Use of Calculator at Numeracy Tests
At many numerical reasoning tests you will be expected to use a calculator. For sure, most people can press buttons on a calculator however, to achieve high score in numerical reasoning test you need to operate your calculator effectively. Read some hints and tips as how to make most of your calculator at numeracy tests.
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Use Scientific Calculator
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Use scientific calculator - When taking or practicing for numerical reasoning tests such those involving interpretation of graphs, tables or charts involving ratios, percentages or proportions you may want to use scientific calculator.
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Know Your Calculator
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Know your calculator - Make sure that you are familiar with your calculator. Familiarity with your calculator will save you time. Practice with the one you intend to use during your official numerical reasoning tests. During the tests, you need to know how your calculator works; it is not time to find out about it! For example you may want to know how to:
- Add, subtract, multiply and divide
- Convert decimals into fractions and vice versa
- Work out percentages
- Store and recall data from memory
- Square root and raise to the power
- Set up your calculator into ‘Math’ and ‘Stats’ mode
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Do Not Use Calculator for Simple Arithmetic
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Do not use calculator for simple arithmetic - At numerical reasoning tests do not use your calculator for simple arithmetic which you can do more quickly in your head. |
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Make Use of Memory on Your Calculator
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Make use of memory on your calculator - Make use of memory keys. You may find it useful to know how to store the data in memory of your calculator, add other data to it, subtract or recall the data from memory for further use. Consider the graph and question 1 below. |
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Question 1
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In 1992 compared to 1991, both revenues and costs rose by 10% each. Approximately, what were the profits in 1991? |
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In the above example from which it can be calculated that costs in 1991 amounted to $36.36 million whereas revenues totalled to $59.09 million requires you to calculate what the profits were in 1991. It is very handy if you input into your calculator formula 40/1.1 and 65/1.1 and directly store these results in your memory banks instead of writing them down on scrap paper. Then take out the results from memory banks and subtract. Remember, you are likely to be much faster and save a number of valuable seconds if you make use of memory on your calculator. |
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