CONTENT

Who is the book for? .

Chapter 1 Principies of the test •P· 11

Chapter 2 Evaluation tests •P. 17
Chapter 3 How to use this book .p. 23
-të~;î ,]
• PART 1 Methodology common to AD and AST competitions .p. 27

Sub-section 1.1. Basis of numerical reasoning .p. 29

I
i
Chapter 4 Basic operations , .p. 31
Chapter 5 How to simplify a ratio .p. 37 i
Chapter ó How to add or subtract two ratios .p. 43
Chapter 7 How to multiply or divide two ratios •p. 49
Chapter 8 How to compare two ratios • P. 55
Chapter 9 Fractions and percentages .p. 61
Chapter 10 Should I use the calculator , •p. 65
Chapter 11 How to reduce the number of calculations t .p. 69
Chapter 12 How to analyse a question •p. 77

Sub-section 1.2. Proportions .p. 83

Chapter 13 Basic principles ,.p. 85
Chapter 14 How to work out a proportion of a proportion ..p. 89
Chapter 15 Distribution problems ..p. 93
Chapter 16 Direct proportions ..p101 m
Sub-section 1.3. Variations ..p.105
Chapter 17 Basic principles ..p107
Chapter 18 How to read tables ..p113
Chapter 19 How to add up growth rates ,,p117

Sub-section 1.4. Averages •P 127

Chapter 20 Simple averages ..p129
Chapter 21 Weighted averages ,.p135

fess
ia PART 2 ADDITIONAL METHODOLOGY FOR AD COMPETITIONS ρ.143
WHO IS THE BOOK FOR ?
Chapter 22 Problems involving combinations p.145
Chapter 23 Double direct and inverse proportions ,. p.155
Chapter 24 Partial and total growth rates p. 161

И PART3 TESTS FOR AST COMPETITIONS p.169

Test AST/1 Proportions p,173

Test AST/2 Variations p.ļ 81 The test comprises verbal reasoning questions as well as numerical
Test AST/3 Averages p. 189
reasoning questions. This books deals with numerical reasoning questions
• PART 4 TESTS FOR AD COMPETITIONS p.197
only. For the verbal reasoning questions, we strongly advise you to read a
book we published in 2005: "Verbal and numerical reasoning MCQ for
Test AD/1 Proportions p.201 European institution competitions: a methodology and 160 questions with
Test AD/2 Variations p.209 answers'".
Test AD/3 Averages p.217

Η PART 5 ANSWERS TO TESTS FOR AST COMPETITIONS p,225 The verbal and numerical reasoning test is one of the admission tests2, These
tests are very selective: you have little chance of passing them if you do not
Answers to test AST/1 Proportions p.227 obtain at least 75% of right answers, The selection is made especially In
Answers to test AST/2 Variations p,237
relation to the numerical reasoning questions. Our experience of training
Answers to test AST/3 Averages p,247
shows that the candidates come up against three types of difficulties:
• PART 6 ANSWERS TO TESTS FOR AD COMPETITIONS p.257 - comprehension difficulties: candidates sometimes have difficulty
Answers to test AD/1 Proportions p,259
understanding the question and thus writing down the operations
Answers to test AD/2 Variations p,269 properly;
Answers to test AD/3 Averages p,281 - problems with certain concepts', proportions/variations, averages, etc;
Annex 1 Answers to evaluation tests p.291 - problems managing time: candidates get bogged down in long
Annex 2 Glossary p.309
calculations when It is sometimes possible to avoid them,
Who we are p.315
We have devised this book to help you to overcome such difficulties, It
comprises:
- a detailed methodology, illustrated with numerous questions: it helps
you to analyse a question, to master the various mathematical tools
required (proportions, variation rates, averages, etc) and to save time;
- six tests of fifteen questions each classified according to competition
category;
- a detailed answer to each question,

