Assessing your numerical reasoning skills

Employers test your numerical reasoning skills to determine your knowledge and its application in the resolution of mathematical problems. Many of the questions are based on calculating ability and the mathematics is often quite simplistic. Many of the questions involved are looking to see how you identify patterns, they will give you a series of numbers and you will need to identify the sequence or relationship between the numbers. A very simple example is as follows: 3 6 9 13

Obviously 13 is the odd number because it is not a multiple of three and the others are sequential. Look for patterns and combinations, in general these types of questions are asked at the beginning of the test. It is an effective way to measure how you view things and if you are tuned into the overall picture. There will be a series of multiplication and division questions that may involve more complex numbers or equations. This is an attempt to see how you apply lateral thinking. Revert back to your basic mathematical principles and apply them as you answer all these numerical problems.