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Number System
Introduction
In Mathematics, numbers are the basic tools for counting, measuring and for performing calculations. A real
number is a value that represents a quantity along a number line. Each point on a number line represents a
real number. The set of real numbers is denoted by R.
Real number system contains the following number systems as its subsets.
1. Natural Numbers
The numbers used for counting the objects (1, 2, 3, … etc.) are called natural numbers. They are also
called as positive integers. The set of natural numbers is denoted by N.
N: {1, 2, 3,……….}
2. Whole Numbers
When 0 (zero) is included to the set of natural numbers, the resulting set is called set of whole numbers
and it is denoted by W.
W: {0, 1, 2, 3,…….}
3. Integers
Natural numbers are called positive integers. When negative sign (minus sign) is prefixed to a natural
number, it is called a negative integer. Negative integers always appear to the left of ‘0’, on the number
line. The set of negative integers along with whole numbers is called set of integers and is denoted by Z.
Z: {….– 3, – 2, – 1, 0, 1, 2, 3 ………}
4. Rational Numbers
p
A number which can be expressed in the form , where p and q are integers and q 0 is called a
q
rational number.
When we express a rational number in decimal form, it will either have terminating decimals or non
terminating, recurring decimals.
p
A rational number , where p and q are integers and q 0, will have a terminating decimal form only
q
when q can be expressed in the form 2m 5n, for some whole numbers m and n. In all other cases it will
have non terminating, recurring decimal form.
Set of rational numbers is denoted by ‘Q’.
5. Irrational Numbers
p
The numbers which cannot be expressed in the form , where p and q are integers and q 0, are called
q
irrational numbers. When an irrational number is expressed in decimal form it will have non terminating
and non recurring decimals. The set of irrational numbers is denoted by Q.
So, any real number is either a rational number or an irrational number.
The sum or product of a rational number and an irrational number, is always an irrational number.
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Quantitative Aptitude
6. Closure property of real numbers
All the four fundamental operations – addition, multiplication, subtraction and division, except division
by zero – are well defined for the set of real numbers. For any two real numbers a and b, (a + b), (a × b),
and (a – b) are also real numbers. a ÷ b is also a real number provided b 0. Division by zero is not
defined for the set of real numbers. This property is known as closure property. So, set of real numbers is
closed with respect to addition, multiplication and subtraction. Set of real numbers, excluding zero is
closed with respect to division also.
Various types of numbers
(i) Even and odd Numbers
A number which is divisible by 2 is called an even number. A number which is not divisible by 2 is
called an odd number.
(ii) Prime Numbers
Prime numbers are positive integers (natural numbers) having exactly two factors, 1 and the number
itself. However, 1 is not a prime number as it has only one factor 1. The smallest prime number is 2
and it is the only even prime number. All other prime numbers except 2, are odd numbers.
(iii) Composite Numbers
A positive integer (natural number) which is a product of two or more prime numbers is called a
composite number. So, composite numbers always have more than two factors (including 1 and the
number). Again, the number 1 is not a composite number. Thus, the integer 1, is neither prime nor
composite.
(iv) Coprimes or relative primes
Two numbers are said to be coprimes or relative primes if they do not have any common factor other
than 1. In other words, two numbers are coprimes if their HCF is 1. For examples 10 and 21 are
coprimes.
Test of Divisibility
1. Divisibility by 2: A number is divisible by 2 if its unit digit is an even digit (i.e., 0, 2, 4, 6, 8).
Example: 5,364 is divisible by 2, while 45,673 is not divisible by 2.
2. Divisibility by 3: A number is divisible by 3 only when the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
Example: In the number 5,67,891, the sum of digits is 36, which is divisible by 3. Hence, 5,67,891 is
divisible by 3.
3. Divisibility by 4: A number is divisible by 4 only if the number formed by its last two digits is divisible
by 4.
Example: 7,93,76,536 is divisible by 4, since 36 is divisible by 4.
4. Divisibility by 5: A number is divisible by 5 only when its unit digit is either 5 or 0.
Example: 35,67,895 is divisible by 5, since its unit digit is 5. Again 56,98,430 is divisible by 5, since its
unit digit is 0.
2
Quantitative Aptitude
5. Divisibility by 6: A number is divisible by 6 if its unit digit is an even digit (i.e., 0, 2, 4, 6, 8) and the
sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
Example: 5,628 is divisible by 6.
6. Divisibility by 8: A number is divisible by 8 only if the number formed by its last three digits is
divisible by 8.
Example: 95,34,68,528 is divisible by 8, since 528 is divisible by 8.
7. Divisibility by 9: A number is divisible by 9 only when the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
Example: In the number 68,57,937, the sum of digits is 45, which is divisible by 9. Hence, 68,57,937 is
divisible by 9.
8. Divisibility by 10: A number is divisible by 10, only when its unit digit is 0.
Example: 65,37,68,320 is divisible by 10, since its unit digit is 0.
9. Divisibility by 11: A number is divisible by 11 if the difference between sum of its digits at odd places
and the sum of its digits at even places is either 0 or multiple of 11
Example: (i) consider the number 6,73,85,241.
(Sum of its digits at odd places) – (Sum of its digits at even places) = (6 + 3 + 5 + 4) – (7 + 8 + 2 + 1)
= 18 – 18 = 0
Hence, 6,73,85,241 is divisible by 11.
Example: (ii) Consider the number 76,84,91,625
(Sum of its digits at odd places) – (Sum of its digits at even places)
= (7 + 8 + 9 + 6 + 5) – (6 + 4 + 1 + 2)
= 35 – 13 = 22
22 is multiple of 11. Hence, 76,84,91,625 is divisible by 11.
Lowest common multiple (LCM)
LCM of two or more positive integers is the smallest positive integer, which is exactly divisible by all the
given positive integers.
Highest common factor (HCF)
HCF of two or more positive integers is the highest positive integer, which divides all the given positive
integers completely without leaving any remainder. Some authors use the term “Greatest common divisor
(G.C.D.)” for HCF.
LCM of numerators
LCM of two or more fractions =
HCF of denominators
HCF of numerators
HCF of two or more fractions
LCM of denominators
In case of two positive integers, product of their LCM and HCF is always equal to product of those two
integers.
3
Quantitative Aptitude
Example: Consider two numbers 12 and 8.
LCM of 12 and 8 = 24
HCF of 12 and 8 = 4
We observe that 24 4 = 12 8 = 96.
Fundamental theorem of Arithmetic
1. Every composite number can be expressed as a product of prime numbers in an unique way except for
the order in which the primes appear.
Example: 504 = 23 32 7
2. If a prime number ‘p’ is a divisor of a2, then ‘p’ is a divisor of ‘a’ also, where ‘a’ is a natural number.
Example: 3 is a prime number and it is a divisor of 62 (= 36). We notice that 3 is a divisor of 6 also.
The process of expressing a composite number as a product of prime numbers in called prime factorization
and those prime numbers are called factors of given number.
LCM and HCF of two or more natural numbers can be found by the method of factorization. We shall learn
this with the help of an example.
Example: Find the LCM and HCF of 120, 252 and 588.
Solution
Express each number as a product of prime factors.
120 = 23 3 5
252 = 22 32 7
588 = 22 3 72
Pick each prime number with highest power, present in the factors of any of the given numbers and find their
product. This product represents the LCM of given numbers.
Pick each prime number with lowest power, present in the factors of all the given numbers and find their
product. This product represents the HCF of given numbers.
LCM of 120, 252, 588 = 23 32 5 72 = 17,640
HCF of 120, 252, 588 = 22 3 = 12
Euclid’s division lemma
For given positive integers ‘a’ and ‘b’ there exists unique integers ‘q’ and ‘r’ satisfying, a = bq + r, where
0 r < b.
‘a’ is called dividend, b is called divisor, q is called quotient and r is called remainder.
Dividend = Divisor Quotient + Remainder.
Remainder is always less than the divisor and quotient is a whole number.
HCF of two positive integers can be found by using Euclid’s division lemma. The process of applying
Euclid’s division lemma in succession several times to obtain HCF of any two numbers is called
Euclid’s division algorithm.
Example: Find the HCF of 1,260 and 1,452 by using Euclid’s division algorithm.
Step 1: Apply Euclid’s division lemma to 1,452 and 1,260
1,452 = 1,260 1 + 192
4
Quantitative Aptitude
Step 2: Apply Euclid’s division lemma to 1,260 and 192
1,260 = 192 6 + 108
Step 3: Apply Euclid’s division lemma to 192 and 108
192 = 108 1 + 84
Step 4: Apply Euclid’s division lemma to 108 and 84
108 = 84 1 + 24
Step 5: Apply Euclid’s division lemma to 84 and 24
84 = 24 3 + 12
Step 6: Apply Euclid’s division lemma to 24 and 12
24 = 12 2 + 0
The process stops here, since the remainder is zero. The divisor of the last stage is the HCF.
12 is the HCF of 1,260 and 1,452.
Cyclicity of numbers
The cyclicity of any number is focussed on its unit digit. Every digit has its own repetitive pattern when
raised to any power. This concept is of tremendous use while solving aptitude problems. The concept of
cyclicity of numbers can be learned by figuring out the unit digits of all the single-digit numbers from 0 to 9
when raised to certain powers. These numbers can be broadly classified into three categories as listed below.
1. Digits 0, 1, 5 and 6 : When each of these digits is raised to any power, the unit digit of the final answer
is the number itself.
Example 1 : Find the unit digit of 416345
Answer : Simply find 6345 which will give 6 as a unit digit. Hence the unit digit of 416345 is 6.
Similarly, unit digit of 285761 is 5.
2. Digits 4 and 9 : Both of these digits 4 and 9 have the cyclicity of two different digits as their unit digit.
42 = 16 : unit digit is 6
43 = 64 : unit digit is 4
44 = 256 : unit digit is 6
45 = 1,024 : unit digit is 4
It can be observed that the unit digits 4 and 6 are repeating in odd-even order. So 4 has a cyclicity of 2.
Unit digit of 4odd = 4 ; If 4 is raised to the power of an odd number, then the unit digit will be 4.
Unit digit of 4even = 6 ; If 4 is raised to the power of an even number, then the unit digit will be 4.
Similarly,
Unit digit of 9odd = 9 ; If 9 is raised to the power of an odd number, then the unit digit will be 9.
Unit digit of 9even = 1 ; If 9 is raised to the power of an even number, then the unit digit will be 1.
Example 2 : Find the unit digit of 31423.
Answer: 23 is an odd number. So, the unit digit of 31423 is 4
Example 3 : Find the unit digit of 2982.
Answer: 82 is an even number. So, the unit digit of 2982 is 1
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Quantitative Aptitude
3. Digits 2, 3, 7 and 8 : These numbers have cyclicity of four different numbers.
21 = 2 ; Unit digit is 2.
22 = 4 ; Unit digit is 4.
23 = 8 ; Unit digit is 8.
24= 16 ; Unit digit is 6.
25 = 32 ; Unit digit is 2.
It can be observed that the unit digits 2, 4, 8, 6 repeat themselves after a period of four numbers.
