Arithmetic is a crucial part of banking exams like SBI Clerk, IBPS PO, RBI Assistant, and others. A strong foundation in arithmetic can significantly boost your score in the quantitative aptitude section. In this blog, we will break down every topic of arithmetic, providing clear explanations, formulas, and tricks to solve questions quickly and accurately.
1. Number System
Concepts Covered:
- Types of numbers (Natural, Whole, Integers, Rational, and Irrational)
- Prime numbers and composite numbers
- HCF and LCM
- Divisibility rules
- Remainder theorem
Tricks & Tips:
- To find HCF, use the prime factorization method or division method.
- The product of LCM and HCF of two numbers equals the product of the numbers.
- Use divisibility rules to quickly check whether a number is divisible by another.
2. Percentage
Concepts Covered:
- Conversion of fractions into percentages and vice versa
- Percentage increase and decrease
- Successive percentage change
Formula & Shortcuts:
- Percentage = (Value / Total) × 100
- If a quantity increases by X% and then by Y%, the total increase = (X + Y + XY/100)%
- If a number is increased by 20%, the new number = 120% of the original.
3. Profit and Loss
Concepts Covered:
- Cost Price (CP), Selling Price (SP), Marked Price (MP), and Discount
- Profit and loss percentage calculation
- Successive discounts
Important Formulas:
- Profit = SP – CP, Loss = CP – SP
- Profit% = (Profit/CP) × 100
- Loss% = (Loss/CP) × 100
- Discount = Marked Price – Selling Price
4. Simple and Compound Interest
Concepts Covered:
- Difference between simple and compound interest
- Compound interest for different compounding periods (yearly, half-yearly, quarterly)
- Growth of money over time
Formulas:
- Simple Interest (SI) = (P × R × T) / 100
- Compound Interest (CI) = P(1 + R/100)^T – P
Tricks:
- For compound interest, use the formula-based method instead of yearly calculation for speed.
- If the rate is the same for two years, CI for two years = SI for two years + (SI × Rate/100)
5. Ratio and Proportion
Concepts Covered:
- Basic concepts of ratio
- Direct and inverse proportion
- Mixture and alligation
Important Formulas:
- If A : B = x : y and B : C = m : n, then A : C = x × m : y × n
- If a quantity is increased by X% and another by Y%, the final ratio = (100 + X) : (100 + Y)
6. Time and Work
Concepts Covered:
- Work and efficiency
- Work done by multiple people together
- Pipes and cisterns problems
Tricks to Solve Quickly:
- If A can do a work in X days, then A’s 1-day work = 1/X
- If A is twice as efficient as B, then A does 2x work in the same time as B
- Use LCM method for fast calculations
7. Time, Speed, and Distance
Concepts Covered:
- Speed, distance, and time relationships
- Relative speed
- Boats and streams problems
- Trains problems
Key Formulas:
- Speed = Distance/Time
- If two objects move toward each other, relative speed = sum of speeds
- If moving in the same direction, relative speed = difference of speeds
- Upstream speed = Speed in still water – Stream speed
- Downstream speed = Speed in still water + Stream speed
8. Averages
Concepts Covered:
- Mean, median, and mode
- Weighted average
- Average speed
Formula:
- Average = Sum of observations / Number of observations
- If the average of n numbers is X and a new number Y is added, the new average = [(n × X) + Y] / (n + 1)
9. Partnership
Concepts Covered:
- Types of partnership (Equal and unequal investments)
- Profit sharing ratio
Formula:
- Profit share = (Investment × Time) / Total investment
- If A invests twice as much as B, then A’s share of profit = 2B’s share.
10. Data Interpretation
Concepts Covered:
- Bar graphs, pie charts, and tables
- Line graphs and caselet DI
- Percentage-based calculations in DI
Tricks for Quick Calculations:
- Learn fast calculation techniques like approximation and unit digit method.
- Use percentage formulas to find changes easily.
- Focus on ratios for quick comparison.
Final Tips for Arithmetic in Banking Exams:
- Memorize key formulas – Keep a formula sheet for quick revision.
- Practice daily – Solve at least 20-30 arithmetic questions per day.
- Improve calculation speed – Learn Vedic Math tricks and mental math techniques.
- Attempt mock tests – Solve sectional tests and previous year papers.
- Analyze mistakes – Identify weak areas and work on them.
Mastering arithmetic will not only help in banking exams but also in various other competitive exams. With consistent practice and the right approach, you can score high in the quantitative aptitude section effortlessly. Happy learning!
I have create a pdf where you will find the all arithmetic topics and all basic concepts video. So check it out. Link is below.