' This book, written by Emmanuel HETRU and Jean-Luc BIZEUR, comprises In particular more than 60 numerical
questions with detailed answers.
2
From the second half of 2006, admission tests consist of two MCQ: a MCÖ on the EU, Its institutions and Its
policies, and a verbal and numerical reasoning MCQ,
IJS
CHAPTER V: PRINCIPLES OF THE TEST

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III It Is thus aimed at:
J . PRESENTATION OF THE TEST

salsa - those who think they have a low standard In mathematics, for whom Unless otherwise stated in the competition notice, the numerical reasoning
reading the entire book will be beneficial; questions are mixed with the verbal reasoning questions. It means that you
ΙΐΙββΐ
- those who acquired a good knowledge of mathematics, but who have do not sit two tests (a numerical reasoning test and a verbal reasoning test),
not had the opportunity to use it for several years, for whom certain but one test (the verbal and numerical reasoning test).
Bl· reminders may be necessary;
The numerical questions are usually divided into several series. Each series
-those who have a very high standard in mathematics and simply comprises;
wish to practise.
- a data table;
IļfJĪIļ
- possibly a chart;
All our questions are based on tests taken from the most recent European
lisi institution competitions, - 3 questions;
1ШЙ I - 4 statements per question.

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Issi»« 2. ORGANISATION OF THE TEST
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The test Is organised:
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- either on computer, If a sufficient number of PCs is available in centres
iШl « ι* specialised in this type of test;
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ï jejas
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- or on paper.
Iж1ш

«É 2.1. Computer-based tests

halji You have at your disposal;
ü - a standard computer equipped with a keyboard and mouse;

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- a dry erase board and erasable marker,

1
But your are strongly advised not to use It (see Chapter 10).
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During the test, you can at any time: You must mark with a cross the box chosen as the right answer, In this
¡Bt - go back to the previous question or move on to the next question;
example, C is the answer chosen for question 1, Be careful! Once you have
ticked a box, you cahnot change your answer any more,
- change your answer;
- mark the questions for which you are unsure of your answer.
3. TIME MANAGEMENT
The time allowed is for the entire test, It is mentioned in your Invitation to the
After the last question, the screen displays your answers as well as the marked
test. You usually have to answer 30 verbal and numerical questions in 55
and Incomplete questions, If time permits, you can go directly to:
minutes.
- all marked questions;
- all incomplete questions;
3.1. Choose a strategy
- any question4, Sometimes the test alternates verbal questions with numerical questions, For
instance, the first two questions are verbal ones, the next three questions are
numerical ones, etc, Consequently, several strategies are possible:
2.2. Paper-based tests
- either you answer all the questions in the order in which they are
You have at your disposal:
displayed (from 1 to 30);
- a question paper; - or you start by answering all the numerical questions (or all the verbal
- an answer sheet; questions),
- a pen, There is no optimal strategy, Each one has its advantages and
disadvantages, It is up to you to choose the strategy that is most convenient
for you, In any case, you must make sure that you answer approximately 10
questions every 20 minutes. The following table shows how to manage time
Furthermore you do not have rough paper. However, you can use the properly.
question paper as rough paper.
You must fill in the answers on an optical reader form, It looks like this: Timing to answer 30 questions in 55 minutes

A B
1 D
2 D
3 D
4 D
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lili 5 D
6 D
fSSÉP
C D /|:|11|Щ||ЩЩп||
D m Π fiiliiiliSÎ
D D D
D D • Π Éilifflflit
D n D
For computer-based tests, a clock displays the remaining time on the
D D Π
screen. For paper-based tests, do not forget to take a watch,
D D D

