What is Quantitative Aptitude in SSC CGL? This section tests mathematical skills and numerical ability. Covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, and Data Interpretation. Essential for SSC CGL Tier I and Tier II exams.

1
Arithmetic
Number system, percentages, profit-loss, time-work, ratio-proportion
2
Algebra
Equations, polynomials, quadratic equations, sequences, inequalities
3
Geometry
Lines, angles, triangles, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry
4
Trigonometry
Ratios, identities, heights and distances, trigonometric equations
5
Data Interpretation
Tables, charts, graphs, pie charts, bar graphs, line graphs

Quantitative Aptitude Topics - Systematic approach for SSC exams

Exam Statistics

Quantitative Aptitude section analysis

25
Questions
50
Marks
60
Minutes
Topic Distribution

Approximate questions per topic

8-10
Arithmetic
5-7
Algebra
6-8
Geometry/Trig

Quantitative section analysis - Plan your preparation accordingly

Pro Tip – The 3-Step Quantitative Aptitude Mastery Method!

1. Learn Concepts First: Formulas, theorems, methods, shortcuts
2. Practice Topic-wise: Solve 50+ questions per topic with step-by-step solutions
3. Speed & Accuracy: Timed practice with mixed questions
Visit SKY Practice for 5000+ Quantitative Aptitude questions with detailed solutions.

1. Arithmetic

Arithmetic Fundamentals: The foundation of quantitative aptitude covering numbers, percentages, ratios, averages, and basic calculations.

Arithmetic Concepts & Formulas

Understanding Arithmetic Operations

Arithmetic forms the basis of all mathematical calculations. Mastering these concepts is essential for solving complex problems quickly.

Percentage

Basic Formulas:
• Percentage = (Part/Whole) × 100
• Percentage increase = [(New - Original)/Original] × 100
• Percentage decrease = [(Original - New)/Original] × 100
• Successive percentage change: a + b + (ab/100)

Shortcuts:
• 10% = Divide by 10
• 5% = Half of 10%
• 20% = Divide by 5
• 25% = Divide by 4
• 50% = Divide by 2

Applications: Discount, profit/loss, population growth, data interpretation

Profit & Loss

Basic Formulas:
• Profit = Selling Price - Cost Price
• Loss = Cost Price - Selling Price
• Profit % = (Profit/CP) × 100
• Loss % = (Loss/CP) × 100
• Selling Price = CP × (100 ± Profit/Loss %)/100

Discount:
• Marked Price (MP): Original price
• Selling Price = MP × (100 - Discount %)/100
• Successive discounts: Equivalent single discount = a + b - (ab/100)

Applications: Business calculations, market transactions

Time & Work

Basic Formulas:
• Work = Rate × Time
• If A can do work in 'a' days, then A's 1 day work = 1/a
• If A and B work together: 1 day work = 1/a + 1/b
• Time taken together = 1/(1/a + 1/b) = ab/(a+b)

Efficiency:
• If A is twice as efficient as B, then A takes half the time
• Efficiency ratio inversely proportional to time ratio

Work and Wages:
• Wages distributed in ratio of work done
• If A works 'x' days and B works 'y' days, ratio = x/a : y/b

Ratio & Proportion

Basic Concepts:
• Ratio: a:b = a/b
• Proportion: a:b :: c:d means a/b = c/d
• Continued proportion: a:b :: b:c

Operations:
• Duplicate ratio of a:b = a²:b²
• Triplicate ratio of a:b = a³:b³
• Sub-duplicate ratio of a:b = √a:√b
• Sub-triplicate ratio of a:b = ∛a:∛b

Applications:
• Partnership: Profit sharing in investment ratio
• Mixture & Alligation: Finding ratio of mixtures
• Ages: Ratio of ages changing over time

SSC Shortcut: Arithmetic Formulas to Remember

Average: Sum of observations/Number of observations • Weighted Average: (w₁x₁ + w₂x₂)/(w₁ + w₂)

