Numerical Reasoning Tips & Hacks for Government Exams

For many examinees, the Numerical Reasoning section is the most intimidating part of the Civil Service Exam (CSE) and other board tests. However, you do not need to be a math genius to pass this section. Mastering a few fundamental rules, formulas, and shortcut hacks will help you solve problems quickly.

Here are the key mathematical tips to master before exam day.

1. PEMDAS / BODMAS Order of Operations

When faced with equations containing multiple operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, parentheses), you must follow the correct order:

• Parentheses / Brackets
• Exponents / Orders
• Multiplication & Division (from left to right)
• Addition & Subtraction (from left to right)

Example: 5 + 3 x 2 is 11, not 16, because multiplication must be done before addition.

2. Word Problems: Converting Words to Equations

Most algebra problems are word problems. Translate the sentences into equations using this key:

• "Is" or "Equals" translates to =
• "Of" or "Times" translates to multiplication *
• "More than" or "Increased by" translates to addition +
• "Less than" or "Decreased by" translates to subtraction -
• "A number" or "What amount" translates to a variable like x

3. Work Problems Formula

Work problems involve finding how long it takes for two or more people to complete a job together. Use this classic formula:

• Formula: (1 / Time A) + (1 / Time B) = 1 / Time Together
• Shortcut: Time Together = (Product of times) / (Sum of times) Example: If Person A does a job in 3 hours and Person B does it in 6 hours, together they take (3 * 6) / (3 + 6) = 18 / 9 = 2 hours.

4. Percentage & Ratio Hacks

• Finding Percentages: To find 10% of any number, simply move the decimal point one place to the left (e.g., 10% of 250 is 25). To find 5%, divide the 10% result by 2 (e.g., 5% of 250 is 12.5).
• Practice math daily: Build calculation speed by practicing equations under time pressure in our Exam Reviewer.

Official Government Verification Reminder

Different exams (like the CSE, LET, and NAPOLCOM entrance tests) may have varying levels of mathematical difficulty. We suggest verifying the exact scope of the exam by visiting the official portal of the PRC or CSC (listed in our Agency Websites Directory) to guide your review.