CAT stands for common aptitude test. CAT Line Chart is important and useful in logical section. This topic is an integral part of many competitive exams. An aspirants could except few questions from this topic. As Logical reasoning section contain a total of 20 questions and out of that few questions are from Line Chart . A Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation contains 30% weightage in CAT exams.

Questions from this section are frequently asked as per pervious paper analysis. To solve the questions based on Line Chart in CAT, candidates first have to understand the concept. Questions requires a candidate to develop a logical approach towards solving questions.

We can solve questions easily if candidate pay attention while reading the question. Read the article to know more about some tricks, concepts, and solved sample questions. Generally, CAT questions are based on the given data, you need to figure out the actual category of persons.

Also read: How to Prepare for CAT

What are Line Chart?

A line graph, also called a line chart is one of the basic charts to represent a set of data pictorially. In line graphs, a straight line segment connects data points (called markers), to represent a continuous change over a period of time. Since the data points show the information, line graphs are also known as point to point graphs.

As line graphs show continuous change, they are basically use to compare changes. Over the same period of time for more than one group. Generally, independent data (or variable) is rendered in the horizontal axis. Whereas, the dependent variables are place in the vertical axis. For example will explain this topic in a better way.

Tips to Solve/Prepare Line Chart Questions

One should never ignore line graph topics as most of the questions are easily solvable and scoring. Some important tips is show in the below to help the individuals prepare and attempt line graph questions easily and efficiently.

• Know Basic Mathematics

To solve line graphs, some basic mathematical concepts. For example like percentages, profit and loss, etc. are to be require. Be thorough with those basic maths concepts and their related formulas beforehand. By getting well versed with the basics, one can also get confident in using shortcuts while solving the line graph questions in the CAT exam.

• Practice

To excel in solving line-graph questions, proper practice is extremely important. It is suggested to practice several variations of line graph questions to be able to tackle any question from this topic easily. Also, solve previous year questions and take mock tests to get completely acquainted with these questions.

• Use Approximations and Shortcuts

It is important to use approximations in certain conditions to be able to solve questions much faster. Several questions can be solved by just approximating certain values and choosing the closest option. Apart from shortcuts, it is always suggested to use shortcut techniques. Wherever possible to be able to solve the questions in a faster and effective way.

• Pay Attention to the Graph

Often, a question can be easily solve. Just by just analyzing the graph properly. For example of this has been explained in one of the above examples (question 4). So, it is suggested to look at the graph properly, especially the slope of the graph. By seeing the slope, one can easily understand the trend of the graph at that point (positive or negative) and answer certain questions easily.

Importance of Line Charts in CAT Exams

Here’s why line charts are an important part of the CAT and other competitive exams:

• Line charts test your data interpretation skills and hence form an important part of the data analysis section.
• Line charts need a precise and easy approach to understand the data. You are require to form a tabular presentation of the line chart data.
• It's important to prepare good line chart notes, tricks for sufficient preparation. This topic as the topic requires to be complete in less time. Hence regular practice is necessary for quick solutions.
• Line charts also test your graphical data interpretation that can help us in identifying data such as weather conditions, market fluctuations, time changes, and more.

Video’s that could help aspirant.

Data Interpretation: Line Chart questions.