11+ Verbal Reasoning
Type 17 – Maths equations (Complete the sum.)
In this question type you are asked to complete the mathematical sum by inserting the correct answer in the brackets. The answer will go on one side of the equal sign in order to complete the sum. We work from left to right recording our answers as we go!!
Look at this first example and then we can work our way through the question until we get the answer: -
Complete this sum by writing the correct number in the brackets.
2 + 2 = 3 + (?)
We know that the calculations on both sides of the equal sign (=) must have the same total and “balance” each other.
If we start with the left-hand side of the equal sign we can calculate (work out) that
2 + 2 = 4
The right-hand side of the equal sign must also equal 4.
So we can ask ourselves the following question.
3 plus what equals 4?
Clearly in this simple example the answer is 1 and this is our answer.
Look at this second example and then we can work our way through the question until we get the answer: -
Complete this sum by writing the correct number in the brackets.
200 ÷ 2 + 10 = 55 X (?)
We know that the calculations on both sides of the equal sign (=) must have the same total and “balance” each other.
If we start with the left-hand side of the equal sign we can calculate (work out) that
200 ÷ 2 = 100 and then when we add 10 we get 110
The right-hand side of the equal sign must also equal 110.
So we can ask ourselves the following question.
55 multiplied by what equals 110?
If we know our multiplication facts we will work out that the answer is 2 and this is our answer.
Look at this third example and then we can work our way through the question until we get the answer: -
Complete this sum by writing the correct number in the brackets.
(97 - 7) ÷ (?) = 15 X 2
We know that the calculations on both sides of the equal sign (=) must have the same total and “balance” each other.
The brackets with the question mark (?) is on the left-hand side of the equal sign this time so we cannot complete the sum until we know what the left-hand side is equal to. Therefore we need to start on the right-hand side of the sum.
If we start with the right-hand side of the equal sign we can calculate (work out) that
15 X 2 = 30
The other side of the equal sign must also equal 30.
So now we must calculate the sum on the left-hand side of the equal sign, doing the part of the question that is in the brackets first (97 - 7).
The answer to this is 90.
Now we can ask ourselves the following question.
What do I divide 90 by in order to get 30 and “balance” the sum?
If we know our division facts we will work out that the answer is 3 and this is our answer.
THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR!!!!
Make sure that you do your calculations very carefully in order to avoid simple errors.
Remember that the totals on both sides of the equal sign must be exactly the same
Avoid guessing the answer – though if you are completely stuck a guess is better than a blank answer space.
There is not really any “trick” or “technique” that can be taught for this question type as it relies very strongly on the child having a good understanding of mathematical concepts and being able to use them accurately.
NB When you are completing a Verbal Reasoning test in Multiple-Choice format the correct answer will always be one of the choices that you are given on your answer sheet. If your answer does not match one of the answers that you are given then your answer is wrong.