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Numerical reasoning tests: speed with accuracy
How to read the tables, avoid the classic traps (units, percentage points, currency direction) and use the answer options to save time.
Les guides sont en anglais, la langue des entretiens.
The method
- 1
Read the question first
Then find only the numbers it needs. Tables often contain distractors.
- 2
Check units and scale
Thousands or millions? Percent or percentage points? Per year or per quarter?
- 3
Write the calculation
One line on paper, before you touch the calculator.
- 4
Estimate, then look at the options
If the options are far apart, a rough estimate is enough to pick one.
- 5
Keep moving
About 75 seconds a question in a 12-in-15-minutes test. Flag and come back.
The calculations that come up again and again
Percentage change = (new − old) ÷ old
Share = part ÷ total
Exemple corrigé · Growth and share
Vérifié par codeRevenue rose from $240m to $276m. The whole market was $1,840m. What was the growth rate, and the company's market share?
Voir la résolution
- 1.Growth = (276 − 240) ÷ 240 = 36 ÷ 240 = 15%.
- 2.Share = 276 ÷ 1,840 = 15%.
Réponse15% growth and a 15% share.
Exemple corrigé · Percent versus percentage points
Vérifié par codeA margin goes from 12% to 15%. By how much did it rise?
Voir la résolution
- 1.In percentage points: 15 − 12 = 3 points.
- 2.In percent: 3 ÷ 12 = 25%.
Réponse3 percentage points, which is a 25% increase.
Exemple corrigé · Currency direction
Vérifié par code€50m is converted at 1.08 US dollars per euro. How many dollars?
Voir la résolution
- 1.Dollars per euro × euros = dollars: 1.08 × 50 = 54.
Réponse$54m.
Common mistakes
Erreurs fréquentes
- Dividing by the new value instead of the old one for a percentage change.
- Mixing percent and percentage points.
- Converting currency the wrong way round. Check whether the rate is "dollars per euro" or "euros per dollar".
- Reading the wrong year's column.
S’entraîner
Appliquez la méthode à de nouvelles questions, corrigées instantanément.
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