What are ‘Short Maths’, ‘Long Maths’ and ‘Numerical Reasoning’?

These ‘new’ terms are being used as part of the introduction of the new CEM 11+ Exam.

‘Numerical Reasoning’ is probably a more familiar term but the use of terms like ‘Short Maths’ and ‘Long Maths’ may cause some confusion in parents’ minds.

‘Numerical Reasoning’ is just another name for Mathematics.

However, the use of this term by the test providers does imply there may be more of an emphasis in the test on ‘reasoning style’ questions within Maths.

This brings in the other two definitions, ‘Short Maths’ and ‘Long Maths.’

‘Short Maths’ simply means using an algorithm (e.g. we can use the column addition algorithm to do this sum: 4.31 – 2.92 = 1.39).

‘Long Maths’ would bring in a ‘problem solving’ element to the same question (e.g. Robert had £4.31 in his pocket. He went to a shop and spent £2.92 on some sweets. Once he had paid for the sweets, how much money did he have left? The answer is £1.39).

The child would need to comprehend the meaning of the question first and then use the correct algorithm to solve it. As ‘Long Maths’ refers to problem-solving the ‘numerical reasoning’ element in these new tests is likely to be more prevalent.

However, mathematically there is really nothing special in these new definitions as there have only ever been two types of questions that can be asked in Maths: 1) A straightforward algorithm question or 2) a ‘problem solving’ question, which is algorithm + problem.