Numerical Reasoning Aptitude 3

Question 1

An investment of $5,000 earns simple interest at 6% per year. What is the total value after 3 years?

Accepted Answer

$5,900

Answer

Interest = 5000 x 0.06 x 3 = $900; total = $5,900.

Question 2

A pipe can fill a tank in 6 hours and another can drain it in 9 hours. If both are open together, how many hours to fill the empty tank?

Accepted Answer

18

Answer

Net fill rate = 1/6 minus 1/9 = 1/18 per hour; tank fills in 18 hours.

Question 3

If x squared equals 144 and x is positive, what is the value of 3x minus 5?

Accepted Answer

31

Answer

x = 12; 3(12) minus 5 = 36 minus 5 = 31.

Question 4

A salesperson earns a $2,000 base salary plus 4% commission on sales. If total earnings were $3,400, what were total sales?

Accepted Answer

$35,000

Answer

Commission = $1,400; sales = 1400 / 0.04 = $35,000.

Question 5

A number is increased by 30% and then decreased by 20%. What is the net percentage change?

Accepted Answer

4% increase

Answer

Net multiplier = 1.30 x 0.80 = 1.04, which represents a 4% increase.

Numerical Reasoning Practice Test