Reasoning and Problem Solving
Reasoning and Problem Solving tests how you spot patterns, follow logical rules, and draw only the conclusions the evidence supports. Items include number and letter series, analogies, coding, syllogisms, ordering puzzles, and data interpretation. The exam is less about advanced maths than about disciplined thinking.
Core rules
- For series, test one operation at a time: add/subtract, multiply/divide, then alternating or two-step patterns.
- For analogies, state the relationship in a sentence ('A is a tool used by B') before choosing.
- For syllogisms, accept the premises as true even if they seem odd; do not import real-world knowledge.
- For ordering puzzles, draw a line or table and place fixed items first.
- For coding, compare the code to the plain word letter by letter; note shifts and reversals.
- For data interpretation, read the title, units, and legend before the numbers.
Worked example
Series: 3, 7, 15, 31, ? Reasoning: differences are 4, 8, 16, doubling. The next difference is 32, so 31 + 32 = 63. Alternatively, each term is double the previous term plus 1: 3x2+1=7; 7x2+1=15; 15x2+1=31; 31x2+1=63. Answer: 63.
Traps
- Assuming the first pattern you see is the only one; check it against every term.
- Rejecting a valid conclusion because it is not the most obvious real-world outcome.
- Confusing 'some' with 'all' in syllogisms.
- Missing a negative in a coding or direction question.
- Using data from the wrong year or column.