Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most important sections of the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam. It is a crucial component of the CAT syllabus and accounts for 34% of the total marks in the exam. It is essential to score well in the Quantitative Aptitude section to secure a good overall percentile in the CAT exam. In this blog, we will discuss some tips and strategies that can help you prepare for the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT exam.
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Contents
Effective Tips To Crack Quantitative Aptitude Section Of CAT
1. Understand the Exam Pattern
The CAT exam comprises three sections, namely, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. The Quantitative Aptitude section consists of 22 questions. Understanding the exam pattern shown below that will help you plan your preparation accordingly.
| SECTION | DURATION | Number of questions (Expected) |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 40 minutes | 24 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 40 minutes | 20 |
| Quantitative Ability | 40 minutes | 22 |
| Total | 120 minutes | 66 |
2. Know your Strengths and Weaknesses
Identify the topics that you are good at and the ones that require more attention. Focus on improving your weak areas while maintaining your strengths. This will help you to make a plan that works for you.
3. Practice a good number of questions
Practice is the key to success in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT exam. Regular practice will help you to improve your speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills. Solve as many practice papers, mock tests, and previous years’ question papers as possible. This process will enhance your capability of solving the tough questions in the actual CAT examination.
4. Understand the Concepts
It is important to have a clear understanding of the basic concepts of mathematics. Understand the formulas, theorems, and concepts thoroughly, and practice problems based on them.
5. Develop Shortcuts and Tricks
While solving mathematical problems, it is important to develop shortcuts and tricks that can save time and improve efficiency. Learn different techniques and shortcuts that can be applied to solve problems quickly.
6. Time Management
The Quantitative Aptitude section is time-bound, and you need to manage your time well to complete the section within the given time frame. Divide your time effectively and prioritize the questions that you are good at and can solve quickly.
7. Keep Calm and Stay Confident
It is essential to keep calm and stay confident while attempting the Quantitative Aptitude section. Avoid panicking, and focus on the questions at hand. Do not spend too much time on a single question and move on if you get stuck.
CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
This is the only section in which one can define the topics and syllabus with some amount of certainty. Broadly, we can classify the quantitative ability section into five groups.
- Number systems
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Modern Maths (Probability, Combinatorics, etc.)
Number systems and progressions
Numbers, factors, properties of numbers, type and classification of numbers, divisibility rules, HCF and LCM, cyclicity and base theorem, remainders and remainder theorems, binomial theorem, the highest power of a number in a factorial. Series and progressions, types of series – AP, GP, HP, sum of series – finite, infinite. AM-GM concept, special series.
Arithmetic
Ratios and proportions, averages, alligations, percentages, successive percentage changes, profit-loss, faulty machines, interests – simple, compound, time and work, time speed distance, relative speed, effective speed, average speed, scalators, races and headstarts, circular tracks, pipes and cisterns, clocks and calendars.
Algebra
Linear equations, special linear equations, quadratic equations, roots of an equation, functions and graphs, maxima and minima, types and properties of functions, coordinate geometry, inequalities. Sets, inclusion-exclusion principles, Venn diagrams and 4 group Venn diagrams.
Geometry and Mensuration
Points, lines, triangles, properties of triangles, similarity, congruence, quadrilaterals and other polygons, properties of quadrilaterals, cyclic quadrilaterals, concave and convex polygons, circles, chords and tangents, properties of circles. 3D geometry – cubes, cuboids, cones, cylinders, spheres and other shapes, volumes and surface areas of 3D shapes, development of 3D shapes, cutting and colouring problems on 3D shapes.
Modern Maths (Probability, Combinatorics, etc.)
Factorials, combinations (selection), permutation(arrangement), arranging similar and distinct objects in similar and distinct groups, circular permutation and necklace problems, probability, mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive events, conditional probability, Baye’s theorem, number of integral solutions, the theory of partitioning, pigeonhole principle.
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