Quantitative reasoning
CAT4 number analogies
The same rule turns each first number into the second. Find the missing one.
What the questions look like
Your child sees pairs of numbers like 3 → 9 and 5 → 15. The same rule changes the first number into the second each time. They apply the rule to a new number.
In the digital CAT4 (Levels A–G) this section is timed at 10 minutes.
Worked example
Example 1 · easier
The same rule changes each first number into the second. Which number is missing?
Show answer
Answer: C The rule is: multiply by 5 (12 → 60, 11 → 55). So 1 → 5.
What it measures
Finding and applying a numerical rule. Calculation is simple; the reasoning is in discovering the rule.
Tips for your child
- Try the four simple rules first: add, take away, multiply, divide.
- Check your rule on every pair, not just the first one. Many wrong answers come from a rule that only fits one pair.
- At higher levels, rules have two steps, like "double it, then add one".
- Work out the answer, then check it's in the options; don't guess from the options.
Watch out for: An answer that uses "add" when the rule is "multiply": both can fit the first pair, but only one fits them all.
A harder example
Example 2 · harder
The same rule changes each first number into the second. Which number is missing?
Show answer
Answer: E The rule is: add 5, then multiply by 2 (2 → 14, 5 → 20, 7 → 24). So 9 → 28.
Practise with fresh questions every time
Our number analogies questions are generated new on every visit, so your child can practise as much as they like without memorising answers. Choose a level:
Questions parents ask
Is this just times tables?
Times tables help with speed, but the skill is spotting the rule. A child who knows their tables well but rushes will still be caught by rules that fit only one pair.
Questions on this page are original Edzuno practice items in the CAT4 style, not real CAT4 questions. CAT4 is a trademark of GL Education. Timing source: GL Assessment.