Complete Guide to

PPSC Mathematics
Concepts, Strategies & Problem-Solving Techniques
Table of Contents
1. 1. Percentage
2. 2. Profit and Loss
3. 3. Simple Interest and Compound Interest
4. 4. Ratio and Proportion
5. 5. Partnership
6. 6. Average
7. 7. Time and Work
8. 8. Time, Speed and Distance
9. 9. LCM and HCF
10. 10. Direct and Inverse Proportion
11. 11. Algebra Basics
12. 12. Geometry
13. 13. Mensuration
14. 14. Number System
1. Percentage

1.1 What is Percentage?

Percentage means 'per hundred' or 'out of 100'. It is a way of expressing a
number as a fraction of 100. The symbol used is %.

Percentage = (Part / Whole) × 100

1.2 Key Formulas

To find x% of a number N: (x/100) × N

To express x as a percentage of y: (x/y) × 100%

Converting fraction to percentage: (Fraction) × 100%

Converting percentage to fraction: Percentage/100

1.3 Important Conversions

Fraction Percentage Decimal
1/2 50% 0.5
1/4 25% 0.25
1/3 33.33% 0.333...
1/5 20% 0.2
3/4 75% 0.75

1.4 Solved Examples

Example 1: Basic Percentage Calculation
Question: What is 15% of 200?

Solution:
15% of 200 = (15/100) × 200
= 0.15 × 200 = 30

Answer: 30
Example 2: Finding the Whole
Question: 25% of a number is 60. Find the number.

Solution:
Let the number be x
25% of x = 60
(25/100) × x = 60
x = 60 × (100/25) = 60 × 4 = 240

Answer: 240

Example 3: Percentage Increase

Question: A salary increases from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 24,000. What is the
percentage increase?

Solution:
Increase = 24,000 - 20,000 = Rs. 4,000
Percentage Increase = (Increase/Original) × 100
= (4,000/20,000) × 100 = 20%

Answer: 20% increase

1.5 Quick Tips

 Memorize common fractions as percentages (1/2 = 50%, 1/4 = 25%, 1/5 =
20%)
 To find 10%, divide by 10; to find 5%, divide by 20
 For successive percentages, apply them one after another, not add them
 Percentage change = (Change/Original Value) × 100
2. Profit and Loss

2.1 Basic Concepts

Profit and loss deals with buying and selling of goods. Understanding the
relationship between cost price, selling price, profit, and loss is essential.

 Cost Price (CP): The price at which an article is purchased

 Selling Price (SP): The price at which an article is sold
 Profit: When SP > CP, Profit = SP - CP
 Loss: When CP > SP, Loss = CP - SP

2.2 Key Formulas

Profit = Selling Price - Cost Price

Loss = Cost Price - Selling Price

Profit % = (Profit / Cost Price) × 100

Loss % = (Loss / Cost Price) × 100

SP = CP × (100 + Profit%) / 100

SP = CP × (100 - Loss%) / 100

CP = (SP × 100) / (100 + Profit%)

CP = (SP × 100) / (100 - Loss%)

2.3 Solved Examples

Example 1: Finding Profit Percentage
Question: A shopkeeper buys a book for Rs. 200 and sells it for Rs. 250.
Find the profit percentage.

Solution:
CP = Rs. 200, SP = Rs. 250
Profit = SP - CP = 250 - 200 = Rs. 50
Profit % = (Profit/CP) × 100 = (50/200) × 100 = 25%

Answer: 25% profit

Example 2: Finding Selling Price

Question: A man bought a watch for Rs. 1,200. At what price should he
sell it to gain 15%?

Solution:
CP = Rs. 1,200, Profit % = 15%
SP = CP × (100 + Profit%)/100
= 1,200 × 115/100 = Rs. 1,380

Answer: Rs. 1,380

2.4 Discount
Marked Price (MP): The price marked on the article

Discount: Reduction given on the marked price

Discount = Marked Price - Selling Price

Discount % = (Discount / Marked Price) × 100

SP = MP × (100 - Discount%) / 100

2.5 Quick Tips

 Profit and loss percentages are always calculated on Cost Price
 Discount percentage is always calculated on Marked Price
 If CP of two articles is same and one sold at x% profit and other at x% loss,
there is no overall profit or loss
 If SP of two articles is same and one sold at x% profit and other at x% loss,
there is always a loss
3. Simple Interest and Compound Interest

3.1 Simple Interest (SI)

Simple Interest is the interest calculated on the principal amount for the entire
loan period. It remains constant throughout the period.

