Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
Quantitative Aptitude (Quants) is a crucial section in MBA entrance exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and others. It tests your mathematical ability, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning. While the Quantitative Aptitude section seems relatively straightforward for some, it has several topics that challenge even the most seasoned test-takers.
The key to excelling in this section is recognizing the most difficult topics in Quants, understanding the underlying concepts, and practicing extensively. In this article, we will explore the most challenging topics in Quants, providing insights into why these topics are tough and how you can tackle them with the right strategies.
Most Difficult Topics in Quantitative Aptitude
| Topic | Subtopics | Why It’s Difficult | Tips for Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Permutation and Combination (P&C) | Factorial, Circular Permutations, Restrictions | Requires deep understanding of complex counting methods | Master the basics of factorials, practice a variety of problems |
| 2. Probability | Conditional Probability, Bayes Theorem | Involves conceptual clarity and understanding multiple events | Practice with real-life examples, learn basic probability rules |
| 3. Algebra | Equations, Inequalities, Progressions | Abstract concepts, multiple variables, and complex manipulation | Focus on simplifying problems, learn tricks for faster calculation |
| 4. Time, Speed, and Distance | Relative Speed, Boats and Streams, Circular Tracks | Requires accurate visualization and application of formulas | Use diagrammatic methods, focus on different types of problems |
| 5. Geometry | Circles, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry | Complex concepts, formulas for different shapes | Master basic geometry rules, practice coordinate geometry problems |
| 6. Mensuration | Area and Volume of 3D Shapes | Involves applying multiple formulas and concepts | Learn the common formulas, visualize shapes, and practice a lot |
| 7. Number Systems | Divisibility, Remainders, LCM, HCF | Involves working with large numbers and divisibility tests | Practice number properties and divisibility rules extensively |
| 8. Linear and Quadratic Equations | Simultaneous equations, Roots, Graphs | Understanding intersections, roots, and application of various formulas | Practice solving equations graphically and algebraically |
| 9. Mixtures and Alligation | Alligation Rule, Mixing Problems | Can be tricky when multiple mixtures are involved | Understand the concept of ratio, practice solving mixture problems |
| 10. Functions and Graphs | Linear Functions, Parabolas, Logarithmic Functions | Understanding the relationship between variables and graphs | Focus on the graphical interpretation of functions |
1. Permutation and Combination (P&C)
Subtopics: Factorial, Circular Permutations, Restrictions
Why It’s Difficult:
Permutation and Combination (P&C) involve counting different ways in which objects can be arranged or selected. The difficulty lies in understanding complex restrictions, factorial calculations, and handling circular permutations. The formulas used can seem overwhelming, and applying them to real-world problems can be tricky.
Tips for Preparation:
- Start by mastering the basic concept of factorials and their use in simple arrangements.
- Gradually move to more complex problems involving restrictions and circular permutations.
- Practice a variety of problems to get comfortable with identifying the best approach.
2. Probability
Subtopics: Conditional Probability, Bayes Theorem
Why It’s Difficult:
Probability problems are often the most difficult in the Quant section due to their abstract nature. Understanding different types of probability (such as conditional probability) and applying them correctly to different events, especially when events are dependent or independent, requires a clear conceptual foundation.
Tips for Preparation:
- Start with basic probability concepts like the addition and multiplication rules.
- Move on to more complex concepts like conditional probability and Bayes Theorem once you have a strong foundation.
- Use real-life examples to better visualize probability problems.
3. Algebra
Subtopics: Equations, Inequalities, Progressions
Why It’s Difficult:
Algebraic problems involve working with variables and abstract equations, which can be tricky to manipulate. Solving inequalities, finding roots of equations, and understanding progressions can be confusing, especially when they involve multiple variables or complex relationships.
Tips for Preparation:
- Practice simplifying algebraic expressions and solving linear equations.
- Focus on understanding the core concepts like quadratic equations and inequalities.
- Use time-saving tricks like factorization and quadratic formula for faster solutions.
4. Time, Speed, and Distance
Subtopics: Relative Speed, Boats and Streams, Circular Tracks
Why It’s Difficult:
This topic requires visualizing the movement of objects, especially in relative speed problems or boats and streams. Additionally, circular track problems introduce an extra layer of complexity. The key is to accurately apply formulas and understand the relationships between time, speed, and distance.
Tips for Preparation:
- Draw diagrams to understand the movement of objects better.
- Start with simple problems and then progress to more complex scenarios.
- Focus on mastering the various types of problems related to relative speed and circular tracks.
5. Geometry
Subtopics: Circles, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry
Why It’s Difficult:
Geometry problems can be tricky because they require knowledge of multiple concepts and formulas. Circle and triangle properties, as well as coordinate geometry, can confuse test-takers due to their abstract nature and the need for visualizing the problems.
Tips for Preparation:
- Master basic geometry formulas and learn how to visualize problems.
- Practice problems involving coordinate geometry and the properties of circles and triangles.
- Focus on identifying key relationships between various geometric elements.
