MULTIPLICATION

If the number is multiplied by 11 then the following procedure is to be followed

to get the answer quickest.

Let’s understand these methods by taking an example.

345 × 11

Method 1:

Write 345 as 0345

Now multiply each and every digit by 1 and add it to its right neighbor.

Start from the right side.

Step 1:

Multiply 5 with 1 and add it to its right neighbor. 5 have no right neighbor so add
the multiplication to 0. That is (5 × 1) + 0 = 5. This is right most digit of our
answer.

0345 × 11 = xxx5
Step 2:

Multiply 4 with 1 and add it to its right neighbor 5. That is (4 × 1) + 5 = 9. This is

second right digit of the answer.

0345 × 11 = xx95
Step 3:

Multiply 3 with 1 and add it to its right neighbor 4. That is (3 ×1) + 4 =7. This is
third right digit of the answer.

0345 × 11 = x795

Step 4:

Multiply 0 with 1 and add it to its right neighbor. That is (0 × 1) + 3 = 3. This is

leftmost digit of the answer.

0345 × 11 = 3795

So the answer is 3795.

You can notice that all these steps can be calculated mentally.

Method 2:

Write 11 as (10 + 1)
 345 × (10 + 1)

= 345 × 10 + 345 × 1

= 3450 + 345

= 3795

If the number is multiplied by 12 to 19 then following method is to be followed.

Let’s understand this method by taking an example.

345 × 12

Step 1:

Write 345 as 0345.

Step 2:

Multiply each and every digit with 2 and add it to its right neighbor. This
process is started from right. Multiply 5 with 2 and add it to its right neighbor.
5 has no right neighbor so add the multiplication to 0. This gives 10 as a result.
So 0 is written down and 1 is carried forward.

Step 3:

Multiply 4 with 2 and add it to 5. Carry 1 is added to the result. This

gives 14 as a result.

4 is written down and 1 is carry forwarded.

Step 4:

Multiply 3 with 2 and add it to 4. Carry 1 is added to the result. This

gives 11 as a result.

1 is written down and 1 is carry forwarded.

Step 5:

Multiply 0 with 2 and add it to 3. Carry 1 is added to the result. This

gives 4 as a result.

You can take this procedure as standard procedure.

Now, if the number is multiplied by 13 then multiply each and every digit with 3
instead of 2. And rest of the procedure is same.

If the number is multiplied by 14 then multiply each and every digit with 4
instead of 2. And rest of the procedure is same.

If the number is multiplied by 15 then multiply each and every digit with 5
instead of 2. And rest of the procedure is same.

If the number is multiplied by 16 then multiply each and every digit with 6
instead of 2. And rest of the procedure is same.

If the number is multiplied by 17 then multiply each and every digit with 7
instead of 2. And rest of the procedure is same.

If the number is multiplied by 18 then multiply each and every digit with 8
instead of 2. And rest of the procedure is same.

If the number is multiplied by 19 then multiply each and every digit with 9
instead of 2. And rest of the procedure is same.

This is method for multiplying two tow digit numbers. Let us say universally that
the two numbers are AB and CD.

If you want to multiply them directly then following method is to be followed.

Write both numbers as shown below.

A B
C D

Step 1: B × D
Step 2: (A × D) + (B × C)

Step 3: A × C

Let’s take an example.

67 × 56

Step 1: 7 × 6 = 42

Step 2: (6×6) + (5×7) = 71 +4(carry) = 75

Step 3: 6 × 5 = 30 + 7(carry) = 37

This method is for multiplying two three digit number.

Let us say the numbers are ABC and DEF.

Write them as shown below.

A B C
D E F

Step 1: C × F

Step 2: (B × F) + (C ×E)

Step 3: (A × F) + (C × D) + (B × E)

Step 4: (A × E) + (B × D)
Step 5: A × D

Let’s take an example to understand this method.

789 × 123

Step 1: 3 × 9 = 27

Step 2: (8×3) + (9×2) = 42 + 2(Carry) = 44

Step 3: (7 × 3) + (1 × 9) + (8 × 2) = 46 + 4(Carry) = 50

Step 4: (7 × 2) + (8 × 1) = 22 + 5(Carry) = 27

Step 5: 7 × 1 = 7 + 2(Carry) =9

So 789 × 123 = 97047

DIVISION

Division is most frequently used in solving competitive exams problems. By

learning shortcut methods of division, you can save crucial time in the exam.
Here are some shortcut methods for division.

In division, numerator is called Dividend and denominator is called Divisor.

Method 1: Division using the factors of the divisor

This method is also called Double Division.

Here you can directly divide 75 by 15 and the answer would be 5. But, to
understand this method, we are not doing like that.
Now, factories divisor.

So we can write 15 as 5 × 3.

Now we can divide 75 by 3 which gives us 25.

Now we can divide 25 by 5 and that gives 5 as answer.

So the answer is 5.

Method 2: Division By Parts

Write 75 as 45 + 30

So we can write

So the answer is 5.

Method 3: Division by 10.

Just move the decimal point one place to the left side.

So the answer is 1.256

Method 4: Division by 100

Just move the decimal point two places to the left side.

So the answer is 0.1256

Method 5: Division by 5

Divide the dividend by 100 and multiply by 20.

So the answer is 40

Method 6: Division by 50

Divide the dividend by 100 and multiply it by 2.

So the answer is 4.

Method 7: Division by 25

Divide the dividend by 100 and multiply it by 4.

So the answer is 8

Divisibility Rules or Divisibility Tests are used or easily test if the number can
be divided by divisor or not.

The number is said to be divisible by another if the result of division is a whole

number.

Here are the rules which will make your process easy.

Divisible If Examples
By:

2 The number is even. Or The last(units) digit 84 is divisible by 2.

of the number is 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 85 is not divisible by 2.

3 The sum of the digits of number is divisible 1248 is divisible by 3.

by 3. (1 + 2 + 4 + 8 = 15)

346 is not divisible by 3.

(3 + 4 + 6 = 13)

4 The last two digits of the number is divisible 23456 is divisible by 4.

by 4. And the numbers having two or more (56 is divisible by 4)
zeros at the end.
13000 is divisible by 4.
(Two or more zeros at the end.)

5 The numbers having 0 or 5 at the end. 12345 is divisible by 5.

(5 is there at the end)

1234 is not divisible by 5.

(0 or 5 is not there at the end)

6 The number is divisible by both 2 and 3. 5358 is divisible by 6.

(It is divisible by both 2 and 3)
 6782 is not divisible by 6.
(It is divisible by 2 but not divisible
by 3)

7 The difference between twice the units digit 861 is divisible by 7.

and the number formed by other digits is [86 – (1 × 2)) = 84 which is divisible
either 0 or divisible by 7. by 7]

21 is divisible by 7.
[2 – (1 × 2)) = 0]

868 is divisible by 7.
[86 – (8 × 2)) = 70 which is divisible
by 7]

8 The number formed by last three digits is 2056 is divisible by 8.

divisible by 8. And the numbers having three (056 is divisible by 8)
or more zeros at the end.
13000 is divisible by 8.
(Three zeros at last)

9 The sum of all the digits is divisible by 9. 5301 is divisible by 9.

(5 + 3 + 0 + 1 = 9 which is divisible by
9)

10 The number ends with zero. 467590 is divisible by 10.

(It ends with zero)

11 The difference between the sum of digits at 10538 is divisible by 11.

even places and sum of digits at odd places is [(1 + 5 + 8) – (0 + 3) = 11 which is
0 or divisible by 11. divisible by 11]

724867 is divisible by 11.

