Home » MAT » Simplification Aptitude Questions and Answers (Solved MCQs)
MAT
Simplification Aptitude Questions and Answers
(Solved MCQs)
Updated: July 18, 2026 11 Mins Read
Welcome to this curated set of 51 Simplification Aptitude Questions and Answers. These solved
MCQs cover key topics such as BODMAS, fractions, decimals, percentages, and exponents. Every
question includes a step-by-step explanation so you never have to guess why an answer is correct. If
you’re gearing up for bank exams, SSC, or any competitive test, this is a great place to start
practising.
Here you can find a list of other aptitude questions on further topics – aptitude question and
answers.
Simplification Formulas
BODMAS, the order of operations
B = Brackets, first the small ones, then the curly ones, then the square ones
O = Of
D = Division
M = Multiplication
A = Addition
S = Subtraction
Of comes before division. So 1/2 of 20 ÷ 5 is 10 ÷ 5 = 2, not 1/2 of 4.
Division and multiplication rank equally, so solve them left to right. The same holds for addition and
subtraction.
Sign rules
Plus and plus give plus
Plus and minus give minus
Minus and minus give plus
Removing a minus before a bracket flips every sign inside it
Fractions
a/b + c/d = (ad + bc) ÷ bd
a/b − c/d = (ad − bc) ÷ bd
a/b × c/d = ac ÷ bd
a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c
To compare two fractions, cross multiply. For a/b and c/d, compare a × d with b × c.
Decimals
In multiplication, add the decimal places of both numbers.
In division, shift the point in both numbers by the same number of places to clear the divisor.
0.06 ÷ 0.0003 becomes 600 ÷ 3 = 200
Laws of indices
aᵐ × aⁿ = a⁽ᵐ ⁺ ⁿ⁾
aᵐ ÷ aⁿ = a⁽ᵐ ⁻ ⁿ⁾
(aᵐ)ⁿ = a⁽ᵐ ˣ ⁿ⁾
a⁰ = 1
a⁻ᵐ = 1 ÷ aᵐ
(a ÷ b)⁻ᵐ = (b ÷ a)ᵐ
Surds
√a × √b = √(a × b)
√a ÷ √b = √(a ÷ b)
√a = a^(1/2) and ³√a = a^(1/3)
Remember √a + √b is never √(a + b).
The identities that save the most time
(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
(a − b)² = a² − 2ab + b²
a² − b² = (a + b) (a − b)
a³ + b³ = (a + b) (a² − ab + b²)
a³ − b³ = (a − b) (a² + ab + b²)
If x + 1/x = a, then x² + 1/x² = a² − 2
Percentage and fraction values to know by sight
1/2 = 50%, 1/3 = 33.33%, 1/4 = 25%, 1/5 = 20%, 1/6 = 16.67%, 1/7 = 14.28%, 1/8 = 12.5%, 1/9 =
11.11%, 1/10 = 10%, 1/11 = 9.09%, 1/12 = 8.33%, 1/16 = 6.25%, 1/20 = 5%
x% of y = y% of x, so 16% of 25 is the same as 25% of 16, which is 4.
The standard sums
Sum of first n natural numbers = n (n + 1) ÷ 2
Sum of first n even numbers = n (n + 1)
Sum of first n odd numbers = n²
Common Simplification Mistakes to Avoid
Solving strictly left to right
BODMAS is an order, not a queue. Brackets and “of” come first, then division and multiplication
together (left to right), then addition and subtraction together.
Forgetting that “of” beats division
1/2 of 20 ÷ 5 means (1/2 of 20) ÷ 5 = 10 ÷ 5 = 2, not 1/2 of 4.
Missing a sign flip after a bracket
A minus before a bracket flips every sign inside it, so 8 − (3 − 5) = 8 − 3 + 5 = 10.
Splitting a square root over addition
√a + √b is never √(a + b). √9 + √16 = 3 + 4 = 7, not √25 = 5.