JEMAT key terms

A ratio expressed as a fraction of 100, used to compare quantities of different sizes. Converting between fractions, decimals and percentages is a routine calculation in data interpretation and profit-and-loss problems.

A ratio compares two quantities of the same kind by division; a proportion states that two ratios are equal. These ideas underpin mixture, partnership and scale problems.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. Weighted averages, where groups differ in size, appear frequently in data-based questions.

Interest calculated only on the original principal for the whole period, using the formula principal times rate times time divided by 100. It never compounds.

Interest computed on principal plus previously earned interest, so the amount grows geometrically. Questions often ask for the difference between compound and simple interest over two years.

The relationship that distance equals speed multiplied by time. Variations cover relative speed, trains crossing poles or platforms, and boats moving with or against a current.

Permutations count ordered arrangements, while combinations count selections where order does not matter. Distinguishing the two is the key skill in counting problems.

The likelihood of an event, computed as favourable outcomes divided by total equally likely outcomes. Questions often combine it with dice, cards or selection problems.

Reading values from tables, bar charts, pie charts or line graphs and then computing percentages, averages, ratios or growth rates from them. Speed and careful unit checking matter most.

A form of reasoning with two premises leading to a conclusion, tested using statements such as all, some and none. Candidates decide which conclusions follow necessarily from the given statements.

Overlapping circles used to represent sets and their relationships visually. Drawing one quickly resolves many syllogism and grouping puzzles.

Drawing a conclusion that must be true if the premises are true, moving from general rules to specific cases. It is contrasted with inductive reasoning, which generalises from examples.

A question pairing two items whose relationship must be identified and then applied to a second pair. The relationship may be functional, numerical, positional or categorical.

A set of items in which all but one share a common property; the candidate identifies the exception. The shared rule may involve letters, numbers, shapes or meanings.

Finding the rule governing a sequence of numbers, letters or figures and supplying the missing or next term. Differences, ratios, squares and alternating patterns are common rules.

A word or sentence is transformed by a consistent rule, and the candidate must apply or reverse that rule. Letter shifts, reversals and substitution ciphers are typical.

Puzzles describing family links in words or symbols, requiring the candidate to work out how two people are related. Drawing a family tree prevents errors.

Problems tracking a person's movement through turns and distances to find final position or facing direction. Sketching each step is the reliable method.

Placing people around a circle or in a row using clues about who sits beside, opposite or to the left of whom. Circular arrangements require care with clockwise and anticlockwise positions.

A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another in a given context. Correct choice depends on tone and register, not just dictionary overlap.

A word opposite in meaning to another. Examiners often use words with more than one sense, so the intended meaning must be inferred from the sentence.

A fixed expression whose meaning cannot be worked out from its individual words, such as a phrase describing an easy task. Questions test recognition and correct use in context.

A verb combined with a preposition or adverb that together carry a new meaning, as in give up or put off. The same verb with a different particle means something else.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person. Intervening phrases, collective nouns and indefinite pronouns are the usual traps.

Keeping items in a list or comparison in the same grammatical form, such as all infinitives or all nouns. Breaking it creates faulty parallelism, a common error in tests.

A sentence is divided into parts and the candidate identifies the part containing a grammatical error, or concludes that none exists. Typical errors involve tense, agreement and prepositions.

Answering questions about a passage by locating stated facts and inferring unstated meaning. Skimming for structure before reading questions saves time.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage without being stated outright. Valid inferences must be supported by the text, not by outside knowledge.

Choosing the word or phrase that fits a sentence's meaning and grammar. It tests collocation and tone rather than isolated vocabulary knowledge.

A sustained rise in the general price level, reducing the purchasing power of money. Central banks often respond by raising policy interest rates.

The total market value of final goods and services produced within a country's borders in a period. Real GDP adjusts for price changes; nominal GDP does not.

Actions by a central bank to manage money supply and interest rates, aiming at price stability and growth. Tools include the repo rate, reserve ratios and open market operations.

Government decisions on taxation and public spending to influence the economy. Expansionary policy raises spending or cuts taxes; contractionary policy does the reverse.

The difference between a country's exports and imports of goods over a period. A surplus means exports exceed imports; a deficit means the opposite.

The price of one currency expressed in another. It responds to trade flows, interest rate differentials and market sentiment, and affects import costs and export competitiveness.

The set of controllable elements a firm combines to reach its market, commonly summarised as product, price, place and promotion. Services add people, process and physical evidence.

A planning tool that lists a venture's internal strengths and weaknesses alongside external opportunities and threats. It informs strategy but does not by itself prioritise actions.

The extra value a product gains from carrying a recognised brand name, reflected in customer loyalty and willingness to pay more. It is built through consistent positioning and quality.

The sales volume at which total revenue equals total cost, so profit is zero. It equals fixed costs divided by contribution per unit.

Selling price per unit minus variable cost per unit, showing how much each sale adds toward covering fixed costs. It drives break-even and pricing decisions.