[(7 + 4 + 6) – (2 + 8 + 7) = 0]

12 The number is divisible by both 3 and 4. 5472 is divisible by 12.

( The number is divisible by both 3
and 4)

5475 is not divisible by 12.

(The number is divisible by 3 but not
divisible by 4)

13 Method: Multiply last digit of the number by 182 is divisible by 13.

4 and add it to the remaining number. (Multiply last digit by 4 i.e 2×4 = 8.
 Continue this process until two digit number Add it to the remaining number i.e 18
is achieved. If this two digit number is + 8 = 26.
divisible by 13 then the number is divisible by 26 is divisible by 13 so 182 is
13. divisible by 13)

2145 is divisible by 13
( Multiply last digit by 4 i.e 5×4 = 20.
Add it to the remaining number i.e
214 + 20 = 234 which is not a two
digit number so repeat the process.
Multiply last digit of 234 by 4 i.e.
4×4= 16.
Add it to the remaining number i.e 23
+ 16 = 39 which is divisible by 13 so
2145 is divisible by 13)

14 The number is divisible by both 2 and 7. 7966 is divisible by 14.

(The number is divisible by both 2
and 7)

15 The number is divisible by both 3 and 5. 3525 is divisible by 15.

(The number is divisible by both 3
and 5)

16 The number formed by last four digits is 41104 is divisible by 16.

divisible by 16. (The number formed by last four
digits is divisible by 16)

17 Method: Multiply last digit with 5 and 4029 is divisible by 17

subtract it from the remaining number. If
the result is divisible by 17 then the original
number is also divisible by 17. Repeat this
process if required.
( Multiply last digit by 5 i.e. 9×5= 45.
Subtract it from the remaining
number.
402 – 45 = 357 which is divisible by
17 so 4029 is divisible by 17)

18 The number is even and divisible by 9. 4428 is divisible by 18.

(It is even and divisible by 9)

19 Method: Multiply last digit with 2 and add it 1235 is divisible by 19.
to the remaining number. If the result is (Multiply last digit with 2 i.e 5×2 =
divisible by 19 then original number is also 10.
divisible by 19. Repeat this process if Add it to the remaining number 123
required. i.e 123 + 10 = 133 which is divisible by
19 so 1235 is also divisible by 19)
SQUARE

You can find square of any number in the world with this method.

Let’s say the number is two digit number. i.e. AB.

So B is units digit and A is tens digit.

Step 1: Find Square of B

Step 2: Find 2×A×B

Step 3: Find Square of A

Let’s take an example.

We want to find square of 37.

Step 1: Find square of 7.

Square of 7 = 49.

So write 9 in the answer and 4 as carry to the second step.

Step 2: Find 2×(3×7)

2 × (3 × 7) = 42.
42 + 4(Carry) = 46.
Write 6 in the answer and 4 as a carry to the third step.

Step 3: Find square of 3

Square of 3 = 9
9 + 4(Carry) = 13.
Write 13 in the answer.
 So the answer is 1369.

Now, If the number is of three digit i.e. ABC

Here C is unit’s digit, B is ten’s digit and A is hundredth digit.

Step 1: Find Square of C

Step 2: Find 2 × (B × C)

Step 3: Find 2 × (A × C) + B2

(NOTE: You may observe that in odd number of digit case, we are multiplying
end two digits with 2 (here: A and C) and squaring single digit (here B).

Step 4: Find 2 × (A × B)

(NOTE: You may observe that whenever there are double digits, we are
multiplying it with 2. And whenever there is single digit, we are squaring it.)

Step 5: Find square of A

(NOTE: Here is single digit, so we are squaring it.)

Let’s take an example.

Find square of 456.

Step 1: Find square of 6.

Square of 6 = 36.

So write 6 in the answer and 3 as a carry to the second step.

Step 2: Find 2 × (5 × 6)

2 × (5 × 6) = 60
60 + 3(Carry) = 63
Write 3 in the answer and 6 as a carry to the third step.

Step 3: Find 2 × (4 × 6) + 52
 2 × (4 × 6) + 52 = 73
73 + 6(Carry) = 79
Write 9 in the answer and 7 as a carry to the fourth step.

Step 4: Find 2 × (4 × 5)

2 × (4 × 5) = 40
40 + 7 = 47
Write 7 in the answer and 4 as a carry to the fifth step.

Step 5: Find square of 4

Square of 4 = 16
16 + 4(Carry) = 20
Write 20 in the answer.

So 4562 = 207936.

Now, If the number is of four digit i.e. ABCD

Here D is unit’s digit, C is ten’s digit, B is hundredth digit and A is thousands
digit.

Step 1: Find Square of D

Step 2: Find 2 × (C × D)

Step 3: Find 2 × (B × D) + C2

(NOTE: You may observe that in odd number of digit case, we are multiplying
end two digits with 2 (here: B and D) and squaring single remaining digit (here C).

Step 4: Find 2 × (A × D) + 2 × (B × C)
(NOTE: You may observe that where ever there is even digits, we are
multiplying end two digits with 2 + remaining two digits with 2.)

Step 5: Find 2 × (A × C) + B2

(NOTE: You may observe that in odd number of digit case, we are multiplying
end two digits with 2 (here: A and C) and squaring single remaining digit (here B).

Step 6: Find 2 × (A × B)

(NOTE: You may observe that here even digits so we are multiplying them with
2, and no remaining digits so we are not adding anything.)

Step 7: Find square of A

Let’s take an example.

Find square of 1234

Step 1: Find Square of 4

Square of 4 = 16
So write 6 in the answer and 1 as a carry to the second step.

Step 2: Find 2 × (3 × 4)

2 × (3 × 4) = 24
24 + 1(Carry) = 25
Write 5 in the answer and 2 as a carry to the third step

Step 3: Find 2 × (2 × 4) + 32

2 × (2 × 4) + 32 = 25
25 + 2(Carry) = 27
Write 7 in the answer and 2 as a carry to the fourth step.
Step 4: Find 2 × (1 × 4) + 2 × (2 × 3)

2 × (1 × 4) + 2 × (2 × 3) = 20
20 + 2(Carry) = 22
Write 2 in the answer and 2 as a carry to the fifth step.

Step 5: Find 2 × (1 × 3) + 22

2 × (1 × 3) + 22 = 10
10 + 2(Carry) = 12
Write 2 in the answer and 1 as carry to the sixth step.

Step 6: Find 2 × (1 × 2)

2 × (1 × 2) = 4
4 + 1(Carry) = 5
Write 5 in the answer

Step 7: Find square of 1

Square of 1 = 1
There is no carry so write 1 in the answer.

So, 12342 = 1522756

This method is to find square of the numbers which has unit’s digit as 5. i.e.: 25,
45, 65, etc.
You can find square of these numbers by three easy steps.

Step 1: Multiply ten’s digit with its next number.

Step 2: Find square of unit’s digit. i.e.: Square of 5.

Step 3: Write answers of step 1 and step 2 to together or side by side.

Let’s take examples.

Find square of 35

Step 1: Multiply ten’s digit with its next number.

3 × ( 3 + 1 ) = 3 × 4 = 12

Step 2: Find square of unit’s digit. i.e.: Square of 5.

Square of 5 = 25

Step 3: Write answers of step 1 and step 2 to together.

Answer = 1225

Find square of 65

Step 1: Multiply ten’s digit with its next number.

6 × ( 6 + 1 ) = 6 × 7 = 42

Step 2: Find square of unit’s digit. i.e.: Square of 5.

Square of 5 = 25

Step 3: Write answers of step 1 and step 2 to together.

