Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning
The Lower Level Quantitative Reasoning section contains 38 questions in 35 minutes. It mixes quantitative comparisons with word problems and emphasizes estimation, number sense, and translation from words to math.
Quantitative Comparisons
Each item gives Quantity A and Quantity B with four fixed choices: A if Quantity A is greater, B if Quantity B is greater, C if they are equal, D if the relationship cannot be determined. You do not need exact values. Simplify both quantities, compare using benchmarks, or test values. If a variable appears, test 0, 1, a fraction between 0 and 1, and a negative; if the comparison changes, choose D.
Word Problems
Identify the question before computing. Translate phrases: of means multiply, per means divide, more than means add. Estimate to eliminate unreasonable choices; keep units consistent.
Worked example
A shirt costs $18 after a $6 discount. Quantity A: the original price. Quantity B: $24. Let the original price be x. Then x minus 6 equals 18, so x equals 24. Quantity A is $24 and Quantity B is $24, so the answer is C, equal. Working backward from the sale price is faster than guessing.
Traps
- Forgetting that D is legitimate; if a variable can change the result, the answer is not C.
- Assuming a diagram is to scale or that a drawn angle is a right angle.
- Comparing before simplifying, especially with fractions or percents.
- Answering the number you calculated instead of the quantity requested.
Key points
- 38 questions in 35 minutes; comparisons and word problems.
- Comparison choices are fixed: A, B, C, or D.
- Test zero, fractions, and negatives when variables appear.
- Simplify before comparing quantities.
- D means the relationship cannot be determined.