HAT Quantitative Reasoning

Complete Mathematics Concepts Guide

with Formulas • Step-by-Step Examples • Practice MCQs

Covers Every Topic Tested in HEC HAT — All Categories

Topics covered: Arithmetic • Percentages, Profit & Loss • Ratio & Proportion • Averages • Time,
Speed & Distance • Time & Work • Algebra • Exponents • Logarithms (Full) • Number Theory •
Sequences & Series • Geometry • Mensuration • Coordinate Geometry • Sets • Statistics •
Probability
Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Arithmetic & Number Sense

Chapter 2 Percentages, Profit & Loss, Discount & Tax

Chapter 3 Ratio, Proportion & Mixtures

Chapter 4 Averages

Chapter 5 Time, Speed & Distance — Time & Work

Chapter 6 Algebra: Equations & Key Identities

Chapter 7 Exponents, Surds & Factorization

Chapter 8 Logarithms — Complete Treatment

Chapter 9 Number Theory: HCF, LCM, Divisibility & Remainders

Chapter 10 Sequences & Series (AP & GP)

Chapter 11 Geometry: Lines, Angles & Triangles

Chapter 12 Mensuration: Area, Perimeter & Volume

Chapter 13 Coordinate Geometry

Chapter 14 Sets & Venn Diagrams

Chapter 15 Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode

Chapter 16 Probability
Chapter 1

Arithmetic & Number Sense

Arithmetic is the foundation of every quantitative question on HAT. Speed and accuracy with
fractions, decimals, and basic operations under timed conditions makes the real difference.

Types of Numbers

Understanding what category a number belongs to is tested directly in HAT questions about integers
and rational/irrational numbers.

Number Types
■ Natural Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... (counting numbers, no zero)
■ Whole Numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3 ... (naturals + zero)
■ Integers: ..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 ... (include negatives)
■ Rational Numbers: any number expressible as p/q where q ≠ 0 (e.g. 1/2,
0.75, 3)
■ Irrational Numbers: cannot be expressed as a fraction (e.g. √2, π)
■ Real Numbers = Rational ∪ Irrational

BODMAS — Order of Operations

Always follow this order. Getting this wrong is the single most common mistake on timed HAT papers.

Order of Operations
■ B — Brackets (innermost first)
■ O — Orders (powers, roots)
■ D / M — Division and Multiplication (left to right)
■ A / S — Addition and Subtraction (left to right)

Worked Example: Evaluate 2 + 3 × (4 − 1)² ÷ 9

Step 1 — Brackets: (4 − 1) = 3
Step 2 — Orders: 3² = 9
Step 3 — Division: 9 ÷ 9 = 1
Step 4 — Multiply: 3 × 1 = 3
Step 5 — Add: 2 + 3 = 5

Fractions & Decimals

 Fraction Rules
■ Add/Subtract: make denominators equal first (find LCM of denominators)
■ Multiply: multiply numerators together and denominators together
■ Divide: flip the second fraction and multiply
■ Fraction to decimal: divide numerator by denominator
■ 0.333... = 1/3 | 0.666... = 2/3 | 0.25 = 1/4 | 0.125 = 1/8

Worked Example: Simplify (2&frac17; − 2½) ÷ (2¼ + 1&frac17;)

Step 1 — Convert: 15/7 − 5/2 = 30/14 − 35/14 = −5/14
Step 2 — Convert: 9/4 + 8/7 = 63/28 + 32/28 = 95/28
Step 3 — Divide: (−5/14) ÷ (95/28) = (−5/14) × (28/95) = −140/1330 = −2/19

■ EXAM TIP
In HAT, fraction simplification is a common quantitative sub-topic. Always convert mixed
numbers (e.g. 2½) to improper fractions first before operating.

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1.
Which of the following is NOT an element of the set of integers?
A. −7
B. 0
C. 6/3
D. 6/4
✓ Answer: D. 6/4 | 6/4 = 1.5, which is not a whole number. All others simplify to integers (−7, 0, and
6/3=2).

Q2.
What is the value of m² − 4mn + n when m = −1 and n = −3?
A. −15
B. −14
C. −11
D. 8
E. 10
✓ Answer: B. −14 | (−1)² − 4(−1)(−3) + (−3) = 1 − 12 − 3 = −14

Q3.
23/1000 + 6/100 + 7/10 = ?
A. 0.7623
B. 0.0042
C. 0.783
 D. 0.2367
✓ Answer: C. 0.783 | 0.023 + 0.06 + 0.7 = 0.783. Convert each fraction to decimal first.
Chapter 2

Percentages, Profit & Loss, Discount & Tax

This is the highest-frequency topic across all HAT categories. Expect 5-8 questions from this
single chapter. Master the shortcut methods to save time.

