Basic math skills are probably the most common component in pre-employment aptitude testing. Math skills are important in the recruitment world for two main reasons. The first is that many jobs require basic knowledge of math concepts and the ability to perform job-related tasks. The second reason is that math skills were found to be an indicator of logic, reasoning, and general aptitude, and prove to have benefits for employee productivity overall. So, regardless of your position, expect your aptitude test to include math questions.
Did you know?
Math Aptitude Tests help to assess your skills in the following areas: (1) arithmetic, (2) pre-algebra, (3) algebra, (4) word problems, and (5) number series. Passing grades vary, but usually require scores over 70%. Candidates who haven’t taken a math class in a while may find it beneficial to practice beforehand.
What Is Included in Math Aptitude Tests?
The most fundamental math skills that are assessed are basic understanding of mathematical computations and concepts such as basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), calculating percentages, and converting numbers into fraction and decimal forms. In addition, it is very common to assess basic algebra skills. These include the computation of an unknown variable based on the value of other variables, making equations, and simplifying mathematical terms. These skills may be assessed directly by asking the candidate to solve and evaluate mathematical expressions, by including the mathematical concepts in word problems, or by applying math while interpreting information, tables, and graphs.
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Which Types of Math Questions Are Included in the Assessments?
The following categories of questions are the most common among math hiring tests. Not every math aptitude test will include questions of each category but every assessment is likely to include a few of these:
Arithmetic
Arithmetic focuses on the basic study of numbers and their basic operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Pre-Algebra
This broad area of mathematics is the foundation for many more complex phases. The majority of questions in math aptitude tests fall into this category and include the following:
- Different types of numbers such as integers, fractions, and decimals
- Factorization of natural numbers and properties of operations such as associativity and distributivity
- Exponents/powers and radicals/roots
- Evaluation of expressions and the application of the standard order of operations, including the use of parentheses (PEMDAS)
- Basics of equations and the manipulation of equations
- Fundamentals of the Cartesian plane
Basic Algebra
Algebra is a huge field in mathematics; however, aptitude tests assess its basic structures, which can usually still be found in everyday applications of math. They include:
- Understanding, simplification, and evaluation of algebraic expressions
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Graphing lines and slopes
- Systems of linear equations
- Quadratics (basics), polynomials, and factorization of quadratics
Word Problems
This specific type of mathematical questions is a textual problem, which assesses the ability to apply abstract mathematical concepts to “real-world” situations. The situation can usually be translated into either an arithmetic or algebraic expression and the answer is found by applying the adequate solving techniques.
Number Series / Sequences
Numerical series problems are problems that require you to find the missing number in a sequence. The missing number is usually found by deciphering the logical pattern that governs the sequence. The pattern may be based on almost any of the abovementioned concepts. It may be an arithmetic sequence, a sequence based on exponents, or even based on an algebraic structure.
How to Pass Math Aptitude Tests?
The simple answer to this question is “know math.” Nonetheless, it is not that simple. Many people know basic math, and yet years have passed since the last time they dealt with mathematical expressions and needed to solve problems, especially in a timed testing context.
Therefore, the best advice is to refresh your knowledge with a focused course that includes short lessons about the specific knowledge required to pass the test, sample math aptitude test questions to familiarize yourself with the format, and practice tests to simulate the testing environment.
