Quantitative aptitude better known as QA section appears as one of the sections for CAT and many of us are not able to clear the cut-offs for this particular section. Is it that we do not have proper reasoning power or ability to learn formulae or is it something else that is hindering to score us in this section? Let us explore how to systematically approach this section and score up to the expectations.
MYTH:
Quantitative Aptitude section can be cleared with high marks by only those who have lots of math skills
, understanding of higher math and having high level of aptitude.
REALITY:
Quantitative Aptitude section for CAT is all about right selection, fundamental knowledge and common sense. Yes, believe me a lot of common sense..!!!! But many of us fail to believe this and eventually fail in our effort just because of lack of confidence and right approach.
So, let’s explore the right approach by analyzing the section and gaining proper insight for the same…..
First of all QA section figuring in CAT contains questions which can divided into four broad categories…..
CATEGORY-1: GEOMETRY
This includes chapters on line, circle, plane, sphere, volume, conics etc. This is the most important categories on which lot of questions are being asked in CAT each year. This year almost 5-6 questions were from this category which means 20% questions of the whole QA section. The questions on geometry requires good vision and looking into the key areas of the problem. Practice applications of various theorems which will enable you save lot of time in the exam. One can score maximum in QA section by scoring well in this category.
CATEGORY-2: ALGEBRA AND NUMBER THEORY
Once again this category carries a great chunk of questions. Chapters like permutation and combination, probability, functions, Logs, A.P & G.P., Number theory etc. fall in this category. There were almost 9-10 questions from this category in CAT-2008 which means 40% of the total weightage of QA section. Let me remind you that although some of the chapters fall into the area of higher math but in case of CAT it just requires primary understanding and understanding them into physical or practical manner instead of just memorizing formulae. Number theory can be easily managed by knowing some simple tricks and tactics to solve them. We will discuss them at a later point of time with separate weightage.
CATEGORY-3: ARITHMATIC OPERATIONS
This category covers chapters on set theory, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio & Proportion, and Mensurations etc. This is very elementary section which probably all might know but the beauty of CAT is we find some insightful questions on this category. So just basic knowledge is not sufficient unlike algebra and higher math but it requires relating two or more concepts in a single problem. Mensuration section involves lot of intensive calculation and judgment of problem so lot of practice is required to tackle such problems.
CATEGORY-4: LOGICAL PROBLEMS
The questions falling under this category does not require good mathematical skills but just right logic will enable you to solve such types of problems. Generally such problems cannot be taught to solve, it can just be practiced. There are almost 2-3 or sometimes around 5 questions falling in this category in CAT and can easily fetch good marks without much preparation if tackled properly.
In the first part of this article we had a review of various categories from which questions appear in QA section and how to maximize in each of the categories by preparing in well-planned manner. Now we will discuss some key tricks and tips which will be prove to be useful to ace QA section. Pay attention on each of these tips and work on them.
HOW TO SCORE BETTER: SOME TRICKS AND TIPS FOR QA SECTION
1) Develop strong fundamentals for each of the above mentioned categories. Remember if you leave any section untouched it will affect other questions also because you will find that in CAT most of the times the question requires understanding of concepts of two different areas.
2) Practice, practice and practice. Yes, there is no alternative to practice for scoring well in this section. The more you practice the more you get acquainted to the formulae and large variety of questions. So, practice is must for this section.
3) Gain mastery in one of the category and try to develop high speed in this category. This will enable you to score good in minimum time than others.
4) While learning focus on concepts and not on formulae. Try to formulate your own equations based on the understanding of questions.
5) Always judge the question before attempting the section and try to find out the easy ones on the basis of your skills, ability and strengths. Some problems which may be easy for others may also be hard for you and vice versa. So go by your perception only.
6) Do not stick on any one particular for so long even you are able to solve it. Just leave the problem after stipulated time and switch over to the next problem.
7) Apply strategies like substitution particularly in algebra, back substitution, substitution of numbers etc. Experts say that almost 80% of CAT problems can be solved by such tricks without applying single formula..!!!
8) Take reasonable guesses when you have narrowed down to 2 options at the end of spending 1-2 minutes for a particular problem. Don’t solve it further at the expense of couple of minutes more.
9) Do not leave any questions untouched. You should have referred all the questions before leaving the section. Judge and rate all the questions before starting to solve them.
10) Please don’t bluff. This will not help you in fetching marks. Believe me it will always reduce the marks by adding negative marks to your score.
SUGGESTED READING:
For brushing up of fundamentals get the copies of NCERT math textbooks of std. 8 to 12. You can also download them for free from NCERT website.
For shortcuts and practice of problems I would suggest ‘KIRAN’S BOOK OF QUICKEST MATHEMATICS’. This will be useful for other competitive exams also. (Refer this book if you are preparing at least 8 months before the CAT)