Questions
6–8 questions per paper
Difficulty
Medium
Importance
High yield for SSC and IBPS/SBI
Overview
Arithmetic forms the backbone of quantitative aptitude in SSC and banking exams, testing your ability to process numerical data under strict time constraints. Mastery of these concepts is essential as they serve as the foundation for Data Interpretation and advanced topics, making speed and mental calculation the ultimate keys to success.
Percentages and Averages
Percentage is the universal language of arithmetic, while Averages help in understanding central tendencies quickly. Developing the ability to convert fractions to percentages mentally is a prerequisite for solving complex arithmetic problems efficiently.
- Fraction to %: 1/8=12.5%, 1/6=16.66%, 1/9=11.11%
- Percentage Change: (New-Old)/Old * 100
- Weighted Average Formula: (n1*a1 + n2*a2) / (n1+n2)
- Successive change formula: x + y + (xy/100)
Profit and Loss
This topic relies on understanding the relationship between Cost Price, Selling Price, and Marked Price. Exam questions often involve successive discounts and discrepancies in weights, requiring a clear grasp of the base value.
- Profit % = (Profit/CP) * 100
- Loss % = (Loss/CP) * 100
- Discount % = (Discount/MP) * 100
- Effective CP = MP * (100-D1)/100 * (100-D2)/100
Simple and Compound Interest
Interest calculation is a staple in banking exams. While Simple Interest follows a linear growth pattern, Compound Interest grows exponentially, and mastering the shortcut for 2-year and 3-year cycles is crucial for saving time.
- SI = (P*R*T)/100
- CI = P(1+R/100)^n - P
- CI-SI for 2 years: P * (R/100)^2
- Effective annual rate for 2 yrs: 2R + R^2/100
Ratio and Proportion
Ratio techniques allow you to bypass heavy algebraic equations by comparing quantities directly. This is the fastest method to solve problems involving mixture, partnership, and age distribution.
- Cross-multiplication method for ratio changes
- Mean proportional of a and b: sqrt(ab)
- Third proportional of a and b: b^2/a
- Componendo and Dividendo rule
Formula Sheet
Profit = SP - CP
SI = (P*R*T)/100
CI = P(1+R/100)^T - P
A = P(1 + R/100)^T
Exam Tip
Memorize the fraction-to-percentage table up to 1/20 to solve 30% of your quantitative paper mentally without touching a pen.
Common Mistakes
- Mistaking Base Value: Calculating percentage increase or profit on Selling Price instead of Cost Price.
- Ignoring Units: Failing to normalize units (e.g., mixing months and years) in interest calculations.
- Over-reliance on Algebra: Using long-form equations instead of ratio-based shortcuts, leading to time exhaustion.
More Revision Notes
Ready to test yourself?
Play topic-wise Arithmetic questions in Aspirant Arcade — gamified MCQ practice.
Download Free