Percentage Basics

Core Percentage Formulas

■ x% of N = (x / 100) × N
■ What % is A of B? = (A / B) × 100
■ % Increase = (New − Old) / Old × 100
■ % Decrease = (Old − New) / Old × 100
■ Increase N by x% = N × (1 + x/100)
■ Decrease N by x% = N × (1 − x/100)

Speed Shortcuts (Memorize These)

■ 10% of N = move decimal one place left (e.g. 10% of 250 = 25)
■ 5% of N = half of 10% (e.g. 5% of 250 = 12.5)
■ 15% of N = 10% + 5% (e.g. 15% of 250 = 25 + 12.5 = 37.5)
■ 12.5% of N = N ÷ 8 (since 1/8 = 0.125)
■ 25% of N = N ÷ 4 | 33.33% of N = N ÷ 3

Worked Example: Ahmed buys a watch for Rs.600 and pays 15% sales tax. Total amount?
Method 1: Tax = 15% of 600 = 90. Total = 600 + 90 = Rs.690
Method 2 (faster): Total = 600 × 1.15 = 600 × 1.15 = Rs.690

Worked Example: 12½% of 96 = ?

12.5% = 1/8, so 96 ÷ 8 = 12 (much faster than 0.125 × 96 by calculator)

Profit & Loss

 Profit & Loss Formulas
■ Profit = Selling Price (SP) − Cost Price (CP)
■ Loss = Cost Price (CP) − Selling Price (SP)
■ Profit % = (Profit / CP) × 100
■ Loss % = (Loss / CP) × 100
■ If Profit% given: SP = CP × (1 + Profit% / 100)
■ If Loss% given: SP = CP × (1 − Loss% / 100)
■ To find CP from SP and Profit%: CP = SP / (1 + Profit%/100)

Discount & Two Successive Discounts

Discount Formulas
■ Discount = Marked Price (MP) − Selling Price (SP)
■ SP after discount = MP × (1 − Discount%/100)
■ Two successive discounts of a% then b%: Net discount = a + b − (a×b)/100

Worked Example: Two successive discounts of 10% and 15%. Equivalent single discount?
Net discount = 10 + 15 − (10 × 15)/100
= 25 − 1.5 = 23.5%

■ EXAM TIP
HAT tests successive discounts frequently. Always use the formula above — do NOT simply
add the two percentages. 10% + 15% ≠ 25%.

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q4.
If Ahmed purchases a watch for Rs.600 and pays 15% sales tax, the total amount spent is:
A. Rs.660
B. Rs.670
C. Rs.680
D. Rs.690
E. Rs.700
✓ Answer: D. Rs.690 | 600 × 1.15 = 690

Q5.
12½% of 96 is:
A. 10
B. 12
 C. 14
D. 16
✓ Answer: B. 12 | 12.5% = 1/8, so 96 ÷ 8 = 12

Q6.
125% of 260 + ?% of 700 = 500. Find the missing percentage.
A. 32
B. 56
C. 25
D. 46
✓ Answer: C. 25 | 325 + ?% of 700 = 500 → ?% of 700 = 175 → ? = 175/700 × 100 = 25

Q7.
What single discount is equivalent to two successive discounts of 10% and 15%?
A. 25%
B. 24.5%
C. 23.5%
D. 22%
✓ Answer: C. 23.5% | 10+15 − (10×15/100) = 25 − 1.5 = 23.5%
Chapter 3

Ratio, Proportion & Mixtures

Ratio questions appear in nearly every HAT paper, often disguised as word problems about
people, speeds, or ingredients.

Ratio & Proportion

Key Formulas
■ a : b = c : d ⇒ a × d = b × c (cross multiply)
■ To divide N in ratio a : b: First part = N × a/(a+b), Second = N × b/(a+b)
■ If a/b = c/d then (a+b)/b = (c+d)/d (componendo rule)
■ If 3 : 4 is equivalent to a : 12 ⇒ a = 3 × 12/4 = 9

Worked Example: Men to women ratio in a class is 3:5. Total class = 24 people. How many
women?
Step 1: Total ratio parts = 3 + 5 = 8
Step 2: Women = (5/8) × 24 = 15

Worked Example: A lorry covers 100 km in 2 hrs 30 min. A car runs at 55 km/h. Find ratio of
their speeds.
Step 1: Lorry speed = 100 km / 2.5 hr = 40 km/h
Step 2: Ratio = 40 : 55 = 8 : 11
Answer: 8 : 11

Mixtures

Mixture Rule
■ If mixture has parts in ratio a : b : c, each ingredient = Total × (its part / sum
of all parts)
■ Alligation (combining two solutions): use cross method to find ratio of
quantities

Worked Example: Flour mixture of corn:wheat:barley = 3:5:2. A bag has 5 lb of barley. Find
wheat.
Step 1: If barley (ratio 2) = 5 lb, then 1 ratio unit = 5/2 = 2.5 lb
Step 2: Wheat (ratio 5) = 5 × 2.5 = 12.5 lb
 ■ EXAM TIP
Always extract the ratio from the word problem first. 'X is 4 more than 3 times Y' means X = 3Y
+ 4, not a ratio problem — but 'ratio of X to Y is 4:3' means X/Y = 4/3.

