Number sequences (number series) are aptitude tests that provide the hiring organization with information about your general ability to logically reason with numbers. Practice number sequences today!

How Do Number Sequences work?

Does your job application require you to pass a number sequence test? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered! Assessment-Training.com offers realistic test simulations developed by psychologists with years of experience designing tests for large publishers such as CEB/Gartner, Talent Q, Saville Assessment, Kenexa (IBM) and Thomas International.

By clicking the image below, you can practice 10 free questions of our number sequence practice tests:

What does a Number Sequence Test assess?

Ability tests are a typical part of the selection process or for development within the workplace. Number sequence tests are one of the most commonly used aptitude tests that come up during a job application. Number sequence tests, also called number series, are standardized psychometric assessment tests that provide the employing organization with information about a candidate’s general ability to reason with numbers logically. In this test, you are to find the missing number in a given sequence. This initial sequence has a defined pattern, and you are to determine this pattern and find the missing number.

What you should know about Number Sequence Tests

Employers choose to use psychometric testing during their recruitment process to help give a better overall evaluation of candidate’s and their suitability for the job that they’re applying for. Psychometric testing could help to gauge the future performance of candidate's and also improve employee retention by making successful hiring decisions.

The most common way for employers to use aptitude tests such as number sequences, is online. Traditionally, aptitude tests have taken the form of pen and paper but due to benefits such as saving valuable time and money, online testing is used more and more frequently. Undertaking aptitude tests is usually the follow-up action after an employer has accepted your CV or initial job application form.

If you pass the online test in some cases you are invited to an assessment centre, which is usually done by larger employers. The term assessment center is used due to the fact that employers conduct this extended assessment in a single center, either an office of the employers themselves or at a third-party venue. The assessment centre is often (but not always) a day that constitutes the final stage of the application process. At the assessment center, they will ask you to sit a repeat test at the assessment center to verify your earlier test scores, therefore, don’t get your friends or family to help you out during the online test!

Preparing for an assessment centre or online aptitude test can be stressful due to the fact that you don’t know what to expect. The best way to familiarize yourself is with practice aptitude tests that mimic the tests used by employers and recruiters. Assessment-Training.com has prepared thousands of candidates for their assessments and aptitude tests by offering realistic test simulations with fully worked solutions.

By practicing number sequence tests you can improve your performance during the real test by familiarizing yourself with the format and time-pressure. Important characteristics of number sequences are:

Number sequence tests are usually multiple-choice (only one option is correct in each case).
Number sequence tests are administered under exam conditions and strictly timed. The given time per test differs per test publisher; some tests give relatively generous time limits, while others are shorter.
Test takers are usually permitted to use a rough sheet of paper.

To solve number sequences efficiently, you should first check the relationship between the given numbers and see if you can find some simple arithmetic relationship. Also, look at the intervals between the numbers and see if there is any relationship. If you can't find a clear relationship between the numbers themselves, then there may be two interleaved number sequences. In this test, you will find relationships between numbers that are established through multiplications, divisions, additions, and/or subtractions.

Several different patterns are used in number sequence tests. You are to determine which pattern applies and select the right answer. Examples of number sequence patterns:

Simple addition or subtraction: Each number in the sequence is obtained by adding (or subtracting) a number to the previous number.
Simple multiplication: Each number in the sequence is obtained by multiplying the previous number by a whole number or fraction.
Prime numbers: A prime number is a natural number which is greater than 1 and has no positive divisors other than 1 and the number itself, such as 11, 13, 17, 19 etc.
Arithmetic sequences: In an arithmetic sequence the difference between one term and the next is constant. In other words, just add the same value each time, infinitely. For instance, this could be 1, 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37. This sequence has a difference of 6 between each number. The value added each time is called the ‘common difference’.
Geometric sequences: A geometric sequence is made by multiplying by the same value each time. For instance, this could be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128. The pattern is continued by multiplying by 2 each time. This number is called the ‘common ratio’.
Square numbers: They are the square of whole numbers, such as 1 (=1x1), 4 (=2x2), 9 (=3x3) and 16 (=4x4).
Rational number sequences: These are the numbers which can be written as a fraction or quotient where numerator and denominator both consist of integers.
Fibonacci numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34 etc. The Fibonacci sequence is found by adding the two numbers before it together. The 2 is found by adding the two numbers before it (1+1), the 21 is found by adding 8 and 13 etc.
Using two or more basic arithmetic functions: In some series more than one operation (multiplications, divisions, additions and/or subtractions) is used. For example - 7, 9, 18, 20, 40 (here you can add 2, multiply by 2, add 2, multiply by 2 etc).

