Formulas · Shortcuts · Tricks · Topic-wise P

Exam-wise Math Snapshot

Exam Total MCQs Math Qs Negative Marking Level

PPSC (General/BS-16/17) 100 8–12 0.25 per wrong Matric–Inter

CSS Screening (GAT) 100 10–15 0.25 per wrong Inter–BA

PMS Prelims (GAT) 100 10–15 0.25 per wrong Inter–BA

MPT (FPSC One Paper) 100 8–12 0.25 per wrong Matric–Inter

FIA / NTS Based 100 10–15 0.20 per wrong Inter level

KEY INSIGHT: Math ka weightage small lagta hai (8–15 questions) lekin ye hi deciding factor hota hai. Jo log math strong
karte hain woh merit mein aage nikal jaate hain. Negative marking ki wajah se ek galat guess = 1.25 marks nuksan (1 sahi +
0.25 penalty).
Table of Contents
1. Number System & Arithmetic Integers, Fractions, Decimals, HCF, LCM

2. Percentages Increase/Decrease, Successive %, Profit/Loss

3. Ratio & Proportion Direct, Inverse, Compound Ratio

4. Averages Simple Average, Weighted Average, Tricks

5. Simple & Compound Interest SI, CI, Instalments

6. Time, Speed & Distance Trains, Boats, Relative Speed

7. Time & Work Pipes, Efficiency Method

8. Algebra & Equations Linear, Quadratic, Simultaneous

9. Number Series & Sequences Patterns, Missing Terms

10
Geometry & Mensuration Areas, Volumes, Perimeter
.

11
Miscellaneous Logarithms, Sets, Data Interpretation
.

12
Speed Maths & Mental Tricks Vedic shortcuts, Estimation
.

13
Study Plan & Resources Books, Sites, 8-Week Schedule
.

14
Quick Formula Sheet One-page revision reference
.
 Integers · Fractions · Decimals · HCF · LCM
stem & Arithmetic

1.1 Types of Numbers

Type Definition Examples

Natural Numbers Counting numbers 1, 2, 3, 4...

Whole Numbers Natural + zero 0, 1, 2, 3...

Integers Positive, negative, zero ...-2, -1, 0, 1, 2...

Even Numbers Divisible by 2 2, 4, 6, 8...

Odd Numbers Not divisible by 2 1, 3, 5, 7...

Prime Numbers Divisible only by 1 and itself 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23...

Composite Numbers More than 2 factors 4, 6, 8, 9, 10...

1.2 HCF (Highest Common Factor) & LCM

th numbers IMPORTANT FORMULA: HCF x LCM = Product of two numbers

nder = 0. TRICK — LCM = (Product of numbers) ÷ HCF TRICK —

Factors of 24: 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24 | Factors of 36: 1,2,3,4,6,9,12,18,36 HCF = 12

1.3 Fractions & Decimals

To compare fractions: Cross multiply — a/b vs c/d: compare a×d vs b×c Decima

Common Fraction Decimal Equivalent

1/2 0.5

1/3 0.333...

1/4 0.25

1/5 0.2

1/6 0.1666...

1/8 0.125

3/4 0.75

2/3 0.666...
 Most Repeated Topic — 3 to 5 Questions per Paper
s
% Decrease = (Decrease / Original) x 100

2.1 Successive Percentage Change

Net change = a + b + (ab/100) % Exampl

30% increase = multiply by 1.3 | 20% decrease = multiply by 0.8 | 15% increase = multiply by 1.15 Two succ

2.2 Profit & Loss (Percentage Based)

SP = CP x (100 + Profit%) / 100

TRICK — Equal items at different prices: If buying at x and selling at y, profit% = (y-x)/x x 100 TRICK —

Q: Marked price Rs.500, 20% discount, 10% further discount. Final SP?
 Very High Frequency — Every Paper
portion
bd If A:B = 2:3 and B:C = 4:5 → A:B:C = 8:12:15

A:B = 3:4, B:C = 5:6 → Multiply A:B by 5, B:C by 4 → A:B:C = 15:20:24 TRICK —

Total parts = 2+3+7 = 12 A = (2/12

3.1 Partnership (Ratio Based)

If A invests Ca for ta months and B invests Cb for tb months: Ratio of

s.4000 for 4 months. Profit ratio? A = 3000 x 6 = 18000 | B = 4000 x 4 = 16000 | Ratio = 18000:16000 = 9:8
 3–4 Questions per Paper — Easy Marks

If average of n numbers is A and one number x is replaced by y: New Av

s / n) Example: Average of 48, 52, 50, 46 → Assume mean = 50

Q: Avera
 2–4 Questions per Paper
ompound Interest

5.1 Simple Interest (SI)

Amount (A) = P + SI = P(1 + RT/100)

5.2 Compound Interest (CI)

R/200)^(2n) Quarterly compounding: A = P x (1 + R/400)^(4n)

