NPOST Logical Reasoning and Judgment 5

Question 1

Pattern: triangle, square, pentagon, ... Each shape adds one side. What is next?

Accepted Answer

Hexagon

Answer

After a five-sided pentagon comes the six-sided hexagon.

Question 2

Statement: 'Only authorized personnel may enter the evidence room.' A person is in the evidence room. What can you conclude?

Accepted Answer

That person is authorized

Answer

If only authorized personnel may enter, anyone properly inside must be authorized.

Question 3

A call reports gunshots at an address, but a follow-up call says it was fireworks. Best judgment?

Accepted Answer

Respond and assess the scene to confirm

Answer

Responding to verify protects the public when the reports conflict.

Question 4

Series: 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, ... Differences are 3, 5, 7, 9. What is next?

Accepted Answer

38

Answer

The next difference is 11, so 27 plus 11 equals 38.

Question 5

Argument: 'Most burglaries occur when homes are empty, so leaving lights on may deter burglars.' This reasoning is:

Accepted Answer

Reasonable, since lights suggest occupancy

Answer

Lights implying occupancy is a sensible deterrent inference, not a guarantee.

NPOST Police Test Practice Test