Numerical Reasoning
Ratio
Compare two quantities and express one as a multiple or fraction of the other.
Overview
Ratio questions ask you to compare two values from a table. "How many times larger is Germany's GDP than Portugal's?" or "What is the ratio of exports to imports?"
The key skill is identifying which value goes on top (numerator) and which goes on bottom (denominator).
What is tested
- Dividing one quantity by another to find a ratio
- Interpreting "X times as large" vs "X times larger"
- Simplifying ratios to lowest terms
- Cross-country and cross-year comparisons
Preparation tips
- "How many times larger" = divide the larger by the smaller
- "What fraction" = divide the smaller by the larger
- Read the question twice — the order of comparison matters
- Ratios should always be positive; if you get a negative, recheck your values
Master the mathematical foundations
Every numerical reasoning question tests 2-4 mathematical concepts. Weakness in one concept means failure on every question that uses it. Review the concept library to build a solid foundation.
Study Mathematical Concepts