Quantitative Aptitude for CAT: Formulas, Questions, Mock Tests

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT: Quantitative Aptitude is a crucial section of the CAT exam as it is one of the highest-scoring sections. This section also has the potential of getting a 100 per cent score. All those candidates preparing to attempt the CAT paper this year should know that the Quantitative Aptitude section takes up the majority of space in the paper. Like last year, this year the CAT exam paper will have 22 questions. Keep reading this blog post to learn all the important information about the Quantitative Aptitude section in the CAT exam. Before moving ahead, here is a quick overview of the Quantitative Aptitude section for CAT.

Particulars	Details
Name of the Exam	CAT
Full Form	Common Aptitude Test
Total Number of Questions in Quant	22
Time Limit	40 Minutes
Time taken per question	2 Minutes
Marks Awarded	3
Negative Marking	-1

What is Quant in CAT?

Speaking in terms of the CAT exam, the word ‘Quant’ refers to the Quantitative Aptitude section. For all those who don’t know, the Quantitative Aptitude exam is a standardized test conducted in India for admission to various management programs offered by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and top other business schools.

The Quantitative Aptitude section assesses candidates’ mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills. This section includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number theory, and data interpretation. This section is very crucial as it evaluates the candidates, ability to work with numbers and data, which are essential skills for success in management studies and the business world.

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

Quant Questions and Solutions for CAT

If you are planning to take the CAT exam, then you must prepare yourself for the Quant section which is also part of this paper. Below is the mock test paper which has all the questions for the Quant section. 

CAT Quant Mock Test Download PDF

Important Formulas for CAT Quant Section

Speaking of formulas, here are all the important formulas that are part of the CAT Quant section. By following these formulas, candidates will be able to crack all the questions that will come under this section. 

1. Number System

• 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + … + n = n(n + 1)/2
• (1² + 2² + 3² + ….. + n²) = n ( n + 1 ) (2n + 1) / 6
• (1³ + 2³ + 3³ + ….. + n³) = (n(n + 1)/ 2)²
• Sum of first n odd numbers = n²
• Sum of first n even numbers = n (n + 1)

2. Profit, Loss and Discount

• Profit (or) Gain = SP – CP
• Profit % = (Profit/CP) × 100
• SP = (100 + gain % )/100  × CP
• CP = 100/(100 + gain %) × SP
• Loss = CP – SP
• Loss % = Loss/(CP) × 100
• SP = (100 – loss %)/100 × CP
• CP = 100/(100 – loss %) × SP

3. LCM and HCF

• LCM × HCF = Product of the numbers
• LCM of co-prime numbers = Product of the numbers

4. Percentages

• To find what percentage of x is y: (y/x) × 100
• Increase N by S % = N( 1+ S/100 )
• Decrease N by S % = N (1 – S/100)

5. Time and Work

• If A can do a piece of work in n days, then A’s 1 day’s work = 1/n
• If A’s 1 day’s work =1/n, then A can finish the work in n days

6. Logarithm

• loga (xy) = loga x + loga y
• loga (x/y) = loga x – loga y
• logx x = 1
• loga 1 = 0
• loga (xn) = n(loga x)
• loga x = 1/(logx a)
• loga x = (logb x)/(logb a) = (log x)/(log a)

CAT Syllabus Quantitative Aptitude

CAT is one of the main entrance exams which every candidate needs to take to get into IIMs. However, in the last 10 years, IIMs have never officially shared the syllabus on their website. But by going through the question papers anyone can guess the syllabus. All candidates are expected to be thorough in their Mathematics which is taught till Class 10. Below is the CAT 2024 syllabus for the Quantitative Ability section that candidates should be aware of:

Probability	Quadratic and Linear Equations	Complex Numbers
Speed, Time and Distance	Quantitative Aptitude Shortcut Techniques for CAT	Ratio, Proportion & Variation
Compound Interest	Number System Shortcut for CAT	Application of Power Cycle
Graphical Division Geometry	Boats and Streams for CAT	Escalator Questions for CAT
Triangles	Conditional probability	Constant Product Rule
Angles	Applications of Averages	Derangement
Quadrilaterals	Points, Lines and Planes	Circles

Other Important Topics for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Apart from the syllabus, here are some important topics for the Quantitative Ability section that you should be aware of when preparing for the CAT exam.

• Modern Math
• Algebra
• Factorials
• Statistics
• Premutation
• Properties Of Ratio, Proportion
• Weighted Average
• Combination/Probability

Also Read: CAT Syllabus: PDF (Out)

How to Prepare for Quant Section in CAT?

Here are some ways on how you can prepare for the Quant section when preparing for the CAT exam:

• Understand the Exam Pattern: When preparing for the CAT exam, the candidate needs to go through the syllabus carefully, and look into the exam pattern which includes the number and the type of questions that will be asked in the exam. By doing so, this will help you to manage your time better. 
• Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: When preparing for the CAT exam, you must regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses which help you know where you need to work. Focus on topics where you feel less confident. 
• Time Management: When preparing for the CAT exam, make sure you practice solving some question papers that too within a set time limit. Learn to manage your time effectively by prioritising all the important and difficult questions. 
• Stay Confident and Positive: Lastly, make sure that you are confident and positive throughout your preparation journey. With proper dedication and guidance, anyone can crack the CAT exam. 

Tips and Tricks for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Revision

Confused about how you can crack the Quantitative Aptitude section? Worry not, as we have all the tips and tricks for this section in the CAT exam. 

• Practise, Practise and Practise!

One of the most basic ways to crack the Quantitative Aptitude section is to regularly practice all the mathematical questions from all sections. Begin by solving easier questions and then increase your difficulty level gradually. 

• Master Your Basics

Before attempting the Quantitative Aptitude questions, make sure you have a strong grasp of all the fundamentals of this section. Keep in mind that you have all the basic knowledge of solving basic questions on addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Then move on to the higher level by solving other difficult mathematical questions. 

• Understand the Usage of Shortcuts

Once you have mastered solving various types of mathematical questions, then start using shortcuts to avoid wasting time and solve questions quickly. 

• Keep Track of Time

Finally, once you have mastered the art of solving questions, make sure you also master the art of time management especially when solving Quantitative Aptitude questions. Try to solve each question with a set time limit. Avoid wasting time on one problem, even if you do, move on to the next question.

Best Books for Quant in CAT

Here is the list of best books for Quant that students are supposed to use for their preparation in CAT.

CAT Books	Author Name
NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10)	NCERT
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT	Sarvesh Verma
Quantitative Aptitude	Quantitative Aptitude
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT	Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Nishit Sinha
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	R.S. Aggarwal
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT	Nishit K Sinha
Quantum CAT	Sarvesh Verma
Complete the course Pack for CAT [Set of 12 Books] (Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning	Erudite
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Dinesh K. Sinha

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