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tmi
4
For more Information about the organisation of computer-based tests, visit us online at
www.orseu-concours.com. There you will have the opportunity to do online tests under competition conditions.
 3.2. If you get stuck at a question, move on to the next series of Exports of agricultural products of animal origin
questions
Numerical questions are independent, in particular within each series of
questions. It is thus not necessary to know the right answer to the first question
in order to answer the second or third one correctly, шшшшшшшш^ш
However, numerical questions are often arranged in order of increasing
difficulty within each series: the first question is usually an easy one, the
31% 26%
second question is slightly less easy and the third one is the most difficult
question. Therefore, if you get stuck at the second question of a series, move 24% ;.. :Τ9%
on to the next series directly,
12% 17%
:
15% .•••'v.: 20%
8% ; . : 6%
4. MARKING
7% 10%
The marking Is explained in the competition notice. Unless otherwise stated 3% 2%
in this notice:
- all questions, whether verbal or numerical, have the same value; so you
Q l In 2003, what was the share of non-meat products in total exports of
will not obtain a higher mark because you gave the right answer to a
agricultural products of animal origin?
question which seems more difficult;
-wrong or incomplete answers are not penalised; It is thus better to
dnswer a question at random than not to answer it at all, a) 38% b)41% c)59% d)90%

Q 2 In 2004, by how many millions did the value of egg exports exceed that
of honey exports?
5. SAMPLE QUESTIONS

Here is an example of a series of questions. We suggest that you answer a) 8 d)24.6

them without timing yourself. You can use a calculator, although it is not
necessary.
The aim of this exercise is to familiarise yourself with standard competition
numerical questions. So do not worry if you do not manage to answer them
correctly, You may well have some gaps in numerical reasoning. This book is
designed to help you to fill them,
The answers and explanations are given at the end of this Chapter.
b) Ί0.25 c) 16.4
Q 3 Let us suppose that the total value of exports of agricultural products of
animal origin increased by 20% between 2004 and 2005 and that the
share of exports of pigmeat in total exports of agricultural products of
animal origin did not change between 2004 and 2005. What will be the
value of pigmeat in exports 2005 in EUR millions?

a) 2 4 6 b)36.9 c)4I d)49.2

ШИ '
 ANSWERS
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Q l >b
Non-meat products consist of milk and dairy products, eggs and honey. The The following three tests are Intended to guide you through this book,
share of these products in total exports in 2003 is: Depending on your score, you can if you wish skip certain chapters and
31 + 7 + 3 = 4 1 % concentrate on the ones you think are most difficult for you,
These three tests are of a high level, higher than the ones in
competitions for administrators (AD). So do not get discouraged if you are
Q2>c not able to answer them, It simply means that there are certain
Value of egg exports in 2004: 10% x 205 mathematical concepts that you must learn, and this book will help you with
this learning process.
Value of honey exports in 2004: 2% x 205
Do these tests without timing yourself. The answers are given at the end of this
Difference: 8% x 205 = 16.4
Chapter.

Q3>d TEST 1 - PROPORTIONS

Total value of exports in 2005: 205 + (20% x 205) = 24ó
Question 1:
Value of pigmeat exports in 2004: 20% x 246 = 49.2
American and European students took the same numerical reasoning test.
The test is marked out of 40, Statistics show that:
• two-thirds of the European students obtained at least 20 out of 40;
• three-quarters of the students are American;
• three-fifths of the students obtained at least 20 out of 40,

Which proportion of students who obtained less than 20 out of 40 are

European?

:-ШМШ 1ШШ шшш d) Impossible to tell

Question 2:
American and European students took the same verbal reasoning test. This
test is marked out of 40. Statistics show that:
• 25% of the European students obtained less than 20 marks;
• theratlo of the number of students who obtained less than 20 marks to
the number of students who obtained at least 20 marks is twice as low
for the European students as It is for the American students.
By which proportion does the number of American students who obtained at
least 20 marks exceed the number of American students who obtained less
than 20 marks?
Question 3:
1 800 European students sit an EU knowledge test. Statistics show that
respectively 50%, 65% and 5% of the students answered the first three
questions of the test correctly. How many students answered the first two
questions of the test correctly, but not the third one?
a) 810
b)900
c) between 0 and 900
d) at least 180, but not more than 900
TEST 2 - VARIATIONS
Question 5:
A European university organises a big numerical reasoning competition
every year. Statistics show that:
• the number of registered candidates increased by 9.18 % between
2000 and 2002;
• the percentage Increase in the number of registered candidates
between 2001 and 2002 was twice that recorded between 2000 and
2001;
• the number of registered candidates increased by 16 068 between
2001 and 2002. .
Which of the following statements is correct?
a) The number of registered candidates increased by 3.06% between
2000 and 2001.
b) The number of registered candidates increased by 8 034 between
2000 and 2001.
c) 267 800 candidates registered in 2001.
d) None of the above statements Is correct.
Question 6:
Variation in the number of registered candidates per field

