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Study Notes/PhiLSAT/Quantitative Reasoning
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Lesson 4 - 20% of Exam

Quantitative Reasoning

1. Number Properties

Understanding number properties helps solve problems quickly.

Even and Odd Numbers

Addition:

  • Even + Even = Even
  • Odd + Odd = Even
  • Even + Odd = Odd

Multiplication:

  • Even × Even = Even
  • Odd × Odd = Odd
  • Even × Odd = Even

Divisibility Rules

By 2: Last digit is even
By 3: Sum of digits divisible by 3
By 4: Last two digits divisible by 4
By 5: Last digit is 0 or 5
By 6: Divisible by both 2 and 3
By 9: Sum of digits divisible by 9
By 10: Last digit is 0

Prime Numbers

Divisible only by 1 and itself.

First 15 primes: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47

Note: 2 is the only even prime number.

2. Percentages & Ratios

Percentage Formulas

  • Basic: Percentage = (Part/Whole) × 100
  • Finding Part: Part = (Percentage/100) × Whole
  • Percent Change: ((New - Old)/Old) × 100
  • Percent Increase: Original × (1 + rate)
  • Percent Decrease: Original × (1 - rate)

Common Conversions

25% = 1/4
50% = 1/2
75% = 3/4
20% = 1/5
33.3% = 1/3
66.7% = 2/3
10% = 1/10
12.5% = 1/8
40% = 2/5

Ratios and Proportions

  • Ratio: Comparison of two quantities (a:b or a/b)
  • Proportion: Two equal ratios (a:b = c:d)
  • Cross-multiply: If a/b = c/d, then ad = bc
  • Part to Whole: If ratio is 2:3, parts are 2/5 and 3/5 of total

3. Statistics

Measures of Central Tendency

Mean

Sum ÷ Count

(Average)

Median

Middle value

(When sorted)

Mode

Most frequent

(Can have none or multiple)

Other Measures

  • Range: Maximum - Minimum
  • Weighted Average: Σ(value × weight) ÷ Σweights

Example

Data set: 3, 5, 7, 7, 9

  • Mean: (3+5+7+7+9)/5 = 31/5 = 6.2
  • Median: 7 (middle value)
  • Mode: 7 (appears most often)
  • Range: 9 - 3 = 6

4. Data Interpretation

Understanding graphs, charts, and tables is essential for the PhiLSAT.

Chart Types

  • Bar Charts: Compare quantities across categories
  • Line Graphs: Show trends over time
  • Pie Charts: Show parts of a whole (percentages add to 100%)
  • Tables: Present precise numerical data

Reading Data Tips

  1. Read the title and labels carefully
  2. Note the units and scale
  3. Look for trends and patterns
  4. Compare values accurately
  5. Be careful with different scales on axes
  6. Watch for missing data or gaps

5. Word Problems

Translate words into mathematical expressions.

Problem-Solving Steps

  1. Read carefully - identify what is being asked
  2. Identify given information and unknowns
  3. Translate words to equations
  4. Solve the equation
  5. Check if the answer makes sense

Common Formulas

  • Distance: Distance = Speed × Time
  • Work: Work = Rate × Time
  • Combined Work: 1/Total Time = 1/Time₁ + 1/Time₂
  • Simple Interest: I = P × R × T

Example Problem

If a lawyer charges ₱5,000 per hour and worked for 3.5 hours on a case, with a 20% discount for the client, what is the total fee?

  1. Original fee: ₱5,000 × 3.5 = ₱17,500
  2. Discount: ₱17,500 × 0.20 = ₱3,500
  3. Final fee: ₱17,500 - ₱3,500 = ₱14,000

PhiLSAT Quantitative Tips

  • Memorize common conversions - fractions, decimals, percentages.
  • Practice mental math - speed matters on the exam.
  • Read graphs carefully - note units and scales.
  • Estimate first - eliminate obviously wrong answers.

Congratulations!

You've completed all PhiLSAT study notes. You're ready for law school admission!