Similarly,
The cyclicity of 3 has four different numbers 3, 9, 7, 1
The cyclicity of 7 has four different numbers 7, 9, 3, 1
The cyclicity of 8 has four different numbers 8, 4, 2, 6
Example 4 : Find the unit digit of 257345
. Hence the unit digit of 257345 is 7
Example 5 : Find the unit digit of 48146
. Hence the unit digit of 48146 is 4.
BODMAS Rule
This rule depicts the correct sequence in which the Mathematical operations are to be performed, so as to
find out the value of a given expression.
Here, ‘B’ stands for ‘Bracket’, ‘O’ for ‘Of’, ‘D’ for ‘Division’, ‘M’ for ‘Multiplication’, ‘A’ for ‘Addition’
and ‘S’ for ‘Subtraction’.
Thus, while simplifying an expression, first of all, the brackets must be removed, strictly in the order ( ), { },
and [ ]. After removing the brackets, the operations (i) Of, (ii) Division, (iii) Multiplication, (iv) Addition
and (v) Subtraction, must be performed in the same order.
When an expression contains Virnaculum (or Bar), before applying the ‘BODMAS’ rule, we must simplify
the expression under the Virnaculum.
Worked Examples
1. If the number 2,18,56, * 37 is divisible by 9, what digit should come in place of *?
Ans
Let the missing digit be x
Sum of digits of given number = (2 + 1 + 8 + 5 + 6 + x + 3 + 7) = 32 + x
Since the given number is divisible by 9, sum of its digits should also be divisible by 9
(32 + x) is divisible by 9, only when x = 4.
The digit 4 should come in place of ‘*’.
2. If the number 48,3p,718 is divisible by 11, which digit should come in place of p?
Ans
(Sum of digits at odd places) - (Sum of digits at even places) = (4 + 3 + 7 + 8) – (8 + p +1)
= 22 – (9 + p) = 13 – p.
(13 – p) is divisible by 11 only when p = 2.
So, the digit 2 should come in the place of p.
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Quantitative Aptitude
3. If a nine digit number 59,87, a3, 4b6 is divisible by 72, find all the possible values of a and b.
Ans
Given number is divisible by 72. This implies that the number in divisible by 8 as well as by 9
(⸪ 72 = 8 × 9)
Since, the given number in divisible by 8, the number formed by last three digits 4b6 is also divisible
by 8.
4b6 is divisible by 8 only if b =1, 5 or 9
b = 1 or b = 5 or b = 9 ... (1)
Sum of digits of given number = (5 + 9 + 8 + 7 + a + 3 + 4 + b + 6) = 42 + (a + b)
Since the number is divisible by 9, sum of its digits should also be divisible by 9.
42 + (a + b) is divisible by 9 only when a + b = 3 or a + b = 12 ... (2)
If (a + b) = 3, b cannot be 5 or 9. Hence, b should be 1. In that case a becomes 2.
So, a = 2 and b = 1 is one set of values
If (a + b) = 12, b cannot be 1. Hence, b is either 5 or 9
If b is 5, a becomes 7. If b is 9, a becomes 3
Hence, a and b can take the following 3 set of values.
(i) a = 2 and b = 1 (ii) a = 3 and b = 9 (iii) a = 7 and b = 5.
4. If 12 + 22 + 32 + …….. + 102 = 385 and 12 + 22 + 32 + ……..+ 202 = 2,870 then find the value of 12 + 32 +
52 + ………. + 192.
Ans
12 3 2 5 2 ....... 19 2 12 2 2 3 2 ...... 20 2 2 2 4 2 6 2 ..... 20 2
2870 2 2 12 2 2 3 2 ..... 10 2
2870 4 385 2870 1540 1, 330.
5. A number being successively divided by 3, 5 and 8 leaves remainders 1, 4 and 7 respectively. Find the
respective remainders if the order of divisors be reversed.
Ans
Let the number be X
Let A be the quotient when X is divided by 3. It is given that 1 is the remainder.
By division Lemma,
X = 3A + 1
Let B be the quotient when A is divided by 5. It is given that 4 is the remainder.
Again, by division Lemma,
A = 5B + 4.
Let C be the quotient when B is divided by 8. It is given that 7 is the remainder.
So, B = 8C + 7
X = 3A + 1
= 3(5B + 4) + 1
= 15B + 13
= 15 (8C + 7) + 13
= 120 C + 118
7
Quantitative Aptitude
To get the smallest such number, we should put C = 1.
Hence, X = 120 + 118 = 238
The remainders are 6, 4 and 2 respectively.
6. If r is the remainder when each of 4534, 5386 and 6664 is divided by the greatest possible number
d (d 1), find the value of d + r.
Ans
Let k1, k2 and k3 respectively be the quotients when 4534, 5386 and 6664 are divided by d.
Then by division algorithm,
4,534 = dk1 + r ; 5,386 = dk2 + r and 6,664 = dk3 + r
5,386 – 4,534 = dk2 + r – dk1 – r
852 = d (k2 – k1) ... (1)
6,664 – 5,386 = dk3 + r – dk2 – r
1,278 = d (k3 – k2) ... (2)
6,664 – 4,534 = dk3 + r – dk1 – r
2,130 = d (k3 – k1) … (3)
From (1), (2) and (3) it is evident that d is the greatest number which divides 852, 1278 and 2130
d is HCF of 852, 1278 and 2130.
852 = 3 × 22 × 71 ; 1278 = 2 × 32 × 71 ; 2130 = 2 × 3 × 5 × 71
HCF = 2 × 3 × 71 d = 426 … (4)
To find r divide any one of the given numbers by 426.
4534 = 426 × 10 + 274
r = 274 ... (5)
d + r = 426 + 274 = 700
7. Find the unit digit in the product (1427)127 × (1234)63.
Ans
Unit digit of 71 is 7.
Unit digit of 72 is 9.
Unit digit of 73 is 3.
Unit digit of 74 is 1.
Unit digit of 75 is 7.
And so on.
So, the cyclicity of 7 is 4.
Again,
Unit digit of 41 is 4
Unit digit of 42 is 6
Unit digit of 43 is 4
And so on.
Cyclicity of 4 is 2
8
Quantitative Aptitude
Unit digit of (1427)127 = Unit digit of 7127
= Unit digit of 74 × 31 + 3
= Unit digit of 73 = 3
Similarly
Unit digit of (1234)63 = Unit digit of 463
= Unit digit of 42 × 31 + 1
= Unit digit of 41 = 4
3 × 4 = 12
Hence the unit digit in the product (1427)127 × (1234)63 is 2.
8. Find the HCF and LCM of 1,260 and 648
Ans
HCF of 1,260 and 648
LCM of 1,260 and 648 2 3 5 7 8 81 5 7 22,680.
3 4
9. Find the HCF of 3,937 and 8,509.
Ans
8,509 3,937 2 635
3,937 635 6 127
635 127 5 0
So, 127 is the HCF of 3,937 and 8,509
10. Two numbers are in the ratio 9 : 13. If their HCF is 12, find their LCM.
Ans
Let the numbers be 9x and 13x.
Then their HCF = x
But HCF is given as 12.
x = 12.
Hence, the numbers are 9 × 12 = 108 and 13 × 12 = 156
HCF × LCM = Product of numbers
12 × LCM = 108 × 156
108×156
LCM = = 1, 404
12
11. When 150 is divided by a positive integer x, the remainder is 6. How many values of x are there?
Ans
When 150 is divided by x, remainder is 6
150 6 = 144 is divisible by x
144 is completely divisible by the following numbers.
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72, 144
9
Quantitative Aptitude
It is given that remainder is 6.
x 6.
So, x can take the values 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72, 144.
Number of values of x = 8.
12. Find the largest number which divides 62, 132, and 237 to leave same remainder in each case.
Ans
Let ‘x’ be the number and let ‘r’ be the remainder in each case.
Hence, (62 - r), (132 - r) and (237 - r) are completely divisible by x.
If two positive integers ‘a’ and ‘b’ are divisible by x and if a > b, then (a - b) is also divisible by x.
This implies that (132 - 62), (237 - 132) and (237 - 62) are completely divisible by x.
So, x is HCF of 70, 105 and 175 =35.
13. Find the least number which when divided by 15, 20, 25 and 30 leaves remainder 11, 16, 21 and 26
respectively, but leaves no remainder (completely divisible) when divided by 14.
Ans
15 – 11 = 4, 20 – 16 = 4, 25 – 21 = 4, 30 – 26 = 4
So, the number when increased by 4 is completely divisible by 15, 20, 25, 30.
So, the number is k × LCM of 15, 20, 25, 30 – 4.
Where k is a positive integer.
LCM of 15, 20, 25 and 30 is 300.
The number is 300k – 4.
The least value of k for which 300k – 4 is divisible by 14 is 3.
So, the number is 300 × 3 – 4 = 896.
14. The traffic lights at three different road crossings change after every 65 sec, 78 sec and 104 sec
respectively. If they all change simultaneously at 8:00 am, then at what earliest time will they again
change simultaneously?
Ans
65 = 5 × 13
78 = 2 × 3 × 13
104 = 23 × 13
LCM of 65, 78 and 104 = 23 × 3 × 5 × 13 = 1,560
So, the lights will again change simultaneously after every 1,560 sec i.e., 26 minutes.
Hence, next simultaneous change will be at 8 : 26 am.
15. x is a four digit number which lies between 2,000 and 2,500. When x is divided by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 it
leaves a remainder of 1 in each case. Find the sum of digits of x.
Ans
LCM of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 = 2 3 2 5 7 = 420.
Remainder is 1.
So, x = 420k + 1, where k is a constant.
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Quantitative Aptitude
x lies between 2,000 and 2,500. This is possible only k = 5.
⸫ x = 420 5 + 1 = 2,101.
Sum of digits of x is 4.
17 31 43 59
16. Arrange the fractions , , , in the ascending order.
18 36 45 60
Ans
LCM of 18, 36, 45 and 60 is 180
17 170 31 155 43 172 59 177
;
18 180 36 180 45 180 60 180
155 <170 < 172 < 177.
31 17 43 59
36 18 45 60
17. Simplify the following expression.
1
24 of 8 5 2 36 2 of 12 6 4
2
Ans
1
24 of 8 5 2 36 2 of 12 6 4
2
3
= (24 ÷ 4 5 + 2) × (36 ÷ 24 × 6 4) = (6 5 + 2) × × 6 4 = (8 5) × (9 4) = 3× 5 = 15
2
18. What number will replace the question mark in the following equation?
1 1 3
108 of 36 ? 3 13
4 4 10
Ans
Let x be the number which replaces?
1 1 3
108 of 36 ? 3 13
4 4 10
1 13 133
108 of 36 x
4 4 10
13x 133
108 9
4 10
13x 133
12
4 10
13x 133 133 120 13
12
4 10 10 10
130x 52
52 2
x
130 5
11
Quantitative Aptitude
5
19. Simplify 3 +
3
2+
2
4+
1
3+
4
Ans
5 5
3+ = 3+
3 3
2+ 2+
2 2
4+ 4+
1 13
3+
4 4
5 5 5 5
= 3+ = 3+ = 3+ = 3+
3 3 39 159
2+ 2+ 2+
8 60 60 60
4+
13 13
300 477 + 300 777 259 47
= 3+ = = = =4
159 159 159 53 53
1 1 1 1 1
20. Find the value of + + + + ........ +
2 6 12 20 90
Ans
1 1 1 1 1
+ + + + ........ +
2 6 12 20 90
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
= 1 + + + + .... +
2 2 3 3 4 4 5 9 10
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 9
= 1 + + + + + ........ + 1 0.9
2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 9 9 10 10 10
12
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. What is the value of x so that the seven digit number 84,39,x53 is divisible by 99? (SSC CGL 2019)
(1) 9 (2) 4 (3) 3 (4) 6
Ans (2)
99 = 9 11
84,39, x53 is divisible by both 9 and 11.
