CAT Algebra Formulas: Check Weightage & Questions

CAT Algebra Formulas: The CAT Algebra questions come under the CAT quantitative aptitude section and are an important part of the examination. This section consists of various concepts, such as the range of inequalities, modulus functions, and possible solutions to name a few. The topic also involves linear and quadratic equations, finding roots, polynomials, and many more. So, one can expect 2-3 algebraic questions from either of these topics in the CAT examination. If you wish to know more about CAT algebra formulas, continue reading this blog. 

All About CAT

What are CAT Algebra Questions?

As discussed above, Algebra questions in CAT are important and come under the Quantitative Ability section. Infact, the maximum number of quantitative questions are from Algebra and Arithmetic in the aptitude test. Resultantly, this section is considered to be one of the highest-scoring. Speaking of the difficulty level of this section, CAT Algebra questions ask for a lot of calculations and mastery over quantitative formulas, thus, it scales between moderate to difficult level

For all those wondering, the Algebra section tests the candidates’ knowledge of linear and quadratic equations, logarithms, algebraic entities, etc. Here are the major topics that will be covered in the CAT quantitative aptitude section:

• Polynomials
• Logarithms
• Functions and Graphs
• Maxima and Minima
• Linear and Quadratic Equations

Important CAT Algebra Formulas for Preparation

To prepare for the CAT exam, the candidate needs to learn all the formulas by heart which will help them in solving all the questions. Here are some important algebraic formulas which will help you solve all the questions in the CAT exam. 

Linear Equation Formulas

Term	Formula
Standard Form	ax + by = c

Quadratic Equation Formulas

Term	Formulas
Quadratic Formula	x=-b±b2−4ac2a

Arithmetic Progression (AP)

Term	Formula
General Term	An = a1 + (n – 1) d
Sum of first n Terms	Sn = n[2a+(n-1)d]/2

Geometric Progression (GP)

Term	Formula
General Term	An = ar(n-1)
Sum of first n Terms	If r 1: Sn = a(rn – 1)r-1 If r = 1: Sn  = na

Logarithms Formula 

loga (xy) = loga x + logay

loga(x/y) = loga x – logay

logx x = 1

Loga1 = 0

loga(xn) = n(loga x)

Logax = 1/(logx a)

Logax = (logbx)/(logba) = (log x)/(log a)

Exponents Formula

a0 = 1

am an = am + n

am/an = am – n

(am)n = amn

Number Properties

Terms	Formulas
a2 – b2	(a – b)(a + b)
(a + b)2	a2 + 2ab + b2
(a – b)2	a2 – 2ab + b2
a2 + b2	(a + b)2 – 2ab
(a + b + c)2	a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca
(a – b – c)2	a2 + b2 + c2 – 2ab + 2bc – 2ca
(a + b)3	a3 + 3a2b + 3ab2 + b3 ; (a + b)3 = a3 + b3 + 3ab(a + b)
(a – b)3	a3 – 3a2b + 3ab2 – b3 ; (a – b)3 = a3 – b3 – 3ab(a – b)
a3 – b3	(a – b)(a2 + ab + b2)
a3 + b3	(a + b)(a2 – ab + b2)
(a + b)4	a4 + 4a3b + 6a2b2 + 4ab3 + b4
(a – b)4	a4 – 4a3b + 6a2b2 – 4ab3 + b4
a4 – b4	(a – b)(a + b)(a2 + b2)
a5– b5	(a – b)(a4 + a3b + a2b2 + ab3 + b4)

Also Read: CAT Exam Pattern: Sectional Time Limit, Marking Scheme, Exam Analysis

CAT Algebra Questions Weightage

When preparing for CAT Algebra questions, candidates must know how many questions they should practice from each topic. By looking at the weightage, all candidates will get an idea about how many questions will be asked from each topic under the Algebra section. 

Slots	Number of Questions (Approx)
Slot 1	7 Questions
Slot 2	9 Questions
Slot 3	6 Questions

Also Read: CAT Syllabus: PDF (Out)

CAT Algebra Questions for Practice

Here are some algebraic questions for CAT which will help you test your knowledge:

Algebra Questions for CAT

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