1.
Greatest Common Factor (GCF) – This often goes without saying that math questions never
gets dull with the GCF. Expect to see this.
What are the common factors of 12 and 18?
Factors of 12: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12
Factors of 18: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18
If we examine the factors of 12 and 18, we see that there are 4 common factors: 1, 2, 3 and 6. Among
the factors, 6 is the largest. Therefore, we say that 6 is the greatest common factor (GCF)
or greatest common divisor (GCD) of 12 and 18.
2. Least Common Multiple (LCM) – The most important among the multiples is the least
common multiple. The least common multiple is the smallest among all the multiples. Clearly, the
least common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6. Here are some examples.
Example 1: Find the least common multiple of 3 and 5
Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9. 12, 15, 18
Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25,30As we can see, 15 appeared as the first common multiple, so 15 is
the least common multiple of 3 and 5.
3. Integers (Postive/ Negative) – These questions never get tired of appearing and they are very
easy. Both signs of positive is equals to positive. For opposite signs (+ -), you will get the bigger
number’s sign after subtracting. When both signs are negative and when you add/subtract, the answer
will still be negative. Easy right?
4. PEMDAS – In elementrary, we call these operations MDAS in the elementary grades and later and
PE making it PEMDAS. It is the acronym for Parenthesis, Exponent, Multiplication, Division,
Addition and Subtraction. This is basically the order of operations when you calculate an arithmetic
problem involving two or more operations.
(5 + 8)2 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2
Parenthesis: (5 + 8)2 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2 = 132 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2
Exponent: 132 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2 = 169 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2
*Divide: 169 – 18 ÷ 6 x 2 = 169 – 3 x 2
*Multiply: 169 – 3 x 2 = 169 – 6
Subtract: 169 – 6 = 163
5. Decimals – these are one of the easiest part of the Math exam part of the civil service and they
often pop up more than usual. Just remember to align the Decimals within the solution and whether
you add or substract, ensure that they line up properly. When you multiply, move the decimal from
right to left, then if it is division, then go left to right.
6. Fractions – In the Civil Service numerical Reasoning tests, fractions appear in almost every test:
basic arithmetic, number sequences, equations and problem solving. Make sure you know how to add
and subtract fractions and mixed numbers. Also make sure that you know how to change fractions
into decimals and vice versa.
7. Decimals and Percentages – Almost these two are closely related and when I took my civil
service exam, these topics in Math are often made as questions. Converting Decimals to Percentage
and Vice Versa are often asked. Say for example: to get 60% you multiply .60 to any number. As for
conversion to fraction, you will divide 60 and 100 by its greatest common factor (GCF) which is 20
so the answer will be- 3/5.
For fraction to decimal you will convert it by: by moving the decimal the hundredth place have it as
fraction (1/100)
Then 60 x 1/100 = 60/100, then you will get the lowest term by dividing both the numerator and
denominator with their greatest common factor. The answer will be still 3/5.
8. Volume, Area, and Perimeter – if you know basic algebra and geometry then these are easy to
get. Make sure you know how to get the length x width x height for volume specially for the circle
which is A= pi(squared). You know, basic stuff. Do not also forget the perimeter which is to add all
sides if its a square and if it is a circle then get the basic formula of Perimeter = 2 x pi x radius
example:
A circular flower-bed has a radius of 9 m. Find the perimeter/circumference of the flower-bed.
Solution:
P=2·π·R
P = 2 · 3.1416 · 9
P = 56.5487 cm
9. Algebraic Equations – you might want to study equations in algebra because you will find them
so many times in the civil service exam. Just the basic stuff you know…
For ex:
Let x = 2
2x + 8 = 12
Solution : We assume that x is equal to 2 , so the equation will be 2 (2) + 8 = 12 yehey!
10. Chart Readings with percentages and equations – Now I know some would say that this is
not part of the math exam but the exam that I took actually composed of these chart and diagrams.
They are quite easy to understand if you know how to read them. Just follow their instructions for the
equations like get the total or the difference and the projection of estimated amount (I was talking
about a chart question regarding how Toyota would get a profit after 10 year or so). All in all, this is
a no biggie as long you know how to read.
