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The Quantitative Ability section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) needs not only smart practice but also solid learning of fundamental mathematical formulas. It is a calculation-intensive area thus one ought to be particular with the basic ideas of the topics. The CAT quant topics have Number Systems, Profit, Loss and Discount, LCM and HCF, Time and Work, Averages, Logarithm, Surds and Indices, Probability, Set Theory & Function, Trigonometry, Permutation & Combination, Co-ordinate Geometry, Mensuration, etc. In this blog, you will learn about important formulas of CAT, topics that are covered and much more.
Table of Contents
What is the CAT Quant Section in the CAT Exam 2024?
CAT is the most competitive MBA entrance exam in India. Around 1300 MBA colleges across the country acknowledge the CAT exam and offer admission regarding CAT scores. The CAT 2024 exam will be conducted in three sessions at about 375 examination centres located in more than 167 cities nationwide. Future MBA students seeking to enrol in premier institutes should start early preparation for the CAT 2024 exam.
Also Read: Quantitative Aptitude for CAT: Formulas, Questions, Mock Tests
Important CAT Quant Formulas
Candidates explore these fundamental formulas that are essential for achieving exceptionally high scores in the CAT exam. Learning these formulas and their applications can improve problem-solving skills, enhance accuracy, and boost the chances of achieving an excellent percentile in the CAT exam.
CAT Arithmetic Formulas
Arithmetic formulas are shortcuts to solving math problems linked to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Here is an analysis of some standard arithmetic formulas in simple terms:
| Percentage Change | (New Value – Old Value) / Old Value) × 100 |
| Simple Interest | (Principal × Rate × Time) / 100 |
| Compound Interest | P(1 + R/n)^(nt) (where P is principal, R is rate, n is number of times compounded annually, t is time in years) |
| Profit and Loss | Selling Price – Cost Price Loss = Cost Price – Selling Price |
| Average | (Sum of all terms) / (Number of terms) |
| Ratio and Proportion | If a : b = c : d, then (a/b) = (c/d) |
| Partnership | Ratio of investment × Time = Share in Profit or Loss |
CAT Algebra Formulas
Algebra formulas take arithmetic a step additional by using variables to express unfamiliar numbers. Here are some familiar algebra formulas in simple terms:
| Quadratic Equation | For ax² + bx + c = 0, x = (-b ± √(b² – 4ac)) / 2a |
| Arithmetic Progression (AP) Sum | n/2 * (First Term + Last Term)` |
| Geometric Progression (GP) Sum | a * (1 – r^n) / (1 – r), where a is the first term and r is the common ratio |
| Binomial Theorem | (a + b)^n = nC0 * a^n + nC1 * a^(n-1)b + … + nCn * b^n |
| Factorization | a² – b² = (a + b)(a – b) (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b² |
| Linear Equations | c Solve for x: x = (c – by) / a Solve for y: y = (c – ax) / b |
| Inequalities | If a > b, then a + c > b + c and ac > bc (for positive c) |
CAT Geometry Formulas
Geometry formulas permit you to calculate lengths, areas, and volumes of different shapes. Here are some familiar ones for 2D and 3D shapes:
| Area of Triangle | 0.5 * Base * Height |
| Perimeter of Rectangle | Perimeter = 2(Length + Width) |
| Circumference of Circle | 2πr (r is the radius) |
| Area of Circle | πr² |
| Volume of Cylinder | πr²h (h is the height) |
| Pythagorean Theorem | In a right triangle, a² + b² = c² |
| Area of Trapezoid | 0.5 * (Sum of parallel sides) * Height |
CAT Number System Formulas
The number system formulas we commonly use do not include complex variables like algebra. They are more about shortcuts for calculations affecting typical sets of numbers. Mention below are some common examples:
| Divisibility Rule by 2 | A number is divisible by 2 if its units digit is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8). |
| Divisibility Rule by 3 | A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3. |
| Divisibility Rule by 9 | A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9. |
| Prime Factorization | Expressing a number as a product of prime numbers. |
Read More: Trigonometry Formulas for Quantitative Aptitude
What topics are covered in the CAT Quant Section?
Several topics are covered in the CAT Quant Section:
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio
- Numeral System
- Compound interest
- Equations
- Permutations and Combination
- Time
- Algebra
- Inequality
- Tringles
- Average
- Maximum and allegations
- Geometry
- Time speed and distance
- Progression
Read more: What is the Full Form of HCF and LCM?
Related Reads on CAT Exam
| Everything You Need to Know About CAT Exam 2024 | How to Crack CAT Exam in First Attempt Without Coaching |
| Application Out (Soon), Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus | What is the Full Form of CAT? |
FAQs
The CAT exam has three sections – Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
One of the modes how to organise quantitative aptitude CAT is to solve more and more CAT mock tests and CAT quantitative aptitude preparation online practice tests. To test where they stand initially, candidates can go for pre-mocks and get a feeling of what they like to study.
The candidates who are considering preparing for the CAT by self-study must complete the syllabus first and make revisions in their free time. You need to mention one thing, conceptual clarity is the main thing to crack CAT by Self Study.
This was all about the important CAT quant formulas. For more informative blogs, check out our Management Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page of Leverage Edu.