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q8.
In a certain class, the ratio of men to women is 3:5. If the class has 24 people, how many are
women?
A. 9
B. 12
C. 15
D. 18
✓ Answer: C. 15 | Women = (5/8) × 24 = 15

Q9.
If 3:4 is equivalent to a:12, then a = ?
A. 1
B. 9
C. 11
D. 12
✓ Answer: B. 9 | a = 3 × 12 / 4 = 9

Q10.
A lorry covers 100km in 2 hrs 30 min. A car runs at 55 km/h. Ratio of their speeds?
A. 8:11
B. 20:11
C. 4:11
D. 11:11
✓ Answer: A. 8:11 | Lorry = 100/2.5 = 40 km/h. Ratio = 40:55 = 8:11

Q11.
Jibran says 4/5 of his class come on foot. Class size = 40. How many walk?
A. 30
B. 32
C. 8
D. None of the above
✓ Answer: B. 32 | 4/5 × 40 = 32
Chapter 4

Averages
Average questions on HAT mostly involve finding missing values or comparing group averages.
Very straightforward once you know the formulas.

Average Formulas
■ Average (Mean) = Sum of all values ÷ Number of values
■ Sum of values = Average × Number of values
■ If average of two numbers is A and one number is x: Other number = 2A − x
■ Weighted Average = (n■×v■ + n■×v■) ÷ (n■ + n■)

Worked Example: Quiz scores: 95, 87, 84, 84, 60. Find average.
Step 1: Sum = 95 + 87 + 84 + 84 + 60 = 410
Step 2: Average = 410 ÷ 5 = 82

Worked Example: Average of A&B = 20, B&C = 19, A&C = 21. Find age of B.
Step 1: A+B = 40, B+C = 38, A+C = 42
Step 2: Add all three: 2(A+B+C) = 120 ⇒ A+B+C = 60
Step 3: C = 60 − 40 = 20, A = 60 − 38 = 22
Step 4: B = 60 − 42 = 18

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q12.
Muzamil's quiz scores were 95, 87, 84, 84, and 60. What was the average?
A. 80.2
B. 81
C. 81.5
D. 82
✓ Answer: D. 82 | Sum = 410, count = 5, average = 82

Q13.
The average of two numbers is A. If one number is x, what is the other?
A. A − x
B. A/2 − x
C. 2A − x
D. x − A
✓ Answer: C. 2A − x | Sum = 2A. Other number = 2A − x
Q14.
1/4 of seniors have average above 90. 1/2 of remaining have average 80-90. What fraction has
average below 80?
A. 3/8
B. 1/4
C. 2/4
D. 5/8
✓ Answer: A. 3/8 | Remaining after top quarter = 3/4. Half of that is between 80-90 = 3/8. Below 80 =
3/4 − 3/8 = 3/8
Chapter 5

Time, Speed & Distance — Time & Work

HAT tests this as word problems. The trick is always to identify what is given and what is
unknown, then apply the right formula.

Speed, Distance & Time

Core Formulas
■ Speed = Distance ÷ Time
■ Distance = Speed × Time
■ Time = Distance ÷ Speed
■ Average speed (same distance, two speeds) = 2S■S■ / (S■ + S■)
■ Relative speed (same direction) = S■ − S■
■ Relative speed (opposite directions) = S■ + S■

Worked Example: A man travels 20 miles at 60 mph and returns at 40 mph. Total time in
minutes?
Step 1: Time going = 20/60 hr = 1/3 hr
Step 2: Time returning = 20/40 hr = 1/2 hr
Step 3: Total = 1/3 + 1/2 = 2/6 + 3/6 = 5/6 hr
Step 4: In minutes = 5/6 × 60 = 50 minutes

Worked Example: Arif reads 39 pages in half an hour. How long to finish a 1287-page book?
Step 1: Rate = 39 pages / 0.5 hr = 78 pages per hour
Step 2: Time = 1287 ÷ 78 = 16.5 hours

Time & Work

Work Formulas
■ If A completes a job in 'a' days: A's one-day work = 1/a
■ Combined rate of A and B together = 1/a + 1/b
■ Time to complete together = 1 ÷ (1/a + 1/b) = ab/(a+b)
■ Workers × Days = Total Work (constant relationship)
■ Factory output per hour = (Workers × Units per day) ÷ Hours per day
 Worked Example: A factory worker produces 28 toys in 8 hours. With 42 workers, toys per
hour?
Step 1: One worker's rate = 28 ÷ 8 = 3.5 toys/hour
Step 2: 42 workers = 42 × 3.5 = 147 toys/hour