For 84,39, x53 to be divisible by 9.
8 + 4 + 3 + 9 + x + 5 + 3 should be divisible by 9.
32 + x should be divisible by 9.
x should be 4.
If x = 4, then the number 84, 39, 453 is also divisible by 11 since (8 + 3 + 4 + 3) – (4 + 9 + 5) = 0.
2. What is the sum of first 20 odd natural numbers? (NCHM JEE 2021)
(1) 100 (2) 200 (3) 300 (4) 400
Ans (4)
n n
We know that sum of first n natural numbers
1 + 3 + 5 + 7 +…………+ 39 = (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ………+ 40) – (2 + 4 + 6 +…………..+ 40)
= (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ………+ 40) – 2 (1 + 2 + 3 +…………..+ 20)
3. A positive integer when divided by ‘q’ leaves remainder 21. When double that number is divided by ‘q’,
the remainder is 13. Then what is the value of q? (NCHM JEE 2021)
(1) 21 (2) 29 (3) 39 (4) 37
Ans (2)
Let the positive integer be ‘x’
x = kq + 21
2x = 2kq + 42
But it is given that
2x = pq + 13
When 42 is divide by ‘q; remainder should be 13, which is possible only when q = 29.
4. What is the digit in the unit place of the number represented by (795 – 358)? (JIP MAT 2021)
(1) 2 (2) 3 (3) 5 (4) 4
Ans (4)
Unit digit of 71 is 7
Unit digit of 72 is 9
Unit digit of 73 is 3
Unit digit of 74 is 1
Then the cycle repeats
13
Quantitative Aptitude
95 = 4 × 23 + 3
Unit digit of 795 is same as the unit digit of 73 = 3
Unit digit of 31 is 3
Unit digit of 32 is 9
Unit digit of 33 is 7
Unit digit of 34 is 1
Then the cycle repeats
58 = 14 × 4 + 2
Unit digit of 358 is same as the unit digit of 32 = 9
The difference will be 3 – 9 which will be 13 – 9 = 4
The digit in the unit place of 795 – 358 is 4.
5. If x and y are two odd positive integers, which of the following is not an odd number? (NCHM JEE 2021)
(1) xy (2) x2y (3) (x + y)y (4) (xy)y
Ans (3)
Product of 2 odd positive integers is odd number.
xy is an odd number.
Odd integer raised to any power is odd.
x2y is an odd number.
Sum of 2 odd positive integer is even and even number raised to any power is even. (xy)y is an odd
number.
(x + y)y is not an odd number.
6. What is the mean of all four- digit even natural numbers of the form ‘aa bb’, where a 0? (CAT 2020)
(1) 5,050 (2) 4,864 (3) 5,544 (4) 4,466
Ans (3)
When a = 1, the numbers are 1100,1122,1144,1166 and 1188 and the mean of these numbers is 1144
When a = 2, the numbers are 2200, 2222, 2244, 2266 and 2288 and the mean of these numbers is 2244
Similarly, we can take a as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and find the mean.
So, the final mean is the mean of the following numbers.
1144, 2244, 3344, 4444, 5544, 6644, 7744, 8844, 9944.
5544 is the mean of above numbers.
Hence, the required mean is 5,544.
7. How many three digit numbers are completely divisible by 4? (SSC CHSL 2018)
(1) 225 (2) 224 (3) 223 (4) 222
Ans (1)
Smallest three digit number divisible by 4 is 100
Biggest three digit number divisible by 4 is 996
Three digit numbers divisible by 4, are in A.P, with first number 100 and common difference 4.
Tn = a + (n – 1) d
996 = 100 + (n – 1) 4
14
Quantitative Aptitude
896 = 4n – 4
900
n
4
n = 225
8. Two positive numbers differ by 2,001. When the larger number is divided by the smaller number, the
quotient is 9 and the remainder is 41. Find the sum of digits of the larger number. (SSC CGL 2018)
(1) 15 (2) 11 (3) 10 (4) 14
Ans (4)
Let the larger positive number be ‘x’ and smaller positive number be ‘y’
x – y = 2001 … (1)
x = 9y + 41 … (2)
Substitute (2) in (1)
9y + 41 – y = 2001
8y = 1960
y = 245
x = 2246
Sum of digits of larger number is 14.
9. How many natural numbers less than 1,000 are divisible by 5 or 7 but not by 35? (CISF ASI 2019)
(1) 285 (2) 313 (3) 341 (4) 243
Ans (1)
Numbers less than 1000, divisible by 35 are 28.
999 = 35 × 28 + 19
Numbers less than 1000 divisible by 7 are 142.
999 = 7 × 142 + 5
Numbers less than 1000 divisible by 5 are 199.
999 = 5 × 199 + 4
Numbers less than 1000 divisible by 5 or 7 or 35 will be 199 + 142 – 28 = 313.
Numbers less than 1000 divisible by 5 or 7 but not by 35 will be 313 – 28 = 285.
10. What is the remainder when 1326 is divided by 5?
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
Ans (4)
Cyclicity of the digit 3 is 4.
26 = 4 6 +2
⸫ unit digit of 1326 is same as the unit digit of 32, which is 9.
So, on dividing 1326, we get the remainder 4.
15
Quantitative Aptitude
11. What is the remainder obtained when any prime number greater than 6 is divided by 6?
(Campus Recruitment 2007)
(1) either 1 or 2 (2) either 1 or 3 (3) either 1 or 5 (4) either 3 or 5
Ans (4)
Let the prime number be p. Let p when divided by 6 give n as quotient and r as remainder.
Then, by division lemma,
p n r, where r
When r = 0, r = 2, r = 3 and r = 4, p cannot be a prime number.
Hence, r = either 1 or 5.
12. If p and q are digits, what is the maximum possible value of q in the following statement?
5p9 + 327 + 2q8 = 1114 (SSC 2010)
(1) 6 (2) 7 (3) 8 (4) 9
Ans (2)
5p9 + 327 + 2q8 = 1114
(500 + 10p + 9) + 327 + (200 + 10 q + 8) = 1114
10 (p + q) + 1044 = 1114
10 (p + q) = 1114 – 1044 =70
p+q=7
The maximum possible value of q is 7, in which case p value is 0.
13. A three digit number 4a3 is added to another three digit number 984 to give the four digit number 13b7,
which is divisible by 11. What is the value of (a + b)? (MBA 2006)
(1) 10 (2) 11 (3) 12 (4) 15
Ans (1)
13b7 is divisible by 11.
This implies b = 9
So, 4a3 + 984 = 1397
(400 + 10a + 3) + 984 = 1397
1387 + 10a = 1397
10a = 1397 – 1387 = 10
a = 1
Hence, a + b = 1 + 9 = 10.
14. If 3 * 1 = 8, 5 * 2 = 21 and 7 * 3 = 40, what is the value of 8 * 5?
(1) 49 (2) 49 (3) 39 (4) 35
Ans (3)
3 * 1 = 8
5 * 2 = 21
7 * 3 = 40
*
16
Quantitative Aptitude
15. The numbers 2,272 and 875 are divided by a three digit number N, giving the same remainder. What is
the sum of digits of N?
(1) 10 (2) 11 (3) 12 (4) 13
Ans (1)
When 2272 and 875 are divided by N, same remainder is left.
This implies that (2272 – 875) = 1397 is completely divisible by N.
1397 = 11 127
It is given that N is a three digit number. Hence, N = 127
Sum of digits of N = 1 + 2 + 7 = 10
16. Find the HCF of 19,591 and 6,439
(1) 47 (2) 137 (3) 143 (4) 151
Ans (2)
Hence, HCF of 19,591 and 6,439 is 137.
17. If N is the LCM of 1,073 and 1,517, then what is the sum of digits of N?
(1) 13 (2) 23 (3) 28 (4) 32
Ans (3)
In this case, it is difficult to factorize the given numbers.
First, we shall find the HCF by using division algorithm.
37 is the HCF of 1,073 and 1,517.
LCM HCF = product of the numbers
⸫ LCM 37 = 1073 1517
1073 1517
LCM 29 1517 43,993
37
Sum of digits of LCM = 4 + 3 + 9 + 9 + 3 = 28
18. Find the least number which when divided by 24 or 30 or 54 leaves 5 as remainder in each case.
(NCHM JEE 2021)
(1) 1,000 (2) 1,035 (3) 1,065 (4) 1,085
Ans (4)
LCM of 24, 30 and 54 is the smallest number divisible by 3 numbers. If we add 5 to the LCM, then the
new number will be the smallest number to give a remainder of 5 when divided by any of the three
numbers.
17
Quantitative Aptitude
LCM of 24, 30 and 54 = 1,080
Required number is 1080 + 5 = 1,085.
19. The LCM and HCF of two numbers are 84 and 21 respectively. If the ratio of the numbers is 1 : 4, then
which is the larger number among two? (CMAT 2020)
(1) 28 (2) 48 (3) 88 (4) 84
Ans (4)
Let the smaller number be ‘x’. Then the larger number is ‘4x’
LCM × HCF = x × 4x
84 × 21 = 4x2
1764 = 4x2
441 = x2
21 = x
The larger number is 84.
20. The product of two numbers is 4,107. If HCF of these numbers is 37, then which is the greater number?
(1) 101 (2) 107 (3) 111 (4) 185
Ans (3)
Let the numbers be 37a and 37b, where a and b are coprimes.
a b given
ab
⸫ Smaller number is 37 1 = 37 and bigger number is 37 3 = 111.
21. The sum of two numbers is 135 and their HCF is 9. How many such pair of numbers can be formed?
(CMAT 2020)
(1) 2 (2) 5 (3) 4 (4) 6
Ans (3)
Let the number be 9x and 9y, where x and y are coprimes.
9x + 9y = 135
9 (x + y) = 135
x + y = 15
We have to represent 15 as the sum of 2 numbers which are prime to each other. Such possible pairs are
(1, 14) (2, 13) (4, 11) (7, 8)
So, the possible pair of numbers are (i) 9 and 126, (ii) 18 and 117 (iii) 36 and 99 or (iv) 63 and 72.
Thus, 4 such pair of numbers can be formed.