Simple Interest: SI = (P × R × T)/100 • Compound Interest: CI = P[(1 + R/100)^T - 1]

Speed: Distance = Speed × Time • Relative Speed: Same direction = Difference, Opposite direction = Sum

Time & Work: If A in 'a' days, B in 'b' days, together = ab/(a+b) days

Mixture: Alligation rule: (Cheaper quantity) : (Dearer quantity) = (d - m) : (m - c)

Important Arithmetic Problems Table

Topic Key Concepts Difficulty Level Frequency in SSC
Percentage Basic percentage, successive percentage, percentage change Easy-Medium 2-3 questions
Profit & Loss CP, SP, MP, discount, successive discount Easy-Medium 2-3 questions
Simple & Compound Interest SI formula, CI formula, difference, installments Medium 1-2 questions
Ratio & Proportion Basic ratio, proportion, partnership, ages Easy-Medium 2-3 questions
Time & Work Individual work, combined work, efficiency, wages Medium-Hard 2-3 questions
Time, Speed & Distance Basic formula, relative speed, trains, boats Medium 2-3 questions
Average Simple average, weighted average Easy 1-2 questions
Number System Divisibility, remainders, LCM, HCF Medium-Hard 2-3 questions

Solved Example: Arithmetic

Q: A shopkeeper marks his goods 20% above cost price but allows 10% discount. What is his profit percentage?
Step 1: Understand the problem
Cost Price (CP) = Let's assume ₹100 for easy calculation
Marked Price (MP) = 20% above CP
Discount = 10% on MP
Need to find: Profit percentage

Step 2: Calculate Marked Price
MP = CP + 20% of CP
MP = 100 + (20/100 × 100)
MP = 100 + 20 = ₹120

Step 3: Calculate Selling Price after discount
Discount = 10% of MP
Discount = (10/100 × 120) = ₹12
Selling Price (SP) = MP - Discount
SP = 120 - 12 = ₹108

Step 4: Calculate Profit
Profit = SP - CP
Profit = 108 - 100 = ₹8

Step 5: Calculate Profit Percentage
Profit % = (Profit/CP) × 100
Profit % = (8/100) × 100 = 8%

Step 6: Alternative method (shortcut)
When MP is x% above CP and discount is y% on MP:
Effective profit % = x - y - (xy/100)
Here x = 20, y = 10
Effective profit % = 20 - 10 - (20×10/100)
= 10 - (200/100) = 10 - 2 = 8%

Step 7: Verification
CP = ₹100
MP = ₹120 (20% above)
Discount = ₹12 (10% of 120)
SP = ₹108
Profit = ₹8 (8% of 100)
Check: 8% of 100 = ₹8 ✓

Step 8: Common mistakes to avoid
• Don't calculate discount on CP instead of MP
• Don't add discount to profit
• Remember: Profit % is always on CP, not on MP

Final Answer: 8%

2. Algebra

Algebra Fundamentals: Study of mathematical symbols and rules for manipulating these symbols. Includes equations, polynomials, and sequences.

Algebraic Concepts & Equations

Understanding Algebraic Principles

Algebra provides tools for solving problems involving unknown quantities. Essential for logical reasoning and problem-solving.

Important Algebraic Identities


Algebraic Formulas & Identities
(a+b)² = a² + 2ab + b² (a-b)² = a² - 2ab + b² a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b)

Basic algebraic identities essential for SSC exams

1 Quadratic Equations

Standard form: ax² + bx + c = 0 (a ≠ 0)
Roots: α, β = [-b ± √(b² - 4ac)]/(2a)

Sum and product of roots:
• α + β = -b/a
• αβ = c/a

Nature of roots:
• Discriminant (D) = b² - 4ac
• D > 0: Real and distinct roots
• D = 0: Real and equal roots
• D < 0: Imaginary roots (no real roots)

Forming quadratic equation from roots:
x² - (sum of roots)x + (product of roots) = 0
x² - (α+β)x + αβ = 0

