How to Take This Test
You have 15 minutes for 25 questions. That is the pace of the real Tier 1 Maths section, about 36 seconds a question, so you will need the quick methods (keep the part that does not change fixed when something is added, the alligation cross, and the multiplier for replacement) as well as the full working. The questions are in no topic order, so a replacement question can follow one on alloys.
- Start a 15-minute timer and keep going to the end, with no pauses and no notes.
- Each right answer gets +2 and each wrong one −0.50; a skipped question scores 0.
- Leave a long-looking question for the end. Getting stuck on one long three-variety or mixing-for-profit question can cost you three quick ones.
- Check answers and explanations only when the time is up.
Your score. Out of 50, it is 2 × (number right) − 0.5 × (number wrong). So 19 right, 4 wrong and 2 skipped scores 38 − 2 = 36.
| Score out of 50 | What to do next |
|---|---|
| 40 or more | Mixtures can be a scoring topic for you. Before the exam, one PYQ Practice Set will keep the methods fresh. |
| 30 to 39.5 | The methods are fine, but a few types are losing marks. Check the tag of each miss: replacement slips send you to Removal and Replacement, and a swapped ratio or a cross done on the selling price sends you to The Alligation Rule and Mixing for Profit. Redo that section's quiz. |
| 20 to 29.5 | You know the methods but are using the long way. Go through Shortcuts & Speed Methods, mainly the fixed part, the cross and the replacement multiplier, then Practice Sets 1 and 2, and take this test again in a few days. |
| Below 20 | Go back to the three topic sections, Mixture Basics: Ratios, Concentration and Average Price, The Alligation Rule and Mixing for Profit and Removal and Replacement, before you try more timed tests. |
The tag on each question tells you where to look: adding water or one part, removing then adding, mixing two mixtures, transfers, alloys and the average price of a mix are in Mixture Basics; alligation of prices, percentages and ratios, alligation beyond mixtures, three or more varieties and mixing for profit are in The Alligation Rule and Mixing for Profit; and plain removal and replacement, finding x or n, replacing from a mixture and the fraction to replace are in Removal and Replacement.
More than 3 wrong usually means rushing, so slow down a little next time. On guessing: in Tier 1 a blind guess is very slightly in your favour on average (+0.125 marks), and once you can rule out even one option, a guess is clearly worth taking. Chapter 0 works out the numbers.