We all have solved numerical problems some time throughout our life, from classrooms to offices. Let’s refresh a core memory from our school days.
Try to solve this:
Amy is three times as old as Ben, and the sum of their ages is 32. How old is each person?
You are correct if you guessed Ben is 8 years old, and Amy is 24 years old!
Numerical reasoning allows you to understand, analyze, and interpret numerical data. It includes many abilities like doing math operations, interpreting data, and solving problems. People with strong numerical reasoning skills can work with numbers, identify patterns, and make logical conclusions from quantitative data. This skill proves useful in academics, professions, and everyday decisions involving numbers.
How Is Numerical Reasoning Developed?
Mathematical reasoning is the process of thinking used to make claims and reach conclusions. It is one of the first skills that students should learn in mathematics classes, and it helps to build and develop mathematical foundations. Mathematical reasoning is an important catalyst for mathematical thinking, which is the use of mathematical procedures to solve problems, either explicitly or implicitly.
According to Yeşildere, mathematical thinking occurs when the solution to a problem necessitates higher-order thinking skills such as specialization, generalization, estimation, hypothesis development, and hypothesis testing.
Mathematical reasoning development in children and adults is a complex process involving a variety of cognitive and social factors. Working memory, attention, executive function, and motivation have all been shown to influence mathematical reasoning skills in studies.
Children’s mathematical reasoning skills develop gradually over time and are influenced by their mathematical experiences, cognitive abilities, and social environment. Adults’ mathematical reasoning abilities can be enhanced through training and practice. They are often influenced by factors such as education, culture, and motivation.
Fields That Demand Exceptional Numerical Reasoning Abilities
Let’s dive into the fields where numerical reasoning takes centre stage. From the fast-paced corridors of finance to the tech-driven landscapes, we’ll look at various fields where numbers are an absolute necessity.
The Risk of Skipping Numerical Assessments
Consider the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill as a cautionary tale, where the consequences of poor numerical reasoning skills had profound real-world impacts. Picture a group of engineers as navigators on a perilous journey. In designing the well, they faced the challenge of calculating the pressure of the oil and gas beneath the ocean’s surface.
Their numerical calculations hit a reef of miscalculations. In other words, it was like misreading the maps at sea. As a result, a catastrophic explosion occurred, triggering an unprecedented oil spill. This incident serves as a stark reminder that precision in numerical reasoning is crucial. Just like any complex voyage, accurate calculations are the compass steering us away from dangerous waters. The Deepwater Horizon incident underscores the importance of meticulous calculations. Consequently, it urges us to prioritize accuracy to safeguard against environmental disasters.
The 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse also serves as a vivid illustration of flawed numerical reasoning. Despite being engineered to endure winds up to 120 miles per hour, the bridge disastrously fell on November 7, 1940, in winds as moderate as 42 miles per hour. The oversight stemmed from neglecting the “aeroelastic flutter” phenomenon, where wind-induced vibrations align with an object’s natural frequency—a crucial miscalculation that directly contributed to the bridge’s collapse.
These tragedies are a daily reminder of the essential role that numerical reasoning plays. Hence, numerical reasoning is crucial because it enables individuals to make sense of quantitative information, analyze data, and draw informed conclusions. Proficiency in numerical reasoning is essential in various aspects of life, including professional settings and everyday decision-making. It empowers individuals to solve problems, make accurate predictions, and navigate complex scenarios where numerical data is involved.
PrespectAI’s Assessment for Numerical Reasoning
PerspectAI‘s numerical reasoning assessment, Numero, is an innovative evaluation tool that brings a refreshing twist to the conventional math quiz. It is specifically designed to measure candidates’ numerical processing abilities, covering both fundamental operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) and advanced skills like percentages and fractions.
Numero presents a series of questions that engage candidates in selecting the missing number in an equation or solving it outright. This isn’t your typical assessment; it’s an opportunity to gauge numerical proficiency in a more interactive and engaging manner.
Numero is a neutral and efficient way to evaluate numerical reasoning skills that align with the demands of today’s dynamic workforce and industries that require good numerical reasoning abilities.
To the Job Seekers: How Can You Pass These Tests?
Numerical reasoning assessments are intended to assess candidates’ math skills and typically focus on a few specific areas. These tests are typically given to candidates for sales, professional, and managerial positions, as well as roles that require employees to make decisions and inferences based on numerical data.
Here are some tips which can help you perform well in numerical Reasoning Tests!
- Focus on the basics. Basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication are frequently used in numerical reasoning tests. Further tools such as percentages, ratios, cost analysis, and so on are applied to these.
- Practice like you’re attempting the real test. Gary Player once said “The more I practice, the luckier I get.” You can download exam-specific numerical test past questions and answers for jobs or scholarship exams.
- Practice inferring visual information. Numerical tests often use different kinds of graphs and charts to show information. Getting comfortable with reading and understanding data from these visuals is crucial.
- Keep track of time. Before starting your numerical reasoning test note the number of questions and quickly calculate how long you have for the entire assessment. If you aim to answer all questions, figure out how many you need to tackle per minute. Questions may vary in difficulty, so you can flag tougher ones to revisit later if time or software allows.
- Lastly, Stay Calm and Focused. Practice deep breathing exercises. Take slow, deep breaths to help calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety before the test.
In today’s data-driven world, strong numerical reasoning skills are essential for success across many fields. Numero provides a unique way to accurately assess these vital abilities. Give your candidates the opportunity to showcase their numerical prowess and gain valuable insights into each applicant’s numerical aptitude, empowering you to make well-informed hiring decisions.