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q15.
A man travels 20 miles at 60 mph and returns at 40 mph. Total journey time in minutes?
A. 50
B. 48
C. 47
D. 46
E. 45
✓ Answer: A. 50 | 1/3 hr + 1/2 hr = 5/6 hr = 50 minutes

Q16.
Arif can read 39 pages in half an hour. How long to finish a 1287-page book?
A. 10h
B. 12h
C. 13.5h
D. 14.6h
E. 16.5h
✓ Answer: E. 16.5h | Rate = 78 pages/hr. Time = 1287/78 = 16.5 hours

Q17.
A factory worker produces 28 toys in 8 hours. With 42 workers, how many toys per hour?
A. 147
B. 1176
C. 200
D. 150
✓ Answer: A. 147 | One worker: 3.5/hr. Total = 42 × 3.5 = 147/hr
Chapter 6

Algebra: Equations & Key Identities

HAT algebra questions mostly involve solving for an unknown variable in linear or simultaneous
equations, or applying standard identities.

Linear Equations

Solving Linear Equations

■ ax + b = c ⇒ x = (c − b) / a
■ If x − k = c ⇒ x = c + k
■ For two variables: use substitution or elimination method

Worked Example: If 5x + 11 = 31, find x + 4.

Step 1: 5x = 31 − 11 = 20 ⇒ x = 4
Step 2: x + 4 = 4 + 4 = 8

Worked Example: p is 4 more than 3 times r. Sum of p and r is 10. Find p and r.
Step 1: p = 3r + 4 and p + r = 10
Step 2: Substitute: (3r + 4) + r = 10 ⇒ 4r = 6 ⇒ r = 1.5
Step 3: p = 3(1.5) + 4 = 8.5

Simultaneous Equations & Quadratics

Quadratic & Key Identities

■ Quadratic: ax² + bx + c = 0 ⇒ x = [−b ± √(b²−4ac)] / 2a
■ (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
■ (a − b)² = a² − 2ab + b²
■ a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b)
■ Sum of roots = −b/a Product of roots = c/a

Worked Example: If a rectangle has sides 2x and 3x and area = 24, find x.
Step 1: Area = 2x × 3x = 6x² = 24
Step 2: x² = 4 ⇒ x = 2

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q18.
If 5x + 11 = 31, what is the value of x + 4?
A. 4
B. 6
C. 8
D. 10
✓ Answer: C. 8 | 5x = 20, x = 4, x+4 = 8

Q19.
If p − 7 = 5 − p, then p = ?
A. −6
B. −2
C. 1
D. 6
✓ Answer: D. 6 | 2p = 12, p = 6

Q20.
A rectangle has sides 2x and 3x and area 24. Find x.
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
✓ Answer: A. 2 | 6x² = 24, x² = 4, x = 2

Q21.
(a − b)² = ?
A. a² − b²
B. a² + b²
C. a² − 2ab + b²
D. (b−a)²
✓ Answer: C. a² − 2ab + b² | Standard identity. Note: (b−a)² also equals this, so D is also correct.
Chapter 7

Exponents, Surds & Factorization

Understanding index laws lets you simplify expressions rapidly and is essential for the logarithm
chapter that follows.

Laws of Exponents (Indices)

■ a^m × a^n = a^(m+n) [same base: add powers]
■ a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m−n) [same base: subtract powers]
■ (a^m)^n = a^(m×n) [power of a power: multiply]
■ a^0 = 1 (any base, a ≠ 0)
■ a^(−n) = 1 / a^n
■ a^(1/n) = n-th root of a = ■√a
■ a^(m/n) = n-th root of (a^m) = (■√a)^m

Worked Example: If x = 8^(4/3), find x.

Step 1: Rewrite 8 as 2³: x = (2³)^(4/3)
Step 2: Multiply powers: x = 2^(3×4/3) = 2^4
Step 3: x = 16 (Not 4, 6 or 12 — a common HAT trap)

Factorization Methods
■ Difference of squares: a² − b² = (a+b)(a−b)
■ Perfect square: a² + 2ab + b² = (a+b)²
■ Common factor first: always look for GCF before other methods
■ Trinomial: ax²+bx+c → find two numbers that multiply to ac and add to b

Worked Example: Factor 3x³ − 11x² − 42x

Step 1: Take common factor: x(3x² − 11x − 42)
Step 2: Factor trinomial: find two numbers × to −126 and + to −11: (−18 and 7)
Step 3: x(3x + 7)(x − 6)
So the factor of the form (x−?) is (x−6)

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q22.
If x = 8^(4/3), what is the value of x?
A. 4¾
B. 6
 C. 10■
D. 12
E. 16
✓ Answer: E. 16 | 8 = 2³, so (2³)^(4/3) = 2^4 = 16

Q23.
Which of the following is NOT an element of the set of integers?
A. −7
B. 0
C. 6/3
D. 6/4
✓ Answer: D. 6/4 | 6/4 = 1.5, not a whole number
Chapter 8

Logarithms — Complete Treatment

Logarithms appear in HAT-I and HAT-IV (Science & Engineering streams). This chapter covers
every concept you need from scratch — definition, all four laws, special values, and
equation-solving.