Answer = 4225

Find square of 95

Step 1: Multiply ten’s digit with its next number.

9 × ( 9 + 1 ) = 9 × 10 = 90

Step 2: Find square of unit’s digit. i.e.: Square of 5.

Square of 5 = 25

Step 3: Write answers of step 1 and step 2 to together.

Answer = 9025
Find square of 115

Step 1: Multiply ten’s digit with its next number.

11 × ( 11 + 1 ) = 11 × 12 = 132
(Note: We are taking whole 11 as a ten’s digit.)

Step 2: Find square of unit’s digit. i.e.: Square of 5.

Square of 5 = 25

Step 3: Write answers of step 1 and step 2 to together.

Answer = 13225

Find square of 215

Step 1: Multiply ten’s digit with its next number.

21 × ( 21 + 1 ) = 21 × 22 = 462
(Note: We are taking whole 21 as a ten’s digit.)

Step 2: Find square of unit’s digit. i.e.: Square of 5.

Square of 5 = 25

Step 3: Write answers of step 1 and step 2 to together.

Answer = 46225

This method is used to find square of the numbers in 50s i.e. numbers from 51
to 59.

You can find square of these numbers in three simple steps.

Step 1: Add 25 to the unit’s digit.

Step 2: Square the unit’s digit.

Step 3: Write the answers of step 1 and step 2 together or side by side.

Let’s take an example.

Square of 56

Step 1: Add 25 to the unit’s digit

6 + 25 = 31

Step 2: Square the unit’s digit

 62 = 36

Step 3: Write the answers of step 1 and step 2 together.

Answer = 3136

Square of 59

Step 1: Add 25 to the unit’s digit

9 + 25 = 34

Step 2: Square the unit’s digit

92 = 81

Step 3: Write the answers of step 1 and step 2 together.

Answer = 3481

Square of 53.

Step 1: Add 25 to the unit’s digit.

3 + 25 = 28

Step 2: Square the unit’s digit.

32 = 9

Step 3: Write answers of step 1 and step 2 together.

Answer: 2809
(NOTE: Whenever square of unit’s digit is on only single digit then we
are adding 0 before it.)

Square of 52

Step 1: Add 25 to the unit’s digit

2 + 25 = 27

Step 2: Square the unit’s digit

22 = 4

Step 3: Write the answers of step 1 and step 2 together.

Answer = 2704
(NOTE: Whenever square of unit’s digit is on only single digit then we
are adding 0 before it.)
This method is to find square of the number if you know square of the previous
number.

You can find answers in three simple steps.

Step 1: Find square of the previous number which is known.

Step 2: Multiply the number being squared by 2 and subtract 1.

Step 3: Add Step 1 and Step 2

Let’s take some examples.

Find square of 31.

Step 1: Find square of previous number (30) which is known.

302 = 900

Step 2: Multiply the number being squared (31) by 2 and subtract 1.

(31 × 2) – 1 = 62 – 1 = 61

Step 3: Add Step 1 and Step 2

900 + 61 = 961

Find square of 26.

Step 1: Find square of previous number (25) which is known.

252 = 625

Step 2: Multiply the number being squared (31) by 2 and subtract 1.

(26 × 2) – 1 = 52 – 1 = 51

Step 3: Add Step 1 and Step 2

625 + 51 = 676

Find square of 81.

Step 1: Find square of previous number (80) which is known.

802 = 6400

Step 2: Multiply the number being squared (31) by 2 and subtract 1.

(81 × 2) – 1 =162 – 1 = 161

Step 3: Add Step 1 and Step 2

 6400 + 161 = 6561

CUBE

This method is to find cube of two digit numbers.

Let’s understand this method by taking some examples.

Find cube of 14.

Step 1: Find cube of tens digit and write it down as first digit .

Step 2: 1 and 4 are in the ratio of 1:4 So write next three numbers in the ratio
of 1:4.

Step 3: Write double of second and third digit below them.

Step 4: Add both these rows as shown below.


 Starting from right, write 4 of 64 in the answer and 6 as carry.


 Add 6 + 16 + 32 = 54.

Write 4 in the answer and 5 as carry.

 Add 5 + 4 + 8 = 17

Write 7 in the answer and 1 as carry.

 Add 1 + 1 = 2

Write 2 in the answer.

Answer is 2744.

Find cube of 48.

Step 1: Find cube of tens digit and write it down as first digit .

Step 2: 4 and 8 are in the ratio of 1:2 So write next three numbers in the ratio
of 1:2.

Step 3: Write double of second and third digit below them.

Step 4: Add both these rows as shown below.

 Starting from right, write 2 of 512 in the answer and 51 as carry.

 Add 51 + 256 + 512 = 819.

Write 9 in the answer and 81 as carry.

 Add 81 + 128 + 256 = 465

Write 5 in the answer and 46 as carry.

 Add 46 + 64 = 110

Write 110 in the answer.

So 483 = 110592.

Find cube of 63.

Step 1: Find cube of tens digit and write it down as first digit .

Step 2: 6 and 3 are in the ratio of 2:1 So write next three numbers in the ratio
of 2:1.

Step 3: Write double of second and third digit below them.

Step 4: Add both these rows as shown below.

 Starting from right, write 7 of 27 in the answer and 2 as carry.

 Add 2 + 54 + 108 = 164.

Write 4 in the answer and 16 as carry.

 Add 16 + 108 + 216 = 340

Write 0 in the answer and 34 as carry.

 Add 34 + 216 = 250

Write 250 in the answer.

So 633 = 250047.

LCM

LCM is known as smallest common multiple or Lowest Common Multiple or Least

Common Multiple of given numbers.

Multiple: A number x is said to be multiple of y when x is exactly divisible by y.

Ex: Let’s say x = 15 and y = 3.
Here 15 is exactly divisible by 3. That means 15 is multiple of 3.

A number can be multiple of more than one number. Here 15 is multiple of 3 as

well as 5. So 15 is a common multiple of 3 and 5.
3 and 5 has many common multiples. These are 15, 30, 45, 60, 75,…. and so on.

But 15 is smallest of them. So 15 is known as smallest common multiple or Lowest

Common Multiple or Least Common Multiple of 3 and 5.

Here one thing is to be noted that LCM is greater than or equal the biggest
number of the given numbers.

This method is to find LCM of given numbers.

Let’s say we want to find LCM of 20 and 60.

First write 4 and 20 as shown below

Divide 20 and 60 by 2

Divide 10 and 30 by 2

We can not divide any of 5 and 15 by 2 perfectly. So divide them by three.

Here 5 is not divisible by 3 so 5 is written as it is.

Divide 5 and 5 by 5.
Stop this process when last row has all 1s.

So the LCM is 2 × 2 × 3 × 5 = 60

HCF

HCF is known as Highest Common Factor or Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) or

Greatest Common Measure (GCM).

Factor: A number x is said to be factor of y when x exactly divides y.

Ex: Let’s say x = 3 and y = 15. Here 3(x) can exactly divide 15(y) so 3 is said
to be factor of 15.

Lets take two numbers 80 and 30 for better understanding. Write factors of
both numbers.

Factors of 30 : 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30

Factors of 15 : 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 40, 80

There are many common factors for 80 and 30. Those are 1, 2, 5 and 10. But 10
is highest of them. So 10 is called Highest Common Factor or HCF of 80 and 30.

One thing is to be noted that HCF is less than or equal to the smallest number
of the given numbers.

This method is for finding HCF of the given numbers.

Step 1: Take two different numbers and divide the bigger number by the smaller
number.
Step 2: Divide the divisor by the remainder.

Step 3: Repeat the process of dividing the divisor by remainder until the
remainder is 0.

