Bocconi Specialized Masters Test key terms

A comparison of two quantities showing how many times one contains the other, often written as a fraction or with a colon. Ratios allow scaling and are central to proportion problems.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. Solving proportions by cross-multiplication lets you find an unknown value when three of four related quantities are known.

The difference between a new and an original value, divided by the original value and multiplied by 100. Distinguishing the base from the changed value prevents common error.

Repeated application of a percentage increase or decrease, where each step applies to the updated amount. Modelled by multiplying by a factor raised to the number of periods.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. Knowing the mean and count lets you recover the total, which is often the key step in problems.

A mean in which each value contributes in proportion to an assigned weight rather than equally. Used for combined groups, grades, and mixture problems.

The middle value of a data set ordered from smallest to largest, or the mean of the two middle values when the count is even. It resists distortion by extreme values.

A problem combining two quantities with different concentrations or prices to find the resulting concentration. Solved by tracking total amount of each component before and after mixing.

A relationship in which one quantity is a constant multiple of another, so doubling one doubles the other. Its graph is a straight line through the origin.

A relationship in which one quantity increases as the other decreases so that their product stays constant. Typical in work-rate and speed problems with a fixed total.

A problem about how long tasks take when workers or machines operate at given rates. Rates add when working together, so add fractions of the job completed per unit time.

An equation in which each variable appears to the first power only, so its graph is a straight line. Solving usually means isolating the unknown through inverse operations.

Two or more equations that must hold simultaneously. Solved by substitution or elimination; the number of solutions depends on whether the equations are independent or dependent.

An equation containing a squared variable term. Solutions can be found by factoring, completing the square, or the quadratic formula, giving up to two real roots.

The expression under the square root in the quadratic formula. Its sign tells whether a quadratic has two, one, or no real solutions, so it answers existence questions quickly.

A statement comparing expressions with less-than, greater-than, or related symbols. Multiplying or dividing by a negative number reverses the direction of the comparison.

The distance of a number from zero, always non-negative. Equations and inequalities involving it typically split into two cases, one for each sign.

A number showing how many times a base is multiplied by itself. Rules for multiplying, dividing, and raising powers to powers are frequently tested in algebra items.

The exponent to which a base must be raised to produce a given number. Useful for solving equations where the unknown appears in an exponent.

The steepness of a line, computed as vertical change divided by horizontal change between two points. In word problems it often represents a constant rate.

The point where a graph crosses an axis. The vertical intercept frequently represents a starting value or fixed cost in applied problems.

A number between zero and one expressing how likely an event is, computed as favourable outcomes divided by total equally likely outcomes. Combined events use addition or multiplication rules.

Events whose outcomes do not affect each other's likelihood. For such events the probability of both occurring equals the product of their individual probabilities.

The event that a given event does not happen. Its probability equals one minus the probability of the original event, often simplifying 'at least one' problems.

An arrangement of items in which order matters. The count for arranging all n distinct items is n factorial, and partial arrangements use falling products.

A selection of items in which order does not matter. Counted with the binomial coefficient, it appears in grouping, committee, and handshake problems.

The product of all positive integers up to a given number, written with an exclamation mark, with zero factorial defined as one. It underlies counting arrangements.

A straight line on which numbers are placed in order by distance from zero. Useful for reasoning about signs, distances, and intervals in inequality problems.

A statement offered as support for a conclusion in an argument. Identifying premises and the conclusion is the first step in evaluating reasoning.

The claim an argument tries to establish on the basis of its premises. It is what the author wants you to accept, not merely a final sentence.

An unstated belief the argument requires for its conclusion to follow. Spotting the necessary assumption is central to strengthen, weaken, and flaw questions.

A conclusion drawn from given information rather than stated outright. A valid inference must be supported by the evidence and must not go beyond it.

A question type asking which option makes the argument more likely to be valid. The correct answer supplies support or removes an alternative explanation.

A question type asking which option undermines the reasoning. Effective answers attack a hidden assumption or offer a competing cause for the stated evidence.

The distinction between two things occurring together and one actually producing the other. Confusing them is a frequent flaw, since a third factor may explain both.

A circumstance whose presence guarantees the outcome. In conditional statements it appears as the 'if' part, and confusing it with a necessary condition is a classic error.

A circumstance without which the outcome cannot occur, though it may not be enough on its own. It appears as the 'only if' part of a conditional statement.

The logically equivalent form of a conditional statement obtained by reversing and negating both parts. Unlike the converse, it always has the same truth value as the original.

The central point a passage is written to convey, broader than any single detail. Correct answers capture the whole text rather than one supporting example.

The author's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and emphasis. Recognising it helps reject answer choices that are too extreme or too neutral.

The boundaries of what a passage actually discusses. Answer choices that extend beyond the text's scope, or narrow it, are usually wrong.

The quality of a text whose sentences and paragraphs connect logically and progress smoothly. Linking words and consistent reference to the topic create it.

The way sentences are tied together through pronouns, repetition, and transition words so the text reads as one unit. It concerns surface links rather than overall logic.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'therefore', or 'although' that signals the logical relation between ideas. Choosing the right one depends on whether ideas contrast, cause, or add.