.

Building developers buy an old sewage works with an area of 4 acres.

They intend to clean the site for residential use. They know they can
use an area 1/10th of an acre for a house.

Work out the total cost, to the nearest £, of buying and cleaning the
land per house.
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 177

Question 17

Find positive integers a and b such that 3a + 7b = 29.

Question 18

Evaluate the sum

20

�(6𝑏 − 4)
10
178 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Question 19

Here is some information about the costs of purchasing land. Prime

farmland is £7,500 per acre. Building land is £1.1 million per hectare.
The table shows the costs, in thousands of pounds per hectare, of
cleaning sites. These are paid in addition to the cost of purchasing the
land.

1 hectare = 10,000 m² = 2.47 acres

How many whole hectares of prime farmland could be bought for the
total cost of buying a one hectare derelict sewage works and cleaning
it for residential use?
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 179

Question 20

The mean of a set of 10 numbers is 50. The mean of another set of 12

numbers is 42.

Work out the combined mean of both sets of numbers. Write your
answer to 2 d.p.
180 Numerical Reasoning Tests

ANSWERS TO NUMERICAL REASONING (ADVANCED

SECTION 2)

Q1. 𝑑𝑦 1
= 2
𝑑𝑥 12𝑦 +20

EXPLANATION =

x = 4y3 + 20y + 4 dx/dy = (4 x 3)y3-1 + 20y1-1 + 0

𝑑𝑦 1
dx/dy = 12y2 + 20 = 2
𝑑𝑥 12𝑦 +20

3
Q2. - 15
16
EXPLANATION = sin 6θ = sin 2 (3θ)

Q3. 400

EXPLANATION = Integers ending in 1, 3, 7 or 9 will not be divisible

by 2 or 5. This is equivalent to 4/10.

The total number of integers is 4/10 of 1,000 = 400.

 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 181

Q4. 1
22𝑛 − 2𝑛
EXPLANATION =
1
The probability of picking the first dancer, D1, is .
2𝑛
1
The probability of picking the second dancer, D2, is 𝑛 .
2 −1
The probability of these two dancers competing against each other is:
1 1 1
2𝑛 x 𝑛 = 2𝑛 𝑛 .
2 −1 2 −2

Q5. x = 4 and y = 1.5

EXPLANATION = Begin by multiplying the equation x + 4y = 10 by 3

so that we have the same coefficient of x with the first equation

Equation 1: 3x - 2y = 9

Equation 2: 3x + 12y = 30 (after multiplying each term by 3)

Subtract Equation 1 from Equation 2, we have:

12y - (-2y) = 30 - 9

14y = 21

y = 21/14 = 1.5

Substitute the value y=1.5 back into the first equation

3x - (2 × 1.5) = 9

3x - 3 = 9

3x = 12

x=4
182 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q6. Your working out should be as follows:

Using the two right-angled triangles we can determine the following

trigonometric ratios:
12 5
sin ∠𝐷𝐴𝐸 = , cos ∠𝐷𝐴𝐸 =
13 13
4 3
sin ∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 = , cos ∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 =
5 5
Now since 𝛼 = ∠𝐷𝐴𝐸 − ∠𝐵𝐴𝐶, we can use the angle subtraction formula for
cosine to find cos 𝛼:
cos 𝛼 = cos ∠𝐷𝐴𝐸 − ∠𝐵𝐴𝐶
= cos ∠𝐷𝐴𝐸 cos ∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 + sin ∠𝐷𝐴𝐸 sin ∠𝐵𝐴𝐶
5 3 12 4
= ⋅ + ⋅
13 5 13 5
15 48
= +
65 65
63
= .
65

Q7. 34.7°

EXPLANATION: First find the dot product AB ∙ AC:

AB ∙ AC: = (4 x 1) + (-3x -3) = 4 + 9 = 13

𝐴𝐵 = 42+ (−3)2 = 25 = 5 and AC = 12 + (−3)2 = 10. Use the identity AB ·

𝐴𝐶 = AB AC cos ∅, where ∅ is the angle between the vectors:

5 10 cos ∅ = 13
-1 13
∅ = cos ≈ 34.7°
5 10

12 10
Q8. 61 (x2 - 10) + =0
6 (x - 3) + 3 = 03
3
EXPLANATION = 6x2 – 4x + 4 = 0
2 2
6 (x - x) + 4 = 0
3
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 183

12 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 1
Since (x - 3) = x - 3x + 9, we can rewrite x - 3x as (x - 3 ) - 9 :
2
1 1
6 ( (x - ) - )+4=0
3 9
12 1
6 (x - )- +4=0
3 9
1 2 10
6 (x - 3
) + 3 =0

Q9. 7.1 cm

EXPLANATION = Angle BAC = 180 - (30 + 52) = 98°

𝐴𝐶 14
=
sin 30 sin 98

14
AC = x sin 30
sin 98
AC = 7.1 (rounded to 1 d.p.)

Q10. x = 11 and y = 3

EXPLANATION =

x – (14 – x) = 8

x – 14 + x = 8

2x – 14 = 8

2x = 8 + 14

2x = 22

x = 11

If you substitute that into the equations, you will be able to work out
that y = 3
184 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q11. -x + 3y + 2 = 0 or x - 3y - 2 = 0

EXPLANATION = 0 = 4x – 8 So x = 2. A is the point (2, 0).