Step 4: The last divisor is the required HCF of the given two numbers.

Let’s take an example of 80 and 30.

As you can see, last divisor is 10 so HCF of 80 and 30 is 10.

AVERAGE

Average is very useful for summarizing any quantity. For example we can say
temperature of the city. The city may have different temperature throughout
the week. But if we want to give single figure for it or we want to summarize it
then we are using average.

Basic formula for average is as shown below.

For example if we want to find average temperature of the city for the week.

Temperatures for the days of the week are

Sunday: 33 °C Monday: 34 °C

Tuesday: 35 °C Wednesday: 36 °C

Thursday: 35 °C Friday: 35 °C

Saturday: 36 °C

Here sum of all the temperature is divided by 7 because there are 7 days.

Here are some shortcut methods for average

Rule 1:

If different distance is travelled in different time then,

Example
If a car travels 50 Km in 1 hour, another 40 Km in 2 hour and another 70
Km in 3 hour then what is average speed of car.

Sol:

Total Distance Covered = 50 + 40 + 70 = 160 Km

Total Time Taken = 1 + 2 + 3 = 6 hours.

Rule 2:

If equal distance is travelled at different speed.

If equal distance is travelled at the speed of A and B then,

Example
A boy goes to his school which is 2 Km away in 10 minutes and returns in 20
mins then what is boy’s average speed.

Sol:

Let’s say A = 2/10 = 0.2 km/min

And B = 2/20 = 0.1 km/min

Rule 3:

If equal distance is travelled at the speed of A, B and C then,

Example
If a car divides its total journey in three equal parts and travels those
distances at speed of 60 kmph, 40 kmph and 80 kmph then what is car’s
average speed?

Sol:

Let’s say A = 60, B = 40 and C = 80, then

When a person leaves the group and another person joins the group in place
of that person then,

Rule 1:
If the average age is increased,
Age of new person = Age of separated person + (Increase in average × total
number of persons)
Example
The average age of 10 persons is increased by 5 years when one member of
age 40 years is replaced by a new person. What is age of new person?
Sol:
Age of new person = Age of separated person + (Increase in average × total
number of persons)
Age of separated person = 40
Increase in average = 5
Total number of persons = 10
Age of new person = 40 + ( 5 × 10 ) = 40 + 50 = 90 years.

Rule 2:

If the average age is decreased,

Age of new person = Age of separated person - (Decrease in average × total
number of persons)
Example
Average age of 20 persons is decreased by 1 year when a person aged 25
years is replaced by a new person. What is age of new person?
Sol:
Age of new person = Age of separated person - (Decrease in average × total
number of persons)
Age of separated person = 25 years
Decrease in average = 1 year
Age of new person = 25 – (1 × 20) = 25 – 20 = 5 years.

Rule 3:

New average age of group =

Example
A group of 10 persons has an average age of 25 years. A person of that
group aged 20 years is replaced by a new person aged 30 years. What is
new average of the group?
Sol:
New average age of group =

Previous average = 25 years

Number of persons = 10
Age of leaving person = 20
Age of joining person = 30
When a person joines the group.

Rule 1:

In case of increase in average

Age of new member = Previous average + ( Increase in average × Number of

members including new member)
Example
The average age of 15 boys is 17 years and is increased by 0.5 years when
a new boy is joined in the group. What is the average of new boy?
Sol:
Age of new member = Previous average + ( Increase in average × Number of
members including new member)
Previous average = 17 years
Increase in average = 0.5 years
Number of members including new member = 16
So,
Age of new member = 17 + ( 0.5 × 16) = 17 + 8 = 25 years.

Rule 2:

In case of decrease in average

Age of new member = Previous average - ( Decrease in average × Number of

members including new member)
Example
The average age of 10 girls is 23 years and is decreased by 0.5 years when
a new girl is joined in the group. What is the age of new girl?
Sol:
Age of new member = Previous average - ( Decrease in average × Number of
members including new member)
Previous average = 23 years
Decrease in average = 0.5 years
Number of members including new member = 11
Age of new member = 23 – ( 0.5 × 11) = 23 – 5.5 = 17.5 years

Rule 3:

New average of group =

Example
A group of 20 members having average age of 25 years has a new member
aged 25 years. What is new average of the group?
Sol:
New average of group =

Previous average = 25 years

Number of persons excluding new member = 20
Age of new member = 25 years
Number of persons including new member = 21

When a person leaves the group

Rule 1:

In case of increase in average

Age of leaving member = Previous average - ( Increase in average × Number of
members excluding leaving member)
Example
The average weight of 10 mangos in the box is 450 grams. But accidentally
one mango fell away out of the box resulting in increase of the average
weight by 10 grams. What is the weight of that mango?
Sol:
Age of leaving member = Previous average - ( Increase in average × Number of
members excluding leaving member)
Previous average = 450 grams
Increase in average = 10 grams
Number of members excluding leaving member = 9
Age of leaving member = 450 – (10 × 9) = 450 – 90 = 360 grams.

Rule 2:

In case of decrease in average

Age of leaving member = Previous average + ( Decrease in average × Number of
members excluding leaving member)
Example
The average height of 10 boys is 165 cm. But one boy leaves the class and
as a result there is a decrease in average height by 2 cm. What is height
of leaving boy?
Sol:
Age of leaving member = Previous average + ( Decrease in average × Number of
members excluding leaving member)
Previous average = 165 cm
Decrease in average = 2 cm
Number of members excluding leaving member = 9
Age of leaving member = 165 + ( 2 × 9) = 165 + 18 = 183 cm

Rule 3:

New average of group =

Example
A group of 10 persons has average age of 30 years. A person aged 40
years left the group. What is new average of the group?
Sol:
New average of group =

Previous average = 30 years

Number of persons including leaving person = 10
Age of leaving member = 40 years
Number of members excluding leaving member = 9

Average Of Numbers - Shortcut Methods

Rule 1: Average of consecutive n natural numbers

Example
Find average of consecutive 10 natural numbers.
Sol:
10 Consecutive natural numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Rule 2: Average of square of consecutive n natural numbers.

Example
Find average of square of consecutive 5 natural numbers.
Sol:
Consecutive five natural numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Rule 3: Average of cubes of consecutive n natural numbers.

Example
Find average of cubes of consecutive 5 natural numbers
Sol:
Consecutive five natural numbers are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Rule 4: Average of n consecutive even numbers.

Average = n + 1
Example
Find average of 6 consecutive even numbers
Sol:
Six consecutive even numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12
Average = 6 + 1 = 7

Rule 5: Average of consecutive even numbers till n.

Example
Find average of consecutive even numbers till 6
Sol:
Consecutive even numbers till 6 are 2, 4, 6
Rule 6: Average of square of n consecutive even numbers.

Example
Find average of square of 5 consecutive even numbers.
Sol:
Five consecutive even numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8, 10

Rule 7: Average of square of consecutive even numbers till n.

Example
Find average of square of consecutive even numbers till 4
Sol:
Consecutive even numbers till 4 are 2, 4

Rule 8: Average of n consecutive odd numbers.

Average = n
Example
Find average of 10 consecutive odd numbers.
Sol:
10 consecutive odd numbers are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19.
Average = 10

Rule 9: Average of consecutive odd numbers till n.

Example
Find average of consecutive odd numbers till 9
Sol:
Consecutive odd numbers till 9 are 1, 3, 5, 7, 9.

Rule 10: Average of square of consecutive odd numbers till n.

Example
Find average of square of consecutive odd numbers till 5
Sol:
Consecutive odd numbers till 5 are 1, 3, 5.