18
Quantitative Aptitude
22. Two pipes of length 1.5 m and 1.2 m are to be cut into equal pieces without leaving any extra length of
pipes. What is the greatest length of the pipe pieces of the same size which can be cut from these two
pipes? (SSC CGL 2017)
(1) 0.13 m (2) 0.4 m (3) 0.3 m (4) 0.41 m
Ans (3)
HCF of 1.5 and 1.2 is 0.3
4 6 8
23. What is the HCF of , , ? (Delhi Police SI 2020)
5 8 25
1 1 1 1
(1) (2) (3) (4)
5 100 200 50
Ans (2)
HCF of numerators
HCF of fractions =
LCM of denominators
4 6 8 HCFof 4, 6, 8 2 1
HCF of , ,
5 8 25 LCM of 5, 8, 25 200 100
24. What is the LCM of , , , ?
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Ans (2)
LCM of numerators
LCM of fractions =
HCF of denominators
LCM of 9, 12, 18, 21 252
LCM of , , ,
HCF of 10, 25, 35, 40 5
25. The HCF of two numbers is 21 and their LCM is 221 times the HCF. If one of the numbers lies between
200 and 300, then what is the sum of digits of the other number? (SSC CGL 2018)
(1) 14 (2) 17 (3) 18 (4) 15
Ans (4)
Let the two numbers be 21a and 21b, where a and b are coprimes
21a × 21b = 21 × 4641 [ LCM 221 HCF 221 21 4641 ]
ab = 221
ab = 13 × 17
Suppose a = 13 and b = 17
The two numbers are 21 × 13 = 273 and 21 × 17 = 357
273 lies between 200 and 300
So, sum of digit of 357 = 3 + 5 + 7 = 15.
19
Quantitative Aptitude
26. The product of two numbers is 6,845. If the HCF of the numbers is 37, then which is the greater number?
(SSC MTS 2019)
(1) 111 (2) 37 (3) 148 (4) 185
Ans (4)
Let the two numbers be 37a and 37b, where a and b are coprimes and a < b.
37a × 37b = 6845
ab
a = 1 and b = 5
Then the numbers are 37 and 185
Greater number is 185.
27. What least value should be added to 1,812 to make it divisible by 7, 11 and 14? (SSC CHSL, 2017)
(1) 12 (2) 36 (3) 72 (4) 154
Ans (2)
LCM of 7, 11, 14 is 154.
When we divide 1812 by 154, we get 11 as quotient and 118 as remainder.
1812 = 154 11 + 118
So, the least number to be added is = 154 –0 118 = 36
28. Three numbers are in the ratio of [Link] and their LCM is 4,200. Find their HCF. (SSC CAPFS NIA 2019)
(1) 60 (2) 20 (3) 70 (4) 15
Ans (3)
Let the numbers be 3x, 4x, 5x
LCM of 3x, 4x and 5x = 3 × 4 × 5 × x = 60x
4200 = 60x x = 70
Their HCF is 70.
29. How many pairs of positive integers exist, whose sum is 99 and HCF is 9 is? (SSC CHSL 2015)
(1) 5 (2) 4 (3) 3 (4) 2
Ans (1)
Let the numbers be 9a and 9b where a and b are coprimes
9a + 9b = 99
9 (a + b) = 99
a + b = 11
So, a and b can take the following values
(1, 10) (2, 9) (3, 8) (4, 7) (5, 6)
5 pairs of integers exist.
20
Quantitative Aptitude
30. The product of two whole numbers is 1,500 and their HCF is 10. Which of the following can be the sum
of those two numbers?
(1) 150 (2) 70 (3) 80 (4) 90
Ans (3)
Let the two numbers be 10a and 10 b where a and b are coprimes.
a b given
ab
ab
or
So, the numbers are 10 and 150 or 30 and 50
Thus, sum of numbers is either 160 or 80.
31. The ratio of two numbers is 3 : 4 and their LCM is 120. What is the sum of numbers? (SSC CHSL,2015)
(1) 70 (2) 140 (3) 35 (4) 105
Ans (1)
Let the numbers be 3a and 4a.
LCM of 3a and 4a is 12a.
12a = 120 a
Hence, the numbers are 30 and 40.
Sum of the numbers = 30 + 40 = 70
32. What is the HCF of 1.75, 5.6 and 7?
(2) 0.07 (2) 0.7 (3) 3.5 (4) 0.35
Ans (4)
Given numbers with two decimal places are 1.75, 5.60, 7.00.
Without considering decimal point, find the HCF of 175, 560, 700
175 =
HCF of 175, 560 and 700 is .
Hence, the HCF of 1.75, 5.6, 7 is 0.35
33. Which of the following is the simplified form of ?
(3) (2) (3) (4)
Ans (1)
First, find HCF of 1168 and 1095.
1168 = 1095 1 + 73
1095 = 73 15 + 0
73 is the HCF of 1168 and 1095.
21
Quantitative Aptitude
.
34. The value of 4.5 – (3.2 ÷ 0.8 × 5) + 3 × 4 ÷ 6 is ________. (SSC CGL 2019)
(1) –13.5 (2) 4.2 (3) – 8.5 (4) 5.7
Ans (1)
4.5 – (3.2 ÷ 0.8 × 5) + 3 × 4 ÷ 6
= 4.5 – (4 × 5) + 3 × 4 ÷ 6
2
= 4.5 – 20 + 3 ×
3
= 4.5 – 20 + 2 = 6.5 – 20 = – 13.5
35. Which of the following fractions is the largest?
3 7 5 7
, , , (ESIC UDC 2016)
2 3 4 2
7 5 7 3
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3 4 2 2
Ans (3)
LCM of 2, 3, 4 is 12
3 3 6 18 7 7 4 28 5 5 3 15 7 7 6 42
, , ,
2 2 6 12 3 3 4 12 4 4 3 12 2 2 6 12
18 28 15 42
The fractions are , , ,
12 12 12 12
42
is the largest
12
7
is the largest.
2
36. 1,200 + 568 ÷ 8 – 35 = ? (RBI Pre 2020)
(1) 1,458 (2) 1,294 (3) 1,352 (4) 1,236
Ans (4)
1200 + 568 ÷ 8 – 35
= 1200 + 71 – 35 = 1236
37. If N 12,345 12,345 12,346, then what is the value of
2
N? (SSC CGL 2018)
(1)12,346 (2) 12,347 (3) 12,348 (4) 12,349
Ans (1)
N 12345 12345 12346
2
12345 12345 12345 1
2
12345 2 12345 1 12
2
12345 1 12346
2 2
N 12,346
22
Quantitative Aptitude
m r mr nt
38. If and , find the value of (MBA, 2011)
n t nt mr
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Ans (2)
m r
and
n t
m r mr
n t nt
mr
mr nt nt
nt mr mr
nt
343× 343× 343 13×13×13
39. Simplify: 343× 343 + 343×13 +13×13 (HSEE 2018)
(1) 343 (2) 13 (3) 330 (4) 356
Ans (3)
Given expression
= 343 – 13 = 330
1 3 5 997
40. Which of the options represent the simplified form of 2 3 2 5 2 7 ............ 2 999 ?
(RRB 2007)
5 1001 1 1001
(1) (2) (3) (4)
999 999 1001 3
Ans (4)
1 3 5 997
2 2 2 ........... 2
3 5 7 999
5 7 9 1001 1001
........... =
3 5 7 999 3
***
23
2. Problems on Numbers
Squares and square roots
Squares
When a real number ‘a’ is multiplied with itself, the product obtained is called the square of the number
‘a’ and is written as a2.
a a = a2
Squares of natural numbers are called perfect squares. Example: 4 = 22; 9 = 32; 16 = 42 etc.
Properties of perfect squares
1. No perfect square ends with the digit 2, 3, 7 or 8. In other words, no perfect square can have the digits
2, 3, 7 or 8 in its unit place.
2. The squares of even numbers are always even and squares of odd numbers are always odd.
3. A perfect square can never end with odd number of zeros, but they can end with even number of zeros.
For example, 400, 4900, 250000 are perfect squares. All numbers ending with even number of zeros are
not perfect squares. For example 500, 700, 110000 are not perfect squares.
4. Perfect square can be expressed as a sum of consecutive odd numbers starting with 1.
Example: 42 = 16 = 1 + 3 + 5 + 7
72 = 49 = 1 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 9 + 11 + 13
5. The difference of squares of two consecutive numbers is always equal to sum of the numbers.
Example: 82 – 72 = 64 – 49 = 15 = 8 + 7
6. Perfect squares always have odd number of divisors.
Example: 62 = 36.
36 has 9 divisors. They are, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 36.
7. Three natural numbers a, b, c, where a < b < c, are called Pythagorean triplet if a 2 + b 2 = c2 . For any
natural number n > 1, 2n, (n2 1) and (n2 + 1) is a Pythagorean triplet. To verify the correctness, take
n = 4. Then 2n = 8, n2 – 1 = 15 and n2 + 1 = 17. We notice that 82 + 152 = 64 + 225 = 289 = 172.
8, 15 and 17 is Pythagorean triplet.
Square roots
A number ‘x’ is said to be the square root of a number ‘n’ if n = x x. So, the square root of a given
positive integer n is that natural number which when multiplied with itself gives ‘n’. Square root of a
number n is denoted as n .
Example 1
22=4 4=2
13 13 = 169, 169 = 13
We can find the square root of a perfect square by following two methods.
(i) Prime factorization method.
(ii) Long division method.
24
Quantitative Aptitude
Examples: Find the square root of 7,056 by prime factorization method.
Solution
2 7056
2 3528
2 1764
2 882
3 441
3 147
7 49
7
7,056 = 24 32 72
= (22)2 32 72
7056 = 22 × 3× 7 = 4 × 3× 7 = 84
Example 2
Find the square root of 2,98,116 using long division method.
Solution
Step 1: Put a vertical line to the left of the number and a horizontal line above the number. Place a bar over
every pair of digits starting from the digit in unit place.
546
5 29 8116
25
104 481
416
1086 6516
6516
Step 2: Find the largest number whose square is less than or equal to the number under extreme left bar
i.e., 29. 52 < 29 < 62. Write 5 to the left of the vertical line as well as above the horizontal line. Write
the product of these two numbers (i.e., 25) below 29 and subtract from 29. We get the remainder 4.
Step 3: Bring down the number under the next bar (i.e., 81) to the right of the remainder. The new number
is 481. Double the number above the horizontal line and write it to the left of vertical line. In this
case the number is 10.
Step 4: Guess a largest possible digit (say x) to be written to the right of 10 as well as to the right of 5
(above the horizontal line), so that the product of 10x and x is less than or equal to 481. In this case
it is 4. Find the product of 104 and 4 i.e., 416 and write it below 481. Subtract 416 from 481 and
find the remainder (i.e., 65).
Step 5: Bring down the number under the next bar i.e., 16 to the right of 65. The new number got is 6516.
Double the number above horizontal line to get 108 and write this to the left of vertical line.
Step 6: Again, repeat the process stated in step 4 and write the product of 1086 and 6, below the number
6516, subtract it from 6516 and find the remainder.
The remainder is zero.
25
Quantitative Aptitude
The process ends at this stage.
The number appearing above the horizontal line is the square root of given number.
Thus, 546 is the square root of 2,98,116.
Long division method can also be used to estimate the square root of non perfect square numbers
upto required number of decimal places.
Example 3
Find the square root of 640 correct to one decimal place.
Solution
Since we are required to find square root correct to one decimal place, we should find it upto 2 decimal
places. If the second digit after decimal point is less than 5, we should ignore it and if it is 5 or more, we
should increase the first digit by 1.
Add four zeros (double the number of decimal places) to the right of given number and find the square root
as explained in the earlier example. Ignore the remainder at the final stage. In the number appearing above
the horizontal line count two digits from right and put a decimal point.
This gives the approximate square root of given number. Round it off to one decimal place.
