OLSAT Question Type: Numeric Inference

In this post, we start with an overview of "Numeric Inference" question types. We also provide a sample question, accompanied by tips and strategies that every student can use to perform successfully on "Numeric Inference" questions during the official OLSAT® exam.

Numeric Inference Questions: What To Expect

Using computation skills, students will have to determine how two or three numbers are related. Once they have uncovered this relationship, students will have to apply this rule to another pair or trio of numbers.

The amount of these questions on the test depends on the age of the student and the test level. For example, 4th and 5th grade students taking the OLSAT®Level E (for admission into 5th and 6th grade) are asked approximately six of these types of questions.

Numeric Inference Sample Question

Correct Answer: D

The pattern in the first and second row of the box shows that as we move from left to right we multiply the numbers by 3 (2×3=6 and 6×3=18 for the first row and 3×3=9 and 9×3=27 for the second row). Therefore, the missing number is 4×3=12 which is also validated by the next number 36 as 12×3=36.

Therefore, the correct answer is D.

Numeric Inference Questions:Tips and Strategies

This question type requires basic computation skills and the ability to determine and apply relationships between numbers.

Teach your child basic number concepts like more, less, and equal if they haven’t yet mastered these skills. Consider purchasing a workbook or educational computer game that teaches basic mathematical concepts so your child can practice in a fun, engaging way.

Of course, it’s also important to practice test questions with your child. Ask your child to explain how she finds each answer, giving you the opportunity to reinforce strong thinking skills as well as correct misconceptions as needed. Remind your child not to panic if she doesn’t know an answer on the test. Instead, advise her to make a logical guess, take a deep breath, and move on to avoid wasting much-needed time.

What's Next?

Learn more about other quantitative reasoning question types on the OLSAT, including number series questions, and number matrices questions.

Also try some sample questions and see critical teaching tips that cover other areas of the OLSAT, including the sections on verbal comprehension, verbal reasoning, pictoral reasoning, and figural reasoning.

If you think you need more information and guidance about the OLSAT, check out our in-depth article on the test, as well as our posts on the verbal and non-verbal section.

Also, learn everything you need to know about other tests that measure a child’s potential to learn in school, like the NNAT or the COGAT.