Percentage
Percent means ‘per every hundred’. 5% means ‘5 per 100’.

In other words, percentage is a fraction with denominator as 100.

Percentage is denoted as P.C. or %. Ex: 70 percent = 70%.

Convert Percentage into Fraction:

Step 1: The number is divided by 100.

Step 2: ‘%’ sign is removed.

Convert Fraction Into Percentage:

Step 1: Multiply fraction by 100.

Step 2: Put a ‘%’ sign.

Convert Percentage into Decimal:

Convert Decimal Into Percentage:

0.25 = (0.25 × 100)% = 25%

1.50 = (1.50 × 100)% = 150%

Some Useful Formulas:

Partnership Concept and Shortcut Methods

When more than one person agree to invest their money to run a business or
firm then this kind of agreement is called partnership. The persons involved in
the partnership are called partners.

There are two types of partners.

1. Sleeping Partner: Sleeping partner is the person who provides only

investment but does not take part in running the business.
2. Working Partner: Working partner is the person who not only invests the
money but also takes part in running the business. For this work he is paid
some salary or some percent of profit in addition.

There are two types of partnership.

1. Simple Partnership: In simple partnership, capitals of partners are

invested for the same period of time.
2. Compound Partnership: In compound partnership, capitals of partners
are invested for the different period of time.

Basic Formulas

If two partners A and B are investing their money to run a business then
(Simple Partnership)

Capital of A : Capital of B = Profit of A : Profit of B

If two partners A and B are investing their money for different period of time
to run a business then
(Compound Partnership)

Capital of A × Time period of A : Capital of B × Time period of B = Profit of A :

Profit of B
Example
Jack and Jill start a business by investing $ 2,000 for 8 months and $
3,000 for 6 months respectively. If their total profit si $ 510 and then
what is profit of Jill?
Sol:

Capital of Jack = 2000 and Time period = 8 months

Capital of Jill = 3000 and Time period = 6 months

So, Profit of Jack : Profit of Jill = 8 : 9

So we have 8 + 9 = 17 parts of total profit.
Out of this 17 parts, Jack will get 8 parts and Jill will get 9 parts.

Now, total profit is 510

So, One Part = 510/17 = 30.

Jill’s profit = 30 × 9 = 270 and

Jack’s profit = 30 × 8 = 240.

If n partners are investing for different period of time then

C1T1 : C2T2 : C3T3 : … : CnTn = P1 : P2 : P3 : … : Pn

Where C is the capital invested, T is time period of capital invested and P is

profit earned.
Example
Raju, Kamal and Vinod start a business by investing Rs 5,000 for 12
months, Rs 8,000 for 9 months and Rs 10,000 for 6 months. If at the end
of the year their total profit is Rs 2000 then find the profit of each
partner.
Sol:

Raju’s investment is 5000 for 12 months.

Kamal’s investment is 8000 for 9 months.
Vinod’s investment is 10000 for 6 months.

So their ratio of investments is

5000 × 12 : 8000 × 9 : 10000 × 6
60 : 72 : 60
5:6:5

So their profit,
Raju : Kamal : Vinod = 5 : 6 : 5

So there are 5 + 6 + 5 = 16 parts of profit.

Out of these 16 parts, Raju will get 5 parts, Kamal will get 6 parts and Vinod will
get 5 parts.

So, Total profit = 2000

One part = 2000/16 = 125

Raju’s profit = 5 × 125 = 625

Kamal’s profit = 6 × 125 = 750
Vinod’s profit = 5 × 125 = 625

Shortcut Methods

Rule 1:

If two partners are investing their money C 1 and C2 for equal period of time and
their total profit is P then their shares of profit are

If these partners are investing their money for different period of time which
is T1 and T2, then their profits are

Example
Jack and Jill start a business by investing $ 2,000 for 8 months and $
3,000 for 6 months respectively. If their total profit si $ 510 and then
what is profit of Jill?
Sol:

Let’s Say C1 = 2000, T1 = 8

C2 = 3000, T2 = 6
P = 510

Rule 2:

If n partners are investing their money C1, C2, …, Cn for equal period of time and
their total profit is P then their shares of profit are

If these partners are investing their money for different period of time which
is T1, T2,… , Tn then their profits are

Example
Raju, Kamal and Vinod start a business by investing Rs 5,000 for 12
months, Rs 8,000 for 9 months and Rs 10,000 for 6 months. If at the end
of the year their total profit is Rs 2000 then find the profit of each
partner.
Sol:

Let’s Say C1 = 5000, T1 = 12

C2 = 8000, T2 = 9
C3 = 10000, T3 = 6
P = 2000
Simple Interest Shortcut Methods
When a person borrows some money from another person then the borrower has
to pay some extra money for the use of that money to the lender. This extra
money is called Interest.

In other words, the amount charged by lender for giving his money for a specific
amount of time is called Interest.

The amount of money borrowed is known as Principle.

Total of Interest and Principle is known as Total Amount.

Amount = Principle + Interest.

The borrower has to pay interest according to some percent of principle for the
fixed period of time. This percentage is known as Interest Rate. This fixed
period may be a year, six months, three months or a month and correspondingly
the rate of interest is charged annually, half yearly, quarterly or monthly.

For example, the rate of interest is 10% per annum means the interest payable
on Rs 100 for one year is Rs 10.

Some Basic Formulas

If A = Amount
P = Principle
I = Interest
T = Time in years
R = Interest Rate Per Year, then

Amount = Principle + Interest

A=P+I

Compound Interest Concept & Shortcut Methods

In compound interest, the interest for each period is added to the principle
before interest is calculated for the next period. With this method the
principle grows as the interest is added to it. This method is mostly used in
investments such as savings account and bonds.

To understand compound interest clearly, let’s take an example.

1000 is borrowed for three years at 10% compound interest. What is the total
amount after three years?

You can understand the process of compound interest by image shown below.

Year Principle Interest (10%) Amount

1st 1000 100 1100

2nd 1100 110 1210

3rd 1210 121 1331

Difference between Simple Interest and compound interest

After three years,
In simple interest, the total amount would be 1300
And in compound interest, the total amount would be 1331.

Some Basic Formulas

If A = Amount
P = Principle
C.I. = Compound Interest
T = Time in years
R = Interest Rate Per Year

Shortcut Formulas

Rule 1: If rate of interest is R1% for first year, R2% for second year and R3%
for third year, then

Example
Find the total amount after three years on Rs 1000 if the compound
interest rate for first year is 4%, for second year is 5% and for third year
is 10%
Sol:
P = 1000
R1 = 4%, R2 = 5% and R3 = 10%
(From the table given at the bottom of the page)
A = 1201.2

Rule 2:
If principle = P, Rate = R% and Time = T years then

1. If the interest is compounded annually:

2. If the interest is compounded half yearly (two times in year):

3. If the interest is compounded quarterly (four times in year):

Example
Find the total amount on 1000 after 2 years at the rate of 4% if
1. The interest is compounded annually
2. The interest is compounded half yearly
3. The interest is compounded quarterly.
Sol:
Here P = 1000
R = 4%
T = 2 years
If the interest is compounded annually
(From the table given at the bottom of the page)
A = 1081.6
If the interest is compounded half yearly

A = 1082.4
If the interest is compounded quarterly

A = 1082.9

Rule 3: If difference between Simple Interest and Compound Interest is

given.