SI = (P × R × T) / 100

Amount = Principal + Simple Interest

Where:

 P = Principal (initial amount)

 R = Rate of interest per annum (%)
 T = Time period (in years)

3.2 Compound Interest (CI)

Compound Interest is the interest calculated on the principal and the
accumulated interest from previous periods.

A = P(1 + R/100)^T

CI = A - P = P[(1 + R/100)^T - 1]

Special Cases:
 Half-yearly compounding: A = P(1 + R/200)^(2T)
 Quarterly compounding: A = P(1 + R/400)^(4T)
 Different rates: A = P(1 + R₁/100)(1 + R₂/100)(1 + R₃/100)...

3.3 Solved Examples

Example 1: Simple Interest
Question: Find the simple interest on Rs. 5,000 at 6% per annum for 3
years.

Solution:
P = Rs. 5,000, R = 6%, T = 3 years
SI = (P × R × T)/100 = (5,000 × 6 × 3)/100
= 90,000/100 = Rs. 900

Answer: Rs. 900

Example 2: Compound Interest

Question: Find the compound interest on Rs. 10,000 for 2 years at 10%
per annum.

Solution:
P = Rs. 10,000, R = 10%, T = 2 years
A = P(1 + R/100)^T = 10,000(1.1)²
= 10,000 × 1.21 = Rs. 12,100
CI = A - P = 12,100 - 10,000 = Rs. 2,100

Answer: Rs. 2,100

3.4 Difference between SI and CI

For the same principal, rate, and time period:

Difference (for 2 years) = P(R/100)²

Difference (for 3 years) = P(R/100)²(300 + R)/100

3.5 Quick Tips

 For 1 year, SI = CI
 CI is always greater than SI for periods greater than 1 year
 To convert months to years: divide by 12; days to years: divide by 365
 When rate and time are same, ratio of principals = ratio of interests
4. Ratio and Proportion

4.1 Ratio
A ratio is a comparison of two quantities of the same kind. The ratio of a to b is
written as a:b or a/b.

 Terms: In ratio a:b, 'a' is the first term (antecedent) and 'b' is the second term
(consequent)
 Simplest form: Divide both terms by their HCF

4.2 Important Properties

 If a:b = c:d, then a × d = b × c (cross multiplication)
 a:b = c:d = e:f = (a+c+e):(b+d+f)
 If a:b = b:c, then b² = ac (b is the mean proportional)

4.3 Proportion
When two ratios are equal, they are said to be in proportion. If a:b = c:d, we write
a:b::c:d.

a:b = c:d ⟹ a/b = c/d ⟹ ad = bc

4.4 Types of Proportions

 Direct Proportion: If one quantity increases, the other also increases (x₁/y₁
= x₂/y₂)
 Inverse Proportion: If one quantity increases, the other decreases (x₁ × y₁ =
x₂ × y₂)

4.5 Solved Examples

Example 1: Simplifying Ratios
Question: Simplify the ratio 48:72.

Solution:
Find HCF of 48 and 72
48 = 2⁴ × 3, 72 = 2³ × 3²
HCF = 2³ × 3 = 24
48:72 = (48÷24):(72÷24) = 2:3

Answer: 2:3

Example 2: Dividing in Given Ratio

Question: Divide Rs. 1,200 in the ratio 2:3:5.

Solution:
Total parts = 2 + 3 + 5 = 10
Value of 1 part = 1,200/10 = Rs. 120
First share = 2 × 120 = Rs. 240
Second share = 3 × 120 = Rs. 360
Third share = 5 × 120 = Rs. 600

Answer: Rs. 240, Rs. 360, Rs. 600

4.6 Quick Tips

 Always simplify ratios to lowest terms
 When quantities are in different units, convert them to the same unit first
 Duplicate ratio of a:b = a²:b²
 Sub-duplicate ratio of a:b = √a:√b
5. Partnership

5.1 What is Partnership?

Partnership is a business agreement where two or more persons agree to share
the profits and losses of a business in a certain ratio.

