Independent dMAT preparation
Four original dMAT preparation examples
Try four original examples: a visual sequence, elimination equations, a 5×5 Latin square and an academic model.
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Try each example before revealing its answer. These compact tasks introduce four reasoning methods; they are not official questions, a complete syllabus or a calibrated mock exam. The official preparation materials remain the reference for task instructions.
1. Figure Sequences
These are original Aptitrail teaching examples. They are independent of official exercises and are not an official difficulty benchmark.
Four frames are shown. Predict frames 5 and 6. Track the triangle's position, orientation and fill separately.
Reveal frames 5 and 6 and the rule
- Position: the columns are 1, 2, 3, 2. Move one cell across the middle row, reversing at each edge; the next columns are 1 and 2.
- Orientation: up, right, down, left. Turn clockwise through one quarter-turn each time; next comes up, then right.
- Fill: filled, hollow, filled, hollow. Alternate the fill; next comes filled, then hollow.
A position-only answer is incomplete. All three properties must agree in both future frames.
Try one more step: what should frame 7 show?
Reveal the frame 7 answer
Row 2, column 3; pointing down; filled. Continue all three rules through frame 6 before making the next prediction.
2. Mathematical Equations
These are original Aptitrail teaching examples. They are independent of official exercises and are not an official difficulty benchmark.
Solve X + Y = 17 and 2X + Y = 26. What is X? Keep both equations true.
Reveal the elimination and answer
Subtract the whole first equation from the second: (2X + Y) − (X + Y) = 26 − 17, so X = 9. Then Y = 17 − 9 = 8. Verify both original equations: 9 + 8 = 17 and 2 × 9 + 8 = 26. Both values are integers within 1–20.
The useful feature is the equal coefficient of Y. Subtraction removes Y immediately, avoiding a long substitution chain.
Try P + Q = 15 and P + 2Q = 22. Find Q.
Reveal the equation exercise answer
Subtract the first equation from the second to get Q = 7. Then P = 8. Check: 8 + 7 = 15 and 8 + 2 × 7 = 22.
3. Latin Squares
These are original Aptitrail teaching examples. They are independent of official exercises and are not an official difficulty benchmark.
| Row | Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 | Column 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | · | C | ? | E |
| 2 | B | C | · | E | · |
| 3 | C | D | E | · | B |
| 4 | D | · | A | · | C |
| 5 | E | A | B | C | D |
Reveal the target and the two deductions
Row 1 is missing B and D. Column 2 already contains C, D and A, so its missing letters are B and E. Row 1 already has E; therefore row 1, column 2 must be B. Now D is the only letter missing from row 1, so the target at row 1, column 4 is D.
You need only these two deductions. Do not assume a diagonal rule or an alphabetical pattern. Automated enumeration confirms that every valid completion of this original grid puts D at the target.
Using the same grid, what must go in row 4, column 2?
Reveal the Latin exercise answer
E. Column 2 is missing B and E. The worked deduction proves B at row 1, column 2, leaving E at row 4, column 2.
4. General Academic Module
These are original Aptitrail teaching examples. They are independent of official exercises and are not an official difficulty benchmark.
Original passage: laboratory energy budget. A laboratory makes identical batches in one session. It uses 12 energy units to start the equipment and 3 additional units for each batch. Total energy is E(n) = 12 + 3n, where n is a whole number from 0 to 8. Assume every batch is completed in the same session, the setup runs once, and there are no other energy costs. A research group needs at least 5 batches.
How much energy is needed for exactly 5 batches? Choose one: A. 15 units; B. 27 units; C. 60 units; D. 72 units.
Reveal the application and answer
B: 27 units. Substitute n = 5 into the supplied model: E(5) = 12 + 3 × 5 = 27. The 12-unit setup is charged once; the 3-unit batch cost is charged five times. A omits setup, C treats setup as a per-batch cost, and D charges the complete one-batch session cost five times.
The passage provides the entire model. Outside assumptions about laboratory equipment would change the task rather than solve it.
Try a 30-unit budget. What is the largest whole number of batches the session can produce?
Reveal the academic exercise answer
6 batches. Solve 12 + 3n ≤ 30, giving n ≤ 6. Six is an allowed whole number in the passage’s 0–8 range. Seven would need 33 units, exceeding the budget.
Use your answers to choose a method
If you missed a figure property, track one property at a time. If you missed an equation, check both original equations. If the Latin target seemed ambiguous, seek one forced neighbouring cell. If you misread the academic problem, identify the model’s fixed term, variable term and domain first.
Follow the topic guides for common mistakes and a more deliberate practice routine. Correct answers on these introductory examples do not establish readiness for the official test.
By the Aptitrail editorial team. AI-assisted original teaching examples checked with automated tests. These checks do not constitute an independent expert review. Report a correction.