 If the difference between Simple Interest and Compound Interest on a

certain sum of money for 2 years at R% rate is given then
Example
If the difference between simple interest and compound interest on a
certain sum of money at 10% per annum for 2 years is Rs 2 then find the
sum.
Sum:

 If the difference between Simple Interest and Compound Interest on a

certain sum of money for 3 years at R% is given then

Example
If the difference between simple interest and compound interest on a
certain sum of money at 10% per annum for 3 years is Rs 2 then find the
sum.
Sol:

Rule 3: If sum A becomes B in T1 years at compound interest, then after

T2 years

Example
Rs 1000 becomes 1100 after 4 years at certain compound interest rate.
What will be the sum after 8 years?
Sum:
Here A = 1000, B = 1100
T1 = 4, T2 = 8
Look up Table

Mixture and Alligation Shortcut Methods

Mixture: Mixing of two or more than two type of quantities gives us a mixure.

Quantities of these elements can be expressed as percentage or ratio.

i.e. Percentage (20% of sugar in water)
Fraction ( A solution of sugar and water such that sugar : water = 1:4)

Alligation: Alligation is a rule which is used to solve the problems related to

mixture and its ingredient.

It is the rule that enables us to find the ratio in which two or more ingredients
at the given price must be mixed to produce a mixture of desired price.

Alligation Rule

When two elements are mixed to make a mixture and one of the elements is
cheaper and other one is costlier then,

Here Mean Price is CP of mixture per unit quantity.

Above rule can be written as,
Then,
Cheaper Quantity : Costlier Quantity = (D – M) : (M – C)
Example
In what proportion must sugar at Rs 40 per kg be mixed with sugar at Rs
60 per kg so that the mixture be Rs 55 per kg?
Sol:
Here, CP of Cheaper(C) = 40,
CP of Costlier(D) = 60 and
Mean Price(M) = 55
So from the rule of alligation we can say that

Proportion of Cheaper Sugar and Costlier Sugar is 1 : 3

Mixture of more than two elements.

This method is a bit tricky initially but if you practice it then it becomes quite
easy.
If the mixture is of more than two ingredients, then write the prices of each
ingredient below one another in ascending order. Write the mean price to the
left of the list. Now make couples of prices in such a way that one price of the
couple is below mean price and another price of the couple is above mean price.
Now find the difference between each price and mean price and write it
opposite to the price linked to it. This difference is required answer.

Don’t worry if you don’t understand above paragraph. Try to understand above
paragraph with the examples given below.
Example
How must a shop owner mix 4 types of rice worth Rs 95, Rs 60, Rs 90 and
Rs 50 per kg so that he can make the mixture of these sugars worth Rs 80
per kg?
Sol:
Here the prices of sugars are 95, 60, 90 and 50.
And the mean price is 80.
Now read the above paragraph and the image given below to understand this
method.

So the proportion of sugar is

50 : 60 : 90 : 95 = 15 : 10 : 20 : 30 or
50 : 60 : 90 : 95 = 3 : 2 : 4 : 6

Example
In what ratio must a person mix three kind of tea each of which has a
price of 70, 80 and 120 rupees per kg, in such a way that the mixture
costs him 100 rupees per kg?
Sol:
Here the prices of tea are 70, 80 and 120
And mean price is 100, so

So the proportion of tea is

70 : 80 : 120 = 20 : 20 : 50 or
70 : 80 : 120 = 2 : 2 : 5

Some Shortcut Formulas

Rule 1

If n different vessels of equal size are filled with the mixture of P and Q in the
ratio p1 : q1, p2 : q2, ……, pn : qn and content of all these vessels are mixed in one
large vessel, then

Example
Three equal buckets containing the mixture of milk and water are mixed into
a bigger bucket. If the proportion of milk and water in the glasses are 3:1,
2:3 and 4:2 then find the proportion of milk and water in the bigger
bucket.
Sol:
Let’s say P stands for milk and Q stands for water,
So, p1:q1 = 3:1
p2:q2=2:3
p3 : q3=4:2

So in bigger bucket,
Milk : Water = 109 : 71

Rule 2
If n different vessels of sizes x1, x2, …, xn are filled with the mixture of P and Q
in the ratio p1 : q1, p2 : q2, ……, pn : qn and content of all these vessels are mixed in
one large vessel, then
Example

Rule 3: Removal and Replacement

If a vessel contains “x” litres of liquid A and if “y” litres be withdrawn and
replaced by liquid B, then if “y” litres of the mixture be withdrawn and replaced
by liquid B, and the operation is repeated ‘n’ times in all, then :

Example
A container is containing 80 liter of wine. 8 liter of wine was taken out
from this container and replaced by water. This process was further
repeated two times. How much wine is there in the container now?
Sol:
Here x = 80, y = 8 and n = 3, so

Quantity of wine after 3rd operation = 58.32 liters.

Rule 4:
p gram of ingredient solution has a% ingredient in it. To increase the ingredient
content to b% in the solution

Example
125 liter of mixture of milk and water contains 25% of water. How much
water must be added to it to make water 30% in the new mixture?
Sol:
Let’s say p = 125, b = 30, a = 25
So from the equation

Quantity of water need to be added = 8.92 liter.

Ratio Or Fraction
Comparison of ratio or fraction is most frequently asked question in competitive
exams. To find smallest or biggest of the given fraction, two approaches are to
be used.

Method 1: Make denominator of the given fractions same.

Make denominator of the given fractions same.

To do it, Take LCM of 4, 6, 8, 10.

LCM of 4, 6, 8, 10 is 120.

So try to make denominator as 120.

(Here We are Multiplying and Dividing by same amount so we are not changing
the value of the fraction.)

Now we can easily compare these fractions.

Method 2: Make numerator of the given fractions same.

Make numerator of the given fractions same.

To do it, Take LCM of 3, 5, 7, 11.

LCM of 3, 5, 7, 11 is 1155.

So try to make numerator as 1155.

(Here We are Multiplying and Dividing by same amount so we are not changing
the value of the fraction.)

Now we can easily compare these fractions.

The number which has smallest denominator is the biggest number and vise-
versa.
Profit And Loss
To make profit is the basic aim of any business.

Cost Price: It is the price at which any article or unit or item is bought. It is
abbreviated as CP.

Selling Price: It is the price at which any article or unit or item is sold. It is
abbreviated as SP.

Profit: If Selling Price is greater than Cost Price then seller makes profit.

Profit = SP – CP

Loss: If Cost Price is greater than Selling Price then seller incurs loss.

Loss = CP – SP

Basic Formulas:

One point is to be noted that loss or profit is always calculated with reference
to CP.

Shortcut Method For Profit And Loss

Time and Work Shortcut Methods
Time and Work problems are most frequently asked problems in quantitative
aptitude. To solve these problems very quickly, you should understand the
concept of Time and Work and some shortcut methods.

If a man can do a piece of work in 5 days, then he will finish 1/5th of the work in
one day.

If a man can finish 1/5th of the work in one day then he will take 5 days to
complete the work.

If a man 5/6th of work in one hour then he will take 6/5 hours to complete the
full work.

If A works three times faster than B then A takes 1/3rd the time taken by B.

Here are some shortcut rules which can be very useful while solving Time and
Work problems.

In total 9 rules are given here.

Rule 1: Universal Rule

This rule can be used in almost every problems.

If M1 persons can do W1 work in D1 days and M2 persons can do W2 works in

D2days then we can say
M1D1W2 = M2D2W1

If the persons work T1 and T2 hours per day respectively then the equation gets
modified to
M1D1T1W2 = M2D2T2W1

If the persons has efficiency of E1 and E2 respectively then,

M1D1T1E1W2 = M2D2T2E2W1
Example
5 men can prepare 10 cycles in 6 days working 6 hours a day. Then in how
many days can 12 men prepare 16 cycles working 8 hours a day?
Sol:
Here M1 = 5, W1 = 10, D1 = 6, T1 = 6 and
M2 = 12, W2 = 16, T2 = 8
So from the above rule
M1D1T1W2 = M2D2T2W1
5 × 6 × 6 × 16 = 12 × D2 × 8 × 10
D2 = 3 Days.
So they will complete the work in 3 days.

