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Preparing for the
Quantitative Aptitude
(QA) section in the Common Admission Test (CAT) demands a robust understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts including the
Number Systems
. This particular
CAT
topic consists of integers, fractions, decimals, surds, and indices. Mastery in these areas not only strengthens your foundational knowledge but also forms the bedrock for solving more complex problems.
Explore how to ace these topics and achieve proficiency while preparing for the
CAT exam
.
Understanding Integers
Integers are whole numbers and their negative counterparts, including zero. CAT often presents problems involving concepts of divisibility, remainders, factors, and multiples. To master integers, you need to learn
divisibility rules
and pracitise a lot of problems.
Learning divisibility rules: Understand the rules for divisibility by different numbers. For example, knowing the divisibility rules for 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 10 can significantly aid in quicker problem-solving.
Practising problems: Work on a wide range of problems involving LCM (Least Common Multiple), HCF (Highest Common Factor), and divisibility to enhance your skills.
READ ALSO: Your One-Stop Guide to IIM Admission
Grasping Fractions and Decimals
Fractions and decimals are essential components of quantitative problems. Fractions involve parts of a whole, whereas decimals represent fractions in a decimal form. To master these, you should focus on simplifying fractions, converting fractions to decimals and working with decimals.
Simplifying fractions: Learn to simplify fractions by finding their lowest common terms and converting improper fractions to mixed numbers.
Converting fractions to decimals: Practise converting fractions to decimals and vice versa, and understand recurring and terminating decimals.
Working on decimals: Make special efforts to master addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of decimals to solve complex problems.
READ ALSO: 10 Common Mistakes CAT Aspirants Must Avoid
Handling Surds and Indices
Surds and indices involve expressing numbers in radical form and dealing with powers and exponents. These topics often feature
in CAT
questions. To excel in these areas, you need to have a mastery over these topics at the conceptual level.
Understand Surds: Learn to simplify and operate on surds by applying rules of multiplication, addition, and division.
Mastery in Indices: Understand laws of indices, involving multiplication, division, powers of powers, and negative indices.
Top tips to ace the Number Systems in CAT exam
Mastering the Number Systems is crucial for success in the CAT exam. Here are some tricks to follow.
Focus on conceptual clarity: Ensure a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts in these areas. If necessary, revisit basic mathematics books to strengthen your foundation.
Regular Practice: Solve a variety of problems regularly. CAT-specific practice questions and mock tests can provide exposure to the diverse patterns and types of questions.
Seek guidance: Utilize study materials, CAT coaching, or online resources for detailed explanations and alternate problem-solving methods.
Manage your time well: Practise solving problems within time constraints to improve speed and accuracy.
Summing up
Mastering integers, fractions, decimals, surds, and indices is crucial for excelling in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT exam. A strong command over these fundamental mathematical concepts not only boosts your problem-solving skills but also builds confidence in tackling more complex questions. With consistent practice, a clear understanding of the concepts, and strategic preparation, aspirants can navigate through these topics with ease and perform exceptionally well in the CAT examination.
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