2 Linear Equations & Inequalities

Linear equation in one variable: ax + b = 0
Solution: x = -b/a (a ≠ 0)

Linear equation in two variables: ax + by + c = 0
Infinite solutions
To find unique solution, need two equations

System of linear equations:
a₁x + b₁y + c₁ = 0
a₂x + b₂y + c₂ = 0

Solutions:
• a₁/a₂ ≠ b₁/b₂: Unique solution
• a₁/a₂ = b₁/b₂ = c₁/c₂: Infinite solutions
• a₁/a₂ = b₁/b₂ ≠ c₁/c₂: No solution

Inequalities:
• Adding/subtracting same number: Inequality preserved
• Multiplying/dividing by positive number: Inequality preserved
• Multiplying/dividing by negative number: Inequality reversed

SSC Shortcut: Algebra Formulas & Tricks

(a+b)² = a² + b² + 2ab(a-b)² = a² + b² - 2ab

a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b)a³ + b³ = (a+b)(a² - ab + b²)

a³ - b³ = (a-b)(a² + ab + b²)(a+b)³ = a³ + b³ + 3ab(a+b)

(a-b)³ = a³ - b³ - 3ab(a-b)a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc = (a+b+c)(a²+b²+c²-ab-bc-ca)

If a+b+c = 0, then a³ + b³ + c³ = 3abc

Solved Example: Algebra

Q: If α and β are the roots of equation x² - 5x + 6 = 0, find α² + β².
Step 1: Understand the quadratic equation
Given equation: x² - 5x + 6 = 0
Compare with standard form: ax² + bx + c = 0
Here: a = 1, b = -5, c = 6

Step 2: Find roots first (optional)
x² - 5x + 6 = 0
Factorizing: (x - 2)(x - 3) = 0
Roots: α = 2, β = 3 or α = 3, β = 2
α² + β² = 2² + 3² = 4 + 9 = 13

Step 3: Method 1 - Direct calculation
α + β = -b/a = -(-5)/1 = 5
αβ = c/a = 6/1 = 6
We know: α² + β² = (α + β)² - 2αβ
α² + β² = (5)² - 2(6) = 25 - 12 = 13

Step 4: Method 2 - Using formula
For quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0:
α² + β² = (b² - 2ac)/a²
Here: b² - 2ac = (-5)² - 2(1)(6) = 25 - 12 = 13
a² = 1² = 1
α² + β² = 13/1 = 13

Step 5: Method 3 - Verification
If α = 2, β = 3: α² + β² = 4 + 9 = 13 ✓
If α = 3, β = 2: α² + β² = 9 + 4 = 13 ✓

Step 6: Related formulas
• α² + β² = (α + β)² - 2αβ
• α³ + β³ = (α + β)³ - 3αβ(α + β)
• α⁴ + β⁴ = (α² + β²)² - 2(αβ)²
• 1/α + 1/β = (α + β)/αβ
• α/β + β/α = (α² + β²)/αβ

Step 7: Application
This method avoids finding actual roots when numbers are complex
Particularly useful when roots are irrational or complex
Saves time in competitive exams

Step 8: Common mistakes
• Don't confuse α² + β² with (α + β)²
• Remember: (α + β)² = α² + β² + 2αβ
• So α² + β² = (α + β)² - 2αβ

Final Answer: 13

3. Geometry

Geometry Fundamentals: Study of shapes, sizes, positions, and properties of space. Includes lines, angles, triangles, circles, and polygons.

Geometric Concepts & Theorems

Understanding Geometric Principles

Geometry deals with spatial relationships and properties of figures. Essential for visualizing and solving measurement problems.

