BRAC CSE General Math - Full Formula, Shortcut &
Pattern Guide
1. Algebra & Equations
Common Question Types
* Solving linear or quadratic equations
* Using sum and product of roots
* Factoring special polynomials (like difference of squares/cubes)
* Working with expressions like (x + y)^2, (x - y)^2, x^2 + y^2
Key Formulas
Quadratic Formula:
x = (-b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / (2a)
Vieta's Formula (for ax^2 + bx + c = 0):
Sum of roots: r1 + r2 = -b / a
Product of roots: r1 * r2 = c / a
Special Identities:
(a + b)^2 = a^2 + 2ab + b^2
(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2
a^2 - b^2 = (a - b)(a + b)
a^3 - b^3 = (a - b)(a^2 + ab + b^2)
a^3 + b^3 = (a + b)(a^2 - ab + b^2)
Shortcut Tricks
* (x - y)^2 = (x + y)^2 - 4xy
* Quickly factor using identities
* Use Vieta's directly for root sums/products
Example
If x + y = 5 and xy = 6,
(x - y)^2 = (x + y)^2 - 4xy = 25 - 24 = 1 => x - y = +/-1
2. Geometry (Shapes & Circles)
Common Question Types
* Area of squares, triangles, circles, shaded regions
* Circle theorems: Inscribed vs Central Angles
* Coordinate geometry basics
* Midpoint triangle problems
Key Formulas
Circle area: pi * r^2
Quarter-circle: (pi * r^2) / 4
Triangle area: (1/2) * base * height
Square area: side^2
Rectangle area: length * width
Inscribed angle = 1/2 * Central angle
Shortcut Tricks
* Shaded area = total area - unwanted shape
* Use symmetry and diagrams
* Midpoint triangle = 1/4 area of original triangle
Example
Square of side 2 has a quarter-circle inside (radius = 2).
Square area = 4
Quarter-circle area = pi
Shaded area = 4 - pi ~ 0.86
Coordinate Geometry (Bonus)
Key Formulas
Distance = sqrt[(x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2]
Midpoint = ((x1 + x2)/2 , (y1 + y2)/2)
Slope = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)
3. Trigonometry
Common Question Types
* Simplifying expressions like sin^2x + cos^2x
* Using double angle formulas
* Solving for angle values
* Recognizing standard angles (30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.)
Key Formulas
Basic Identities:
sin^2theta + cos^2theta = 1
tantheta = sintheta / costheta
Double Angle Formulas:
sin(2theta) = 2 * sintheta * costheta
cos(2theta) = cos^2theta - sin^2theta = 2cos^2theta - 1 = 1 - 2sin^2theta
tan(2theta) = (2tantheta) / (1 - tan^2theta)
Standard Angles
30 degrees: sin = 1/2, cos = sqrt3/2, tan = 1/sqrt3
45 degrees: sin = sqrt2/2, cos = sqrt2/2, tan = 1
60 degrees: sin = sqrt3/2, cos = 1/2, tan = sqrt3
Shortcut Tricks
* Use standard angle values for quick substitutions
* Double-angle formulas help reduce expressions
* sin^2x - cos^2x = 1 - 2cos^2x
Example
Given: sin(2theta) = sqrt3/2 -> sin(60 degrees) = sqrt3/2
So 2theta = 60 degrees or 120 degrees => theta = 30 degrees or 60 degrees
Formula Summary (Cheat Sheet)
Algebra
Quadratic: x = (-b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a
Vieta's: x + y = -b/a, x * y = c/a
a^3 +/- b^3 = (a +/- b)(a^2 -/+ ab + b^2)
Geometry
Circle = pir^2
Quarter-circle = (pir^2)/4
Triangle = (1/2) * base * height
Inscribed angle = 1/2 * central angle
Trigonometry
sin^2theta + cos^2theta = 1
sin(2theta) = 2sinthetacostheta
cos(2theta) = cos^2theta - sin^2theta
tan(2theta) = (2tantheta)/(1 - tan^2theta)
Exam Strategy Tips
* Memorize key formulas
* Practice converting word problems
* Use diagrams for geometry
* Eliminate wrong answers using logic
* Plug options into equations when guessing