What is a Logarithm?

A logarithm answers the question: 'To what power must I raise the base to get this number?'

Core Definition
■ log_b(N) = x means b^x = N
■ Read as: 'log base b of N equals x'
■ Example: log■(8) = 3 because 2³ = 8
■ Example: log■■(100) = 2 because 10² = 100
■ Example: log■■(0.01) = −2 because 10^(−2) = 0.01
■ Common log (no base shown): log(N) means log■■(N)
■ Natural log: ln(N) means log_e(N) where e ≈ 2.718

Converting between exponential and log form:

Exponential form: 3^4 = 81 ⇔ Log form: log■(81) = 4
Exponential form: 5^(−2) = 1/25 ⇔ Log form: log■(1/25) = −2
Exponential form: 10^0 = 1 ⇔ Log form: log■■(1) = 0

The Four Laws of Logarithms

Law 1 — Product Law

■ log_b(M × N) = log_b(M) + log_b(N)
■ Multiplying inside the log ⇔ Adding outside

Example using Product Law:

log(100) + log(10) = log(100 × 10) = log(1000) = 3 (since 10³ = 1000)
log■(4) + log■(8) = log■(32) = log■(2&sup5;) = 5

Law 2 — Quotient Law

■ log_b(M ÷ N) = log_b(M) − log_b(N)
■ Dividing inside the log ⇔ Subtracting outside
 Example using Quotient Law:
log■■(1000) − log■■(10) = log■■(1000/10) = log■■(100) = 2
log■(32) − log■(4) = log■(8) = log■(2³) = 3

Law 3 — Power Law

■ log_b(M^k) = k × log_b(M)
■ A power inside the log moves out as a multiplier

Example using Power Law:

2log(5) + log(4) = log(5²) + log(4) = log(25 × 4) = log(100) = 2
3log■(2) = log■(2³) = log■(8) = 3

Law 4 — Change of Base

■ log_b(N) = log(N) ÷ log(b) [convert to any convenient base]
■ Example: log■(7) = log(7) / log(3) (use calculator for decimals)

Special Values — Memorize All Five

Must-Know Values
■ log_b(1) = 0 (any base, since b^0 = 1 always)
■ log_b(b) = 1 (since b^1 = b)
■ log_b(b^n) = n (direct application)
■ b^(log_b N) = N (log and exponential cancel out)
■ log_b(0) is undefined (no power gives zero)
■ log of a negative number is undefined (in real numbers)

Solving Logarithmic Equations

Equation-Solving Rules
■ Type 1 — log_b(x) = c ⇒ x = b^c (convert to exponential form)
■ Type 2 — b^x = N ⇒ x = log_b(N) = log(N)/log(b)
■ Type 3 — If log_b(M) = log_b(N) ⇒ M = N (logs cancel, same base)
■ Type 4 — Combine using laws first, then convert to exponential form
 Worked Example 1: Solve log■■(x) = 3
Convert to exponential: x = 10³ = 1000

Worked Example 2: Solve 2^x = 64

Express 64 as power of 2: 64 = 2&sup6;
So 2^x = 2&sup6; ⇒ x = 6 (equate exponents, same base)

Worked Example 3: Simplify log■(16)

16 = 2^4, so log■(16) = log■(2^4) = 4 × log■(2) = 4 × 1 = 4

Worked Example 4: Simplify 3log(2) + log(125)

= log(2³) + log(125) [Power Law]
= log(8) + log(125) [Product Law]
= log(8 × 125) = log(1000) = 3

■ EXAM TIP
HAT log questions almost always require applying one or two laws to simplify an expression to
a single number. Rarely will you need a calculator. Memorize the 4 laws and the 5 special
values and most log questions become straightforward.

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q24.
What is log■(8)?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 8
✓ Answer: B. 3 | 2³ = 8, so log■(8) = 3

Q25.
log■■(1000) = ?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 10
✓ Answer: B. 3 | 10³ = 1000, so log■■(1000) = 3

Q26.
Simplify: log(100) + log(10)
A. 1
 B. 2
C. 3
D. 10
✓ Answer: C. 3 | log(100×10) = log(1000) = 3

Q27.
Simplify: 2log(5) + log(4)
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 20
✓ Answer: B. 2 | log(25) + log(4) = log(100) = 2

Q28.
If log_b(1) = x, then x = ?
A. b
B. 1
C. 0
D. undefined
✓ Answer: C. 0 | b^0 = 1 always, so log_b(1) = 0 for any valid base

Q29.
Solve: 2^x = 32
A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 16
✓ Answer: B. 5 | 32 = 2&sup5;, so x = 5

Q30.
Which of the following is equal to log■(16)?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 8
✓ Answer: C. 4 | 2^4 = 16, so log■(16) = 4
Chapter 9

Number Theory: HCF, LCM, Divisibility &

Remainders
HAT word problems often ask for the greatest/smallest number satisfying a divisibility condition.
Knowing whether to use HCF or LCM is half the battle.

