This subtest is 26 minutes with 36 questions so 43 seconds per question
The UCAT QR questions are based on the harder aspects of GCSE maths
The questions tend to focus on application to a situation
Questions are split into distinct topics, which are important to know
Maths as a doctor is important for things such as
Calculating drug doses
Interpreting data such as ECGs
Taking measurements
Analysing data, statistics and papers
As a doctor and perform well in the UCAT, you need to be good with quick mental maths
Use a mental maths trainer from Google every day to improve your mental maths
Difficulty of the questions
Some are very easy you may be able to answer these by inspection and just by looking at a graph without having to do any calculations. You may be able to do these in 20 seconds so save time and move on once you have your answer
Others are very hard and may require several, multi-step calculations. These questions are time traps, and it may be best to move on if you cannot get the answer within the first 30 seconds
Read the question before the stem and try to avoid reading the chunks of text above the stem, if you understand the data
Estimating and Time Saving:
Estimations vs Precision:
An estimate is an estimated and educated guess
Precision is highly accurate and methodically working through your calculations
Using estimations and calculating in your head means you can answer questions quicker and you pick the option closest to your answer
It is important to understand when to estimate or when to work out a question precisely
Estimating
Working Precisely
Rounded figures are easy to use
Calculate the exact answer
Easier to use mental maths
It avoids making mistakes due to inaccuracy
Quicker to work by inspection
Estimations can be used when
The answer options are spaced out
Trigger words like ‘approximate’ or ‘estimate’
If the question is long, winding or difficult
Precise working should be used when
When the answer options are close together
Trigger words like ‘exact’ or ‘precise’
Don’t estimate blindly as it is a technique to save time but it won’t work for every question