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Thomas GIA Number Speed & Accuracy guide
Manipulate simple numerical information accurately at speed.
5
timed tests
2-5 min
per test
30-45 min
including instructions
8
practice examples before each test
What this section tests
The ability behind the questions
Thomas describes this area as identifying numerical distance and manipulating numerical information.
Typical question pattern
How to approach each item
- Identify exactly what comparison or operation is requested.
- Use mental arithmetic rather than writing a long solution.
- Check the sign and direction before answering.
Worked example
A simple version of the rule
The distance between 17 and 12 is 5; numerical distance is always the size of the gap.
Preparation strategies
Practise the skill efficiently
- Memorise common differences and number bonds.
- Estimate first so an impossible result stands out.
- Do not overcomplicate a short arithmetic operation.
Watch out
Choosing the larger number instead of the distance between numbers.
Quick tip
Think in gaps on a number line.
More Thomas GIA guides
Continue through the test
This guide uses representative examples for preparation. It does not reproduce proprietary live assessment questions and is not endorsed by the assessment publisher.