How do I increase my speed for faster calculation in numerical aptitude for CAT preparation?

Here are my top few suggestions: 1) Learn tables till 20. 2) Learn the values of fractions like 1/1 = 1, 1/2 = 0.5, 1/3 = 0.33 and so on till 1/30. I have learnt the shortcut for memorizing this when I was preparing for CAT. You can find it somewhere on the internet. But learn it. 3) Learn the square of numbers till 30. 4) Learn cubes of numbers till 20. 5) Learn to visualize fractions as pies (pie-charts) and then apply calculations like addition/subtractions to it. 7) Learn more Pythagorean triplets like-3,4,5 - 5,12,13 - 8,15,17 and their multiples. You must be able to identify these triplets in problems. There will always be at least one problem on triplets. 8) Learn trigonometric ratios for popular right angles triangles like-45-90-45 and 30-60-90. 9) Finally, practice a lot. Also, remember to keep your eyes open and be alert. Did you notice that I skipped point 6? All the best. P.S. I got 96-97 percentile in Maths Quant for 2 consecutive years.

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All the questions of Quant in CAT are not of same difficulty level. Some are basic which can be dealt with formulae, whereas some are complex and you cannot solve those with formulae alone. CAT is not a formula based exam. The probability of you getting direct formula based questions is low to nil in CAT. Being thorough with the formula will not help you ace Quant. Knowing when, where and how to apply it will help you ace it. This requires practice. The judgement and realization of when to use what and where will come only when you practice thousands of questions. In this situation the tips you can follow are: If you could not figure out how to solve a problem, then you need to consult an experienced Quants Teacher. If you could figure out how to do, or which concept is to be applied, but, got complicated calculations, then redo it in fresh mind. If a solution comes out to be too complicated, then there is a very high chance that you are going wrong somewhere. I have never seen a question in original exam coming out to be too complicated. Last, but, certainly not the least, trust your abilities.

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For increasing your speed, the only thing you require is practice and repeated practice within stipulated time. You need to do mock exercises within specific time and keep doing it to understand your increase in speed of answering the questions. Yes, the answers need to be correct and therefore studying hard is equally important. I suggest you study small-small portions and subject yourself to tests by answering questions in limited time. Then check yourself how much can you increase in various attempts.

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Hi, you must have been hearing it a lot, but the best way to achieve the optimum speed and accuracy is by practicing. You need to have interest in what you solve. Once you find your challenges worth solving, you'll be inclined to practice more. In any case, if you keep taking mocks you'll have variety of ways in which a single concept could be asked. So you'll have a better chance at improving your speed when the amount of practice is high. You should analyse the paper that you have attempted for a quality time after you have your score-sheet and answer key. This way you will find faster and better ways to solve the same problem. Good luck!

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To increase question-solving speed, you need to practice a lot. Don't take help of the calculator. Try to memorize the formulas. Do the simple addition and subtraction mentally. Tables at least till 20 should be at your fingertips. Practice giving Mock tests. While giving Mocks - before starting out on the problem, make sure that you understand what is expected out of the question and how your efforts are taking you in that direction. Clarity and focus are the keys not to be beating around the bush and for getting the best possible output in the minimum possible time. Every coaching provider provides certain basic foundation courses which contain areas like Percentages, Ratios, Tables, Reciprocals etc. which may not be tested directly but form the crux and basis of other chapters. If you do not have adept knowledge on how ratios turn to percentages or how to multiply percentage and churn out ratios, you might find the going really tough. Remember, having a good healthy mind is all you need to succeed. While there may be areas where people might be better than you, you will find gifted people every now and then, but if you keep your focus and keep working hard intelligently, you are in for a very good chance at getting what you want.

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