Aptitude Test Practice | Quantitative, Logical, Verbal - Sproutern

Complete Aptitude Test Preparation Guide

Quantitative aptitude tests are a crucial part of placement exams, competitive tests (like CAT, GMAT, GRE, Bank PO exams), and campus recruitment processes. Mastering these concepts requires understanding formulas and regular practice.

Why Aptitude Tests Matter

90%

of companies use aptitude tests

60-70%

cutoff in most exams

45-60 min

typical test duration

Essential Formulas by Topic

1. Speed, Time & Distance

Speed = Distance / Time
Distance = Speed × Time
Time = Distance / Speed
Average Speed (same distance) = 2ab/(a+b) where a and b are speeds
Relative Speed (same direction) = |a - b|
Relative Speed (opposite direction) = a + b
1 km/h = 5/18 m/s | 1 m/s = 18/5 km/h

2. Percentage

% = (Part/Whole) × 100
x% of y = y% of x
Successive % change: Net = a + b + ab/100
% Increase = [(New - Old)/Old] × 100
% Decrease = [(Old - New)/Old] × 100

3. Profit & Loss

Profit = SP - CP (when SP > CP)
Loss = CP - SP (when CP > SP)
Profit% = (Profit/CP) × 100
Loss% = (Loss/CP) × 100
SP = CP × (1 + Profit%/100)
SP = CP × (1 - Loss%/100)
Discount% = (Discount/MP) × 100
SP = MP × (1 - Discount%/100)

4. Time & Work

If A completes in x days, work rate = 1/x per day
A and B together: 1/A + 1/B = 1/T
MDH formula: M₁D₁H₁/W₁ = M₂D₂H₂/W₂
Efficiency ratio ∝ 1/Time ratio
Pipes & Cisterns: Inlet (fill), Outlet (empty)

5. Simple & Compound Interest

SI = (P × R × T) / 100
Amount = P + SI = P(1 + RT/100)
CI: A = P(1 + R/100)^n
CI = A - P = P[(1 + R/100)^n - 1]
CI - SI for 2 years = P × (R/100)²
When compounded half-yearly: Rate/2, Time × 2

6. Ratio, Proportion & Averages

Average = Sum of values / Number of values
Sum = Average × Count
a:b = c:d → ad = bc (cross multiplication)
To find A:B:C when A:B and B:C given, make B common
Mixture: (Qty₁ × C₁ + Qty₂ × C₂) / (Qty₁ + Qty₂) = Cavg

7. LCM & HCF

LCM × HCF = Product of numbers (for two numbers)
LCM = highest power of all prime factors
HCF = lowest power of common prime factors
LCM of fractions = LCM(numerators) / HCF(denominators)
HCF of fractions = HCF(numerators) / LCM(denominators)

Quick Calculation Tips

Mental Math Shortcuts

• 25 × any number: Divide by 4, add 00

• Square of numbers ending in 5: First part × (First part + 1), then 25

• % calculation: Move decimal 2 places left

• Multiply by 11: Sum middle digits

• Division by 5: Double the number, divide by 10

Test-Taking Strategies

• Attempt easy questions first

• Use elimination method

• Substitute answer options when stuck

• Manage time: ~1 min per question

• Don't get stuck on one question

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are typically in an aptitude test?

Most placement aptitude tests have 20-35 questions with a time limit of 30-60 minutes. Competitive exams like CAT have 34 questions in the Quantitative section with 40 minutes allotted.

What topics appear most frequently?

Based on placement exam patterns: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Speed & Distanceaccount for about 60% of questions. Number series, Ratio & Proportion, and Averages make up most of the rest.

How long should I practice before an aptitude test?

For consistent improvement, practice at least 30 minutes daily for 4-6 weeks before your test. Focus on understanding concepts first, then speed. Take full-length mock tests in the final 2 weeks.

Should I use a calculator?

Most placement tests don't allow calculators. Practice mental math and approximation techniques. For exams that allow calculators (like GRE), learn to use them efficiently but don't over-rely on them.

What's the best way to improve accuracy?

Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing solutions. Practice similar questions in batches. Review mistakes thoroughly - maintain an error log. Accuracy comes before speed.

How do I manage time during the test?

Quick scan all questions first. Attempt questions from your strong topics first. Set a time limit per question (usually 1-1.5 minutes). If stuck for more than 2 minutes, mark and move on. Leave 5 minutes for review.

Are negative marks applied in aptitude tests?

Many competitive exams have 1/4 or 1/3 negative marking. For placement tests, it varies by company. Always check the exam rules. If negative marking exists, avoid random guessing.

What resources should I use for practice?

Use a combination of: textbooks (RS Aggarwal, Arun Sharma), online practice tests, previous year papers, and apps. Practice on similar interfaces to the actual test. Time yourself during practice.

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