CBN Aptitude Test key terms

A way of expressing a number as a fraction of 100, so 25% means 25 out of every 100. Used to compare quantities and measure change.

A comparison of two or more quantities showing how many times one value contains another, written like 3:2. Ratios express relative size, not absolute amounts.

A statement that two ratios are equal, such as 2:4 = 1:2. Used to solve problems where quantities scale together at a constant rate.

The sum of a set of values divided by how many values there are. It gives a single central figure representing the whole group.

The middle value in an ordered list of numbers. If the list has an even count, it is the average of the two middle values.

The value that appears most often in a data set. A set may have one mode, several modes, or none at all.

The difference between an old and new value expressed as a percentage of the original value. Used to describe growth, inflation, or decline.

Interest calculated only on the original principal amount for each period, never on interest already earned. Formula: principal × rate × time.

Interest calculated on both the original principal and on interest added in earlier periods, so the balance grows faster over time than with simple interest.

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

The gain or shortfall when an item is sold for more or less than its cost price. Profit equals selling price minus cost price; loss is the reverse.

The amount a seller pays to acquire or produce a good. Selling price is compared against it to determine profit or loss.

The amount for which a good or service is actually sold to a buyer. It may include a markup over cost price or reflect a discount.

A relationship where one quantity increases as another increases at the same rate, so their ratio stays constant. Doubling one doubles the other.

A relationship where one quantity rises as another falls, so their product stays constant. Doubling one halves the other.

An average where some values count more than others according to assigned weights. It reflects the relative importance of each item in the group.

A word that has the same or a very similar meaning to another word, such as 'begin' and 'commence'. Tested to measure vocabulary breadth.

A word with the opposite meaning to another word, such as 'expand' and 'contract'. Questions ask you to pick the word most opposite in meaning.

A comparison showing a relationship between two pairs of words, such as 'pen is to write as knife is to cut'. The task is to identify the same relationship.

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage even though it is not stated directly. It must be logically supported by the text, not guessed.

The central point a passage is built around, summarising what the author most wants to convey. Other sentences support or explain it.

The attitude an author expresses through word choice, such as critical, humorous, or neutral. It shapes how the reader should interpret the passage.

The feelings or associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning, such as 'cheap' versus 'affordable'. It affects the emotional colour of a sentence.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, separate from any emotional associations it may carry. It is the neutral core sense of the term.

An unstated belief the author takes for granted while making an argument. If the assumption fails, the argument's conclusion is weakened.

A stated reason or piece of evidence offered in support of a conclusion in an argument. Conclusions rest on one or more premises.

The claim an argument tries to establish, supported by its premises. It is what the author wants the reader to accept as true.

A form of logical reasoning with two premises leading to a conclusion, such as 'all A are B; all B are C; so all A are C'.

Reasoning from general rules to a specific conclusion that must follow if the rules are true. The conclusion is certain, not merely probable.

Reasoning from specific observations to a general rule or pattern. The conclusion is probable rather than guaranteed, since unseen cases may differ.

The ability to spot a rule, sequence, or repetition in data, shapes, or numbers and use it to predict what comes next.

An ordered list of numbers, letters, or symbols that follows a rule. The task is usually to identify the rule and supply the missing term.

A question type where a partly given sequence must be continued by finding the underlying rule governing how each term changes.

The ability to mentally picture and manipulate shapes, rotations, and positions. Tested with figures that must be rotated, folded, or mirrored.

A word such as 'and', 'or', 'if...then', or 'not' that joins statements and determines the truth conditions of the combined statement.

A sustained rise in the general level of prices, which reduces the purchasing power of money over time. Usually measured by a consumer price index.

The total market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period. It is the standard measure of economic size.

The percentage charged for borrowing money or earned for saving it, usually expressed per year. It influences spending, saving, and investment decisions.

Government decisions about taxation and public spending to influence the economy. It is used to stimulate growth or cool down demand.

Actions by a central bank to control money supply and interest rates, aiming to manage inflation and support economic stability.