Elementary Mathematics and Quantitative Aptitude
Elementary Mathematics and Quantitative Aptitude covers arithmetic (percentage, ratio, average, profit-loss, SI/CI, time-work, speed-distance), mensuration and data interpretation. The paper tests clean formula use and unit control rather than trick maths.
Core rules
- Percentage change uses the original base: change/original × 100.
- Profit and loss: CP is the base; discount is always on marked price (MP). SP = MP × (1 − discount%).
- Simple interest: SI = P × R × T / 100. Compound interest: A = P(1 + R/100)^T; CI = A − P.
- Time and work: if A finishes in x days and B in y days, together they take xy/(x + y) days.
- Mensuration: rectangle area = l × b; circle area = πr²; cylinder volume = πr²h; cuboid volume = l × b × h.
- Data interpretation: read the axes, units and total before calculating; use approximation only after checking options.
Worked example
A shopkeeper marks an article 25% above cost and allows a 10% discount. Find profit percent. Let CP = 100. MP = 125. SP = 125 × 0.90 = 112.50. Profit = 12.50 on CP 100, so profit = 12.5%. The discount is applied to MP, not CP.
Traps
Do not add percentage changes directly; do not apply discount to CP; convert cm to m before area/volume; in DI, a “percent increase” is not the same as “percentage points”; and check whether the question asks for CI or SI.