How the Intermediate Math test works
Fifteen questions run on one 10-minute clock, four options each, one per screen. TestGorilla describes the level as high-school calculations and rates it Intermediate; it is offered in English and French.
Unlike TestGorilla’s basic maths tests, which stick to whole numbers, half of this test uses fractions and decimals. The other half covers percentages, rates, ratios and durations. Fractions are drawn stacked, as you would write them on paper.
The practice set shows the range: a fraction equation, a missing decimal factor, one speed given as a fraction of another and asked for as a percentage, and a total of several durations in days, hours and minutes. TestGorilla suggests the test for roles such as financial analysts, bank tellers and accountants.
How to approach fractions, percentages and ratios
Turn every question into the form that is easiest to compute:
- Fractions: find a common denominator to add or subtract; multiply straight across to multiply; flip the second fraction to divide.
- Decimals: count decimal places before you multiply, then check the size of your answer against a rough estimate.
- Percentages comparing two things: write the ratio first. If A is a quarter of B, B is four times A, or 400% of it.
- Ratios: find the value of one part, then multiply. In 5 : 3, each part is the total ÷ 8.
- Durations: carry minutes at 60 and hours at 24.
Worked examples
Decimals. 0.25 × ? = 1.5 × 0.4. Options: 0.24, 2.4, 6, 24. The right side is 0.6, and 0.6 ÷ 0.25 = 2.4. Check: 0.25 × 2.4 = 0.6. Dividing by 0.25 is the same as multiplying by 4.
Ratios. A recipe mixes flour and sugar in the ratio 5 : 3. How much sugar goes with 1.2 kg of flour? Options: 0.45 kg, 0.72 kg, 0.75 kg, 2 kg. One part of flour is 1.2 ÷ 5 = 0.24 kg, so three parts of sugar is 0.72 kg. Check: 0.72 ÷ 1.2 = 0.6, which is 3 ÷ 5.
Durations. One job runs 1 day 18 h 40 min and another 2 days 9 h 35 min. Minutes: 40 + 35 = 75, or 1 h 15 min. Hours: 18 + 9 + 1 = 28, or 1 day 4 h. Days: 1 + 2 + 1 = 4. The total is 4 days 4 h 15 min.
Tips for the real Intermediate Math test
- Use a calculator for decimals but not for simple fractions. TestGorilla allows one, and converting 3/8 to 0.375 can cost more time than it saves.
- In word problems, underline what the question asks for. A percentage of the new value and of the old value give different answers, and both are usually in the options.
- Estimate before choosing. With fractions and decimals, a misplaced decimal point usually gives an option ten times too big or too small.
- Give every question an answer. A wrong answer is not penalised, but a skip is marked wrong.
- Take any break between tests, not during this one. The clock keeps running if you close the window.
Practise Intermediate Math on CogniPrep
Ours has 15 questions on one 10-minute clock, four options each, generated fresh each sitting across fractions, decimals, ratios and percentages, and time and estimates. Fractions are drawn stacked, as on TestGorilla’s screen. One question per screen, no going back and a skip marked wrong. You get a raw percentage and a percentile against CogniPrep players, with harder questions weighted more, plus feedback on each skill area.