Math aptitude tests are meant to gauge your knowledge of mathematics and not your ability to learn it. So, if you are applying for a job requiring a math level, you need to prepare for a math test.
If you want to refresh your math knowledge and know what to expect in the numerical reasoning test, this article provides a complete guide and tips on acing the math aptitude test.
Math proficiency has been shown to be a positive predictor of logic, reasoning, and general ability and to increase overall employee productivity. So, regardless of your employment, prepare for math questions on your aptitude test.
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Is it Challenging to Pass the Math Aptitude Test?
The difficulty of passing a math aptitude test can vary depending on the specific test and the individual’s level of mathematical ability.
Some people find math relatively straightforward and may not have much trouble passing a math aptitude test, while others may struggle with math and find the test challenging.
Math aptitude tests typically measure an individual’s ability to solve mathematical problems and understand mathematical concepts.
They may cover various topics, such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The test’s difficulty level will depend on the intended audience and the purpose of the test.
To pass a math aptitude test, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of the underlying mathematical concepts and to practice solving problems.
It can also be helpful to review sample test questions and familiarize oneself with the test format and instructions. Many people can pass a math aptitude test with sufficient preparation and practice.
How To Pass Math Aptitude Test
Even though math aptitude tests can be daunting, they use only six basic maths skills: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and ratios. However, you will need to analyze and interpret more advanced data and tackle questions with several steps as last as possible to stand a chance in the test.
Whether you’re already a maths pro, these tips will help increase your confidence and chances.
1. Find specific practice tests
Math aptitude tests vary by publisher and industry. As such, employers will set custom test questions based on the skills candidates need to succeed in that role. You must find specific practice test material rather than generic ones to pass the math aptitude test.
2. Focus on your weakest areas
While practicing for your math aptitude test, your focus should be on the areas of your weakness that need improvement, not your areas of strength.
Most people have at least one area they find more challenging than others, and the earlier you spot them, the better for you. The benefit of plenty of practice is that you learn to spot these weak points and can grow your skills accordingly.
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3. Find out who your test provider will be
As soon as you find out you’re going to sit a math aptitude test, ask for a sample of the questions. That’s because not all math tests are made equal.
Several different test providers produce math aptitude tests, mainly SHL, Kenexa, Saville, Cubiks, and Talent Q.
Knowing the test provider will narrow your study and give you a focus point. That will be a big advantage when it comes to the actual test.
4. Read the questions carefully
Don’t be in a hurry to answer questions on the math test day. Instead, focus on each question before looking at the data underneath it.
Doing this gives you a better understanding of the question and helps you know the relevant subsets and graphs to use.
Often there’s diverting information in the graphs and charts – unrelated to the answer. And it’s easy to be caught out by not reading the question correctly. This includes not recognizing the units, not seeing the applicability of a graph or table, and making assumptions about implied meaning.
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5. Do a sense check
Once you’ve read the question, the next thing to do is ponder on each graph and table to calculate the answer.
After understanding the graph, table, or data and figuring out the answer, go through the question again to be sure you answered the question correctly. This saves you the challenge of having to answer the right question wrongly.
6. Manage your time
You’re being measured on two things when you take math aptitude tests: how many questions you get right and how long you take to answer the questions. So if you find it difficult to answer a question, move on. An easier question is likely to follow as questions aren’t always in order of difficulty.
In addition to that, you’re likely to get the answer wrong if you spend more than expected on a particular question. To win on both sides, skip the tough questions and return to them after you are through with the simpler ones.
7. Take your calculator
If you’re sitting for the math aptitude test at an assessment center, you’ll probably have to use the calculator they give you. If it is an online test, you can go with yours.
Using calculators will make the task faster and save time for trickier questions.
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8. Practice, practice, practice
This is what separates successful candidates from unsuccessful ones. Getting to grips with the types of questions you’ll face, and the different layouts take time. Practicing increases your confidence, lowers stress levels, allows you to learn from your mistakes, and helps you answer each question faster.
9. If you get stuck, move on
As stated earlier, move on to other questions if you get stuck at any point. This gives you the time to ponder the previous questions while tackling others, hoping to return to them.
10. Get and use feedback
Asking the examiner or recruiter for feedback will help you learn from the experience if you don’t perform well on an aptitude test. Knowing where you erred will help you strengthen your areas of weakness for a greater chance the following time. It’s possible that you need to improve your time management skills or devote more effort to one place before reapplying.
Which Types of Math Questions Are Included in the Aptitude Test?
The following categories of questions are the most typical among math hiring tests. Not every math aptitude test will include questions of each category, but every assessment is likely to have a few of these:
1. Arithmetic
This math category focuses on studying numbers and their basic operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
2. Pre-Algebra
Pre-algebra is a broad area of mathematics that is the foundation for many more complex phases. Most questions in math aptitude tests fall into this category and include the following:
- Different types of numbers, such as integers, fractions, and decimals
- Factorization of natural numbers and properties of operations such as associativity and distributivity
- Exponents/powers and radicals/roots
- Evaluation of expressions and the application of the standard order of operations, including the use of parentheses (PEMDAS)
- Basics of equations and the manipulation of equations
- Fundamentals of the Cartesian plane
3. Basic Algebra
Basic algebra is the field of mathematics that is one step more abstract than arithmetic. Remember that arithmetic is the manipulation of numbers through basic math functions. This type of math usually focuses on the following:
- Understanding, simplification, and evaluation of algebraic expressions
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Graphing lines and slopes
- Systems of linear equations
- Quadratics (basics), polynomials, and factorization of quadratics
4. Word Problems
This type of mathematical question is a textual problem, which assesses the ability to apply abstract mathematical concepts to “real-world” problems. The situation can usually be translated into either arithmetic or algebraic expression, and the answer is found using adequate solving techniques.
5. Number of Series / Sequences
Numerical series problems are problems that require you to find the missing number in a given sequence. The missing number is usually found by interpreting the logical pattern that governs the sequence.
What Are The Benefits Of Math Aptitude Tests?
Math Aptitude Tests help employers decide whether you have the potential to suit the requirements of that particular job.
These assessments include questions centered on the specifics of a particular job function, like calculating profit margin or estimating material amounts. Tests of numerical thinking can also be used to assess how well a person performs under pressure.
With our tips on passing a math test, you can up your number game and ace your test by demonstrating proficiency in interpreting data and drawing accurate conclusions in less time.
FAQs On Math Aptitude Test
It would be best to have as much practice as possible to maintain constant memory with math because of how fast-paced mathematics is programmed.
Recruiters use them to get a clear idea about a candidate’s math capabilities and identify the appropriate candidate for the job profile.
If you must pass the math aptitude test, you must know math. To achieve this, you need to refresh your knowledge with a related numerical reasoning course that includes short lessons on specific knowledge required to pass the test, sample math aptitude test questions to orient yourself with the format, and practice tests to simulate the testing environment.
Numerical reasoning tests your skills in the following areas: (1) arithmetic, (2) pre-algebra, (3) algebra, (4) word problems, and (5) number series.
Conclusion
If you must pass the math aptitude test, you must know math. To achieve this, you need to refresh your knowledge with a related numerical reasoning course that includes short lessons on specific knowledge required to pass the test, sample math aptitude test questions to orient yourself with the format, and practice tests to simulate the testing environment.
References
- brightnetwork.co.uk – Top tips for passing a numerical reasoning test
- iprep.online -Math Aptitude Test – The Complete Prep Course
- practiceaptitudetests.com – Top 15 Tips To Pass Your Aptitude Test
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