Question 4:
14 examiners working 9 hours a day mark 300 papers in 3 days. How many
examiners working 7 hours a day are required to mark 240 papers in 5 days?

a) ó b)8 ШЖ ШШ
In which field was the percentage decrease in the number of registered
candidates between 2000 and 2005 the lowest?

a) Economics b) Law {c) Auditing ;d) Finance;

Ufe r
'liii tl TEST 3 - AVERAGES Question 8:
Law, economics and finance students took the same verbal and numerical
Question 7:
reasoning test, The test comprises twice as many verbal questions as
There are six universities in Poldavia, All the law and economics students of numerical questions. Each right answer to a verbal question is awarded 1
these six universities took the same numerical reasoning test, The test consists mark. Each right answer to a numerical question is awarded 2 marks. A
of 40 questions, On average, the law students answered 28 questions wrong or missing answer gives a mark of 0.
correctly while the economics students answered 24 questions correctly, The table below Indicates the percentage of right answers to the verbal and
¡ssįįįį
"Ш f.; numerical questions.
The table below indicates the average number of right answers given by the
law and economics students of three universities in Poldavia,

70% 20%:
27 Jp%;
;

25 90% #oW'
27
On average, the law students answered 24 questions in the verbal and
numerical reasoning test correctly,
Which of the following statements is correct?
Given that the number of students is twice as high in law as In finance and
a) On average, the law and economics students at university 1 answered
three times lower in finance than in economics, what Is the average mark
28 questions correctly.
out of 20 obtained by all the students (law, economics and finance) in the
b) On average, the law and economics students at university 3 gave the verbal and numerical reasoning test?
same number of right answers as the law and economics students at
university 2, 'ЖШ МШ ШШ ä) 15

c) The number of right answers given by the law students at universities 1,

2 and 3 is lower than the number of right answers given by the law
students at each one of the universities in Poldavia,
d) There is at least one university in Poldavia at which the economics
students gave an average of fewer than 24 right answers,
 ANSWERS TO THE EVALUATION TESTS
CHAPTER 3: H O W f O USE THISЩООК
Here are the answers to the evaluation tests. Detailed explanations are given
in Annex 1. We recommend that you do not read them until you have done
all the tests In Part 3 (AST level) or Part 4 (AD level). You can then do these 1. YOU ARE SITTING A COMPETITION FOR ASSISTANTS (AST)
three tests again, for practice, after you have read the whole book.
If you obtained at least 100 marks in the evaluation tests, this means that you
We have awarded a certain number of marks for each exercise. They are not have a sufficient level to pass an AD competition. In this case, in line with the
connected with the difficulty of the exercise, They are simply Intended to principle that "anyone who can do the harder tests, can also do the simpler
guide you when reading this book.
ones", we suggest that you follow the same preparations as for an AD
Now fill In the table below and go on to the next Chapter. competition.

