Translate the question before calculating
Identify the requested unit, period and comparison before touching the calculator. Many errors come from using the correct figures in the wrong relationship.
- Percentage change: difference divided by the starting value.
- Share of total: part divided by total.
- Rate: keep numerator, denominator and units consistent.
Estimate before choosing
A rough estimate catches misplaced decimals and reversed ratios. Use exact arithmetic only to distinguish plausible options. Read chart axes, footnotes and units because thousands, millions and percentage points are not interchangeable.
- Write one compact calculation.
- Round only when options are far apart.
- Recalculate from source data if the result is implausible.
Protect the joint threshold
Numerical and abstract scores are combined for the pass mark. Train both rather than relying on one domain to compensate. Numerical has twice the test time of abstract, so practise controlled calculation without overinvesting in a single item.
- Discovery Access includes 28 numerical questions.
- Use topic sets for technique, then mixed reasoning sets.
- Premium mock cycles reproduce broader timed transitions.