CAT 2012: Quick ways of solving Quant problems (QA)

The CAT-Crackers ought to keep certain methods in mind while tackling questions related to Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Direct method: You may also call it "The Conventional Method" of solving questions. We can solve the question based on the information given by applying the formula. But we no longer get questions in CAT requiring direct procedure.

Substitution method: This method is useful in solving problems related to algebra. A few values in the question given can be swapped with the other values to get the answer.

'Elimination' method: This is considered to be the most effective one as far as CAT questions are concerned. Options give some inkling of the answer and through expertise gained by regular practice you can easily tackle the questions.

'Observation' method: In this method, a repeat pattern can be observed and answer can be formalized accordingly.

Simultaneous method: Two methods can go concurrently. First half of the questions can be done using direct method and when the picture becomes clear, elimination procedure can be used.

To conclude QA requires practice and best is to take Mock tests to achieve mission CAT 2012.

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

CAT 2012: VA: What is Critical Reasoning and why it is important?

Critical Reasoning is an analytical way of thinking about issues for analyzing and evaluating information gathered from observation and experience in order to come to certain conclusions. 

Critical Reasoning clarifies goals, examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence and assesses conclusions. ‘Critical’ as used in the expression ‘critical reasoning’ denotes the importance of thinking to an issue, question or problem of concern. ‘Critical’ in this context does not mean ‘disapproval’ or ‘negative’.

Critical thinking can occur whenever one judges, decides, or solves a problem; in general, whenever one must figure out what to believe or what to do, and do so in a reasonable and reflective way.

In CAT 2012 examination, CR questions are important as they test the candidate’s ability to think in a rational manner. In the exam you generally face a hypothetical situation and the critical reasoning tests you on how well you understand what you are reading. The strength of your logical powers is tested through these questions. CR questions could play a significant role this year’s CAT with its VA+ LR mix.

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

CAT 2012: Arithmetic in QA

CAT aspirants note that 15-20% of questions in any CAT paper fall under this head. Major topics that you need to cover are Set Theory (especially Venn diagrams) and problems on Time, Speed and Distance, both of which are always asked.

Both of these topics are covered as part of the school syllabus, but may need some brushing up on. Sometimes, questions on topics such as Linear Programming are also asked.

Another are Miscellaneous problems which do not fall under any head. They are rarely asked, and even when they do appear in a CAT paper they do not number more than one or two.

They are purely tests of mathematical aptitude, and you cannot learn how to solve them. The advice, for dealing with these problems, is to try back-substitution of answer choices, or to avoid these problems altogether.

CAT aspirants need to go for the preparation of QA with mock tests and note that only that will lead to you to achieve mission CAT 2012. 

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

CAT 2012: Pre-requisites for the preparation of DI section

Improving your calculations is the first step to improve your Data Interpretation. You need to work on both accuracy and speed to improve this section. Speed can be increased by practicing regularly. Vedic mathematics can also help you to increase you speed. It is not necessary to follow Vedic mathematics if you are not comfortable with it. 

To improve your speed try doing calculations in your mind rather than using pencil/pen. In the starting it would take some time to do calculations in mind, but slowly and gradually you will see a mark difference in your speed.

Solve different type of case lets instead of sticking to one type. Develop your skills to solve different case lets.

Data interpretation is not a subject to be learned instantly. It improves with practice. Regular practice can do wonders in your speed as well as analyzing case lets.

What best can be option for practice than Mock Tests? Go for it ‘n’ number of times as this will help you to achieve mission CAT 2012!

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

CAT 2012: Tips on Tackling LR differently!

LR is quite different in nature compared to other sections. Hence one needs to highlight some general strategies specifically applicable to LR.

Accuracy is far more important in LR. There is no bigger mistake than getting the complete set wrong. Avoid making guesses or reading in a hurry as it would lead to decreased accuracy. As far as possible do not attempt LR in the beginning. If you get the set wrong or if it is tough and takes more time, that would affect your performance subsequently.

Use the option substitution method judiciously. LR questions are typically not meant to be solved using substitution of options. The most effective way is to understand the logic behind the question and solve it. There are exceptions to this rule though and you should use them wisely.

Read and understand the common data and questions thoroughly. LR questions appear lengthy as compared to DI sets as they typically offer more information in text. While reading them, one might feel a lot of time is wasted.

It helps to understand every condition thoroughly before attempting the questions. You may need to revisit the conditions while solving questions. Consider it time utilized not wasted.

For you, time is fleeting so get on to Mock tests and achieve mission CAT 2012 successfully!!

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

CAT 2012: What are Para Jumbled Questions in VA?

What are Para Jumbled Questions and why are PJ questions important? These are the questions which bother CAT aspirants. Let us understand. 

Para Jumbled Questions consists of a group of sentences that have been jumbled up. The goal in these types of sentences is to rearrange the sentences in the original sequence. In para-jumble questions, you will be given a paragraph made of four to five sentences whose original sequence has been changed and you have a few minutes to figure out what that original sequence was.

Para-jumbles are significant because they have been regularly appearing in the CAT and other MBA entrance tests. There is a good chance of three Para-jumble questions appearing in the 20 questions of the Verbal Ability section.

Secondly and more importantly — PJs are one of those questions of the CAT in which you can improve your skills dramatically within a short span of time. It is probably one of the few areas of CAT VA where the scope of ambiguity is limited.

You have to go for Mock Tests as that will get you achievement of mission CAT 2012!

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM

CAT 2012: Data Sufficiency in DI

This is the third portion of the section, and quite a few DS questions were asked in the last CAT paper. Data Sufficiency problems usually take the form of a logical puzzle, and are in the form of a question followed by two statements.

You need to answer whether you can solve the problem using the statements individually, or using both, or whether you cannot solve the problem using the information provided. 

The key to answering such problems is to pretend like one statement does not exist, try solving the problem, and then pretend like the other statement does not exist and try solving the problem again. 

These problems are generally tricky, and I would recommend lots of practice and perhaps solving them near the end of your section, after you have solved the other problems.

The DI/LR section is one of the higher scoring sections on the CAT, so you can look to it for help in improving your overall score as well, as long as you devote a good proportion of your time to it. 

Although recent CATs have had 4-5 question sets, be prepared for 1-2 question sets as well. DS questions have never appeared in sets. Important things to remember while attempting this section are that you need be quick in switching sets if you find a particular set tough, and you need to have presence of mind while solving DI/LR questions.

Time is really short and best option is to take up Mock Tests so that you can achieve mission CAT 2012.

Author: MBARENDEZVOUS.COM