CAT Quantitative Aptitude Handbook
A 10–15 page quick revision guide covering the most important mathematics topics for the CAT
exam.
A 10–15 page quick revision guide covering the most important mathematics topics for the CAT
exam.
A 10–15 page quick revision guide covering the most important mathematics topics for the CAT
exam.
1. Percentages
Formula: Percentage = (Part/Whole)×100. Tips: convert percentage changes into fractions.
Memorize: 12.5%=1/8, 20%=1/5, 25%=1/4, 33.33%=1/3, 50%=1/2. Practice mentally.
Formula: Percentage = (Part/Whole)×100. Tips: convert percentage changes into fractions.
Memorize: 12.5%=1/8, 20%=1/5, 25%=1/4, 33.33%=1/3, 50%=1/2. Practice mentally.
Formula: Percentage = (Part/Whole)×100. Tips: convert percentage changes into fractions.
Memorize: 12.5%=1/8, 20%=1/5, 25%=1/4, 33.33%=1/3, 50%=1/2. Practice mentally.
2. Profit and Loss
Profit%=Profit/CP×100. Loss%=Loss/CP×100. SP=CP×(1±rate). Remember discounts are applied
on marked price.
Profit%=Profit/CP×100. Loss%=Loss/CP×100. SP=CP×(1±rate). Remember discounts are applied
on marked price.
Profit%=Profit/CP×100. Loss%=Loss/CP×100. SP=CP×(1±rate). Remember discounts are applied
on marked price.
3. Ratio and Proportion
Simplify ratios, use cross multiplication, and solve partnership and mixture questions by maintaining
proportional relationships.
Simplify ratios, use cross multiplication, and solve partnership and mixture questions by maintaining
proportional relationships.
Simplify ratios, use cross multiplication, and solve partnership and mixture questions by maintaining
proportional relationships.
4. Averages
Average=Sum/Number. New average after adding an item can often be solved using total sums
rather than recalculating everything.
Average=Sum/Number. New average after adding an item can often be solved using total sums
rather than recalculating everything.
Average=Sum/Number. New average after adding an item can often be solved using total sums
rather than recalculating everything.
5. Time, Speed and Distance
Speed=Distance/Time. Relative speed: add speeds for opposite directions, subtract for same
direction. Average speed for equal distances=2ab/(a+b).
Speed=Distance/Time. Relative speed: add speeds for opposite directions, subtract for same
direction. Average speed for equal distances=2ab/(a+b).
Speed=Distance/Time. Relative speed: add speeds for opposite directions, subtract for same
direction. Average speed for equal distances=2ab/(a+b).
6. Time and Work
If A finishes in x days, one-day work=1/x. Combine work rates by addition. Pipes and cisterns follow
the same idea.
If A finishes in x days, one-day work=1/x. Combine work rates by addition. Pipes and cisterns follow
the same idea.
If A finishes in x days, one-day work=1/x. Combine work rates by addition. Pipes and cisterns follow
the same idea.
7. Simple & Compound Interest
SI=(P×R×T)/100. CI=P(1+r/100)^n−P. Learn common growth patterns.
SI=(P×R×T)/100. CI=P(1+r/100)^n−P. Learn common growth patterns.
SI=(P×R×T)/100. CI=P(1+r/100)^n−P. Learn common growth patterns.
8. Algebra
Master linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions. Factorization saves time.
Master linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions. Factorization saves time.
Master linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities, and functions. Factorization saves time.
9. Geometry & Mensuration
Remember formulas for triangles, circles, rectangles, cylinders, cones, and spheres. Draw figures
before solving.
Remember formulas for triangles, circles, rectangles, cylinders, cones, and spheres. Draw figures
before solving.
Remember formulas for triangles, circles, rectangles, cylinders, cones, and spheres. Draw figures
before solving.
10. Number System
Divisibility, HCF, LCM, remainders, factorials, cyclicity, and unit digits are frequent CAT topics.
Divisibility, HCF, LCM, remainders, factorials, cyclicity, and unit digits are frequent CAT topics.
Divisibility, HCF, LCM, remainders, factorials, cyclicity, and unit digits are frequent CAT topics.
11. Modern Math
Permutations, combinations, probability, and set theory. Count systematically and avoid double
counting.
Permutations, combinations, probability, and set theory. Count systematically and avoid double
counting.
Permutations, combinations, probability, and set theory. Count systematically and avoid double
counting.
12. Shortcuts & Strategy
Estimate intelligently, eliminate options, manage time, skip lengthy problems initially, and return
later if needed.
Estimate intelligently, eliminate options, manage time, skip lengthy problems initially, and return
later if needed.
Estimate intelligently, eliminate options, manage time, skip lengthy problems initially, and return
later if needed.
13. Mini Practice Test
Include questions from each topic. After solving, review mistakes and identify weak areas.
Include questions from each topic. After solving, review mistakes and identify weak areas.
Include questions from each topic. After solving, review mistakes and identify weak areas.
14. Final Revision Sheet
Revise formulas daily, solve previous CAT papers, and maintain an error notebook for repeated
revision.
Revise formulas daily, solve previous CAT papers, and maintain an error notebook for repeated
revision.
Revise formulas daily, solve previous CAT papers, and maintain an error notebook for repeated
revision.