3y = x – 2

-x + 3y + 2 = 0

Q12. Your working out should look like this:

EXPLANATION = area = 2x2 + 3xy

63 = 2x2 + 3xy

63 − 2𝑥2
y=
3𝑥

63 − 2𝑥2
V= x² ( )
3𝑥

𝑥
= (63 – 2x²)
3

2
So V = 21x - x³
3

Q13. Your working out should look like this:

EXPLANATION = (6 + 26, -342.8) and (6 - 26, 10.8)

2 3 2
y = x - 12x + 20x + 2
3
𝑑𝑦 2 1-1
𝑑𝑥
= (3 x 3) x3-1 - (12 x 2)x 2-1 + (20 x 1)x + 0
𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑥
= 2x2 - 24x 1 + 20

2 3 2
y1= 3 (6 + 26) - 12(6 + 26) + 20(6 + 26) + 2 = -342.8

2 3 2
y2= 3 (6 - 26) - 12(6 - 26) + 20(6 - 26) + 2 = 10.8
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 185

⇒ 𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 10 = 0

⇒ 𝑥 = 6 ± 26.

2 3 2
y1= 3 (6 + 26) - 12(6 + 26) + 20(6 + 26) + 2 = -342.8

2 3 2
y2= (6 - 26) - 12(6 - 26) + 20(6 - 26) + 2 = 10.8
3

Q14. 216

EXPLANATION =

16
x
(24 ) 𝑥 24𝑥 16𝑥
= = = 2(4𝑥−𝑦) = = 216
2y 2𝑦 2 𝑦 2𝑦

Q15. 55.0°

EXPLANATION =
40
sin ∠𝐷𝐵𝐶 =
80
∠𝐷𝐵𝐶 = sin−1 0.5
= 30°.
Now use the sine rule to find ∠𝐴𝐵𝐷:
sin ∠𝐴𝐵𝐷 sin 110°
=
36 80
36 sin 110°
sin ∠𝐴𝐵𝐷 =
80
36 sin 110°
∠𝐴𝐵𝐷 = sin−1
80
= 25.01.
Then ∠𝐴𝐵𝐶 = ∠𝐷𝐵𝐶 + ∠𝐴𝐵𝐷 = 30° + 25.01° = 55.0° to 1dp.
186 Numerical Reasoning Tests

Q16. £62,753
1
EXPLANATION = Number of houses = 4 acres ÷ = 40 houses.
10
4
4 acres = hectare.
2.47
4
Cost of buying = 1,200,000 x = £1,943,319.84
2.47
4
Cost of cleaning = 350,000 x = 566,801.62
2.47
Total cost = 1,943,319.84 + 566,801.62 = £2,510,121.46

Total cost per house = 2510121.46 ÷ 40 = £62,753.04

To the nearest pound = £62,753

Q17. a = 5, b = 2

EXPLANATION = To solve this, start by considering the possible

values of b. We know that b is positive, and b < 5, since 5∙7 = 35, which
is greater than 29.

If b = 1, then 7b = 7, so 3a + 7 = 29 meaning 3a = 22. This cannot have

an integer solution for a, as 22 is not a multiple of 3.

If b = 2, then 7b = 7∙2 = 14, so 3a + 14 = 29 meaning 3a = 15. This has

solution a = 5. So a possible pair of positive integers a, and b, such that
3a + 7b = 29 is a = 5, b = 2.

There are no other positive integer solutions for a and b to this equation,
since if b = 3, 3a = 8, and if b = 4, 3a = 1. Neither of these possibilities
has an integer solution for a.
 NUMERICAL ADVANCED (SECTION 2) 187

Q18. 946

EXPLANATION =
20
∑𝑏=10(6𝑏 − 4) = (6 ∑20 20 9 9
𝑟=1 𝑟 - ∑𝑟=1 4) - (6 ∑𝑟=1 𝑟 - ∑𝑟=1 4 )

Q19. 78

EXPLANATION =

Total cost of buying and cleaning =

• 1,100,000 + 350,000 = 1,450,000 for one hectare.

If total cost is £1,450,000 for one hectare, then the total cost is also
£1,450,000 for 2.47 acres (since 1 hectare = 2.47 acres). Total cost
for one acre =

• 1,450,000 ÷ 2.47 = £587,044.53

Number of farmland could be bought in acres =

• £587,044.53 ÷ £7,500 = 78.27

The number of whole hectares would be 78.

Q20. 45.64

EXPLANATION =

10 x 50+12 x 42 1004
10+12
= 22 = 45.636

To 2 d.p. = 45.64
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