Rule 2:
If A can do a piece of work in n days, then
The work done by A in one day = 1/n
Example
If A can repair 50 cycles in 5 days then A can repair 50/5 = 10 cycles in one day.

Rule 3:
If A can do a work in D1 days and B can do the same work in D2 days then A and
B together can do the same work

Example
Content
If A can do a piece of work in 10 days and B can do the same work in 15
days then how long will they take if they both work together?
Sol:
A can finish the work in D1 = 10 days.
B can finish the work in D2 = 15 days.

Rule 4:
If A is twice as good a workman as B, then A will take half of the time taken by
B to complete a piece of work.
Example
A is twice as good a workman as B. Together, they finish the work in 14
days. In how many days can it be done by each separately?
Sol:
Let’s assume that A alone can finish the work in x days.
It is given that A is twice as good a workman as B so B alone can finish the work
in 2x days

So x = 21 days.
So A can finish the work in 21 days and B can finish the work in 42 days.

Rule 5:
If A is thrice as good a workman as B, then A will take one third of the time
taken by B to complete a piece of work.
Example
A is thrice as good a workman as B. Together, they finish the work in 15
days. In how many days can it be done by each separately?
Sol:
Let’s assume that A alone can finish the work in x days.
It is given that A is thrice as good a workman as B so B alone can finish the work
in 3x days.
So x = 20 days.
So A can finish the work in 20 days and B can finish the work in 60 days.

Rule 6:
If A and B together can do a piece of work in x days, B and C together can do in
y days and C and A together can do in z days, then the same work can be done

Example
A and B can do a piece of work in 30 days while B and C can do the same
work in 24 days and C and A in 20 days. Find out the time taken to
complete the work by each member working alone. Also find in how many
days they will complete the work if they work together.
Sol:
Here let’s assume that x=30, y=24 and z=20.

Rule 7:
If A can do a piece of work in D1 days, B can do in D2 days and C can do in
D3 days then they together can do the same work in

Example
Content
If A can do a piece of work in 30 days, B can do in 24 days and C can do
in 20 days then they together can do the same work in _____ days.
Sol:

Rule 8:

If A and B together can do a piece of work in D 1 days and A alone can do it in

D2days, then B alone can do the work in

Example
Content
Jack and Jill together can do a piece of work in 10 days. Jack alone can do
it in 15 days. In how many days can Jill alone do it?
Sol:
Let’s say D1 = 10, D2 = 15

Rule 9:
If the number of men are changed in the ratio of m:n, then the time taken to
complete the work will change in the ratio n:m

Pipes And Cisterns Shortcut Methods

Pipe and Cistern problems are similar to time and work problems. A pipe is used
to fill or empty the tank or cistern.

Inlet Pipe: A pipe used to fill the tank or cistern is known as Inlet Pipe.

Outlet Pipe: A pipe used to empty the tank or cistern is known as Outlet Pipe.

Some Basic Formulas

1. If an inlet pipe can fill the tank in x hours, then the part filled in 1 hour =
1/x
2. If an outlet pipe can empty the tank in y hours, then the part of the tank
emptied in 1 hour = 1/y
3. If both inlet and outlet valves are kept open, then the net part of the
tank filled in 1 hour is

Some Shortcut Methods

Rule 1: Two pipes can fill (or empty) a cistern in x and y hours while working
alone. If both pipes are opened together, then the time taken to fill (or empty)
the cistern is given by

Example
Two pipes A and B can fill a cistern in 20 and 30 minutes respectively. If
both the pipes are opened together, how long will it take to fill the cistern?
Sol:
Let’s say x = 20 and y = 30

So it will take 12 minutes for both the pipes to full the cistern.

Rule 2: Three pipes can fill (or empty) a cistern in x, y and z hours while working
alone. If all the three pipes are opened together, the time taken to fill (or
empty) the cistern is given by

Example
Three pipes can fill a tank in 20 minutes, 30 minutes and 40 minutes
respectively while working alone. If, all the pipes are opened together, how
long will it take to fill the tank full?
Sol:
Let’s say x = 20 minutes, y = 30 minutes, z = 40 minutes

So it will take 9.23 minutes to fill the tank full.

Rule 3: If a pipe can fill a cistern in x hours and another can fill the same
cistern in y hours, but a third one can empty the full tank in z hours, and all of
them are opened together, then
Example
Two pipes can fill a cistern in 20 minutes and 30 minutes respectively. Third
pipe can empty the tank in 40 minutes. If all the three pipes are opened
together, how long it will take to fill the tank full?
Sol:
Let’s say x = 20, y = 30 and z = 40

So it will take 17.14 minutes to fill the tank full.

Rule 4: A pipe can fill a cistern in x hours. Because of a leak in the bottom, it is
filled in y hours. If it is full, the time taken by the leak to empty the cistern is

Example
A pipe can fill a tank in 3 hours. Because of leak in the bottom, it is filled
in 4 hours. If the tank is full, how much time will the leak take to empty
it?
Sol:

So leak will empty the tank in 12 hours.

By formula
Let’s say x = 3 and y = 4

Time and Distance Shortcut Methods

The terms time and distance are related to the speed of a moving object.

Speed: Speed is defined as the distance covered by an object in unit time.

Some Important Facts

Distance travelled is proportional to the speed of the object if the time is kept
constant.
Distance travelled is proportional to the time taken if speed of object is kept
constant.
Speed is inversely proportional to the time taken if the distance covered is kept
constant.
If the ratio of two speeds for same distance is a:b then the ratio of time taken
to cover the distance is b:a

Relative Speed
If two objects are moving in same direction with speeds of x and y then their
relative speed is (x - y)
If two objects are moving is opposite direction with speeds of x and y then their
relative speed is (x + y)

Unit Conversion

Some Important Shortcut Formulas

Rule 1: If some distance is travelled at x km/hr and the same distance is

travelled at y km/hr then the average speed during the whole journey is given by

Example
John goes from his home to school at the speed of 2 km/hr and returns at
the speed of 3 km/hr. What is his average speed during whole journey in
m/sec?
Sol:
Let’s say x = 2 km/hr
And y = 3 km/hr, so

Now, average speed in m/sec

Rule 2: If a person travels a certain distance at x km/hr and returns at y

km/hr, if the time taken to the whole journey is T hours then the one way
distance is given by

Example
Mr Samson goes to market at the speed of 10 km/hr and returns to his
home at the speed of 15 km/hr. If he takes 3 hours in all, what is the
distance between his home and market?
Sol:
Let’s say x = 10 km/hr
y = 10 km/hr, and
T = 3 hrs, then

So the distance between home and market is 18 km.

Rule 3: If two persons A and B start their journey at the same time from two
points P and Q towards each other and after crossing each other they take a
and b hours in reaching Q and P respectively, then

Example
Two persons Ram and Lakhan start their journey from two different places
towards each other’s place. After crossing each other, they complete their
journey in 1 and 4 hours respectively. Find speed of Lakhan if speed of ram
is 20 km/hr.
Sol:
Let’s say A = Ram and B = Lakhan
a = 1 and b = 4, then

Lakhan’s Speed = 10 km/hr

Rule 4: If the same distance is covered at two different speeds S 1 and S2 and
the time taken to cover the distance are T 1 and T2, then the distance is given by

Example
Two trucks travel the same distance at the speed of 50 kmph and 60 kmph.
Find the distance when the distance when the time taken by both trucks
has a difference of 1 hour.
Sol:
Let’s say S1 = 50 kmph,
S2 = 60 kmph
T1 – T 2 = 1
Trains Shortcut Methods
Problems on trains are most frequently asked questions in any competitive exam.

