What are the Most Important Topics for CAT Quantitative Aptitude

Most Important Topics for CAT Quantitative Aptitude: Over the years, CAT has made quantitative aptitude section easier and standardized the number of questions from different topics. These changes have made scoring well in this section easier for average students. Here is a breakdown of the distribution of questions topic-wise in the quant section:

– Arithmetic and algebra are the two key areas with the most questions.
– Geometry follows with 6-7 questions.
– By covering 70% of the CAT quant syllabus, one can achieve a 99+ percentile in this section.

Here is a list of important topics to focus on for CAT 2020 Quant preparation:

Arithmetic:
-Percentages: Understanding basic percentage change and conversion to ratio.
– Profit loss and discount: Practicing questions involving C.P., S.P., and M.P. with profits and discounts.
– Averages, mixtures, and alligation: Criss cross method of alligation and questions on mixtures.
– Ratio and proportion: Elementary knowledge of ratio and proportion.
– Time and work, pipes and cisterns: Using the basic concepts of ratio and proportion, and applying the method of LCM.
– Time speed and distance: Focus on average speed, relative speed, meeting points, and boats and streams.

– Algebra:
– Linear and quadratic equations: Understanding the fundamentals, nature of roots, and integral solutions.
– Logarithms: Recent CAT papers have seen many questions on logarithms in the form of equations.
– Progression and series: Questions on arithmetic and geometric progressions, and summation of series.
– Functions and graphs: Basic understanding of functions, composite functions, and graphs of specific functions.
– Maxima and minima: Different types of questions based on AM-GM concept, polynomials, and functions/graphs.

– Geometry:
– Triangles: Pythagoras theorem, special triangles, important theorems, and concepts of similar triangles.
– Circles: Elementary theorems and formulas for areas of sectors and segments.
– Quadrilaterals and polygons: Questions on rectangles, parallelograms, trapeziums, squares, and formulas for perimeters and areas.
– Solid geometry: Area and volume formulas for various 3D shapes.
– Coordinate geometry: Basics of coordinate geometry and formulas.

The other two areas, number system and modern maths, may not have a significant number of questions but understanding the basics of these topics is still important for solving algebraic questions.