5.2 Types of Partnership

 Simple Partnership: All partners invest for the same time period
 Compound Partnership: Partners invest for different time periods

5.3 Key Formulas

Simple Partnership: Profit Ratio = Capital Ratio

Compound Partnership: Profit Ratio = (Capital × Time) Ratio

If A invests P₁ for T₁ months and B invests P₂ for T₂ months:

Profit Ratio = (P₁ × T₁) : (P₂ × T₂)

5.4 Solved Examples

Example 1: Simple Partnership
Question: A and B start a business with Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 30,000. If
profit is Rs. 16,000, find each share.

Solution:
Capital ratio = 50,000:30,000 = 5:3
Total parts = 5 + 3 = 8
A's share = (5/8) × 16,000 = Rs. 10,000
B's share = (3/8) × 16,000 = Rs. 6,000

Answer: A gets Rs. 10,000, B gets Rs. 6,000

Example 2: Compound Partnership

Question: A invested Rs. 40,000 for 6 months and B invested Rs. 30,000
for 8 months. Find profit ratio.

Solution:
A's contribution = 40,000 × 6 = 2,40,000
B's contribution = 30,000 × 8 = 2,40,000
Profit ratio = 2,40,000:2,40,000 = 1:1

Answer: Equal sharing (1:1)

6. Average

6.1 What is Average?

Average is the central value of a set of numbers. It represents a single value that
summarizes a group of numbers.

Average = Sum of all observations / Number of observations

6.2 Important Formulas

Sum of observations = Average × Number of observations

Average of first n natural numbers = (n+1)/2

Average of first n even numbers = n+1

Average of first n odd numbers = n

6.3 Solved Examples

Example 1: Basic Average
Question: Find the average of 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36.

Solution:
Sum = 12 + 18 + 24 + 30 + 36 = 120
Number of observations = 5
Average = 120/5 = 24

Answer: 24

Example 2: Average of Consecutive Numbers

Question: The average of 5 consecutive numbers is 20. Find the largest
number.

Solution:
If average is 20, the middle (3rd) number is 20
The 5 numbers are: 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
Largest number = 22
Answer: 22

6.4 Weighted Average

When different observations have different weights or importance:

Weighted Average = (w₁x₁ + w₂x₂ + ... + wₙxₙ) / (w₁ + w₂ + ... + w ₙ)

6.5 Quick Tips

 Average of consecutive numbers = (First + Last)/2
 Average speed = Total distance / Total time
 If average of n numbers increases by x, total increases by nx
 Average lies between the smallest and largest values
7. Time and Work

7.1 Basic Concept

Time and work problems deal with the relationship between the amount of work
done and the time taken to complete it.

 If a person can complete a work in n days, work done in 1 day = 1/n

 If a person does 1/n of work in 1 day, total time = n days

7.2 Key Formulas

Work = Time × Efficiency

If A can do work in 'a' days and B in 'b' days, together = ab/(a+b) days

M₁D₁W₁/H₁ = M₂D₂W₂/H₂

Where:

 M = Number of men
 D = Number of days
 W = Amount of work
 H = Hours per day

7.3 Solved Examples

Example 1: Basic Time and Work
Question: A can complete work in 12 days, B in 15 days. How long
together?

Solution:
A's 1 day work = 1/12
B's 1 day work = 1/15
(A+B)'s 1 day work = 1/12 + 1/15 = 9/60 = 3/20
Time = 20/3 = 6⅔ days

Alternatively: ab/(a+b) = (12×15)/(12+15) = 180/27 = 6⅔ days

Answer: 6⅔ days
Example 2: Partial Work
Question: A and B work together for 4 days. A leaves. B finishes in 5
more days. If A alone takes 10 days, how long for B alone?

Solution:
Let B alone take x days
(A+B) work for 4 days + B works 5 days = 1 complete work
4(1/10 + 1/x) + 5(1/x) = 1
4/10 + 4/x + 5/x = 1
4/10 + 9/x = 1
9/x = 1 - 0.4 = 0.6
x = 9/0.6 = 15 days

Answer: 15 days

7.4 Quick Tips

 More workers → Less time (inverse proportion)
 More work → More time (direct proportion)
 Always assume total work as 1 or LCM of given days
 For pipes and cisterns, inlet fills (positive), outlet empties (negative)
8. Time, Speed and Distance

