Simplification Shortcut Methods
Quick Rules, Speed Math Techniques, and Master Formulae for Quantitative Aptitude
1. THE CORE HIERARCHY RULE
The VBODMAS Rule
Always solve equations strictly in this order to avoid calculation errors:
Letter Stands For Order of Action
V Vinculum / Bar Solve numbers under the overbar line (x̄) first.
B Brackets Order: Circular () → Curly {} → Square [].
Treat as multiplication (×) but prioritize before
O Of
basic division.
Execute from left to right in the order they
D/M Division / Multiplication
appear.
A/S Addition / Subtraction Execute from left to right.
2. FAST MULTIPLICATION SHORTCUTS
A. Multiplying any number by 5, 25, or 125
Instead of direct long multiplication, convert the operation into base-10 fractions:
• To multiply by 5: Multiply by 10 and divide by 2.
Example: 424 × 5 = 4240 / 2 = 2120
• To multiply by 25: Multiply by 100 and divide by 4.
Example: 64 × 25 = 6400 / 4 = 1600
• To multiply by 125: Multiply by 1000 and divide by 8.
Example: 88 × 125 = 88000 / 8 = 11000
B. Multiplication of Numbers Near Base (100)
When multiplying two numbers close to 100, calculate their deficiencies/excesses:
Example: 96 × 93
• Both are below 100: 96 is (-4) and 93 is (-7).
• Part 1 (Left side): Cross-subtract: 96 - 7 = 89 (or 93 - 4 = 89).
• Part 2 (Right side): Multiply deficiencies: (-4) × (-7) = 28.
• Result: Combine both parts → 8928.
Fast Calculation & Simplification Guide Page 1
3. SQUARE & SQUARE ROOT METHODS
A. Squaring Numbers Ending in 5
To find the square of a number ending in 5 instantly:
• The last two digits of the answer will always be 25.
• For the remaining digits, multiply the leading number N by its successor (N + 1).
Example: Find 65²
• Leading number N = 6. Successor = 7. 6 × 7 = 42.
• Append 25 to get the final answer: 4225.
B. Digital Root / Digital Sum Trick
Use this to eliminate wrong multiple-choice answers rapidly without solving completely. The digital sum is
obtained by continuously adding the digits of a number until a single digit is reached (treat 9 as 0).
Example Equation: 4362 + 2511 = ?
• Digital sum of 4362 = 4+3+6+2 = 15 → 1+5 = 6.
• Digital sum of 2511 = 2+5+1+1 = 9 → 0.
• Expected Digital Sum of Option = 6 + 0 = 6.
• Match this against option choices; only the correct answer will share a digital sum of 6.
4. PERCENTAGE CONVERSION SHORTCUTS
Fraction to Percentage Equivalents
Memorizing these common fractions changes complex percentage simplification questions into basic division:
Fraction Percentage Fraction Percentage
1/2 50% 1/8 12.5%
1/3 33.33% 1/9 11.11%
1/4 25% 1/11 9.09%
1/5 20% 1/12 8.33%
1/6 16.67% 1/15 6.66%
1/7 14.28% 1/20 5%
Fast Calculation & Simplification Guide Page 2
5. ALGEBRAIC IDENTITIES FOR SIMPLIFICATION
Standard Algebraic Reductions
Many heavy numerical problems are hidden algebraic templates. Match them to these formulas:
• (a² - b²) = (a - b)(a + b)
• (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
• (a - b)² = a² - 2ab + b²
• (a³ + b³) / (a² - ab + b²) = a + b
• (a³ - b³) / (a² + ab + b²) = a - b
Fast Calculation & Simplification Guide Page 3