If you obtained less than 100 marks in the evaluation tests, this means that
there are certain mathematical concepts that you need to learn. We
recommend in this case that you proceed in three stages,
Щс:тшаЩЩЗр:Щ|
|;įf||;§ шМШШе • Stage 1 : acquisition of knowledge (Part 1 )
«|ç|í*; ; yj ?шшшш Start by reading Part 1 carefully. We have set you two series of questions in
йс:ЖнГ^ ''0ЩЩШ most of the chapters:
у^сС;Щ:1 Щ11ЙШ11
- a first series at the beginning of the chapter entitled "Assess yourself";
ЕьШШ 1§|ЩЩ1:|
ЩДЗй Silili - a second series at the end of the chapter entitled "Practise".
Ш
fž#;№Ą! ;l|||li|ïl The questions in the "Assess yourself" series are basic questions. They are
designed to assess your level In a particular field, for instance calculating
ЩЩшШ1 percentages (Chapter 9). If you can answer all the questions in the series
correctly, this means that you have the basic knowledge required in that
chapter. In that case, you can go on directly to the "Practise" series.

The questions In the "Practise" series are a little more difficult. They are aimed
at checking whether you have understood perfectly the content of the
chapter. So do not move on to the next chapter If there is a question that is
not clear to you.

• Stage 2: tests (Parts 3 and 5)

Part 3 contains three AST-level tests. Each test comprises fifteen questions
concerning a particular field: proportions, variations and averages.

Start by doing the test on proportions within the time allowed (30 minutes).
Then check the answers in Part 5. Continue in the same way for the other two
tests.
• Stage 3: perfecting your knowledge (Parts 4 and 6)
The questions you will get in the competition are similar to those In the three
tests in Part 3, If you are perfectly capable of doing them, you should be
able to pass the competition. You can therefore stop at Stage 2.
- Section 1.4 (averages), unless you did not obtain 10 marks in evaluation
test 3;
- part 2 (specific methodology for AD competitions), if you obtained a
total of 140 marks In the three evaluation tests.

However, if you wish to perfect your numeric reasoning ability, we would ask There are two series of questions in most of the chapters in Parts 1 and 2:
you to move on to a third stage: prepare the numericai reasoning test for AD
competitions, This is of course an ambitious objective, but very valuable: by - a first series at the beginning of the chapter entitled "Assess yourself";
dealing with more complicated questions, you will develop analytic abilities - a second series at the end of the chapter entitled "Practise".
that will enable you to answer the questions in your competition without any
problem, So If you are interested, read Part 2: it will provide you with a few The questions in the "Assess yourself" series are basic questions. They are
vital methodology pointers. Then do the tests in. Part 4, without worrying designed to assess your level in a particular field, for instance calculating
about the time allowed, percentages (Chapter 9), If you can answer all the questions In the series
correctly, this means that you have the basic knowledge required in that
ШЕВИ chapter. In that case, you can go on directly to the "Practise" series.
The questions In the "Practise" series are a little more difficult. They are aimed
at checking whether you have understood perfectly the content of the
2. YOU ARE SITTING A COMPETITION FOR ADMINISTRATORS (AD) chapter, So do not move on to the next chapter if there is a question that is
not clear to you,
If you obtained less than 100 marks in the evaluation tests, this means that
that there are certain mathematical concepts that you need to learn, We
• Stage 2: tests (Parts 4 and 6)
recommend in this case that you:
Part 4 contains three AD-level tests, Each test comprises fifteen questions
- first follow the preparations for the AST competition (see Section 1 );
concerning a particular field: proportions, variations and averages,
- then follow the preparations for the AD competition.
Start by doing the test on proportions within the time allowed (30 minutes).
If you obtained at least 100 marks in the evaluation tests, this means that Then check the answers In Part 6, Continue in the same way for the other two
you have a good level in mathematics, We recommend in this case that you tests.
proceed in two stages,
Once you have done the three tests, you can repeat the evaluation tests In
Chapter 2 and then checks the answers in Annex 1.
• Stage 1 : acquisition of knowledge (Parts 1 and 2)
It is better to read Parts 1 and 2 completely, which concern the
methodology, However, If you have some time, you can, depending on your
level, skip the following:
- Section 1,1 (basis of numerical reasoning) except for Chapter 11 (how
to reduce the number of calculations) which will provide you with some
tips on saving time;
- Section 1,2 (proportions);
-Section 1.3 (variations), unless you obtained less than 10 marks In
. evaluation test 2;