8.1 Basic Relationship

Speed = Distance / Time

Distance = Speed × Time

Time = Distance / Speed

8.2 Unit Conversions

km/hr to m/s: Multiply by 5/18

m/s to km/hr: Multiply by 18/5

Quick Examples:
 36 km/hr = 36 × 5/18 = 10 m/s
 25 m/s = 25 × 18/5 = 90 km/hr

8.3 Average Speed

Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time

If equal distances covered at speeds s₁ and s₂:

Average Speed = 2s₁s₂/(s₁ + s₂)

8.4 Relative Speed

 Same direction: Relative speed = |s₁ - s₂|
 Opposite directions: Relative speed = s₁ + s₂

8.5 Trains
Time to cross a pole = Length of train / Speed

Time to cross platform = (Train length + Platform length) / Speed

 Time for two trains to cross = (L₁ + L₂) / Relative speed

8.6 Solved Examples

Example 1: Speed Conversion
Question: A car travels 180 km in 3 hours. Find speed in m/s.

Solution:
Speed = 180/3 = 60 km/hr
Converting: 60 × 5/18 = 16.67 m/s

Answer: 16.67 m/s

Example 2: Train Problem

Question: A 200m train crosses 300m platform in 25 seconds. Find
speed.

Solution:
Total distance = 200 + 300 = 500m
Speed = 500/25 = 20 m/s
In km/hr: 20 × 18/5 = 72 km/hr

Answer: 72 km/hr

8.7 Quick Tips

 Remember 5/18 for km/hr to m/s conversion
 Average speed ≠ average of two speeds
 When meeting: Time = Distance/(s₁ + s₂)
 Circular tracks same direction: meet after D/(s₁ - s₂)
9. LCM and HCF (GCD)

9.1 Definitions
 HCF (Highest Common Factor): The largest number that divides all given
numbers
 LCM (Least Common Multiple): The smallest number divisible by all given
numbers

9.2 Methods to Find HCF

Method 1: Prime Factorization

Find the product of the lowest powers of common prime factors.

Find HCF of 24 and 36

24 = 2³ × 3¹
36 = 2² × 3²
HCF = 2² × 3¹ = 4 × 3 = 12

Method 2: Division Method (Euclid's Algorithm)

Divide larger by smaller, then divide divisor by remainder. Continue until
remainder is 0.

9.3 Methods to Find LCM

Method 1: Prime Factorization

Find the product of the highest powers of all prime factors.

Find LCM of 24 and 36

24 = 2³ × 3¹
36 = 2² × 3²
LCM = 2³ × 3² = 8 × 9 = 72

9.4 Important Relationships

LCM × HCF = Product of two numbers

LCM = (a × b) / HCF

HCF = (a × b) / LCM
9.5 Solved Examples
Example 1: Finding LCM
Question: Find the LCM of 12, 18, and 24.

Solution:
12 = 2² × 3
18 = 2 × 3²
24 = 2³ × 3
LCM = 2³ × 3² = 8 × 9 = 72

Answer: 72

Example 2: Using LCM × HCF Formula

Question: HCF of two numbers is 12, LCM is 180. If one is 36, find the
other.

Solution:
LCM × HCF = Product of numbers
180 × 12 = 36 × Other number
Other number = 2160/36 = 60

Answer: 60

Example 3: Word Problem

Question: Three bells ring at 6, 8, and 12 minutes. If they ring at 9:00 AM,
when next?

Solution:
Find LCM of 6, 8, and 12
LCM = 24 minutes
Time = 9:00 AM + 24 minutes = 9:24 AM

Answer: 9:24 AM

9.6 Applications
 Use LCM for: Finding when events occur together, repetition problems
 Use HCF for: Dividing into equal parts, finding largest measurement

9.7 Quick Tips

 HCF is always ≤ smallest number
 LCM is always ≥ largest number
 HCF of co-prime numbers is 1
 LCM of co-prime numbers is their product
 For fractions: HCF = HCF of numerators / LCM of denominators
 For fractions: LCM = LCM of numerators / HCF of denominators
10. Direct and Inverse Proportion

10.1 Direct Proportion

Two quantities are in direct proportion if an increase in one causes a proportional
increase in the other.

x₁/y₁ = x₂/y₂ or x₁y₂ = x₂y₁

Examples:
 More workers → More work done
 More speed → More distance covered
 More items → More cost

10.2 Inverse Proportion

Two quantities are in inverse proportion if an increase in one causes a
proportional decrease in the other.

x₁ × y₁ = x₂ × y₂

Examples:
 More workers → Less time
 More speed → Less time for same distance
 More machines → Less time for production

10.3 Solved Examples

Example 1: Direct Proportion
Question: If 5 pens cost Rs. 75, what is cost of 8 pens?

