What is Number Problems?
Number problem questions in verbal reasoning use words and logic to set up mathematical puzzles. They might ask you to convert letters to numbers (A=1, B=2, etc.), solve coded arithmetic, or work out number patterns described in words.
These questions combine verbal reasoning with basic maths skills. Careful reading is just as important as careful calculating.
Step-by-Step Method
Read carefully
Understand exactly what the question is asking. Highlight or underline key information.
Set up the problem
Convert the words into numbers or equations. Write down any given values clearly.
Calculate step by step
Work through the maths one step at a time. Do not try to do it all in your head.
Check your answer
Substitute your answer back into the original problem to verify it works.
Worked Examples
If A=1, B=2, C=3 and so on, what is the total value of the word CAT?
Working
- C = 3
- A = 1
- T = 20
- Total: 3 + 1 + 20 = 24
If A=1, B=2, C=3 and so on, which of these words has the highest value? BIG, ACE, FAD
Working
- BIG: B(2) + I(9) + G(7) = 18
- ACE: A(1) + C(3) + E(5) = 9
- FAD: F(6) + A(1) + D(4) = 11
- Highest value is BIG = 18
In a code, each vowel is worth 5 and each consonant is worth 3. What is the value of HOUSE?
Working
- H = consonant = 3
- O = vowel = 5
- U = vowel = 5
- S = consonant = 3
- E = vowel = 5
- Total: 3 + 5 + 5 + 3 + 5 = 21
Common Mistakes
Getting alphabet positions wrong, especially for letters in the middle (e.g. thinking M=12 instead of M=13).
Learn key landmarks: E=5, J=10, M=13, P=16, T=20, Z=26. Count from the nearest landmark.
Rushing the addition and making arithmetic errors.
Add numbers one at a time and write each step down. Double-check by adding in a different order.
Top Tips
- Memorise the alphabet positions. Key ones: A=1, E=5, J=10, M=13, O=15, T=20, Z=26.
- Write out the full alphabet with numbers if you have time at the start of the test.
- Remember the vowels: A, E, I, O, U. Everything else is a consonant.
- Show all your working so you can check for errors.
- When comparing word values, calculate each one fully before comparing – do not try to estimate.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Verbal Reasoning Questions