1
Triangles

Sum of angles = 180°
Area = ½ × base × height
Pythagoras: a² + b² = c²
Similarity criteria: AAA, SAS, SSS

2
Circles

Circumference = 2πr
Area = πr²
Arc length = (θ/360) × 2πr
Sector area = (θ/360) × πr²

3
Quadrilaterals

Square: Area = a², Perimeter = 4a
Rectangle: Area = l×b, Perimeter = 2(l+b)
Parallelogram: Area = b×h
Rhombus: Area = ½ × d₁ × d₂

4
Polygons

Sum of interior angles = (n-2)×180°
Each interior angle = (n-2)×180°/n
Sum of exterior angles = 360°
Each exterior angle = 360°/n

5
Coordinate Geometry

Distance formula: √[(x₂-x₁)²+(y₂-y₁)²]
Midpoint: [(x₁+x₂)/2, (y₁+y₂)/2]
Slope: m = (y₂-y₁)/(x₂-x₁)
Section formula

6
3D Geometry

Cube: Volume = a³, Surface area = 6a²
Cuboid: Volume = l×b×h, SA = 2(lb+bh+hl)
Sphere: Volume = 4/3πr³, SA = 4πr²
Cylinder: Volume = πr²h, CSA = 2πrh

1 Triangle Properties & Theorems

Types of triangles:
• By sides: Equilateral, isosceles, scalene
• By angles: Acute, right, obtuse

Important properties:
• Sum of angles = 180°
• Exterior angle = Sum of opposite interior angles
• Triangle inequality: Sum of any two sides > third side
• Area = ½ × base × height
• Area using Heron's formula: √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)] where s = (a+b+c)/2

Similar triangles:
• AAA criterion: All angles equal
• SAS criterion: One angle equal and sides proportional
• SSS criterion: All sides proportional
• Ratio of areas = Square of ratio of corresponding sides

Right triangle:
• Pythagoras theorem: a² + b² = c² (c = hypotenuse)
• Area = ½ × product of legs

2 Circle Theorems

Basic formulas:
• Circumference = 2πr
• Area = πr²
• Diameter = 2r

Chord properties:
• Perpendicular from center bisects chord
• Equal chords are equidistant from center
• Chords equidistant from center are equal

Tangent properties:
• Tangent is perpendicular to radius at point of contact
• Tangents from external point are equal
• Angle between tangent and chord = Angle in alternate segment

Arc and sector:
• Arc length = (θ/360) × 2πr
• Sector area = (θ/360) × πr²
• Segment area = Sector area - Triangle area

Cyclic quadrilateral:
• Sum of opposite angles = 180°
• Exterior angle = Interior opposite angle

SSC Shortcut: Geometry Formulas & Theorems

Triangle area: ½ × b × h • Heron's formula: √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)]

Equilateral triangle: Area = (√3/4)a², Height = (√3/2)a

Right triangle: Pythagoras: a² + b² = c² • 30-60-90 triangle: sides = x, x√3, 2x

45-45-90 triangle: sides = x, x, x√2 • Circle: C = 2πr, A = πr²

Arc length: (θ/360) × 2πr • Sector area: (θ/360) × πr²

Rectangle: A = l×b, P = 2(l+b) • Square: A = a², P = 4a

Parallelogram: A = b×h • Rhombus: A = ½ × d₁ × d₂

Trapezium: A = ½ × (a+b) × h

Solved Example: Geometry

Q: The sides of a triangle are 6 cm, 8 cm and 10 cm. What is its area?
Step 1: Analyze the triangle sides
Sides: a = 6 cm, b = 8 cm, c = 10 cm
Check: 6² + 8² = 36 + 64 = 100 = 10²
This satisfies Pythagoras theorem: a² + b² = c²
Therefore, triangle is right-angled with hypotenuse = 10 cm

Step 2: Method 1 - Direct formula for right triangle
For right triangle, area = ½ × (product of legs)
Legs are 6 cm and 8 cm (since 10 cm is hypotenuse)
Area = ½ × 6 × 8 = ½ × 48 = 24 cm²

Step 3: Method 2 - Using Heron's formula
Heron's formula: Area = √[s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)]
where s = semi-perimeter = (a+b+c)/2
s = (6+8+10)/2 = 24/2 = 12 cm
Area = √[12(12-6)(12-8)(12-10)]
= √[12 × 6 × 4 × 2]
= √[12 × 6 × 8] = √[576] = 24 cm²

