Test format
Symbiotics currently describes Progressive Maths as a 20-question, 30-minute assessment aligned to approximately age-18 capability. Questions increase through three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. The provider specifically identifies Speed, Distance, Time, Fuel Consumption and Bearings as calculation areas. Its current FAQ additionally lists fuel rates, basic Pythagoras and statistics among possible topics.
That means preparation should include both understanding the mathematics and becoming quick enough to apply it under time pressure.
The formulas worth knowing cold
Speed, distance and time
The fundamental relationship is Distance = Speed × Time, from which Speed = Distance ÷ Time, and Time = Distance ÷ Speed.
An aircraft travels at 150 knots for 2 hours. Distance = 150 × 2 = 300 NM.
An aircraft needs to travel 420 NM at 140 knots. Time = 420 ÷ 140 = 3 hours.
The arithmetic is basic. The challenge becomes greater when the units are less convenient — for example, if an aircraft travels at 180 knots for 40 minutes: 40 minutes = 2/3 hour, so distance = 180 × 2/3 = 120 NM. A useful shortcut: 180 knots = 3 NM per minute, so 3 × 40 = 120 NM directly. Being comfortable moving between hours and minutes can save considerable time.
Fuel calculations
Fuel questions are usually variations on rate, time and quantity. The core relationship is Fuel used = Fuel flow × Time.
Fuel consumption is 36 L/hr, flight time 2.5 hours. 36 × 2.5 = 90 litres.
144 litres available, burning 48 L/hr. 144 ÷ 48 = 3 hours endurance.
Make sure you can recognise whether the question is asking for fuel used, remaining fuel, endurance, or burn rate. The numbers may be simple, but choosing the wrong relationship produces a completely wrong answer.
Bearings
Bearings run from 000° through 359°. The important skill is becoming comfortable moving around the full circle.
Current heading 320°, turn right 70°: 320 + 70 = 390°, 390 − 360 = 030°.
Current heading 040°, turn left 100°: 040 − 100 = −60°, + 360 = 300°.
Do not let crossing north make an otherwise simple calculation confusing.
Pythagoras
Symbiotics specifically lists basic Pythagoras among possible Maths topics. For a right-angled triangle, a² + b² = c².
Sides 6 and 8: 6² + 8² = 36 + 64 = 100, √100 = 10.
It is useful to recognise common triples immediately: 3-4-5, 5-12-13, 6-8-10, 8-15-17.
Percentages
Even when percentages are not the named topic, they are useful throughout applied numerical work.
A value rises from 200 to 230. Increase = 30. 30 ÷ 200 = 0.15 = 15%.
18% of 250: 10% = 25, 5% = 12.5, 3% = 7.5 → 25 + 12.5 + 7.5 = 45.
Ratios
Fuel split 3:2 across two tanks, total 150 L. Total parts = 5, so 150 ÷ 5 = 30 L per part. Tank A = 3 × 30 = 90 L. Tank B = 2 × 30 = 60 L.
Statistics
Symbiotics lists statistics among possible Progressive Maths areas. At minimum, understand mean, median, mode and range.
Dataset: 5, 8, 9, 10, 13. Mean = (5+8+9+10+13) ÷ 5 = 9. Median = 9. Range = 13 − 5 = 8.
Do not ignore units
Unit mistakes are some of the easiest marks to lose. Always check hours vs minutes, litres vs kilograms, nautical miles vs another distance unit, and per-hour versus per-minute rates. A correct formula with mismatched units still produces the wrong answer.
| Topic | Core relationship |
|---|---|
| Speed / Distance / Time | Distance = Speed × Time |
| Fuel used | Fuel used = Fuel flow × Time |
| Bearings | 000°–359°, wraps at north |
| Pythagoras | a² + b² = c² |
| Percentage change | (change ÷ original) × 100 |
How to become faster without becoming sloppy
Start without a timer. Make sure you can solve the problem correctly. Then reduce the time: untimed to learn the method, 60 seconds to build fluency, 40 seconds to increase pressure, 20–30 seconds for rapid recognition.
Not every problem should be solved mentally. The goal is to avoid wasting written working on calculations simple enough to do mentally.
Worked practice
An aircraft flies 270 NM in 1.5 hours. Average speed? 270 ÷ 1.5 = 180 knots.
Fuel flow 42 L/hr, duration 2 hours 20 minutes (2⅓ hours). 42 × 2⅓ = 98 litres.
Heading 275°, turn right 125°. 275 + 125 = 400, 400 − 360 = 040°.
Right triangle, sides 9 and 12. 81 + 144 = 225, √225 = 15.
A 7-day Maths revision plan
- Day 1: arithmetic, percentages and fractions
- Day 2: speed-distance-time
- Day 3: fuel rates and endurance
- Day 4: bearings and angular arithmetic
- Day 5: Pythagoras and basic statistics
- Day 6: mixed timed questions
- Day 7: full practice assessment and error review
What to do when you get stuck
Do not immediately repeat the same question. Categorise the error: wrong formula, arithmetic mistake, unit conversion, rushing, taking too long, or misunderstanding the wording. Those require different fixes.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on ADAPT Maths?
Symbiotics currently lists 20 questions.
How long do you get?
30 minutes.
Does difficulty increase?
Yes. Symbiotics describes Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced levels with different mark values.
What should I study?
Officially documented areas include speed/distance/time, fuel calculations, bearings, basic Pythagoras and statistics.
The other ADAPT components
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Primary source: Symbiotics Progressive Maths documentation and current FAQ. CBAT Academy is an independent training resource, not affiliated with or endorsed by Symbiotics.