TRICK — Rule of 72: Money doubles in (72/R) years at compound interest. At 8% → doubles in 9 years. TRICK —

Q: Rs.10
 Trains, Boats, Relative Speed — 2–3 Questions
d & Distance
Convert km/hr to m/s: multiply by 5/18 Convert

6.1 Train Problems

Two trains SAME direction: Relative speed = |S1 - S2| Two tra

6.2 Boats & Streams

eam speed (with current) Boat speed = (Downstream + Upstream) / 2

TRICK — Meeting problems: Two people/trains moving toward each other cover combined speed. TRICK —

Q: Boat g
 Pipes & Cisterns Included — 2–3 Questions
k
Days to complete together = ab / (a+b) If A, B, C

7.1 Efficiency Method (Faster & Cleaner)

ork = LCM(10,15) = 30 units A's efficiency = 30/10 = 3 units/day | B's efficiency = 30/15 = 2 units/day

7.2 Pipes & Cisterns

s 1/b per hour (NEGATIVE) Net fill per hour = 1/a - 1/b

A = 3 units/day, B = 2 units/day, Together = 5 units/day Let total d

 Linear, Simultaneous, Quadratic
Equations
(a+b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2

TRICK — Age problems: Present age = x. Past age = x-n. Future age = x+n. TRICK —

Q: A's age is twice B's. 5 years ago A was 3 times B. Find current ages.
 Find Missing Number — 1–2 Questions
ries & Sequences

9.1 Types of Series (with Recognition Trick)

Series Type Pattern Example

Arithmetic (AP) Add/subtract same number each time 3, 7, 11, 15, __ → +4 each → 19

Geometric (GP) Multiply/divide by same number 2, 6, 18, 54, __ → x3 each → 162

Squares Perfect squares in order 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, __ → 36

Cubes Perfect cubes 1, 8, 27, 64, __ → 125

Fibonacci-type Each = sum of previous two 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, __ → 13

Difference series Find pattern in differences 2, 5, 10, 17, 26, __ → Diffs: 3,5,7,9,11 → 37

Alternating Two interlaced series 1, 3, 2, 6, 3, 9, __ → Series 1: 1,2,3; Series 2: 3,6,9 → 4

n^2 ± k Squares ± constant 3, 8, 15, 24, __ → (n^2-1): 35

nces of differences (2nd order). If equal → quadratic. STEP 3 — Check if dividing consecutive terms gives same ratio → GP.
 Areas, Volumes, Perimeters
& Mensuration

10.1 2D Shapes — Area & Perimeter

Shape Area Formula Perimeter Formula

Square (side a) a^2 4a

Rectangle (l x w) lxw 2(l+w)

Triangle (base b, height h) (1/2) x b x h a+b+c

Right Triangle (1/2) x base x height a+b+hypotenuse

Equilateral Triangle (side a) (sqrt(3)/4) x a^2 3a

Circle (radius r) pi x r^2 (pi = 3.14159) 2 x pi x r

Semi-circle (pi x r^2)/2 pi x r + 2r

Trapezium (a,b parallel sides, h) (a+b)/2 x h a+b+c+d

Parallelogram (base b, height h) bxh 2(a+b)

10.2 3D Shapes — Volume & Surface Area

Shape Volume Total Surface Area

Cube (side a) a^3 6a^2

Cuboid (l x w x h) lxwxh 2(lw + wh + lh)

Cylinder (r, h) pi x r^2 x h 2pi x r(r+h)

Cone (r, h, l=slant) (1/3) x pi x r^2 x h pi x r(r+l)

Sphere (r) (4/3) x pi x r^3 4 x pi x r^2

Hemisphere (r) (2/3) x pi x r^3 3 x pi x r^2

TRICK — Diagonal of square = a x sqrt(2) ≈ 1.414a TRICK —

 Logarithms · Data Interpretation · Sets
eous Topics

11.1 Logarithms
log(a^n) = n x log(a) log_a(a

11.2 Data Interpretation

These questions give a table or bar chart and ask calculations. Approach: Read carefully, identify what's asked
(increase%, share%, ratio), then calculate. Don't rush.

TRICK — For % change: (New - Old) / Old x 100 TRICK —

11.3 Sets (Venn Diagram Problems)

n(neither A nor B) = Total - n(A union B)

n(M u S) = 30 + 25 - 10 = 45 Neither =
 No Calculator Allowed — These Tricks Save Time
hs & Mental Tricks

12.1 Fast Multiplication Tricks

Multiply by 5: Divide by 2 then x10. OR multiply by 10 then divide by 2.

