Numeracy Tests For Dummies

The quick, easy way to master maths and conquer any numeracy test with ease

Just when you thought you′d put maths behind you once and for all, along comes a numeracy test to challenge your wits and your patience. Never fear, Numeracy Tests For Dummies is here! Whether you′re in the running for a great new job, applying to university, or planning to sign up for the military, this book gives you the expert guidance and the practise you need to ace the test.

Know thy enemy learn about the various types of numeracy tests and what′s in them, as well as how to prepare yourself to face one

Divide and conquer reacquaint yourself with the basics and discover quick–calculation techniques

Take their measure recognise the correct answers more quickly

Give them no quarter set yourself up for success with simple explanations and real–world examples

Put the odds in your favour get to grips with easy techniques for working out different types of problems in a jiffy

Practise, practise, practise a range of practice tests help you to get comfortable with taking numeracy tests

Open the book and find:

An overview of common numeracy tests

A guide to figuring out what you know already and what you need to work on

Tricks for handling basicmaths problems

The best ways to conquer fractions, decimals and percentages

A review of weights, measures, rates and metric conversions

Tips on reading charts, tables and graphs at a glance

Go to Dummies.com for videos, step–by–step examples, how–to articles or to shop!

Learn to:

Identify your strengths and weaknesses

Review essential maths concepts

Test your skills with practice problems

Introduction 1

Part I: Preparing for Your Numeracy Test 7

Chapter 1: Getting Started 9

Chapter 2: Putting a Practice Plan Together 25

Chapter 3: Tackling Test Day 37

Part II: A Whistle–Stop Tour of the Maths You Need 51

Chapter 4: Refreshing Your Basic Maths 53

Chapter 5: Blitzing Beyond the Basics 73

Chapter 6: Mastering Mental Arithmetic 91

Chapter 7: Reaching Into Real–World Maths 107

Chapter 8: Interpreting Data 125

Part III: Practice Tests 143

Chapter 9: Mental Arithmetic Tests 145

Chapter 10: Testing Real–World Maths 171

Chapter 11: Data Handling Tests 201

Chapter 12: Advanced Data Handling Tests 237

Chapter 13: Mixed Tests 255

Part IV: The Part of Tens 281

Chapter 14: Ten Ways To Find A Sense Of Calm While Studying 283

Chapter 15: Ten Ways To Motivate Yourself To Study 289

Chapter 16: Ten Tips For Tackling Tough Test Questions 297

Chapter 17: Ten Ways To Make Your Exam Easier 303

Index 309

Colin Beveridge, PhD, holds a doctorate in mathematics from the University of St Andrews. He gave up a position as a researcher at Montana State University (working with NASA, among other projects) to become a full–time maths tutor, helping adults and GCSE, A–level, and university students overcome their fear of maths a position he finds ′far more enjoyable than real work′.