KRA CBT Aptitude Test key terms

The difference between a new value and an original value, expressed as a proportion of the original value and multiplied by 100. Used to compare growth or decline across unequal starting amounts.

A comparison of two or more quantities showing how many times one contains another. Often written with a colon and simplified by dividing all parts by a common factor.

A statement that two ratios are equal, allowing an unknown quantity to be found by cross-multiplication. Underpins scaling, mixture, and map problems.

A technique that first finds the value of a single unit, then multiplies to obtain the value of the required number of units. Common in work-rate and cost problems.

The sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. Sensitive to extreme values, so it may differ sharply from the median in skewed data.

A mean in which each value is multiplied by a weight reflecting its importance or frequency, then divided by the total of the weights. Used for combined group results.

Interest calculated only on the original principal for each period, without compounding. The total grows in a straight line over time.

Interest calculated on the principal plus previously accumulated interest, so the balance grows geometrically. Small differences in rate or time produce large differences over long periods.

The original sum of money borrowed or invested, before any interest is added. Interest calculations are always anchored to this starting amount.

The gain or shortfall when a selling price is compared with a cost price. Profit percentage is normally expressed relative to cost price unless stated otherwise.

The relationship in which distance equals speed multiplied by time. Rearranging it lets you solve for any one quantity when the other two are known.

The portion of a task completed per unit of time by one or more workers. Combined rates are added, and total time is the reciprocal of the summed rate.

Counting methods for arrangements where order matters (permutations) versus selections where order does not (combinations). Both use factorials and are common in probability questions.

The likelihood of an event, calculated as favourable outcomes divided by all equally likely outcomes. Values range from zero to one and can be combined for independent events.

The central point an author develops across an entire passage, broader than any single supporting detail. Correct answers to main-idea questions cover the whole text, not one paragraph.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in the passage but not stated outright. A valid inference must be logically forced by the text, not merely plausible in real life.

An unstated premise the author relies on for the argument to hold. Identifying it often exposes weaknesses or explains why a conclusion follows.

The claim an argument is trying to establish, supported by the other statements. Distinguishing it from premises is the first step in evaluating reasoning.

A stated reason or piece of evidence offered in support of a conclusion. Premises are what the argument asserts as true, whether or not they actually are.

The author's attitude towards the subject, conveyed through word choice and emphasis. Options such as critical, neutral, or enthusiastic must match the whole passage.

A word opposite in meaning (antonym) or close in meaning (synonym) to a given word. Context determines which near-synonym is precise enough to be correct.

Information in surrounding sentences that reveals the meaning of an unfamiliar word. Contrast words, examples, and definitions nearby are the most reliable signals.

A deductive argument with two premises and a conclusion, often using all, some, or none. Validity depends on form alone, not on whether the statements are factually true.

An argument is valid when the conclusion must follow from the premises; it is sound when it is valid and the premises are actually true. Validity concerns structure only.

Using overlapping circles to represent sets and their relationships, making it easy to test whether a conclusion about inclusion or exclusion must hold.

A collection of distinct items treated as a whole. Questions often ask about union, intersection, or elements belonging to one set but not another.

An ordered list of numbers (sequence) or its sum (series). Patterns may involve constant differences, ratios, alternating operations, or squares and primes.

A relationship between two numbers or pairs that must be applied consistently to a new pair. The rule may involve arithmetic operations, digit manipulation, or position.

Identifying the item that does not share the defining property of the rest. The correct answer is the one whose exclusion rule is cleanest, not merely unusual.

Applying a consistent letter or number substitution rule to transform a word and then reversing it. Confirm the rule on every letter before selecting an answer.

Tracking position and facing after a series of turns or movements. Sketching the path usually prevents sign and left-right errors.

Placing people around a line or circle using relative clues such as left of, opposite, or adjacent. Start with fixed clues and branch only when necessary.

The ability to copy strings of letters, numbers, or symbols exactly, including case and spacing. Errors cluster around visually similar characters and repeated digits.

Rapidly searching a display for a target string or symbol while ignoring distractors. Speed matters, but missed targets cost more than slow but accurate checking.

Pairs of characters that look alike, such as O and 0, l and 1, or b and d. These are the most frequent source of errors in comparison tasks.

A grid of values arranged by row and column headings. Reading the correct cell requires matching both headings, not just scanning for a familiar number.

Extracting values and trends from bar, line, or pie charts, including reading axes, scales, and legends correctly. Check whether labels refer to totals or components.

Checking that all figures in a calculation use the same units before combining them. Mixing thousands with units, or months with years, is a common trap.

The reference figure against which a change is measured. Percentage questions become ambiguous unless you identify whether the base is the original, the new, or a subgroup.

The middle value of an ordered data set, or the average of the two middle values when the count is even. Less affected by outliers than the mean.

Referring an issue to a more senior person or team when it exceeds your authority or when standard resolution has failed. Timing and documentation matter as much as the referral itself.

The formal line of authority through which instructions and reports pass. Going around it can be justified in emergencies but should be disclosed afterwards.

The duty to protect sensitive information from unauthorised disclosure. It persists after employment ends and applies even to informal conversations.

A situation where personal interests could improperly influence professional judgement. The standard response is to disclose it and withdraw from the affected decision.

Reporting serious wrongdoing through proper channels, often outside the normal line of management. Genuine concerns should be raised even when doing so is uncomfortable.

Deciding the order in which tasks should be handled, weighing urgency, impact, and dependencies. In judgement questions, safety and legal deadlines usually outrank convenience.