Numerical Reasoning: Patterns, Sequences and Quantitative Comparison
What this domain tests
Numerical Reasoning measures how well you spot relationships between numbers rather than how fast you can calculate. Expect number sequences, letter-number codes, ratio and proportion puzzles, tables of data, and "which value is larger" comparisons. The core skills are pattern recognition, proportional thinking, and disciplined estimation.
Concepts to master
- Sequence families: arithmetic (+d), geometric (×r), alternating two-strand sequences, square/cube-based, and difference-of-difference patterns where the gaps themselves grow steadily.
- Ratio and scaling: unitary method, direct vs inverse proportion, and sharing amounts in a given ratio.
- Percentages and averages: percentage change, reverse percentages, weighted means.
- Data tables: reading units, totals and subtotals, and computing rates (per hour, per item).
Traps that appear
- Two-strand sequences disguised as one - check odd and even positions separately before assuming a single rule.
- Percentage change measured from the wrong base (a 20% rise then 20% fall does not return to the start).
- Unit mismatches in tables (minutes vs hours, cents vs dollars).
- Comparisons where the two quantities look different but are algebraically equal.
Worked example
Sequence: 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, ? Differences: 3, 5, 7, 9 - an arithmetic pattern rising by 2. The next difference is 11, so the answer is 27 + 11 = 38. Rule of thumb: when a sequence resists a simple rule, write the differences underneath and inspect those first.