The Quantitative Reasoning (QR) subtest evaluates your ability to solve numerical problems and evaluate data under extreme time pressure. In medical practice, doctors must perform drug dosage calculations, interpret clinical trial data, and understand statistical risks. This section ensures you have the numerical fluency required to provide safe and effective patient care.
While the mathematical level is generally equivalent to GCSE/National 5, the challenge lies in the speed and the complexity of the data sets provided.
Section Format & Timing
Efficiency is the hallmark of a high QR score. You are presented with data sets—often in the form of tables or graphs—and must extract and manipulate the relevant numbers quickly.
| Feature | Detail |
| Number of Questions | 36 Questions |
| Time Allotted | 25 Minutes (+ 1 minute instruction time) |
| Format | 9 Data Sets (4 questions per set) |
| Average Time per Question | ~41 Seconds |
Key Topics & Question Types
Number Operations
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
- Order of operations (BODMAS)
- Estimation and quick calculations
Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
- Fraction–decimal–percentage conversions
- Percentage increase and decrease
- Ratio and proportion problems
Averages
- Mean, median, and mode
- Weighted averages
- Average-based word problems
Speed, Distance, and Time
- Time–speed–distance relationships
- Average speed
- Real-life movement problems
Ratios and Proportions
- Direct and inverse proportion
- Sharing in ratios
- Comparison problems
Financial Mathematics
- Simple interest
- Profit, loss, and discounts
- Currency exchange calculations
Data Interpretation
- Tables and numerical data
- Bar charts and line graphs
- Pie charts and mixed data sets
Unit Conversions
- Length, mass, volume
- Time conversions
- Multi-unit comparison problems
Approximation and Estimation
- Rounding numbers
- Comparing close values
- Speed-based decision questions
Mixed Word Problems
- Multi-step numerical reasoning
- Real-life scenario calculations
- Decision-making under time pressure