Step 4: Method 3 - Using base and height
In right triangle, legs are perpendicular to each other
Take base = 6 cm, then height = 8 cm
Area = ½ × base × height = ½ × 6 × 8 = 24 cm²
Or take base = 8 cm, height = 6 cm: ½ × 8 × 6 = 24 cm²

Step 5: Verification
All three methods give same answer: 24 cm² ✓

Step 6: Additional insights
• This is a Pythagorean triplet: (6, 8, 10)
• Multiples also form right triangles: (3,4,5), (9,12,15), etc.
• Right triangle area is maximum when legs are equal (isosceles right triangle)
• For given perimeter, equilateral triangle has maximum area

Step 7: Common mistakes
• Using wrong sides as base and height (must be perpendicular)
• Forgetting ½ in area formula
• In Heron's formula: s = (a+b+c)/2, not (a+b+c)
• Confusing perimeter with semi-perimeter

Step 8: Applications
• Finding area of land
• Construction calculations
• Design and architecture
• Trigonometry problems

Final Answer: 24 cm²

4. Trigonometry

Trigonometry Fundamentals: Study of relationships between angles and sides of triangles. Essential for heights and distances problems.

Trigonometric Ratios & Identities

Understanding Trigonometric Principles

Trigonometry connects angles with side ratios in triangles. Widely used in navigation, engineering, and physics.

Basic Ratios

sin θ = Opposite/Hypotenuse
cos θ = Adjacent/Hypotenuse
tan θ = Opposite/Adjacent
cosec θ = 1/sin θ
sec θ = 1/cos θ
cot θ = 1/tan θ

Important Identities

sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
1 + tan²θ = sec²θ
1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ
sin(A+B) = sinA cosB + cosA sinB
cos(A+B) = cosA cosB - sinA sinB
tan(A+B) = (tanA+tanB)/(1-tanA tanB)

Standard Values

sin 0° = 0, cos 0° = 1
sin 30° = ½, cos 30° = √3/2
sin 45° = 1/√2, cos 45° = 1/√2
sin 60° = √3/2, cos 60° = ½
sin 90° = 1, cos 90° = 0
tan 45° = 1

1 Trigonometric Identities

Pythagorean identities:
• sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
• 1 + tan²θ = sec²θ
• 1 + cot²θ = cosec²θ

Reciprocal identities:
• cosec θ = 1/sin θ
• sec θ = 1/cos θ
• cot θ = 1/tan θ
• tan θ = sin θ/cos θ
• cot θ = cos θ/sin θ

Angle sum and difference:
• sin(A±B) = sinA cosB ± cosA sinB
• cos(A±B) = cosA cosB ∓ sinA sinB
• tan(A±B) = (tanA ± tanB)/(1 ∓ tanA tanB)

Double angle formulas:
• sin 2A = 2 sinA cosA
• cos 2A = cos²A - sin²A = 2cos²A - 1 = 1 - 2sin²A
• tan 2A = 2tanA/(1 - tan²A)

2 Heights and Distances

Basic approach:
1. Draw diagram with given information
2. Identify right triangles
3. Apply trigonometric ratios
4. Solve equations

Common terms:
• Angle of elevation: Looking upward from horizontal
• Angle of depression: Looking downward from horizontal
• Line of sight: Straight line from eye to object

Important ratios:
• For angle θ: tan θ = Height/Distance
• If two angles given, form two equations
• Eliminate common variable (usually distance)

Applications:
• Finding height of building/tree
• Finding distance across river
• Navigation problems
• Surveying

Solved Example: Trigonometry

Q: If sin θ = 3/5, find the value of cos θ.
Step 1: Recall trigonometric identity
Fundamental identity: sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
Given: sin θ = 3/5
So sin²θ = (3/5)² = 9/25

Step 2: Apply identity
sin²θ + cos²θ = 1
9/25 + cos²θ = 1
cos²θ = 1 - 9/25
cos²θ = (25/25) - (9/25) = 16/25