HCF & LCM

■ HCF (GCD) = Largest number that divides all given numbers exactly
■ LCM = Smallest number that is a multiple of all given numbers
■ HCF × LCM = Product of the two numbers (for exactly 2 numbers only)
■ To find HCF: Prime factorize both numbers, take lowest powers of common
factors
■ To find LCM: Prime factorize both numbers, take highest powers of all
factors

Divisibility Rules (Memorize for Speed)

■ Divisible by 2: last digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8
■ Divisible by 3: sum of digits is divisible by 3
■ Divisible by 4: last two digits form a number divisible by 4
■ Divisible by 5: last digit is 0 or 5
■ Divisible by 9: sum of digits is divisible by 9
■ Divisible by 11: alternating digit sum (add, subtract, add...) divisible by 11

Worked Example: Find the greatest number that divides 2300 and 3500 leaving remainders
32 and 56.
Step 1: Subtract remainders: 2300 − 32 = 2268 and 3500 − 56 = 3444
Step 2: Find HCF(2268, 3444)
Step 3: 2268 = 2² × 3&sup4; × 7 and 3444 = 2² × 3 × 7² ... use division method
Step 4: HCF = 84 (both 2268 and 3444 divide exactly by 84)
Answer: 84

■ EXAM TIP
Rule: 'Greatest number that divides A and B leaving remainders r■ and r■' = HCF(A−r■,
B−r■). 'Smallest number divisible by A and B' = LCM.

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q31.
Find the greatest number that divides 2300 and 3500 leaving remainders 32 and 56 respectively.
A. 80
B. 82
C. 84
D. 86
E. 100
✓ Answer: C. 84 | HCF(2300−32, 3500−56) = HCF(2268, 3444) = 84

Q32.
For which value of n is 30/n NOT an integer?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
E. 6
✓ Answer: D. 5 | 30/5 = 6 is actually an integer. Recheck: 30/2=15, 30/3=10, 30/4=7.5 (NOT integer),
30/5=6, 30/6=5. Answer is C. 4.
Chapter 10

Sequences & Series: Arithmetic & Geometric

Progressions
HAT tests both the formula-based AP/GP problems and the pattern-recognition number-series
questions.

Arithmetic Progression (AP)

AP Formulas
■ A sequence where each term differs by a constant d (common difference)
■ nth term: a_n = a + (n − 1)d (a = first term, d = common difference)
■ Sum of n terms: S_n = n/2 × [2a + (n−1)d]
■ Alternatively: S_n = n/2 × (first term + last term)
■ Common difference d = a_n − a_(n−1)

Worked Example: Find the 10th term of the AP: 3, 7, 11, 15 ...
a = 3, d = 4, n = 10
a■■ = 3 + (10−1) × 4 = 3 + 36 = 39

Geometric Progression (GP)

GP Formulas
■ A sequence where each term is multiplied by a constant r (common ratio)
■ nth term: a_n = a × r^(n−1)
■ Sum of n terms: S_n = a(r^n − 1) / (r − 1), for r ≠ 1
■ Common ratio r = a_n / a_(n−1)

Worked Example: Find the next number in series 2, 16, 1024 ...
Step 1: Check ratios: 16/2 = 8, 1024/16 = 64
Step 2: Ratio pattern: 8 = 2³, 64 = 2&sup6; → powers are 3, 6, 9 (AP with d=3)
Step 3: Next ratio = 2&sup9; = 512
Step 4: Next term = 1024 × 512 = 524,288 — or recognize 2¹, 2■, 2¹■ (powers:
1,4,10) → next power = 20 → 2²■ = 1,048,576
 ■ EXAM TIP
Number series on HAT: always test (1) constant difference, (2) constant ratio, (3) squares or
cubes, (4) alternating patterns. Write differences between terms — if the differences are
constant, it's AP. If the ratios are constant, it's GP.

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q33.
The next number in series 2, 16, 1024 is:
A. 4,194,304
B. 230,400
C. 1,048,576
D. 5,186,208
✓ Answer: C. 1,048,576 | Terms are 2^1, 2^4, 2^10. Powers: 1,4,10 (differences 3,6; next 10). Next =
2^20 = 1,048,576

Q34.
Sum of two numbers is 40 and their difference is 4. The numbers are:
A. 21 and 19
B. 31 and 19
C. 22 and 18
D. 23 and 17
✓ Answer: C. 22 and 18 | x+y=40, x−y=4. Add: 2x=44, x=22, y=18
Chapter 11

Geometry: Lines, Angles & Triangles

Geometry on HAT covers angle properties, triangle facts, and the Pythagoras theorem.
Questions are applied, not proof-based.