2 5 2 9
— — —
2 6 40 00 00
4
45 240
225
502 1500
1004
5049 49600
45441
4159
Ignore the remainder 4159.
25.29 is the approximate square root of 640. When we write it correct to one decimal place, it becomes 25.3.
So, 640 25.3 (correct to one decimal place)
(n +1) n
When a perfect square contains ‘n’ digits, its square root will contain digits if n is odd and digits
2 2
if n is even. For example, 1024 = 32 (n is even); 20736 = 144 (n is odd)
Cubes and cube roots
A natural number ‘n’ is said to be a perfect cube, if there exists another natural number m such that
n = m m m. It is written as n = m3. ‘m’ is called the cube root of ‘n’ and is symbolically written as
m= 3 n.
Method of factorization can be used to find the cube root of a perfect cube.
Example: Find the cube root of 13,824.
26
Quantitative Aptitude
213824
26912
23456
21728
2864
2432
2216
2108
254
327
39
3
13824 = 23 23 23 33
3 13824 = 2× 2 × 2× 3 = 24
Shortcut method to find cube roots of perfect cubes.
Observe the following table.
n 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
n3 1 8 27 64 125 216 343 512 729 1000
From the above table we notice that when a number ends with 1, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 0, its cube root also ends with
the same digit.
When a number ends with 2, its cube root ends with 8 and when the numbers ends with 8, its cube root ends
with 2.
When a number ends with 3, its cube root ends with 7 and when the number ends with 7, its cube root ends
with 3.
We should remember this property.
We should also remember the cubes of at least first 10 natural numbers.
The shortcut method works as explained below.
Example: Find the cube root of 97,336
Solution
Count 3 digits from right and put a slash 97/336.
The number ends with 6. So, its cube root also ends with 6.
Observe the number to the left of the slash. It is 97. This number lies between two perfect cubes 43 (= 64)
and 53 (= 125). Select the smaller number 4 and write it to the left of 6.
3 97336 46
So, we can write the cube roots of a perfect cube just by observation, without doing any calculation.
Observe the following
3
59319 39
3 226,981 61
3
19683 27
3 110 592 48 .
This method is applicable to find the cube roots of perfect cubes only.
27
Quantitative Aptitude
Some important points to be remembered
1. Sum of first n odd numbers is n2.
2. Sum of first n even numbers is n (n + 1)
n(n +1)
3. Sum of first n natural numbers is
2
n(n +1)(2n +1)
4. Sum of squares of first n natural numbers is
6
2
n(n +1)
5. Sum of cubes of first n natural numbers is
2
Fraction
Fraction represent the parts of a whole or collection of objects. A fraction has two parts. The number on the
top of the line is called the numerator. It tells how many equal parts of the whole or collection are taken.
The number below the line is called the denominator. It shows the total number of equal parts the whole is
divided into or the total number of same objects in a collection.
Example (1): If a cake is cut into eight equal pieces and three such pieces are placed on a plate, then the
3
plate is said to have of the cake. It is read as “three-eighth”.
8
3
Example (2): There are a total of 5 children. 3 out of 5 are girls. So, the fraction of girls is three-fifth .
5
2
2 out of 5 are boys. So, the fraction of boys is two-fifth .
5
A fraction written in the above form is called a “Vulgar fraction”. A vulgar fraction can be converted into a
decimal form by dividing the numerator by the denominator. When a vulgar fraction is converted into
decimal form, it is either terminating or non terminating recurring.
Conversion of a Decimal fraction into Vulgar fraction
In case of terminating decimal form, put 1 in the denominator instead of the decimal point and annex with it
as many zeros as the number of digits after the decimal point. Now, remove the decimal point and write the
number as numerator. Reduce the fraction to its lowest form.
35 7 3248 406
Thus,0.35 = = ; 3.248 = =
100 20 1000 125
If in a decimal fraction, a figure or a set of figures is repeated continuously, then such a number is called a
recurring decimal.
In a recurring decimal, if a single figure is repeated, then it is expressed by putting either a dot or a bar on it.
If a set of figures is repeated, it is expressed by putting a bar on the set.
1 • 15
Thus, = 0.333... = 0.3 ; = 2.142857142857..... = 2.142857
3 7
A decimal fraction in which all the figures after the decimal point are repeated, is called a pure recurring
decimal. A decimal in which some figures after the decimal point do not repeat and some of them are
repeated, is called a mixed recurring decimal.
28
Quantitative Aptitude
Converting a pure recurring decimal into Vulgar fraction
Write the repeated figures only once in the numerator and as many 9s in the denominator as the number of
repeating figures.
7 56 68
Thus, 0.7 = ; 0.56 = ; 0.068 =
9 99 999
Converting mixed recurring decimal into Vulgar fraction
In the numerator, take the difference between the number formed by all the digits after decimal point (taking
repeated digits only once) and that formed by the digits which are not repeated. In the denominator, take the
number formed by as many nines as there are repeating digits followed by as many zeros as the number of
non repeating digits.
• 16 1 15 1 2273 22 2251
Thus, 0.16 = = = ; 0.2273 = =
90 90 6 9900 9900
Worked Examples
1. Find the square root of 57,121.
Ans
239
2 5,71,21
4
43 171
129
469 4221
4221
0000
, .
2. What is the smallest number that must be added to 1,20,400, so that the sum is a perfect square?
Ans
347
3 12,04,00
9
64 304
256
687 4800
4809
–9
If we add 9 to 1,20,400, we get 1,20,409 which is equal to 3472.
Hence, the smallest number to be added is 9.
29
Quantitative Aptitude
3. Find the square root of 2.5 correct to two decimal places.
Ans
Since we are required to find square root correct to two decimal places, we should find it upto 3 decimal
places. If the third digit after decimal point is less than 5, we should ignore it and if it is 5 or more, we
should increase the second digit by 1.
Write 2.5 as 2.500000 (it should contain six digits after the decimal point, since we are required to find
square root upto three decimal places) and find the square root, ignoring the decimal point. In the
answer, count three digits from right and put the decimal point.
1581
1 2,50,00,00
1
25 150
125
308 2500
2464
3161 3600
. . .
. correct to two decimal places = 1.58
4. Simplify : .......
Ans
.......
.........
...........
5. Find the value of ....
Ans
Let x = ....
Squaring both sides we get,
x2 = 6 6 6 6 ....
x2 = 6 + x
x2 – x – 6 = 0
(x – 3) (x + 2) = 0
30
Quantitative Aptitude
⸫ x = 3 or x = – 2
x cannot be equal to 0
Hence, x = 3
6. Find the value of .
Ans
10 25 108 154 225 10 25 108 154 15
10 25 108 169 10 25 108 13
10 25 121 10 25 11
x x
7. If , what is the value of x?
x x
Ans
x x
,
x x
x x x x
x x x x
x x
x x
x x x x
x x
x x x x
x
x x
x x
x x
Squaring both sides, we get,
x x x x
x x
x x
12
x ( x cannot be 0)
5
31
Quantitative Aptitude
8. By what least number 4,340 be multiplied to obtain a number which is a perfect cube?
Ans
To get a perfect cube, the given number is to multiplied by .
9. Express 2.1358 as vulgar fraction.
Ans
Let x = 2.1358 = 2.135858…….
10000x = 21358.5858…. (1)
100x = 213.5858… (2)
On subtracting, 9900x = 21145
21145 4229
x= =
9900 1980
a • 3a + b
10. If = 0.38, find the value of .
b 3b + a
Ans
a 38 3 7
0.38
b 90 18
3a a 7 21 39
b +1 3 +1 3× +1 +1
3a + b b = b 18 39
= = 18 = 18 = =
3b + a a a 7 7 61 61
b 3 + 3+ 3+ 3+
b b 18 18 18
2 3 1
11. In a certain office of the workers are women, of the women are married, of married women have
3 4 4
1 2
children. If of the men are married and of married men have children, what part of the workers do
2 3
not have children? What is the minimum number of workers in the office?
Ans
Let the number of workers in the office be x.
2x
Number of women workers =
3
3 2x 3 2x x
Number of married women = of = × =
4 3 4 3 2
1 x x
Number of married women having children = of =
4 2 8
2x x
Number of men workers = x
3 3
1 x 1 x x
Number of married men = of = × =
2 3 2 3 6
2 x 2 x x
Number of married men having children = of = × =
3 6 3 6 9
32
Quantitative Aptitude
x x 17x
Total number of workers having children = + =
8 9 72
17x 55x
Number of workers who do not have children = x
72 72
55
Hence, part of the workers do not have children.
72
55x
should be an integer, since number of workers cannot be a fraction.
72
55x
is an integer only when x is multiple of 72.
72
Hence, the minimum number of workers in the office is 72.
12. The ten’s digit of a three digit number is 3. The sum of the unit digit and hundred digit is 14. If the
digits of the number are written in the reverse order, the number formed is 396 more than the original
number. What is the original number?
Ans
Let the original number be 100x + 10y + z
y =3
and x + z = 14 … (1)
100z + 10 y + x = 100x + 10y + z +396
z x
zx
x–z=–4 … (2)
On solving (1) and (2), we get x = 5 and z = 9
Hence, the original number is 539.
13. The sum of a rational number and its reciprocal is . Find the number.
Ans
Let the number be x.
x
x
x
x
x x
x x x
x x x
x x
Hence, x or x .
33
Quantitative Aptitude
14. If the sum of two numbers is 10 and the sum of their reciprocals is , find the numbers.
Ans
Let the numbers be x and y.
x + y = 10 … (1)
x y
xy
xy
xy
xy
x y x y xy
x-y=2 … (2)
Solving (1) and (2), we get, x = 6 and y = 4
Hence, the numbers are 6 and 4.
15. The sum of two numbers is 190. One fourth of one number is 2 less than one-seventh of the other
number. Find the absolute difference between the numbers.
Ans
Let one number be x.
The other number is 190 – x.
1 1
x = (190 x) 2
4 7
190 x x
2
7 4
4(190 x) 7x
=2
28
760 4x 7x
= 2 760 11x = 56.
28
11x = 760 56 = 704
704
x= = 64
11
190 x = 190 64 = 126
Hence, the numbers are 64 and 126.
The difference between the numbers = 126 – 64 = 62.
7
16. If the sum of two numbers is 14 and the sum of their reciprocals is , find the product of the
24
numbers.
Ans
Let one of the numbers be x.
The other number is 14 – x.
34
Quantitative Aptitude
1 1 7
+ =
x 14 x 24
14 x + x 7
=
x(14 x) 24
7x (14 x) = 14 24
98x 7x2 = 336
7x2 98x + 336 = 0
x2 14x + 48 = 0
(x 8) (x 6) = 0
x = 8 or x = 6
If x = 8, 14 x = 6 and if x = 6, 14 x = 8
Hence, the numbers are 6 and 8. Product of the numbers = 6 8 = 48.
17. Three numbers are in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7. The sum of their squares is 2,075. Find the sum of the numbers.
Ans
Let the number be 3x, 5x and 7x
Then (3x)2 + (5x)2 + (7x)2 = 2075
9x2 + 25x2 + 49x2 = 2075
83x2 = 2075
2075
x2 = = 25
83
x = 25 = 5.