Step 3: Take square root
cos θ = ±√(16/25) = ±4/5

Step 4: Determine sign
The problem doesn't specify quadrant
• If θ in first quadrant: cos θ = +4/5
• If θ in second quadrant: cos θ = -4/5
Usually in SSC problems, if not specified, take positive value

Step 5: Method 2 - Using right triangle
sin θ = Opposite/Hypotenuse = 3/5
Draw right triangle with opposite = 3, hypotenuse = 5
Using Pythagoras: Adjacent² = Hypotenuse² - Opposite²
Adjacent² = 5² - 3² = 25 - 9 = 16
Adjacent = √16 = 4
cos θ = Adjacent/Hypotenuse = 4/5

Step 6: Find other ratios (if needed)
tan θ = sin θ/cos θ = (3/5)/(4/5) = 3/4
cosec θ = 1/sin θ = 5/3
sec θ = 1/cos θ = 5/4
cot θ = 1/tan θ = 4/3

Step 7: Verification
Check: sin²θ + cos²θ = (9/25) + (16/25) = 25/25 = 1 ✓
1 + tan²θ = 1 + (9/16) = 25/16 = (5/4)² = sec²θ ✓

Step 8: Common mistakes
• Forgetting ± sign when taking square root
• Not considering quadrant information
• Confusing sin²θ with (sin θ)² - they are same
• Using wrong identity

Final Answer: ±4/5 (usually 4/5 in SSC context)

5. Data Interpretation

Data Interpretation Fundamentals: Analysis and interpretation of data presented in various formats like tables, charts, and graphs.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

Understanding Data Patterns

Data Interpretation tests ability to extract information, perform calculations, and draw conclusions from graphical data.

DI Question Types Frequency

Table Data
90%
Pie Chart
70%
Bar Graph
60%
Line Graph
50%
Mixed Graphs
40%

Frequency of different DI question types in SSC exams

1 Data Interpretation Techniques

General approach:
1. Read titles, labels, units carefully
2. Understand what data represents
3. Look for patterns, trends, extremes
4. Perform calculations step by step
5. Verify answers with approximations

Calculation shortcuts:
• Use approximations when exact values not needed
• Look for percentages instead of actual numbers
• Compare ratios rather than absolute values
• Use elimination for multiple choice

Common calculations:
• Percentage increase/decrease
• Ratio and proportion
• Averages (simple, weighted)
• Growth rates
• Share percentages

Time management: 2-3 minutes per DI question

2 Types of Data Presentation

Tables:
• Most common format
• Read row and column headings carefully
• Look for totals, subtotals
• Compare across rows and columns

Pie Charts:
• Represents parts of whole (100%)
• Angle = (Percentage/100) × 360°
• Compare sector sizes visually
• Calculate percentages from angles

Bar Graphs:
• Compare quantities across categories
• Vertical/horizontal bars
• Look for highest/lowest values
• Calculate differences

Line Graphs:
• Show trends over time
• Identify increasing/decreasing trends
• Calculate rates of change
• Look for peaks and troughs

Mixed Graphs: Combination of above types

Solved Example: Data Interpretation

Q: The following table shows sales (in units) of a product over 5 years. Find the percentage increase from Year 1 to Year 5.

Year 1: 200 units, Year 2: 220 units, Year 3: 240 units, Year 4: 260 units, Year 5: 300 units
Step 1: Identify given data
Year 1 sales: 200 units
Year 5 sales: 300 units
Need: Percentage increase from Year 1 to Year 5

Step 2: Recall percentage increase formula
Percentage increase = [(New Value - Original Value)/Original Value] × 100
Here: Original Value (Year 1) = 200
New Value (Year 5) = 300

Step 3: Calculate increase
Increase = New Value - Original Value = 300 - 200 = 100 units

Step 4: Calculate percentage increase
Percentage increase = (Increase/Original Value) × 100
= (100/200) × 100 = 0.5 × 100 = 50%

