[Zerosum]

Sorry to resurrect a term that my grandma uses, but I think it describes the following perfectly.

I'm currently looking for a job and have noticed that most require you to undertake some timed test online. Basically, these tests have you race against a clock to complete some maths questions and I am struggling!

The questions are worded questions "if jack gives you 150 to deposit in his bank account and his account is in debit for 60 already. What will his balance be if you charge 12.5 percent on the deposit".. That sort of rubbish (lol that was a simplistic example.. usually they will have 5 or 6 different variables, not 3.)

Anyways, Im struggling to get further than halfway in the recommended time space, because I need to write the question down and then gradually work through each transaction! (Last one I just completed was 20 mins for 13 questions.. almost 2 mins a question..)



Anyone got advice? Or have a similar problem? (also, I get bogged down in the questions.. Time management skills for these tests are bloody atrocious!)

[DeductiveReasoner]

I'm good at arithmetic like adding, subtracting, division, multiplication, and especially percentages. I kick ass at percentages!

It's the algebra that gets me. Too many details, and too structured.

[emptyX]

Use a calculator.

[altoid]

yeah use a calculator. Also mine is hella good.

[MegaTuxRacer]

I have my multiplication tables memorized.

Hahahahaha just kidding.

[Dancnonthestars]

Can't help you here. Math is not my forte.

[Theyknow]

Basic math is fine. Get me past algebra one and I start to freeze up very quickly....why am I in advanced geometry? :(

[Zerosum]

Yeah, I was usin the calculator on the Mac an it was the most efficient lol not that I can do it... Just that I'm damn slow!

Got another in a few days, so I'll wip out my actual calculator and see how we go!

[Coppertony]

What are you interviewing for, a trading gig or something? Anyhow, there's plenty of iPhone or Android apps that you can download that quiz your arithmetic. Once that's fast, it's not that hard to move on to "60 + 150 * (1 - .125)" or whatever you meant by charging 12.5% on the deposit.

Great stuff to do on the toilet, actually. xD

[LoveSerum]

Arithmetic is fine, but past geometry I ceased to understand anything in math. Or maybe I just lost what little interest I had.

Honestly, my brain tends to shut down as soon as I see numbers. Unless there's a $ in front of them, in which case I can manipulate those suckers like nobody's business. ;D