New York City SHSAT 2017

ODDBALL QUESTIONS

The rest of the Logical Reasoning question types are less common than Verbal Deductions and Sequence Questions. In fact, you may
not see all of the following question types on the SHSAT. However, because it’s impossible to know precisely which question types
you will see, it’s important to prepare for any question type that you know you might see.

Math-Type Questions

Math-type questions test your ability to make mathematical deductions from verbal statements. These questions tend to ask for very
specific information so it is crucial that you identify precisely what the question is asking. Look out for logical clue words such as
“all but,” “none,” “only,” or “at least.” Additionally, a big mistake that many people make is that they try to figure out the answer all
at once. You’re much better off if you work through the problem one stage at a time.

EXAMPLE

STRATEGY

Focus on exactly what the question is asking. Look for logical clues. Piece your answer together a step at a time.

Instead of trying to get directly to the answer, take the question apart and deal with it in pieces.

The first sentence, “Dr. Roosevelt is scheduled to see a number of patients during the first week of June,” just sets the stage. It does
not contain any logical clues.

The next sentence, “Although his first patient is scheduled for a root canal, at least two are not,” contains logical clues that should
catch your eye. You have enough information to deduce that Dr. Roosevelt has to see at least three patients—the root canal and at
least two more.

Dr. Roosevelt is scheduled to see a number of patients during the first week of June. Although his first patient is scheduled for

a root canal, at least two are not. All but three of his patients are coming for yearly checkups. What is the fewest number of

patients that Dr. Roosevelt can be scheduled to see during the first week of June?

1.

A. 3

B. 4

C. 5

D. 6

E. Cannot be determined from the information given.