Angles — Core Facts

■ Angles on a straight line add to 180°
■ Angles around a point add to 360°
■ Vertically opposite angles are equal
■ Corresponding angles (parallel lines + transversal) are equal
■ Co-interior (same-side interior) angles add to 180°

Triangles
■ Sum of interior angles = 180°
■ Exterior angle = sum of two non-adjacent interior angles
■ Pythagoras theorem (right triangle): a² + b² = c² (c is hypotenuse)
■ Common Pythagorean triples: 3,4,5 | 5,12,13 | 8,15,17 | 7,24,25
■ Equilateral triangle: all sides equal, all angles = 60°
■ Isoceles triangle: two equal sides, two equal base angles

Worked Example: Clock angle at 12:00

At 12 o'clock, both hands point to 12.
Angle between them = 0°

Worked Example: Angle at 3:00

Hour hand at 3 (= 90° from 12), minute hand at 12 (0°)
Angle = 90°

■ EXAM TIP
Each hour mark on a clock = 30° apart (360°/12 = 30). The hour hand moves 0.5° per minute.
HAT clock questions often ask angle at a specific time — use these facts.

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q35.
What is the angle between the two hands of a clock at 12 o'clock?
A. 90°
B. 180°
 C. 60°
D. 120°
E. 0°
✓ Answer: E. 0° | Both hands point to 12 at exactly 12:00, so angle = 0°

Q36.
In a triangle, one angle is 90° and another is 45°. The third angle is:
A. 30°
B. 45°
C. 60°
D. 90°
✓ Answer: B. 45° | 180 − 90 − 45 = 45°
Chapter 12

Mensuration: Area, Perimeter & Volume

HAT tests area and volume calculations for standard shapes. Memorize the formulas below and
practice applying them quickly.

2D Shapes — Area & Perimeter

■ Square: Area = s², Perimeter = 4s
■ Rectangle: Area = l × w, Perimeter = 2(l + w)
■ Triangle: Area = ½ × base × height
■ Circle: Area = πr², Circumference = 2πr
■ Trapezoid: Area = ½(b■ + b■) × height
■ How many degrees in a full circle: 360°

3D Shapes — Volume & Surface Area

■ Cube: Volume = s³, Total Surface Area = 6s²
■ Cuboid: Volume = l × w × h, TSA = 2(lw + wh + hl)
■ Cylinder: Volume = πr²h, Curved SA = 2πrh, Total SA = 2πr(h + r)

Worked Example: Cube with total surface area 216 sq. in. Find volume.
Step 1: 6s² = 216 ⇒ s² = 36 ⇒ s = 6 inches
Step 2: Volume = 6³ = 216 cubic inches

Worked Example: Square side increased by 8cm, new area = 400 sq cm. Find new perimeter.
Step 1: New side = √400 = 20 cm
Step 2: New perimeter = 4 × 20 = 80 cm

Worked Example: Circle circumference = perimeter of square with side π. Find radius.
Step 1: Square perimeter = 4π
Step 2: Circle: 2πr = 4π ⇒ r = 2

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q37.
A cube has total surface area 216 sq in. What is its volume?
A. 6
B. 18
C. 36
D. 216
 E. 1296
✓ Answer: D. 216 | 6s²=216, s=6, Volume=6³=216

Q38.
A circle with radius 3 feet has circumference how many feet long?
A. 3π
B. 6π
C. 9π
D. 12π
✓ Answer: B. 6π | Circumference = 2πr = 2π(3) = 6π

Q39.
If the area of a square with side x is 5, what is the area of a square with side 3x?
A. 15
B. 45
C. 95
D. 75
E. 225
✓ Answer: E. 225 | Side 3x means area = (3x)² = 9x² = 9×5 = 45... actually = 9(5) = 45. Wait: x²=5,
(3x)²=9x²=9×5=45. So B=45.
Chapter 13

Coordinate Geometry, Sets, Statistics &

Probability
These four topics together usually account for 8-12 questions across a HAT quantitative section.

Coordinate Geometry

Key Formulas
■ Distance between (x■,y■) and (x■,y■): d = √[(x■−x■)² + (y■−y■)²]
■ Midpoint: M = ((x■+x■)/2, (y■+y■)/2)
■ Slope: m = (y■−y■) / (x■−x■)
■ Line equation: y = mx + c (m = slope, c = y-intercept)
■ Parallel lines: same slope | Perpendicular lines: slopes multiply to −1

Worked Example: Lines x+2y=1 and 2x+4y=3. Parallel or intersecting?

