How to improve at quantitative reasoning

Master number patterns

Many questions show a sequence and ask for the next term or a rule. Train the habit of checking the differences between terms (and the differences of those differences), and of testing for doubling, ×-then-+ rules and alternating patterns. Speed here comes from seeing common patterns instantly.

Ratio, proportion and rates

A large share of quantitative reasoning is proportional thinking — scaling recipes, sharing in a ratio, unit pricing, and speed/distance/time. Practise setting these up as 'one part equals …' or 'per one unit equals …', then scaling.

Read data carefully

Table and graph questions reward careful reading more than calculation. Check the axis labels and units first, find the exact values asked for, and watch for percentage-change questions where the base matters.

Estimate to check

Without a calculator, a quick estimate is your safety net — if an answer is the wrong order of magnitude, you've made a slip. Rounding to friendly numbers also speeds up the arithmetic itself.

Practise the right way

• Drill number-pattern recognition until it's automatic.
• Practise proportion problems and data interpretation under time.
• Review mistakes and label the cause.