Quantitative Reasoning Time Saving Tips

To save time a you need to avoid making careless mistakes. A useful preparation strategy to prepare for the quantitative reasoning subsection is to make an error journal. Every time you get an answer incorrect as part of your preparation, note down where and why you made the mistake. Mistakes are only silly mistakes if you do not learn from them. There are several common pitfalls that students fall into when answering questions. It is easy to mix up similar methodologies for different calculations such as the sum vs multiplication of fractions. Moreover, mixing up powers and multiplication can be problematic. For example, many students may calculate that 3 to the power of 3 is 9 rather than 27. As there is no power function on the UCAT calculator a more rapid technique to cube an integer is to multiply the squared value by the number being cubed. (Provided you are aware of the squared value). It is important that you avoid rounding errors, consider the order of operations and keep track of positive and negative numbers. Spotting variations of units amongst answer options or between the scenario and question requires diligence. Referring to table headings to check the units is very important. Quick unit conversions require an awareness of whether you should be multiplying or dividing a value. For example, it is useful to be aware that converting from miles to km you would multiply the number of miles by 1.61 as there is 1.61km in each mile. Consider if the unit is more or less precise and how this impacts whether the number magnitude should be increasing or decreasing. Answer options may differ in the number of significant figures that the answer is given to, be aware of rounding traps and choose the most logical answer. For example, in real life situations you cannot have a decimal amount of a physical object.

When checking your answers, you want to avoid repeating all your calculation stages using the same methodology. Your aim is to not only identify mathematical calculation errors but errors in your methodology. To save time estimate the accuracy of your final answer and check that it is logically feasible. It may be useful to substitute the final answer back into the original equation as this is the quickest way to check the accuracy of answers. Strategically using the laminated whiteboard can also increase your pace when checking answers. In is advisable to work systematically across the whiteboard, noting which calculation stages relate to which question. If you are part way through a question, you do not want to be having to recalculate stages of the methodology which you had already calculated. However, be aware that the benefit of returning to questions is that you can approach them with a fresh perspective. It is useful to consider whether the methodology you have began is the most effective. Try to write using short form to avoid time wasting. If you are using the process of elimination or have ruled out certain answers jot these down.