Quantitative Aptitude separates average scorers from toppers in most government exams. The key is not just knowing formulas but developing calculation speed. Here is the complete approach.
Topic Priority by Exam
| Topic | SSC CGL | IBPS PO | RRB NTPC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | 10-15 | 20-25 | 10-15 |
| Number Series | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Simplification / Approximation | 5-8 | 10-15 | 5-8 |
| Arithmetic (% / P&L / SI-CI) | 10-12 | 10-12 | 10-12 |
| Geometry / Mensuration | 5-8 | 2-3 | 3-5 |
| Quadratic Equations | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Time, Work, Speed | 4-5 | 3-4 | 4-5 |
Speed Mathematics Foundation
Before solving any topic, master these:
Tables: Learn tables up to 30. Tables of 12, 13, 15, 16, 17 are especially useful.
Squares: Know perfect squares from 1 to 40.
Cubes: Know cubes of 1-20.
Percentage-Fraction Equivalents:
- 1/3 = 33.33%, 1/6 = 16.67%, 1/7 = 14.28%, 1/8 = 12.5%, 1/9 = 11.11%
Vedic Maths Tricks:
- Multiplication of numbers near 100: (100-a)(100-b) = 100(100-a-b) + ab
- Squaring numbers ending in 5: 65² = 6×7 followed by 25 = 4225
Topic-wise Key Formulas
Percentage
- % change = (Change/Original) × 100
- Successive % change: A% then B% = A + B + AB/100
Profit & Loss
- Profit% = Profit/CP × 100
- SP = CP × (100+P%)/100 or CP × (100-L%)/100
- Marked Price discount: SP = MP × (100-D%)/100
Simple & Compound Interest
- SI = PRT/100
- CI = P(1+R/100)^T - P
- CI-SI for 2 years = P(R/100)²
Time & Work
- If A does in x days and B in y days: Together = xy/(x+y) days
Speed, Time & Distance
- Speed = Distance/Time
- Trains crossing: Relative speed × Time = Sum of lengths
Data Interpretation Strategy
DI sets (bar chart, pie chart, table, line graph) carry 20-25 marks in bank exams. Strategy:
- Spend 2 minutes reading the chart carefully
- Identify which questions need approximate vs exact answers
- For approximation questions, round values to nearest 5/10
- For comparison questions, eyeball ratios before calculating
Practice: 2 DI sets daily. Download free DI practice PDFs from exam portals.
See our complete exam preparation guide for time management strategy.
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