6. Mensuration
Subtopics: Area and Volume of 3D Shapes
Why It’s Difficult:
Mensuration involves calculating areas and volumes of various 3D shapes. The formulas can be complex, and sometimes it’s difficult to figure out the exact shape or dimension being referred to in the problem.
Tips for Preparation:
- Memorize the basic formulas for calculating areas and volumes.
- Focus on visualizing different 3D shapes and understanding their properties.
- Solve a range of problems to get comfortable with applying the right formulas.
7. Number Systems
Subtopics: Divisibility, Remainders, LCM, HCF
Why It’s Difficult:
Number systems can be tricky because they involve working with large numbers, divisibility tests, and prime factorization. Problems involving remainders, LCM, and HCF require practice to be solved quickly and efficiently.
Tips for Preparation:
- Start with learning the basic divisibility rules and prime factorization.
- Solve problems involving remainders and use tricks for faster calculation.
- Practice LCM and HCF problems to improve efficiency in solving number system questions.
8. Linear and Quadratic Equations
Subtopics: Simultaneous Equations, Roots, Graphs
Why It’s Difficult:
Understanding the relationships between multiple linear or quadratic equations can be challenging. Solving simultaneous equations and interpreting graphs requires a solid understanding of algebra and the ability to apply the right techniques.
Tips for Preparation:
- Focus on mastering techniques for solving linear and quadratic equations.
- Practice graphically representing equations and understanding their roots.
- Solve problems with varying levels of complexity to improve problem-solving speed.
9. Mixtures and Alligation
Subtopics: Alligation Rule, Mixing Problems
Why It’s Difficult:
Mixtures and Alligation involve working with ratios and averages, and can often become confusing when multiple mixtures or combinations are involved. Understanding the concept of alligation can be tricky, especially when the problem has a mix of complex ratios.
Tips for Preparation:
- Master the concept of alligation and understand how to use the rule to solve problems.
- Practice different types of mixing problems to get comfortable with the calculation process.
10. Functions and Graphs
Subtopics: Linear Functions, Parabolas, Logarithmic Functions
Why It’s Difficult:
Functions and graphs are abstract topics that require understanding the relationship between different variables and how they behave on a graph. Interpreting graphs of various functions, like parabolas and logarithmic functions, can be tricky without sufficient practice.
Tips for Preparation:
- Understand the basic functions and how to plot them on graphs.
- Focus on learning the properties of different types of functions, such as linear, quadratic, and logarithmic functions.
- Practice interpreting graphs to quickly analyze and answer questions in exams.
Conclusion
Quantitative Aptitude can be challenging, especially with topics that require a deep understanding and application of concepts. However, by focusing on mastering the foundational concepts and practicing extensively, you can overcome these difficulties. Remember, consistent practice and time management are key to excelling in Quants. Keep revising the difficult topics and focus on improving your speed and accuracy.
At CATKing Educare, we help you build a solid foundation and provide the best strategies for tackling even the most difficult topics in Quantitative Aptitude. With the right approach and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to acing the Quant section in your MBA entrance exams!
Important topics for the CAT exam:
Topics | Expected No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
Time and Work | 1 to 2 Questions | Difficult |
Interests (SI, CI) | 1 to 2 Questions | Moderately difficult |
Time, Speed, and Distance | 1 to 2 Questions | Moderately difficult |
Probability | 1 to 2 Questions | Moderately difficult |
Geometry & Mensuration | 7 to 8 Questions | Moderately difficult |
Number System, Basic Arithmetic | 5 to 10 Questions | Moderately difficult |
Algebra | 6 to 7 Questions | Moderately difficult |
Permutation & Combination | 1 to 2 Questions | Easy |
Profit, loss, and Discounts | 1 to 2 Questions | Easy |
Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets | 1 to 3 Questions | Easy |
How to study?
- Attend live classes regularly.
- Do not study through hardcopies but take the dashboard access which is now available at a 50% discount, and in that, you will get CATKing LOD 1 &2 bible.
- After 2 months, do all the Must-do sections present in the dashboard where you need to do all the questions. This is particularly true for LOD 2 STUDENTS.
- There is study material for every kind of student. We can attend recorded lessons for them. There are Advanced sessions, Shortcut sessions, and advanced shortcut sessions from faculties of IIMs, NITIE, etc. There is also a recording of the sessions section so that if you miss a session this comes to you.
- When you feel demotivated, look at your final goal. Got to alumni profiles and watched them on the dashboard. Learn through them.
- Do not leave your preparation till the last day of CAT.
Timetable for CAT
- Daily, cover the topic in two sections at least, for example
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday |
| Quantitative Ability | Data Interpretation | Verbal Ability |
| Data Interpretation | Verbal Ability | Quantitative Ability |
- Here, in 3 days, you are covering everything at least twice. You need to do this on weekdays repeatedly and then on weekends, Revise everything, Consolidate, and give a mock. Give a mock on Saturday preferably then analyze the same on Sunday.
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