Rewrite both in y=mx+c form:
Line 1: y = −(1/2)x + 1/2 → slope = −1/2
Line 2: y = −(1/2)x + 3/4 → slope = −1/2
Same slope, different intercepts ⇒ Parallel lines, no intersection

Sets & Venn Diagrams

Set Formulas
■ n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B)
■ n(A ∪ B ∪ C) = n(A)+n(B)+n(C) − n(A∩B) − n(B∩C) − n(A∩C) + n(A∩B∩C)
■ n(A only) = n(A) − n(A∩B)

Worked Example: 200 failed English, 800 failed Physics, 900 failed at least one. How many
failed both?
n(E ∪ P) = n(E) + n(P) − n(E ∩ P)
900 = 200 + 800 − n(E ∩ P)
n(E ∩ P) = 1000 − 900 = 100 students failed both

Statistics: Mean, Median, Mode

 Statistical Measures
■ Mean = Sum of values ÷ Number of values
■ Median = middle value when data is sorted (average of two middle if even
count)
■ Mode = most frequently occurring value
■ Range = Maximum − Minimum
■ Full pie chart = 360° (each slice angle = percentage × 3.6)

Basic Probability

Probability Formulas
■ P(event) = Favorable outcomes ÷ Total possible outcomes
■ P(not A) = 1 − P(A)
■ P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) − P(A and B)
■ For independent events: P(A and B) = P(A) × P(B)
■ Permutations: nPr = n! / (n−r)!
■ Combinations: nCr = n! / [r!(n−r)!]
■ Alternating seating of m and n people: m! × n! (when m and n alternate
perfectly)

Worked Example: 4 boys and 3 girls seated alternately in a row. How many arrangements?
Boys must be in positions 1,3,5,7 and girls in 2,4,6 (or vice versa, but 4 boys need 4
slots)
Only arrangement: B G B G B G B
Boys can be arranged: 4! = 24 ways
Girls can be arranged: 3! = 6 ways
Total = 24 × 6 = 144 arrangements

✎ PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q40.
200 students failed English and 800 failed Physics. 900 failed at least one. How many failed both?
A. 30
B. 40
C. 50
D. 100
✓ Answer: D. 100 | n(E)+n(P)−n(E∩P)=900 → 1000−n(E∩P)=900 → n(E∩P)=100
Q41.
In how many ways can 4 boys and 3 girls be seated in a row alternately?
A. 144
B. 288
C. 156
D. 244
✓ Answer: A. 144 | Only possible arrangement is BGBGBGB. Boys: 4!=24, Girls: 3!=6. Total=144

Q42.
If 20(x + y) = 70, what is the average of x and y?
A. 7/2
B. 7
C. 7/4
D. 4/7
✓ Answer: A. 7/2 | x+y = 70/20 = 7/2. Average = (x+y)/2 = 7/4. So C=7/4 is the answer.

Q43.
How many degrees are there in a full pie chart?
A. 90
B. 60
C. 180
D. 360
E. 400
✓ Answer: D. 360 | A complete circle = 360°
Quick Reference Formula Sheet

Use this page as a last-minute revision before the exam. All formulas in one place.

Topic Formula

Percentage (Part / Whole) × 100

Percentage change (New − Old) / Old × 100

Profit % (SP − CP) / CP × 100

Two successive discounts a% and b% Net = a + b − ab/100

SP with profit% SP = CP × (1 + Profit%/100)

Average Sum ÷ Count

Missing value from avg Other = 2A − x

Speed Distance ÷ Time

Avg speed (equal dist, 2 speeds) 2S■S■ / (S■+S■)

Combined work rate 1/a + 1/b

Quadratic roots x = [−b ± √(b²−4ac)] / 2a

(a+b)² a² + 2ab + b²

(a−b)² a² − 2ab + b²

a²−b² (a+b)(a−b)

Log Product Law log(MN) = log M + log N

Log Quotient Law log(M/N) = log M − log N

Log Power Law log(M^k) = k × log M

Change of base log_b(N) = log(N)/log(b)

log_b(1) = 0 (always)

log_b(b) = 1 (always)

HCF × LCM = Product of two numbers

AP nth term a + (n−1)d

AP sum n/2 × [2a + (n−1)d]

GP nth term a × r^(n−1)

Circle area πr²

Circumference 2πr

Pythagoras a² + b² = c²

Cube volume / SA s³ / 6s²

Cylinder volume πr²h

Set union (2 sets) n(A) + n(B) − n(A∩B)

Probability Favorable ÷ Total outcomes

P(not A) 1 − P(A)

■ EXAM TIP
HAT quantitative questions are rarely deep — the difficulty is speed and avoiding careless
errors under time pressure. Use this formula sheet daily for the 2 weeks before your exam
until every entry is automatic.