Improving Your Quantitative Aptitude and DILR for the CAT 2020
Preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test) 2020 involves a comprehensive strategy that focuses on both quantitative aptitude and Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning (DILR). These sections are crucial and can make a significant impact on your overall performance. In this article, we will discuss effective strategies, key topics, and practical tips to enhance your preparation for these sections.
Understanding DI Logical Reasoning and Mathematics
The CAT examination is known for its time-sensitive and challenging nature. To excel in DI and Logical Reasoning (DILR), it is essential to grasp the concepts quickly and efficiently. Tricks and strategies are your allies in solving questions within the allotted time. Whenever you encounter a tricky question, make an effort to solve it quickly and learn the underlying method or 'trick.' These skills will not only save time but also increase your confidence during the exam.
The Importance of Practice
Practice is a fundamental aspect of your CAT preparation. Mock tests and self-study are essential components of effective preparation. By taking mock tests, you can gain insights into your strengths and weaknesses, and identify the sections where you need more focus. Regular practice helps you to become familiar with the exam pattern and to develop speed and accuracy.
Key Topics in Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude is a crucial section of the CAT exam. To perform well, you need to be well-versed in a variety of topics. Here are some important topics from which you can expect questions:
1. Time and Work
Understanding the relationship between time, work, and efficiency is essential for this topic. You should practice a variety of problems involving work done by individuals, teams, and machines.
2. Geometry
Comprehensive knowledge of geometric principles, including properties of triangles, circles, polygons, and theorems, is necessary. You should also be familiar with coordinate geometry and mensuration.
3. Mixtures and Allegations
Mastering the concept of ratios and proportions is key to solving problems related to mixtures and allegations. Practice a variety of problems involving percentages and ratios.
4. Trigonometry
A strong grasp of trigonometric ratios and identities is important, especially for problems involving angles and triangles.
5. Coordinate Geometry
Understanding the relationship between geometry and algebra is crucial. Practice identifying points, lines, and curves on a coordinate plane.
6. Mensuration
Be proficient in calculating the area, perimeter, and volume of various geometric shapes. This includes circles, squares, rectangles, cylinders, and cones.
7. Simple and Compound Interest
Know the formulas for calculating simple and compound interest and understand the concepts of present value and future value.
8. Logarithms
A solid understanding of logarithmic properties and rules is necessary. Practice simplifying and solving logarithmic equations.
9. Quadratic and Linear Equations
Be able to solve equations of the second and first degree. Practice identifying the number and nature of roots of quadratic equations and solving systems of linear equations.
Essential Skills and Time Management
Time management is critical in the CAT exam. For mathematics, it's essential to have the square roots and cubes of numbers up to 25 at the tip of your tongue. This will save you precious seconds during the exam.
In DILR, the ability to quickly analyze data and draw logical conclusions is key. Work on your speed and accuracy by practicing a variety of data interpretation and logical reasoning problems.
By dedicating time to these essential skills and topics, you can significantly improve your performance in the quantitative aptitude and DILR sections of the CAT 2020.
All the best for your preparation!