Tips and tricks to ace your Number Sequence Test

Doing some research about the tests that you need to take is the most important step in preparation for any aptitude test. If you know what to expect you will increase your chances of performing well due to the fact that you’re familiar with the formats. Also, by practicing aptitude tests you will reveal your own strengths and weaknesses that you can work on in preparation for the actual assessment.

Therefore, we advise you to find out the test publisher and exact name of the tests that you are about to take, and then search Assessment-Training.com or contact us to get more details about this test.

These effective test-taking strategy tips and tricks are well worth remembering before you take the actual number sequence tests:

Answering number sequence questions is a skill of recognizing patterns, and the best way to improve is to familiarize yourself with the different types, and to practice.
Read the question and instructions properly. Even though this seems logical, often candidates miss out very important information. Multiple-choice tests use so called ‘distractors’ as answer possibilities. These distractors are answers options which are deliberately similar to the right answer; in other words, the answer possibilities are designed to test if you read the question and provided information property.
Therefore, take your time to carefully read the information provided.
Don’t cheat. This is an important one. Many employers use verification tests to validate your previous results, to see if you have collaborated on your test. Large test publishers often use software that compares your response patterns and performance between the online test and the follow-up supervised test.
Be prepared with a pen and a piece of paper when doing the online test.

How to solve a Number Sequences Test?

In a Number Sequences Test, you are asked to find a connection between given numbers in a sequence and choose the right number that comes next.

Several different patterns are used in Number Sequences Tests. You are to determine which pattern applies and select the right answer. Examples of number sequence patterns:

Simple addition or subtraction: Each number in the sequence is obtained by adding (or subtracting) a number to the previous number.

Simple multiplication: Each number in the sequence is obtained by multiplying the previous number by a whole number or fraction.

Prime numbers: A prime number is a natural number which is greater than 1 and has no positive divisors other than 1 and the number itself, such as 11, 13, 17, 19 etc.

Arithmetic sequences: In an arithmetic sequence, the difference between one term and the next is constant. In other words, just add the same value each time infinitely. For instance, this could be 1, 7, 13, 19, 25, 31, 37. This sequence has a difference of 6 between each number. The value added each time is called the ‘common difference’.

Geometric sequences: A geometric sequence is made by multiplying by the same value each time. For instance, this could be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128. The pattern is continued by multiplying by 2 each time. This number is called the ‘common ratio’.

Square numbers: They are the square of whole numbers, such as 1 (=1x1), 4 (=2x2), 9 (=3x3) and 16 (=4x4).

Rational number sequences: These are the numbers which can be written as a fraction or quotient where numerator and denominator both consist of integers.

Fibonacci numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34 etc. The Fibonacci sequence is found by adding the two numbers before it together. The 2 is found by adding the two numbers before it (1+1), the 21 is found by adding 8 and 13 etc.

Number-Sequences-Test-Example-Question-Solution5

Combinations: In some series, more than one operation (multiplications, divisions, additions and/or subtractions) is used. For example - 7, 9, 18, 20, 40 (here you can add 2, multiply by 2, add 2, multiply by 2 etc.).

Why Assessment-Training.com?

Assessment-Training.com is the market leader in online assessment preparation. With our continuous research and development, we provide a leading-edge e-learning platform. We keep improving our tests to deliver tests with the same standards of the latest tests of all the big assessment publishers. Our products help candidates complete their application fully prepared. Our goal is to help you get ready for your assessment, regardless the company, job, or level you are applying for!

To help you ace your Number Sequences Test we put together a preparation package, tailor made for your assessment. These tests contain the same questions you can expect in your actual assessment.

All practice tests come with worked solutions and an explanation on how to get to the right answer. Our Personal Progression System will help you track your progress and give a detailed view of your performances. Assessment-Training is more than just a training platform, we are here to help you!

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Number Sequences