Quantitative Aptitude - Fundamentals

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams

Mathematics and quantitative aptitude sections appear in PPSC, FPSC, NTS, and other competitive exams. For CSS, basic math is part of the Everyday Science paper. Building strong fundamentals is key.

1. Number Systems

• Natural Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 4... (positive numbers)
• Whole Numbers: 0, 1, 2, 3... (natural + zero)
• Integers: ...-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3...
• Prime Numbers: Divisible only by 1 and itself (2, 3, 5, 7, 11...)
• LCM & HCF: Frequently tested - practice finding both

2. Percentages - Most Tested Topic

• Percentage = (Part/Whole) x 100
• Percentage increase = ((New - Old)/Old) x 100
• Common conversions: 1/2 = 50%, 1/3 = 33.33%, 1/4 = 25%, 1/5 = 20%

3. Ratio & Proportion

• If a:b = 2:3, then a = 2k and b = 3k for some value k
• Direct proportion: a/b = c/d (cross multiply to solve)
• Chain rule for linked proportions

4. Profit, Loss & Discount

• Profit = Selling Price - Cost Price
• Profit% = (Profit/CP) x 100
• Discount% = (Discount/Marked Price) x 100
• Selling Price = Marked Price - Discount

5. Time, Speed & Distance

• Speed = Distance / Time
• Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
• Convert km/h to m/s: Multiply by 5/18
• Relative speed: Same direction (subtract), Opposite direction (add)

6. Simple & Compound Interest

• Simple Interest: SI = P x R x T / 100
• Compound Interest: A = P(1 + R/100)^T
• CI - SI difference for 2 years = P(R/100)^2

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Key Points

• Percentages are the most frequently tested math topic
• Master fraction-to-percentage conversions
• Speed = Distance/Time formula is essential
• Know the SI and CI formulas by heart
• Practice LCM and HCF shortcuts

Preparation Tips

• Solve 20 math MCQs daily from past papers
• Learn mental math shortcuts for quick calculation
• Practice under timed conditions - speed matters in exams
• Focus on PPSC/FPSC specific question patterns