Mathematical Reasoning Tips — Selective Online Test Papers & On-Screen Maths Strategy

Strategies and shortcuts for the maths section of the 2026 Selective test. Aligned to the 2026 NSW Official Format.

Mathematical Reasoning Tips13 March 2026
The Selective Test Maths Revolution: Why Rote Learning is Dead in 2026
For decades, the path to a high score in the NSW Selective High School Placement Test was clear: master your times tables, memorise your formulas, and drill high-speed arithmetic until it became second nature. However...
By GoTestPrep
NSW Selective preparation
Mathematical Reasoning Tips23 February 2026
The "Last Digit" Trick: Speed Maths Hacks for the Selective Test
The Time Crunch In the "Mathematical Reasoning" test, you have about 70 seconds per question. You do not have time to do long division for everything. You need shortcuts. Hack 1: The Last Digit Trick Question: 1234 ×...
By GoTestPrep
NSW Selective preparation
Mathematical Reasoning Tips24 January 2026
When You Forget the Formula: The Power of "Guess and Check" in Maths
It's Not Cheating, It's Strategy In school, teachers often say, "Show your working, don't just guess." In the Selective Test, getting the right answer is all that matters. Sometimes, the algebra required to solve a qu...
By GoTestPrep
NSW Selective preparation
Mathematical Reasoning Tips15 December 2025
How to Solve the Tricky "Work Rate" Questions in the Selective Maths Test
It's Reasoning, Not Just Maths The section is called "Mathematical Reasoning" for a reason. They won't just ask "What is 12 × 12?" They will give you a word problem where you have to hunt for the maths hidden inside t...
By GoTestPrep
NSW Selective preparation

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Mathematical Reasoning Tips — Selective Online Test Papers & On-Screen Maths Strategy | GoTestPrep