12.2 Fast Division & Percentage Tricks

Divisibilit

12.3 Estimation Strategy for MCQs

Since options are given, you don't need exact answer — eliminate wrong options first.

ns are 12000, 18044, 22000, 28000 → pick 18044. For % problems: estimate 10% first, then adjust. Saves 60–70% calculation
 8-Week Math Mastery Roadmap
n & Resources

13.1 Best Books (Pakistan Market)

Book / Resource Why Use It Where to Get

Caravan General Maths (A.H. Publishers)

Best for PPSC/CSS. Topic-wise, past papers included,
AnyUrdu+English.
bookshop, Lahore/Okara bazaar

JWT One Papers Guide (Math section)

Focused, concise. Good for quick revision before exam.
JWT bookshops or online

PPSC Past Papers (Math Subject Wise)

Real exam questions 2015–2025. Practice these [Link] or PDF online

Dogar Brothers Math Guide Good backup, affordable, widely available. Local bookshops

NTS GAT General Prep Book CSS/PMS uses GAT-style. Same math level. NTS website or bookshops

13.2 Best Online Resources (Free)

Website / App Best For URL/Access

[Link] 1000s of topic-wise math MCQs, free practice tests

[Link]

[Link] PPSC/FPSC style full mock tests [Link]

YouTube: Sir Ammar Hashmi Math tricks specifically for PPSC/CSS — Urdu medium
Search on YouTube

YouTube: Math Wid Maqsood (MWM)

Mental math tricks, Urdu, very clear Search on YouTube

[Link] CSS/PMS specific MCQs [Link]

Khan Academy (English) Concept building if any topic is unclear [Link]

CSS Forums ([Link]) CSS math past papers, community help [Link]
 13.3 8-Week Math Mastery Plan
Yeh plan CSS/PPSC/PMS teeno ke liye kaam karta hai. Roz sirf 1–1.5 hours math ko do.

Week Topics Daily Task Target

Week 1 Numbers, HCF/LCM, Fractions, Decimals

30 MCQs + review mistakes Zero concept gaps

Week 2 Percentages, Profit & Loss, Discount 40 MCQs + 2 past paper sets Percentage master

Week 3 Ratio/Proportion, Partnership, Average 40 MCQs + speed practice Ratio problems fast

Week 4 SI, CI, Instalments 30 MCQs + formula drill Interest formulas memorized

Week 5 Time-Speed-Distance, Trains, Boats 35 MCQs + varied problems All types covered

Week 6 Time & Work, Pipes, Algebra, Equations40 MCQs + word problems Efficiency method fluent

Week 7 Number Series, Geometry, Mensuration30 MCQs + area/volume drill Pattern recognition fast

Week 8 Full Past Papers (timed), Weak areas revision

2 full mock tests per day 8–10/10 math score

waal likho. Week 8 mein sirf woh notebook padho. TIMING: Exam mein math per question 45–60 seconds se zyada nahi. Pra
 Print This Page — Read Daily
rmula Sheet
PERCENTAGES

• Part = (% x Whole)/100

• % Change = (Change/Original) x 100

• Successive a% & b%: a+b+ab/100

• After x% increase: x (1+x/100)

PROFIT/LOSS

• Profit% = (Profit/CP) x 100

• SP = CP(100+P%)/100

• CP = SP x 100/(100+P%)

• 2 items same SP, ±a% → Loss = a²/100%

RATIO

• a:b:c share of T = (a/a+b+c)xT etc.

• To combine A:B & B:C, equate B

• Partnership: share ∝ Capital x Time

AVERAGE

• Average = Sum/n

• Sum = Average x n ← KEY

• Assumed mean + (Σdeviation/n)

SI & CI

• SI = PRT/100

• A = P(1+R/100)^n [CI]

• CI-SI (2yr) = P(R/100)^2

• Rule of 72: doubles in 72/R years

TIME-SPEED-DIST

• S = D/T, D = ST, T = D/S

• km/hr → m/s: x5/18

• Avg speed (equal dist) = 2ab/(a+b)

• Train + Bridge = (L_train+L_bridge)/S

• Boats: Up = B-S, Down = B+S

TIME & WORK

• Together = ab/(a+b)

• LCM METHOD: Total work = LCM

• Efficiency = Total/Days

• Pipe: Net = 1/fill - 1/drain

GEOMETRY

• Circle: A=πr², C=2πr

• Cylinder: V=πr²h

• Sphere: V=(4/3)πr³, A=4πr²

 • Pythagoras: c²=a²+b²

• [Link]: A=(√3/4)a²

Divisibility Quick Check: 2→even end | 3→digit sum÷3 | 4→last 2 digits÷4 | 5→end in 0,5 | 6→by 2 AND 3 | 8→last 3 digits÷8 |
9→digit sum÷9 | 11→alternate ±sum÷11

Log math se isliye fail hote hain kyunke woh formulas ratay hain sam
daily 1 topic karo, roz 30 MCQs karo, galtiyon ko track karo. 8 hafton
hoga. CSS ho ya PPSC — merit mein wahi aate hain
You've got this.