Most competitive exams integrate the mathematics and Data Interpretation & Analytical Reasoning portions. To master this area of the exam, a few critical abilities must be learned. These abilities include the ability to solve arithmetic problems with precision and speed, the ability to perform simple and complex calculations under pressure, and the ability to use reasoning while doing so. Given the breadth and depth of these abilities, students should prioritize practice.
Basic conceptual understanding and knowledge are crucial, and they should never be disregarded. Along with them, you’ll need to master a set of advanced skills and learn a few shortcuts to cut down on the time spent on each question.
On that note, let’s talk about a few strategies and points to keep in mind while solving questions and studying for the quantitative aptitude section of any government recruiting exam.
Work on Basic Concepts
Since the vast majority of exam questions are based on simple principles, it is critical to focus on the concepts rather than memorizing questions. Furthermore, when taking the exam, one should keep an eye out for these fundamental questions to ensure that they are not overlooked.
Speed up Your calculations
You can spend less time on each question if you use a good hold-over computation. You’ll be able to make quick calculations if you learn up to 25 tables, 30 squares, and 20 cubes, as well as fast multiplication and procedures for obtaining squares and cubes of three-digit numbers in a single step using Vedic maths.
In addition, in each topic, discover useful formulas and short tricks that will save you time. Keep in mind, formulas and short tricks can save you time in exams but they are not applicable to every question. Therefore, you must know the basic method of solving a question when formulas or short tricks fail to help you. An example of such a question can be to check or Prove that Square Root 2 is Irrational or not?
Identify High Weightage topics
Furthermore, one should constantly know how much weight each quantitative ability should receive when preparing. According to recent trends, numbers, time speed distance, algebra, and permutations and combinations are some of the topics that are commonly tested in the examination.
Questions on topics like geometry, time and labor, and probability vary from set to set. However, questions on topics like sets, clocks, pistons and cisterns, and the binomial theorem have become uncommon in recent years. This is not to downplay the relevance of these issues; but, current events must always take precedence.
Some Additional Tips for the Section
- Take practice tests to identify your skills and shortcomings while studying for any exam. This will assist you in improving your weaknesses while maximizing your strengths.
- For data interpretation, a solid basis in calculations, as well as a simple technique for recognizing changes by looking at graphs, is required. Keep possibilities in mind rather than actual numbers so that certain leverage may be taken and queries can be answered appropriately.
- It may be good to review the concepts in all of the math chapters from the NCERT books for grades 6 through 10. This can be quite beneficial for folks who have a weak mathematical basis. NCERT not only teaches principles in easy-to-understand language but also includes examples and activities that show you how to use those concepts to solve complex problems.
For example, once learning what is irrational numbers, questions like ‘Prove that Square Root 3 is Irrational?’ so that you not only know what irrational numbers are but also know how to prove/check whether a number is irrational or not.
- Practicing timed tests on a regular basis is an excellent approach to reinforcing concepts and improving performance under pressure.
- Make a list of all the formulas and shortcuts you’ve learned so you may review them when you have time or need to.