The numbers are 3× 5 = 15, 5× 5 = 25 and 7 × 5 = 35
Sum of numbers = 15 + 25 + 35 = 75.
18. Sum of digits of a two digit number is 12. If the digits of the number are interchanged, the new number
formed is greater than the original number by 36. Find the original number.
Ans
Let the original number be 10x + y.
Sum of digits is 12.
x + y = 12 ... (1)
10y + x = 10x + y + 36
9y – 9x = 36
y–x=4 ... (2)
Adding (1) and (2) we get.
2y = 16 y = 8
x = 12 y = 12 8 = 4
The original number is 48.
35
Quantitative Aptitude
19. The number 50 is divided into two parts such that the sum of their reciprocals is . Find the two parts.
Ans
Let the two parts of the number be x and (50 – x).
x x
x x x x
x x
x x
x x
x x
Hence, x = 20 or x = 30.
The two parts of the number are 20 and 30.
1 1
20. A fraction becomes when 1 is added to both numerator and the denominator. It becomes when 1 is
2 3
subtracted from both numerator and denominator. Find the fraction.
Ans
x x +1 1
Let the fraction be =
y y +1 2
2x + 2 = y + 1
2x y = 1 ... (1)
x 1 1
=
y 1 3
3x 3 = y 1
3x y = 2 ... (2)
Subtracting (1) from (2) we get
x=3
Substituting the value of x in (1) we get
6 – y = –1
y=6+1=7
3
The original fraction = .
7
36
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. What least number is to be subtracted from 16,800 to get a perfect square? (SSC 2017)
(1) 169 (2) 219 (3) 159 (4) 249
Ans (3)
129
1 1,68,00
1
22 068
2 44
249 2400
2241
159
159 is the least number to be subtracted from 16,800 to get a perfect square.
2. Simplify : (NABARD 2019)
(1) 312 (2) 21 (3) 484 (4) 440
Ans (2)
212 229
2 4,49,44 2 5,24,41
4 4
41 049 42 124
41 84
422 844 449 4041
844 4041
000 0000
3. What is the square root of ?
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Ans (2)
.
37
Quantitative Aptitude
4. If , what is the value of . . . . upto two decimal
places? (SSC 2005)
(1) 7.09 (2) 7.10 (3) 7.11 (4) 7.12
Ans (3)
. . . .
. . . .
. .
5. The number 2564 6425 is the square of a natural number N. What is the sum of digits of N?
(AAO 2010)
(1) 7 (2) 14 (3) 21 (4) 28
Ans (2)
N
N
followed by zeros
Sum of digits of N = 2 + 0 + 4 + 8 = 14.
6. When the product of three consecutive even numbers is divided by 8, the quotient is 720. What is the
product of the square roots of the numbers? (Hotel management, 2006)
(1) (2) (3) 120 (4) None of this
Ans (2)
Let the numbers be x, (x + 2) and (x + 4)
x x x
x x x
x x x x x x
7. What is the value of ? (DMRC 2016)
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Ans (1)
. .
38
Quantitative Aptitude
8. What is the cube root of 79,507?
(1) 47 (2) 43 (3) 53 (4) 57
Ans (2)
Count three digits from right and put a slash.
79/507
The number ends with 7. Hence its cube root ends with 3.
79 lies between two perfect cubes 64 (= 43) and 125 (= 53).
Write the smaller number 4 to the left of 3.
.
9. What is the smallest positive integer n, for which 864n is a perfect cube? (CPO, 2007)
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
Ans (2)
2 864
2 432
2 216
2 108
2 54
3 27
3 9
3
If we multiply 864 by 2, we get 123.
Hence, the smallest value of n is 2.
p
10. Which of the following is the form of 1.27 ? (SSC 2010)
q
127 14 73 11
(1) (2) (3) (4)
100 11 100 14
Ans (2)
Let x = 1.27 = 1.272727… ... (1)
Then 100x = 127.272727… ... (2)
(2) – (1) gives,
100x – x = 127.272727 .........… – 1.272727 ..........
99x = 126
126 14
x
99 11
11. Convert . to vulgar fraction.
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Ans (4)
39
Quantitative Aptitude
Let x = . = 2.532727…
10,000x = 25327.2727…
100x = 253.2727…
9900x = 25074
25074 1393
x
9900 550
p
12. What is the q form of the expression . . ?
(1) (2) (3) (4)
Ans (2)
Let x . ....
100x = 112.1212…
x
x
Let y . ....
100y = 123.333…
10y = 12.333…
y
y
. . x y
13. Find the number whose seventh part multiplied by its eleventh part gives 1232. (PU MBA 2021)
(1) 400 (2) 308 (3) 315 (4) 325
Ans (2)
Let the number be x
1 1
x x 1232
7 11
2
x = 1232 × 77
x2 = 77 × 16 × 77
x = 77 77 4 4
x = 77 × 4
x = 308
5 1
14. of a number is equal to twenty five percent of second number. Second number is equal to of third
9 4
number. The value of third number is 2,960. What is 30% of first number? (DMRC 2016)
(1) 99.9 (2) 88.8 (3) 77.7 (4) None of these
Ans (1)
40
Quantitative Aptitude
1
Second number = 2960
4
= 740
5 25 1
of first number = 740 740
9 100 4
= 185
9
First number is 185 333
5
30
30% of first number 333 99.9
100
15. Two times a two-digit number is nine times the number obtained by reversing the digits and the sum of
the digits is 9. Find the number. (NCHMCT JEE 2020)
(1) 72 (2) 54 (3) 63 (4) 81
Ans (4)
Let the number 10x + y
x+y=9 … (1)
2(10x + y) = 9(10y + x)
20x + 2y = 90y + 9x
11x - 88y = 0
x – 8y = 0 … (2)
Subtracting (2) from (1), we get,
9y = 9 y
x y
Hence, the number is 81.
16. Sumit was doing a multiplication, but by mistake instead of 25 as one of the multipliers, he took 34.
Now, because of this mistake, the answer was 405 more than the correct answer. Find out the answer
that Sumit arrived at. (SNAP 2018)
(1) 1,620 (2) 1,530 (3) 1,450 (4) 1,350
Ans (2)
Let the other number multiplied be x
25 × x = y ... (1)
34 × x = y + 405
34x – 405 = y ... (2)
From (1) and (2)
34x – 405 = 25x
9x = 405
x = 45
The answer Sumit arrived at is 34 × 45 = 1530.
41
Quantitative Aptitude
17. There are 6 consecutive odd numbers. The square of the average of the last three numbers is 386 more
than the product of the first two numbers. What is the value of the first odd number? (IBPS PO 2019)
(1) 25 (2) 23 (3) 27 (4) 9
Ans (2)
Let the six consecutive odd number be (2x – 5), (2x – 3), (2x – 1), (2x + 1), (2x + 3), (2x + 5)
2x 1 2x 3 2x 5
2
386 2x 5 2x 3
3
2
6x 9
386 4x 16x 15
2
3
2x 3
2
386 4x 2 16x 15
4x2 + 9 + 12x = 386 + 4x2 – 16x + 15
28x = 392
x = 14
1st odd number is (2x – 5) = 2(14) –5 = 23.
18. A number is such that when it is multiplied by 3, it gives another number which is as much above 116
as the original number itself is below 116. What is 40% of original number? (IBPS PO 2019)
(1) 23.2 (2) 24.8 (3) 20 (4) 20.8
Ans (1)
Let the original number be x
3x – 116 = 116 – x
4x = 232
x = 58
40 116
40% of 58 58 23.2
100 5
19. If a number is added to two-fifths of itself, the value so obtained is 455. What is the number?
(Bank Recruitment, 2010)
(1) 325 (2) 350 (3) 400 (4) 420
Ans (1)
Let the number be x.
x
x x x
x
x
20. 243 is divided into three parts such that half of the first part, one-third of the second part and one-fourth
of the third part are equal. What is the largest part?
(1) 74 (2) 86 (3) 92 (4) 108
Ans (4)
Let the three parts be A, B and C, where A < B < C
42
Quantitative Aptitude
A B C
Let x
A x , B x , C x
A + B + C = 243
2x + 3x + 4x = 243
x x
Largest number is C = 4x =
21. The sum of two numbers is 37 and the difference of their squares is 185. Then what is the difference
between the two numbers? (SSC CHSL 2015)
(1) 10 (2) 4 (3) 5 (4) 3
Ans (3)
Let the 2 numbers be x and y and x y
x + y = 37
x2 – y2 = 185
x y x y
(37) (x – y) = 185
(x – y) = 5
3 th 7
22. By how much is of 568 lesser than th of 1008? (BANK PO 2008)
4 8
(1) 444 (2) 448 (3) 452 (4) 456
Ans (4)
3
568 426
4
7
1008 882
8
882 – 426 = 456.
23. The sum and product of two numbers are 12 and 35 respectively. What is the sum of their reciprocals?
(SSC 2007)
12 1 35 7
(1) (2) (3) (4)
35 35 8 32
Ans (1)
Let the two numbers be x and y
Given: x + y = 12 y = 12 – x
xy = 35
x (12 – x) = 35
12x – x2 = 35
x2 – 12x + 35 = 0
x2 – 7x – 5x + 35 = 0
x (x – 7) – 5 (x – 7) = 0 (x – 7) (x – 5) = 0
x = 7 or x = 5
43
Quantitative Aptitude
If x = 7 then y = 5
x = 5 then y = 7
1 1 1 1
x y 5 7
75 12
35 35
24. What is the greater of the two numbers whose product is 1,092 and the sum of the two numbers exceeds
their difference by 42? (SBI PO 2008)
(1) 44 (2) 48 (3) 52 (4) 54
Ans (3)
Let the two number be x & y and x > y
xy = 1092
x + y = x – y + 42
2y = 42
y = 21
1092
x
21
x = 52.
The greater number is 52.
25. Two numbers are such that their difference, their sum and their product are to one another as 1 : 7 : 24.
What is the product of the two numbers? (MBA 2010)
(1) 6 (2) 12 (3) 24 (4) 48
Ans (4)
Let the two numbers be x and y
Given: (x – y) : (x + y) : xy = 1 : 7 : 24
xy 1
x y 7x 7y ... (1)
xy 7
xy 7
24x 24y 7xy ... (2)
xy 24
xy 1
24x 24y xy ... (3)
xy 24
(2) + (3) gives
24x + 24y + 24x – 24y = 7xy + xy
48x = 8xy
6=y
y=6
Using y = 6 in (1)
x + 6 = 7x – 42
48 = 6x
x=8
xy = 6 × 8 = 48.
44
Quantitative Aptitude
26. Of the three numbers, the sum of the first two is 73; the sum of the second and the third is 77 and the
sum of the third and thrice the first is 104. What is the third number? (NABARD 2008)
(1) 25 (2) 39 (3) 48 (4) None of these
Ans (4)
Let the three numbers be x, y and z respectively
Given: x + y = 73 … (1)
y + z = 77 … (2)
z + 3x = 104 … (3)
Adding (1), (2) and (3), we get
4x + 2y + 2z = 254
2 x y z 127 … (4)
x y z
x
Substituting the value of x in (3), we get,
z + 75 = 104
⸫ z = 104 – 75 = 29
The third number is 29.