Step 5: Method 2 - Direct calculation
Percentage increase = [(300 - 200)/200] × 100
= (100/200) × 100 = 50%

Step 6: Verification
50% of 200 = 100
200 + 100 = 300 ✓

Step 7: Alternative approach
New Value/Original Value = 300/200 = 1.5
This means 150% of original (which is 100% + 50% increase)
So increase = 50%

Step 8: Common mistakes in DI
• Calculating from wrong years (Year 2 to Year 5 instead of Year 1 to Year 5)
• Using wrong formula (decrease instead of increase)
• Forgetting to multiply by 100 for percentage
• Misreading table values
• Not checking if answer is reasonable (50% increase from 200 to 300 is reasonable)

Step 9: Additional insights
From Year 1 to Year 2: (220-200)/200 × 100 = 10% increase
From Year 2 to Year 3: (240-220)/220 × 100 = 9.09% increase
From Year 3 to Year 4: (260-240)/240 × 100 = 8.33% increase
From Year 4 to Year 5: (300-260)/260 × 100 = 15.38% increase
Maximum yearly increase: Year 4 to Year 5 (15.38%)

Final Answer: 50%

6. Practice Exercises

Hands-on Practice: Apply what you've learned with these SSC-level quantitative aptitude questions.

Interactive Practice Questions

Practice Approach

Time yourself: 60 seconds per question. Apply shortcuts and elimination techniques.

Practice Question 1: Arithmetic

A number when increased by 20% gives 60. What is the number?
1. 48
2. 50
3. 52
4. 55

Practice Question 2: Algebra

If (a+b) = 7 and ab = 12, find a² + b².
1. 23
2. 24
3. 25
4. 26

Practice Question 3: Geometry

The perimeter of a square is 40 cm. What is its area?
1. 80 cm²
2. 90 cm²
3. 100 cm²
4. 120 cm²

SSC Shortcut: Practice Strategy

Daily practice: 20 quantitative questions daily (mix all topics)

Revision cycle: Revise formulas weekly, shortcuts bi-weekly

Speed practice: Timed sets: 25 questions in 60 minutes

Previous papers: Solve last 5 years' SSC quantitative questions

Weak areas: Identify and focus on 2 weak topics weekly

Time management: Arithmetic: 45-60 sec, Algebra: 60-75 sec, Geometry/Trig: 75-90 sec, DI: 90-120 sec

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many quantitative aptitude questions in SSC CGL?

Answer: 25 questions in Tier I (50 marks). Time allocation: 60 minutes. Tier II has separate paper with more advanced questions.

Q2: What are the most important formulas to remember?

Answer: Percentage formulas, profit-loss formulas, simple/compound interest, time-speed-distance, area/volume formulas, algebraic identities, trigonometric ratios.

Q3: How to improve calculation speed?

Answer: Practice mental calculations, learn multiplication tables up to 20, use approximation techniques, practice with timer, learn Vedic math shortcuts.

Q4: Which topics have highest weightage?

Answer: Arithmetic (8-10 questions), Algebra (5-7 questions), Geometry/Trigonometry (6-8 questions), Data Interpretation (3-5 questions).

Q5: How to prepare for data interpretation?

Answer: Practice reading different chart types, improve calculation speed, learn percentage shortcuts, practice approximation, solve previous year DI sets.

Q6: Best way to improve quantitative score?

Answer: 1) Strong foundation in basics, 2) Topic-wise practice, 3) Speed and accuracy practice, 4) Regular revision of formulas, 5) Mock tests and analysis, 6) Learning from mistakes.

Final Exam Strategy for Quantitative Aptitude

Time Allocation: Total 60 minutes for 25 questions (average 2.4 minutes per question).

Priority Order: 1) Arithmetic (easy-medium), 2) Algebra (direct formula), 3) Geometry (visual), 4) Data Interpretation (time-consuming).

Accuracy Check: Verify calculations, check units, ensure answer is reasonable, use approximation to verify.

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