Preparing for Math and Quantitative Reasoning Questions
Your high school teacher was right - you do need math in the real world. Not necessarily because you'll be doing derivatives or plotting the slope of a line while on the clock, but because mathematics are a great way to evaluate critical thinking and problem solving skills. The ability to identify, work out and determine the correct course of action is a valuable skill in any role, which is why aptitude tests like the CCAT evaluate your mental math abilities.
Question Type Breakdown
Let’s take a look some example CCAT math questions, and see which JobFlare games can help you prepare for them.
Algebra and Word Problems
Aptitude tests will often use word problems to evaluate your math skills. Why? Because the way most people encounter problems is through real-life scenarios where they have to determine what information matters and how to use it to find a solution.
Let’s look at an example question.
Show Solution
The correct answer is D.
To answer the question, you need to do some quick algebra. You are not allowed to use a calculator on aptitude tests like the CCAT. But you are allowed to use scrap paper when taking the CCAT, so make sure you have paper and pencil ready!
100% of lemons picked – 20% of lemons discarded = 80% of lemons meet the quality standards
Since we know that only 80% of the picked lemons can meet standards, we know that 400 must be 80% of the total number.
Imagine the answers as the denominator of the fraction, then reduce and see which one converts to 80%. This can also be represented as 8/10, which reduces to 4/5.
400/500 also reduces to 4/5, and now you have your answer: 500.
This is choice D.
Weigh Station will help you get your mental math skills in tip-top shape before the CCAT. You’re tasked with determining which truck is carrying the larger load – determined by solving the mathematic equation on the trailer of the truck.
You’ll get practice with comparing fractions, converting percentages, and doing quick addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems. All great practice to help you with algebra and arithmetic questions on an aptitude test!
Quantitative Reasoning
Because having enough time to answer questions is a concern on the CCAT, some questions are best answered via approximation if you don’t have time to write it out. Instead, you’ll have to make rough estimations and use logic and mathematic reasoning to arrive at your answer quickly and accurately.
Show Solution
The correct answer is E.
To answer this question fully, you’ll need to know that how to find percent increase, which involves a series of equations:
increase = new amount – original amount
% increase = (Increase ÷ Original Amount) × 100
Increase = 1.75 – .90
Increase = .85
% Increase = (.85 ÷ .90) × 100
% Increase = 95%
So you can arrive at the answer doing long hand math – or you can simply look at the graph, see that 1.75 is nearly double .90, which is a 100% increase. Since 95% is the closest to your approximation, you can select it and move on!
Infruition, a game designed to measure your approximate number sense helps train your sense of mathematical estimation.
What is the approximate number what? Approximate number sense, or ANS, is essentially your ability to estimate without actually counting. It’s been theorized that there’s a direct link between a person’s ANS abilities and their higher-level math skills. But it’s also a great thing to tone up prior to an aptitude test.
Getting ready for an aptitude test?
Check out our other subject-specific test prep guides, as well as our general aptitude test prep guide to help you get ready for your test:
Preparing for Mental Fitness Questions >>