27. The difference between three-fifth of two-third of a number and two-fifth of one-fourth of the same
number is 288. What is the number? (Bank P.O., 2006)
(1) 850 (2) 895 (3) 955 (4) 960
Ans (4)
Let the number be x.
x x
x x x x
x
x .
28. If the numerator of a fraction is increased by 2 and the denominator is increased by 3, the fraction
5
becomes . If both the numerator as well as the denominator are decreased by 2, the fraction becomes
7
2
. What is the sum of numerator and denominator of the original fraction?
3
(1) 9 (2) 14 (3) 16 (4) 19
Ans (4)
Let the numerator be ‘x’ and denominator be ‘y’
x2 5
… (1)
y3 7
x2 2
… (2)
y2 3
45
Quantitative Aptitude
From equation (1)
7x + 14 = 5y + 15
7x – 5y = 1 … (3)
From equation (2)
3x – 6 = 2y – 4
3x – 2y = 2 … (4)
On multiplying equation (3) by 2 and equation (4) by 5 we get,
14x – 10y = 2
15x – 10y = 10
On subtracting we get, – x = – 8
⸫x=8
Substituting x = 8 in equation (4)
3x – 2y = 2
24 – 2y = 2
– 2y = – 22
y = 11
x + y = 8 + 11 = 19.
29. A student was asked to divide half of a certain number by 6 and the other half by 4 and then to add the
two quantities so obtained. Instead of doing so, the student divided the number by 5 and the result fell
short by 4. What was the given number? (PCS 2009)
(1) 240 (2) 288 (3) 384 (4) 480
Ans (4)
Let the number be x
x x
2 2 x 4
6 4 5
x x x
x x x
x x x
x
x = 480
30. If the numerator of a fraction is increased by and the denominator is decreased by the new fraction
obtained is . What is the original fraction? (Bank P.O., 2008)
(1) (2) (3) (4) Cannot be determined
46
Quantitative Aptitude
Ans (4)
x
Let the fraction be
y
x
x
y
y
x x
y y
x y x y , which cannot be solved.
Hence, the original fraction cannot be determined.
31. A man bought some eggs of which 10% are rotten. He gives 80% of the remainder to his neighbours.
Now, he is left out with 36 eggs. How many eggs he bought? (SSC CHSL 2015)
(1) 40 (2) 100 (3) 200 (4) 72
Ans (3)
Let the number of eggs bought be ‘x’
90x 9x
Since 10% are rotten, the number good eggs is
100 10
9x 9x 80 18x
80% of given to neighbour =
10 10 100 25
9x 18x 45x 36x 9x
Remaining eggs =
10 25 50 50
9x
36 (given)
50
36 50
x
9
x = 200.
32. In an examination, a student scores 4 marks for every correct answer and loses 1 mark for every wrong
answer. A student attempted all the 200 questions and scored in all 200 marks. How many questions did
he answer correctly? (SSC, 2010)
(1) 60 (2) 68 (3) 80 (4) 82
Ans (3)
Let the number of questions answered correctly be x.
Then, the number of questions answered wrongly = 200 – x
4 x – 1 (200 – x) = 200
4x – 200 + x = 200
5x = 400 x = 80
33. Two candles having the same lengths are such that one burns out completely in three hours at a uniform
rate and the other in four hours. At what time should both of the candles be lighted together so that at
4:00 pm the length of one candle is twice the length of the other? (AAO Exam, 2010)
(1) 1 : 24 pm (2) 1 : 30 pm (3) 1 : 36 pm (4) 1 : 42 pm
47
Quantitative Aptitude
Ans (3)
Let ‘a’ be the length of each candle and x be the number of hours before 4 pm, when the candles are
lighted.
ax
Length of first candle burnt =
ax a xa
Remaining length of first candle a
ax
Length of second candle burnt =
ax a xa
Remaining length of second candle a
a xa a xa x x
12 3x 24 8x
12
5x 12 x hours 2 hours 24 minutes
5
2 hours 24 minutes before 4 : 00 pm = 1 : 36 pm
34. When an amount was distributed among 14 boys, each of them got 80 more than the amount received
by each boy when the same amount is distributed equally among 18 boys. What was the amount?
(1) 6,000 (2) 5,040 (3) 5,000 (4) 6,400
Ans (2)
Let the amount be x.
x x
Then,
x x x x
x = 80 × 63 = 5,040
35. A railway half-ticket costs half of full fare. But the reservation charge on half-ticket is the same as that
on full ticket. One reserved first-class ticket for a journey between two stations is 525 and the cost of
one full and one half reserved first-class tickets is 850. What is the reservation charge per ticket?
(Bank P.O., 2008)
(1) 75 (2) 100 (3) 125 (4) 150
Ans (3)
Let the fare for full ticket be x and reservation charges per ticket be y.
x + y = 525 … (1)
x
y x y … (2)
On multiplying (1) by 3 and subtracting from (2), we get,
y = 125
Hence, the reservation charges per ticket is 125.
48
Quantitative Aptitude
36. The cost of 6 pens and 3 pencils is 84. One third of cost of one pen is equal to the cost of one pencil.
What is the total cost of 4 pens and 5 pencils? (Bank Recruitment, 2010)
(1) 66 (2) 68 (3) 72 (4) 78
Ans (2)
Let the cost of one pen be x.
1 x
Then the cost of one pencil = x =
3 3
x
x x
x = 12
So, cost of one pen is 12 and cost of one pencil is 4.
Cost of 4 pens and 5 pencils = 48 + 20 = 68.
37. One test tube contains some acid and another test tube contains an equal quantity of water. To prepare a
solution, 20 grams of acid is poured in to the second test tube. Then, two-third of the so formed solution
is poured from the second test tube to the first. If the fluid in the first test tube is four times that in the
second, what quantity of water was taken initially? (MAT, 2009)
(1) 40 grams (2) 60 grams (3) 80 grams (4) 100 grams
Ans (4)
Let the initial quantity in each test tube be x grams.
x x x
x x x
x x
x x
x
38. A sum of money is equally divided among a number of children. Had there been 16 children more, each
would have received 2 less and had there been 16 fewer, each would have received 3 more. What is
the sum of money distributed?
(1) 880 (2) 896 (3) 928 (4) 960
Ans (4)
Let the total number of students be n and the amount received by each student be x.
Then, total sum distributed = nx
(n + 16) (x – 2) = nx
nx + 16x – 2n – 32 = nx
16x – 2n = 32
8x – n = 16 … (1)
(n – 16) (x + 3) = nx
nx – 16x + 3n – 48 = nx
16x – 3n = – 48 … (2)
49
Quantitative Aptitude
On solving (1) and (2), we get x = 12 and n = 80.
Hence, total sum distributed = nx = 80 12 = 960.
39. The lengths of two candles are in the ratio 1 : 2. The longer candle burns out completely in four hours at
a uniform rate and the shorter one in six hours. Both the candles are lit at the same time simultaneously.
After how much time both the candles have same length?
(1) 2 hours (2) 2 hours 30 minutes (3) 3 hours (4) 3 hours 30 minutes
Ans (3)
Let the lengths of the candles be x cm and 2x cm respectively
Let the length of both the candles be equal after t hours.
x xt
Length of the x cm long candle (shorter candle) burnt in t hours t
xt x t
Remaining length of the shorter candle x
x xt
Length of the 2x cm long candle (longer candle) burnt in t hours t
xt x t
Remaining length of the longer candle x
After t hours both candles will have same length.
x t x t t t
t t
t t
After 3 hours both the candles will have same length.
2 2 2 2 2
40. Find the value of + + + + ..........
15 35 63 99 9999
8 98 2 222
(1) (2) (3) (4)
33 303 11 909
Ans (2)
2 2 2 2 2
+ + + + ..........
15 35 63 99 9999
...........
1 1
3 101
101 3
303
98
303
***
50
3. Ratio and Proportion
Ratio is one of the methods of comparing two quantities of similar kind. The ratio of two quantities ‘a’ and
a
‘b’ is expressed as a : b (read as a is to b) or . In the ratio a : b, the first term ‘a’ is called antecedent and
b
the second term ‘b’ is called consequent.
Suppose there are 15 boys and 25 girls in a class, then the ratio of boys and girls in the class is expressed as
15 : 25 or 3 : 5.
Important points to be remembered
1. The order of terms in a ratio is very important. In the above example the ratio of boys to girls in the class
is 3 : 5. It cannot be written as 5 : 3.
2. Every ratio is an abstract quantity as it expresses the number of times one quantity contains another.
3. The value of the ratio remains unaltered if both the antecedent and the consequent are multiplied or
divided by same non zero number.
Ex: 2 : 3 = 4 : 6 = 6 : 9
15 : 25 = 3 : 5
4. Ratio of two fractions can be expressed as a ratio of two integers, by multiplying each term by a suitable
number.
2 4 2 15 4 15
Ex: : : 5 : 6
3 5 3 2 5 2
When two ratios are equated it is called proportion. Proportions are represented by the symbol (: :) or
(=). If a : b = c : d, we say that a, b, c, d are in proportion. This can also be written as a : b : : c : d.
In the above proportion, a and d are called extremes, while b and c are called mean terms.
Product of means is always equal to product of extremes.
If a : b : : c : d then bc = ad.
a
If a and b are two interdependent quantities such that = k, where k is a constant for all the possible
b
values of a and b, we say ‘a’ is directly proportional to ‘b’ and we write it as a b.
a
Suppose ‘a’ is the amount paid for ‘b’ litres of milk, then remains constant and it actually represents
b
the cost of one litre milk. So, if a b, then a = kb. Here k is called the proportionality constant.
If ‘a’ and ‘b’ are two interdependent quantities such that the product ‘a b’ is a constant, then we say
1
that ‘a’ is inversely proportional (or indirectly proportional) to ‘b’ and we write it as a .
b
Suppose ‘a’ represents the number of workers engaged to do a work and ‘b’ represents the number of
days they took to complete the work, then ‘a’ is inversely proportional to ‘b’. If we increase the value of
‘a’, the value of ‘b’ decreases and vice versa, but the product of ‘a’ and ‘b’ remains constant.
If a : b = b : c, then a, b, c are said to be in continued proportion and c is called the third proportional to a
and b, where as b is called the mean proportion of a and c. Further, b ac .
If a : b = c : d, then d is called the fourth proportion to a, b, c.
51
Quantitative Aptitude
Rules of proportions
a c b d
1. Invertendo rule : If , then
b d a c
a c a b
2. Alternendo rule : If , then
b d c d
a c ab cd
3. Componendo rule: If , then
b d b d
a c ab cd
4. Dividendo rule: If = , then =
b d b d
a c a +b c+d
5. Componendo dividendo rule: If = , then =
b d ab cd
If a : b and c : d are two ratios, then ac : bd is called their compounded ratio.
Duplicate ratio of a : b is a2 : b2
Sub duplicate ratio of a : b is a : b
Triplicate ratio of a : b is a3 : b3
1 1
3
Sub triplicate ratio of a : b is a : 3 b or a 3 : b 3
Alligation
It is the rule that enables us to find the ratio in which two or more ingredients at the given price must be
mixed to produce a mixture of a desired price.
Mean price: The cost price of unit quantity of the mixture is called the mean price.