Solution:
5/75 = 8/x
5x = 600
x = 120

Answer: Rs. 120

Example 2: Inverse Proportion

Question: 12 workers complete job in 15 days. How long for 18 workers?

Solution:
12 × 15 = 18 × x
x = 180/18 = 10

Answer: 10 days

10.4 Quick Tips

 Identify relationship first: direct or inverse
 Direct proportion: ratios are equal
 Inverse proportion: products are equal
 Distance ∝ speed and time
 Time ∝ 1/speed and 1/workers
11. Algebra Basics

11.1 Important Algebraic Identities

(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²

(a - b)² = a² - 2ab + b²

a² - b² = (a + b)(a - b)

(a + b)³ = a³ + 3a²b + 3ab² + b³

(a - b)³ = a³ - 3a²b + 3ab² - b³

a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² - ab + b²)

a³ - b³ = (a - b)(a² + ab + b²)

(a + b + c)² = a² + b² + c² + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca

11.2 Linear Equations

Equation of the form ax + b = 0

Solve 3x + 7 = 22
3x = 22 - 7 = 15
x = 15/3 = 5

11.3 Quadratic Equations

Equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0

x = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)] / 2a

Discriminant: D = b² - 4ac
 If D > 0: Two distinct real roots
 If D = 0: Two equal real roots
 If D < 0: No real roots

11.4 Solved Examples

Example 1: Using Identity
Question: Find 103² - 97²

Solution:
Using a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b)
103² - 97² = (103+97)(103-97)
= 200 × 6 = 1,200

Answer: 1,200

Example 2: Word Problem

Question: Sum of three consecutive numbers is 48. Find them.

Solution:
Let numbers be x, x+1, x+2
x + (x+1) + (x+2) = 48
3x + 3 = 48
x = 15
Numbers: 15, 16, 17

Answer: 15, 16, 17

12. Geometry

12.1 Angles
 Acute angle: < 90°
 Right angle: = 90°
 Obtuse angle: > 90° and < 180°
 Straight angle: = 180°
 Reflex angle: > 180° and < 360°
 Complete angle: = 360°

12.2 Triangles
Sum of angles in a triangle = 180°

Exterior angle = Sum of two opposite interior angles

Types of Triangles:
 By sides: Equilateral (all equal), Isosceles (2 equal), Scalene (all different)
 By angles: Acute (all < 90°), Right (one = 90°), Obtuse (one > 90°)

12.3 Pythagorean Theorem

For a right triangle:

(Hypotenuse)² = (Base)² + (Perpendicular)²

c² = a² + b²

12.4 Lines and Angles

 Vertically opposite angles are equal
 Adjacent angles on a straight line sum to 180°
 Parallel lines: Corresponding angles are equal
 Parallel lines: Alternate interior angles are equal
13. Mensuration

13.1 2D Shapes - Area and Perimeter

Rectangle:
Area = Length × Width

Perimeter = 2(Length + Width)

Square:
Area = Side²

Perimeter = 4 × Side

Diagonal = Side × √2

Triangle:
Area = (1/2) × Base × Height

Perimeter = Sum of all three sides

Heron's Formula: Area = √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)], where s = (a+b+c)/2

Circle:
Area = πr²

Circumference = 2πr

Area of sector = (θ/360) × πr²

Parallelogram:
Area = Base × Height

Trapezium:
Area = (1/2) × (Sum of parallel sides) × Height

13.2 3D Shapes - Volume and Surface Area

Cube:
Volume = Side³

Total Surface Area = 6 × Side²

Lateral Surface Area = 4 × Side²

Cuboid:
Volume = Length × Width × Height

Total Surface Area = 2(lb + bh + hl)

Lateral Surface Area = 2h(l + b)

Cylinder:
Volume = πr²h

Curved Surface Area = 2πrh

Total Surface Area = 2πr(r + h)

Cone:
Volume = (1/3)πr²h
 Curved Surface Area = πrl, where l = √(r² + h²)

Total Surface Area = πr(r + l)

Sphere:
Volume = (4/3)πr³

Surface Area = 4πr²

Hemisphere:
Volume = (2/3)πr³

Curved Surface Area = 2πr²

Total Surface Area = 3πr²

13.3 Solved Examples

Example 1: Rectangle
Question: A rectangular garden is 15m long and 10m wide. Find area and
perimeter.

