Edutest numerical reasoning in the Queensland Academies test
Independent. Not affiliated with Queensland Academies, the Queensland Department of Education or Edutest.
Numerical reasoning in the Queensland Academies Entrance Test for 2028 entry is a 301Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published-minute Edutest test of series, matrices, arithmetical reasoning and deduction1Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published. Your child finds the rule linking the numbers, then checks it on every step.
What does Edutest numerical reasoning test?
It tests how your child thinks with numbers, not how much maths they have covered. The Academies list four parts: series, matrices, arithmetical reasoning and deduction1Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published. Answers are multiple choice2Edutest · 12 October 2026 · Published.
It is an ability test, so it measures thinking, reasoning and problem solving, without necessarily relying on prior knowledge1Qld Academies · 13 October 2026 · Published. That doesn't mean practice is useless: familiar question types feel calmer and faster.
| Part | What the question asks | What it looks like (our illustration) |
|---|---|---|
| Series | What number comes next, or fills the gap? | 2, 6, 18, 54: each number is three times the one before. |
| Matrices | What number fits the empty cell in a grid? | A grid where each row follows the same rule, such as the first two numbers adding to the third. |
| Arithmetical reasoning | Which calculation solves a short worded problem? | A shop, a timetable or a recipe, where the hard part is choosing the steps. |
| Deduction | What must be true, given some facts about numbers? | Clues about ages or scores that rule options in or out. |
These illustrations are ours, to show the idea. They are not Edutest questions.
How is numerical reasoning different from the maths test?
Numerical reasoning asks your child to find a pattern or a rule they haven't seen before. The separate mathematics test checks what they have learned at school.
| Numerical reasoning | Mathematics | |
|---|---|---|
| Kind of test | Ability | Achievement |
| Minutes | 301Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published | 301Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published |
| What it covers | series, matrices, arithmetical reasoning and deduction1Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published | year-level number, measurement, algebra, space and data1Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published |
| What helps most | Spotting rules quickly and checking them | Solid classwork and fluent arithmetic |
What method works on a number series?
Look at the gaps, not the numbers. Most series hide their rule in how each number changes.
Write the gaps underneath
In 3, 5, 9, 17, 33, the gaps are 2, 4, 8 and 16. The gaps double.
Name the rule in words
Say it aloud: add a number that doubles each time. A rule your child can say is a rule they can check.
If the gaps don't settle, split the series
Try every second number. In 1, 10, 2, 20, 3, 30, two series are woven together.
Check the rule on every step
Test it on the first numbers as well as the last two. A rule that fits only the end is a trap.
How do you read a number matrix?
Read across each full row first, then down each column. Ask what turns the first numbers into the last one.
The same rule should work in every complete row. Only then apply it to the row with the gap. If no row rule works, try the columns, or the diagonals.
How do you handle worded and deduction questions?
Slow down for the words, then speed up for the numbers. Most mistakes here come from misreading, not from arithmetic.
Arithmetical reasoning
Underline what the question asks for. Write the steps as a short number sentence before working anything out.
Deduction
Put the clues in a small table or on a number line. Mark only what must be true, not what is likely.
Check the answer fits
Read the question once more with the answer in place. A number that is too big or too small usually shows straight away.
How fast does my child need to work?
Quickly, but not in a rush. Edutest says its real tests have between 40 and 603Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published questions, so in 301Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published minutes your child has well under a minute for most questions.
There are no marks taken off for wrong or unanswered questions4Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published. Edutest also says many students do not finish every question4Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published. So the plan is simple: try each question, guess if stuck, and keep moving.
What are the common numerical reasoning traps?
| Trap | What happens | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Checking only the last two numbers | A rule fits the end but not the start | Test the rule on every step |
| Arithmetic slips | A right method gives a wrong answer | Daily mental arithmetic, because there is no calculator 2Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published |
| A hard question eats the clock | Easy marks later are never reached | Guess, move on, and come back if time is left |
| Shading the wrong row | The answer sheet is out of step | Check the question number each time 2Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published |
| Missing a "not" in a clue | The deduction is turned upside down | Underline small words like not, only and each |
How can my child practise numerical reasoning at home?
Little and often works better than long sessions. Ten calm minutes most days builds the habit of looking for rules.
Practise times tables and mental arithmetic every day, without a calculator.
Make up number series for each other at dinner and explain each rule aloud.
Fill in number grids and magic squares, saying the row rule before the answer.
Turn short worded problems into number sentences before solving them.
If you buy Edutest practice, choose sets at your child's current school year level5Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published.
Time a few sets once your child is comfortable, since the practice itself is untimed.
Edutest's practice tests are untimed and can be paused and resumed5Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published. One set costs A$303Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published. Our practice guide compares what is available.
Questions parents ask about Edutest numerical reasoning
Can my child use a calculator or working-out paper?
No. Edutest doesn't allow calculators, dictionaries, working-out paper, mobile phones or rulers2Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published. Build fluent mental arithmetic well before the test.
Do wrong answers lose marks?
No. There are no marks taken off for wrong or unanswered questions4Edutest · 13 October 2026 · Published, so your child should answer every question.
Is there a free official sample of numerical reasoning?
No. Free official samples are not published1Qld Academies · 13 October 2026 · Not published by the Academies or Edutest. Edutest's paid sets cover numerical reasoning, with fewer questions, untimed, not necessarily as hard3Edutest · 12 October 2026 · Published.
Will we see our child's numerical reasoning score?
No. Queensland Academies give no individual results or parent reports1Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published. They look at results read alongside the rest of the application1Qld Academies · 12 October 2026 · Published.