Apply Smart tactics to master Numerical Aptitude

Apply Smart tactics to master Numerical Aptitude (inSSC CGL and IBPS PO Bank exams)

SSC CGL and bank exams have been creating a buzz among today’s youngsters. These exams have influenced lakhs of students across the country to attempt and achieve success. Students and even employees, see this as a bright opportunity to enter the government sector, in which the entrance exams are very difficult compared to SSC CGL.   

According to the candidates who’ve attempted the exam, the challenges they faced are less time available and standard cut-off marks in all the sections. Numerical Aptitude being the toughest sections is allotted with maximum marks. The reason for it to be tough is intricate calculations and tricky questions. But, it is called only tough, but not impossible. So, here are a few tactics, tricks, logics to clear this section confidently and quickly.

Solving a Numerical aptitude question involves the following steps:

1. Clarity in understanding the question: All the questions fall under the scope of definite categories like time and distance, time and work, ratios and mixtures, series etc. Read the question clearly to decide the category it belongs to.
2. Identifying the right logic/formula: Each category has certain sub categories. For example, consider a question that belongs to ‘profit and loss’ category, the sub-categories would be loss percent, profit percent, selling price, buying price etc.
3. Quick application & calculations: Every question is based on a concept/logic; apply the logic to solve the problem.

Target time to complete the above steps is less than a minute per question, which can be achieved only through thorough practice. So, allocate sufficient time practicing questions of all categories and their sub-categories.

Use ‘Smart tips’ to crack the Numerical Aptitude with ease:

• Check the options first in questions related to arithmetic operations. If they are not closely connected, round-off the figures in the question and solve. The result is less accurate, but easier to calculate. Do not use this technique if the options are very near to each other in value.
• Substitution of options is one of the effective tactics to solve certain problems. Especially for profit and loss problems.
• Keep noting the information as read the question. It provides required numbers handy while solving different problems.
• Underline the important points in the question. It helps in quick references.
• Use shortcuts for calculations. Sufficient practice in shortcuts will save good amount of your time.
• Use Vedic mathematic tricks to calculate complex arithmetic, for instance 3-digit multiplications
• Highlight with a tick mark the questions you save for solving later. It helps track unsolved questions during last minute revision.
• Manage the space for rough work cautiously. Highlight the rough work related to doubtful questions for referring later.

All the above tricks would work wonders for you with sufficient practice. Because it is practice that brings Perfection and Progression!!