Solution:
Area = 15 × 10 = 150 m²
Perimeter = 2(15 + 10) = 50 m

Answer: Area = 150 m², Perimeter = 50 m

Example 2: Circle
Question: If radius of circle is 7 cm, find area and circumference. (π =
22/7)

Solution:
Area = πr² = (22/7) × 7² = 22 × 7 = 154 cm²
Circumference = 2πr = 2 × (22/7) × 7 = 44 cm

Answer: Area = 154 cm², Circumference = 44 cm

14. Number System

14.1 Types of Numbers

 Natural Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... (counting numbers)
 Whole Numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... (natural numbers + 0)
 Integers: ..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ... (positive and negative whole numbers)
 Rational Numbers: Numbers that can be expressed as p/q where q ≠ 0
 Irrational Numbers: Numbers that cannot be expressed as fractions (√2, π,
e)
 Real Numbers: All rational and irrational numbers
 Prime Numbers: Numbers with exactly two factors (2, 3, 5, 7, 11, ...)
 Composite Numbers: Numbers with more than two factors (4, 6, 8, 9, 10, ...)
 Even Numbers: Divisible by 2 (2, 4, 6, 8, ...)
 Odd Numbers: Not divisible by 2 (1, 3, 5, 7, ...)

14.2 Divisibility Rules

 By 2: Last digit is even (0, 2, 4, 6, 8)
 By 3: Sum of digits is divisible by 3
 By 4: Last two digits form a number divisible by 4
 By 5: Last digit is 0 or 5
 By 6: Divisible by both 2 and 3
 By 8: Last three digits form a number divisible by 8
 By 9: Sum of digits is divisible by 9
 By 10: Last digit is 0
 By 11: Difference of sum of alternate digits is 0 or divisible by 11

14.3 Important Properties

 Sum of first n natural numbers = n(n+1)/2
 Sum of first n odd numbers = n²
 Sum of first n even numbers = n(n+1)
 Product of three consecutive numbers is divisible by 6
 Square of odd number is odd, square of even number is even
 If a number ends in 5, its square ends in 25

14.4 Solved Examples

Example 1: Divisibility
Question: Is 5,832 divisible by 3 and 4?

Solution:
For 3: Sum of digits = 5+8+3+2 = 18 (divisible by 3) ✓
For 4: Last two digits = 32 (divisible by 4) ✓

Answer: Yes, divisible by both 3 and 4

Example 2: Sum of Natural Numbers

Question: Find the sum of first 50 natural numbers.

Solution:
Sum = n(n+1)/2 = 50(51)/2
= 2550/2 = 1,275

Answer: 1,275

14.5 Quick Tips

 1 is neither prime nor composite
 2 is the only even prime number
 Co-prime numbers have HCF = 1 (e.g., 8 and 15)
 Twin primes differ by 2 (e.g., 11 and 13, 17 and 19)
 Perfect square always has odd number of factors
 Last digit of squares: 0,1,4,5,6,9 only (never 2,3,7,8)
Exam Strategies and Tips

General Approach
 Read questions carefully - understand what is being asked
 Identify the topic/concept being tested
 Write down known formulas before starting
 Draw diagrams for geometry and mensuration problems
 Check if answer options can help eliminate choices
 Verify your answer by substituting back into the question

Time Management
 Attempt easier questions first to build confidence
 Don't spend too much time on any single question
 Mark difficult questions for review
 Keep last 5-10 minutes for review
 Use approximation for quick calculations where possible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 Not reading the question completely
 Forgetting to convert units (km/hr to m/s, months to years)
 Calculation errors - double check arithmetic
 Confusing profit% vs markup%, SI vs CI
 Not simplifying fractions or ratios
 Missing negative signs in algebra
 Forgetting to square/cube when needed

Practice Recommendations
 Solve at least 20-30 problems from each topic
 Time yourself while practicing
 Review mistakes and understand why they happened
 Make formula sheets for quick revision
 Practice mental math for common calculations
 Take full-length mock tests regularly

Best of luck with your PPSC preparation!

Practice consistently, stay focused, and success will follow!