Problems on trains and ‘Time and Distance’ are almost same. The only difference
is we have to consider the length of the train while solving problems on trains.

Points To Remember

1. Time taken by a train of length of L meters to pass a stationary pole is

equal to the time taken by train to cover L meters.
2. Time taken by a train of length of L meters to pass a stationary object
of length P meters is equal to the time taken by train to cover (L + P) meters.
3. If two trains are moving in same direction and their speeds are x km/h
and y km/h (x > y) then their relative speed is (x – y) km/h.
4. If two trains are moving in opposite direction and their speeds are x
km/h and y km/h then their relative speed is (x + y) km/h.

Unit Conversion

Some Shortcut Methods

Rule 1:
If two trains of p meters and q meters are moving in same direction at the
speed of x m/s and y m/s (x > y) respectively then time taken by the faster
train to overtake slower train is given by

Example
Two trains of length 130 meter and 70 meter are running in the same
direction with the speed of 50 km/h and 70 km/h. How much time will
faster train take to overtake the slower train from the moment they meet?
Sol:
Let’s say p = 130 meter = 0. 13 km
q = 70 meter = 0.07 km
x = 70 km/h and y = 50 km/h,
So from the equation given above,
0.01 hours = 36 second
So it will take 36 seconds to overtake.

Rule 2:
If two trains of p meters and q meters are moving in opposite direction at the
speed of x m/s and y m/s respectively then time taken by trains to cross each
other is given by

Example
Two trains of length 130 meter and 70 meter are running in the opposite
direction with the speed of 50 km/h and 70 km/h. How much time will
trains take to cross each other from the moment they meet?
Sol:
Let’s say p = 130 meter = 0. 13 km
q = 70 meter = 0.07 km
x = 70 km/h and y = 50 km/h,
So from the equation given above,

0.0017 hours = 6 seconds

So it will take 6 seconds to cross each other.

Boats and Streams Shortcut Methods

Boats and Streams problems are frequently asked problems in competitive
exams.

Stream: Moving water of the river is called stream.

Still Water: If the water is not moving then it is called still water.

Upstream: If a boat or a swimmer moves in the opposite direction of the stream

then it is called upstream.

Downstream: If a boat or a swimmer moves in the same direction of the stream

then it is called downstream.

Points to remember

 When speed of boat or a swimmer is given then it normally means speed

in still water.
Some Basic Formulas
Rule 1: If speed of boat or swimmer is x km/h and the speed of stream is y
km/h then,

 Speed of boat or swimmer upstream = (x − y) km/h

 Speed of boat or swimmer downstream = (x + y) km/h

Rule 2:

 Speed of boat or swimmer in still water is given by

 Speed of stream is given by

Some Shortcut Methods

Rule 1: A man can row certain distance downstream in t1 hours and returns the
same distance upstream in t2 hours. If the speed of stream is y km/h, then the
speed of man in still water is given by

Example
A man goes certain distance against the current of the stream in 2 hour
and returns with the stream in 20 minutes. If the speed of stream is 4
km/h then how long will it take for the man to go 4 km in still water?
Sol:
Let’s say t1 = 20 minutes = 0.33 hours and t2 = 1 hours

Y = 4, then man’s speed in still water

So man’s speed is 7.94 km/h in still water.

Now, time taken by the man to row 4 km in still water

Rule 2: A man can row in still water at x km/h. In a stream flowing at y km/h, if
it takes him t hours to row to a place and come back, then the distance between
two places is given by

Example
A man can row 4 km/h in still water. When the water is running at 2 km/h,
it takes him 2 hours to go to a place and come back. What is the distance
between that place and man’s initial position?
Sol:
Let’s say x = 4 km/h = man’s speed in still water.

y = 2 km/h = water’s speed.

t = 2, so

Rule 3: A man can row in still water at x km/h. In a stream flowing at y km/h, if
it takes t hours more in upstream than to go downstream for the same distance,
then the distance is given by

Example
A man can row 4 km/h in still water. The water is running at 2 km/h. He
travels to a certain distance and comes back. It takes him 2 hours more
while travelling against the stream than travelling with the stream. What is
the distance?
Sol:
Let’s say x = 4 km/h = man’s speed in still water.

y = 2 km/h = water’s speed.

t = 2, so

Rule 4: A man can row in still water at x km/h. In a stream flowing at y km/h, if
he rows the same distance up and down the stream, then his average speed is
given by
Example
Speed of boat in still water is 9 km/h and speed of stream is 2 km/h. The
boat rows to a place which is 47 km away and comes back in the same path.
Find the average speed of boat during whole journey.
Sol:
Let’s say x = 9 km/h = speed in still water

Y = 2 km/h = speed of stream

Work and Wages

Work and Wages problems are simpler to solve in quantitative aptitude.

Money earned by a person for a certain work is called wage of the person for
that work.

Points to remember

1. Wages are directly proportional to the work done. That means more
work – more money.
2. Wages are inversely proportional to the time taken to complete the work.
That means more time – less money.

Work and Wages problems can be understood by examining some solved

examples.
Example
Mayank can do a piece of work in 3 days while Sanjay can do the same work
in 4 days. The wage for the full work is Rs 350. If they both work
together to complete the work then find the earnings of Mayank and
Sanjay.
Sol:
Mayank’s 1 day’s work = 1/3
Sanjay’s 1 day’s work = 1/4

Wages are directly proportional to the work done.

So, Mayank’s Wage : Sanjay’s Wage = 1/3 : 1/4
Mayank’s Wage : Sanjay’s Wage = 4 : 3

Now, total wage is 350 Rs.

Example
Shahrukh alone can finish a work in 4 days while Salman alone can finish it
in 6 days. If they both work together to finish it, then out of total wages
of 18000, what will be the 20% of Shahrukh’s share?
Sol:
Shahrukh’s 1 day’s work = 1/4
Salman’s 1 day’s work = 1/6

Wages are directly proportional to the work done.

So, Shahrukh’s share : Salman’s share = 1/4 : 1/6

Shahrukh’s share : Salman’s share = 6 : 4

So 20% of Shahrukh’s wage = 2160

Example
Rahul, Rohit and Rohan can do a piece of work in 3, 4 and 6 days,
respectively. Doing that work together, they get an amount of 675 rupees.
What is the share of Rohan in that amount.
Sol:
Rahul’s 1 day’s work = 1/3
Rohit’s 1 day’s work = 1/4
Rohan’s 1 day’s work = 1/6

Rahul’s share : Rohit’s share : Rohan’s share

=4:3:2

So, Rohan’s Wage

Rohan’s wage is 150 rupees.

Example
Sunil can do a piece of work in 2 days while Saurav can do it in 3 days.
They work together for a day and rest of the work is done by Sachin in 1
day. If they get 1800 rupees for the whole work then find the wage of
Sachin.
Sol:
Sunil’s 1 day’s work = 1/2
Saurav’s 1 dau’s work = 1/3

Sunil and Saurav’s 1day’s work = 1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6

Remaining work done by Sachin = 1 – 5/6 = 1/6

(Have doubt? Then refer time and work)

So, Sunil’s share : Saurav’s share : Sachin’s share

=3:2:1
So wage of Sachin,

Sachin’s wage is 300 rupees.