Rule of allegation: If two ingredients are mixed, then
Quantity of cheaper ingredient (C.P of dearer ingredient) (Mean price of mixture)
=
Quantity of dearer ingredient (Mean price of mixture) (C.P. of cheaper ingredient)
The rule can be represented as under
C.P of unit quantity C.P of unit quantity
of cheaper ingredient of dearer ingredient
(c) (d)
m
(Mean
Price of
mixture)
(d – m) (m – c)
Cheaper quantity ingredient : dearer quantity ingredient = (d – m) : (m – c).
Suppose a container contains x units of liquid from which y units are taken out and replaced by water. After
y
n
n such operations, the quantity of pure liquid = x 1 units.
x
52
Quantitative Aptitude
Worked Examples
1. If a : b = 8 : 5; b : c = 4 : 5 and c : d = 3 : 2, find a : b : c : d
Ans
a:b=8:5
5 5 25
b : c = 4 : 5 = 4× : 5× = 5:
4 4 4
25 25 25 25
c : d = 3 : 2 = 3× : 2× = :
12 12 4 6
25 25
[Link]=[Link] : = 96 : 60 : 75 : 50
4 6
2. If x is the mean proportional between 1.9 and 17.1, y is the third proportional to 3.8 and 11.4, find x : y.
Ans
1.9 : x = x : 17.1
x2 = 1.9 17.1 = 32.49. x = 32.49 = 5.7
3.8 : 11.4 = 11.4 : y
11.4×11.4
y= = 34.2
3.8
x : y = 5.7 : 34.2 = 1 : 6
3. The ratio of number of boys to the number of girls in a school of 540 students is 5 : 4. If 50 more boys
are admitted in the school, then how many more girls should be admitted so that the ratio of boys to that
of girls becomes 7 : 6?
Ans
Let the number of boys and girls be 5x and 4x respectively.
5x + 4x = 540 9x = 540 x = 60
Number of boys = 300 and number of girls = 240
After admission of 50 more boys, total number of boys becomes 350.
Let y be the number of girls to be admitted
y
1680 + 7y = 2100
7y = 2100 – 1680 = 420
y
Hence, 60 more girls should be admitted.
4. If x : y = 3 : 2 find (3x + 2y) : (3x – 2y)
Ans
x 3 x 3 3 3
= × = ×
y 2 y 2 2 2
3x 9 3x + 2y 9 + 4
= = [Componendo dividendo]
2y 4 3x 2y 9 4
53
Quantitative Aptitude
3x + 2y 13
=
3x 2y 5
(3x + 2y) : (3x – 2y) = 13 : 5
5. If x is subtracted from each of 15, 19, 24 and 31, the numbers so obtained in this order are in proportion.
What is the mean proportion between (2x + 3) and (3x – 5)?
Ans
x x
x x
(15 – x) (31 – x) = (19 – x) (24 – x)
465 – 15x – 31x + x2 = 456 – 19x – 24x + x2
465 – 46x = 456 – 43x
46x – 43x = 465 – 456
3x = 9 x = 3
Mean proportion between (2x + 3) and (3x – 5)
= (2x + 3)(3x 5) = 9 × 4
= 36 = 6 .
6. The ratio of incomes of A and B is 3 : 5. The ratio of their expenditure is 6 : 7. The ratio of A’s income
to his savings is 5 : 1. Find the ratio of savings of A and B.
Ans
Let the income of A and B be 3x and 5x respectively.
Let the expenditure of A and B be 6y and 7y respectively.
A’s income : A’s savings = 5 : 1 (Given)
3x : 3x – 6y = 5 : 1
3x = 5 (3x – 6y) = 15x – 30y
30 5
12x = 30y x y y
12 2
5
3× y 6y
Savings of A 3x 6y 2
= =
Savings of B 5x 7y 5
5× 2 y 7y
(15y 12y)
2 3y 3
= = =
(25y 14y) 11y 11
2
The ratio of their savings is 3 : 11
54
Quantitative Aptitude
7. The monthly salary of A, B and C together is 1,05,000. If they spend 80%, 75% and 60% of their
respective incomes, their savings are in the ratio 2 : 3 : 8. Find their salaries.
Ans
Let a, b and c be the salary of A, B and C respectively.
20 25 40
Their savings a: b: c respectively.
100 100 100
20 25 40
a: b: c 2 :3:8
100 100 100
4a : 5b : 8c = 2 : 3 : 8
4a : 5b = 2 : 3 and 4a : 8c = 2 : 8
a a
a : b : b
a
a :c : c a
a + b + c = 1,05,000 (given)
6a
a 2a 1, 05,000
5
5a 6a 10a
1,05 000
5
525000
21 a = 525000 a = = 25,000
21
6a 6
b= = × 25000 = 30,000
5 5
c = 2a = 2 25000 = 50,000
The salaries of A, B and C are 25,000, 30,000 and 50,000 respectively.
8. The ratio of milk and water in 35 litres of a mixture is 4 : 3. How much water is to be added to the
mixture to make the ratio of milk and water 5 : 6 ?
Ans
Quantity of milk in 35 litres of mixture litres
3
Quantity of water in 35 litres of mixture = ×35 = 15 litres
7
20 5
Let the water to be added be x litres. Then
15 x 6
75 + 5x = 120 5x = 45 x = 9
Hence, 9 litres of water is to be added.
9. A sum of 620 is divided among A, B and C in such a way that 2 times A’s share, 3 times B’s share and
5 times C’s share are equal. Find the share of each person.
Ans
Let a, b, c be the shares of A, B and C respectively.
It is given that 2a = 3b = 5c
Let 2a = 3b = 5c = k
55
Quantitative Aptitude
k k k
a ,b ,c
2 3 5
k k k k k k
a : b : c = : : = × 30 : × 30 : × 30 = 15 : 10 : 6
2 3 5 2 3 5
a + b + c = 620 (given)
15 10 6
a = × 620 = 300, b = × 620 = 200, c = × 620 = 120
31 31 31
The shares of A, B and C are 300, 200 and 120 respectively.
10. The ratio of number of students in schools A, B and C is 5 : 6 : 10. If number of students studying in
each of the schools increases by 20%, 25% and 5% respectively, what will be the new ratio of the
number of students in schools A, B and C?
Ans
Let the number of students in schools A, B and C be 5x, 6x and 10x respectively.
120
After increase, number of students in A = × 5x = 6x
100
125 15x
After increase, number of students in B = × 6x =
100 2
105 21x
After increase, number of students in C = ×10x =
100 2
15x 21x
New ratio = 6x : : = 12 :15: 21 = 4 : 5 : 7
2 2
11. Cost of a diamond varies directly as the square of its weight. A diamond broke into three pieces with
their weights in the ratio 2 : 3 : 5. If the loss in the total value of diamond was 62,000, find the price of
the original diamond.
Ans
Let the weight of the three pieces be 2x, 3x and 5x.
Weight of the original diamond = 2x + 3x + 5x = 10x
Original price of the original diamond = k (10x)2
= 100 kx2, where k is a constant
Prices of the smaller pieces are 4 kx2, 9 kx2 and 25 kx2
Total price of the three pieces = 4 kx2 + 9 kx2 + 25 kx2 = 38 kx2
Loss in value = 100 kx2 – 38 kx2 = 62 kx2
62 kx2 = 62,000
kx2 = 1,000
Price of the original diamond = 100 kx2 = 100 1000 = 1,00,000.
12. Three jugs of equal volume are filled with a mixture of milk and water. The proportion of milk and water
in each jug is in the ratio 2 : 3, 3 : 4 and 4 : 1 respectively. The contents of these three jugs are poured to
a single larger vessel. Find the ratio of milk and water in the vessel.
Ans
Let the volume of each jug be x litres.
56
Quantitative Aptitude
2x
Volume of milk in first jug = litre
5
3x
Volume of milk in second jug = litre
7
4x
Volume of milk in third jug = litre
5
2x 3x 4x
Total volume of milk in the vessel = + +
5 7 5
x x x x
= litre
3x
Volume of water in first jug = litre
5
4x
Volume of water in second jug = litre
7
x
Volume of water in third jug = litre
5
3x 4x x
Total volume of water in the vessel = + +
5 7 5
21x + 20x + 7x 48x
= =
35 35
57x 48x
Ratio of milk and water is : = 19 :16
35 35
13. If 20 men can build a wall 56 metres long in 6 days, what length of similar wall can be built by 35 men
in 3 days?
Ans
Let the length of the wall built be x metres.
More men, more length built (Direct proportion)
More number of days, more length build (Direct proportion)
men 20 : 35
: : 56 : x
Days 6 : 3
x
x
Hence, the length of the wall built is 49 metres.
14. 8 men working for 9 hours a day complete a piece of work in 20 days. In how many days can 6 men
working for 10 hours a day complete the same piece of work?
Ans
Let the number of days required be x.
Less men, More days (Inverse proportion)
More hours per day, Less days (Inverse proportion)
Men 6:8
: : 20 : x
Hours per day 10 : 9
57
Quantitative Aptitude
x
x
Hence, 24 days are required.
15. If 5 people consume 18 kg of rice in 9 days, how long, at the same rate, will 66 kg of rice last for
15 people?
Ans
Let the required number of days be x.
More people, Less days (Inverse proportion)
More rice, more days (Direct proportion)
People :
:: : x
Rice :
x
x
Hence, the rice will last for 11days.
16. A contract is to be completed in 50 days. 105 men were set to work, each working 8 hours a day. After
30 days it is noticed that two-fifth of the work is finished. How many additional men should be
employed so that the work may be completed on time, each man now working 10 hours a day?
Ans
Let the required number of additional men be x.
Remaining work
More days, Less men (Inverse proportion)
More working hours per day, Less men (Inverse proportion)
More work, More men (Direct proportion)
Days 20 : 30
Working hours 10 : 8 : : 105 : 105 x
2 3
Work :
5 5
x
x
x
Hence, 84 additional men are to be employed.
58
Quantitative Aptitude
17. The cost of two varieties of rices are 56 per kg and 46 per kg. In what ratio these two varieties are to
be mixed to get a mixture which costs 50 per kg?
Ans
By rule of alligation, we have
56 46
(Cost of first variety) (Cost of second variety)
50
(Mean
cost)
(50 – 46) = 4 (56 – 50) = 6
They should be mixed in the ratio 4 : 6 i.e., 2 : 3
18. A can contains the mixture of milk and water. It is noticed that the quantity of milk in the mixture is
8 litres more than that of water. Another can contains 20 litres of second mixture in which the ratio of
milk to water is 2 : 3. These two mixtures are mixed together. The ratio of milk to water in the final
mixture is 7 : 6. Find the total quantity of pure milk in the final mixture.
Ans
Let the quantity of water in the first can be x litres.
Quantity of milk in the first can = x + 8 litres.
In the second can
3 2
Quantity of water is × 20 = 12 litres and quantity of milk = × 20 = 8 litres.
5 5
Total quantity of milk in the final mixture = x + 8 + 8
= x + 16 litres
Total quantity of water in the final mixture = x + 12
(x + 16) : (x + 12) = 7 : 6
7 (x + 12) = 6 (x + 16)
7x + 84 = 6x + 96
x = 96 – 84 = 12
Quantity of milk in the final mixture = x + 16 = 28 litres.
19. Two types of rice costing 40 per kg and 46 per kg are mixed together in a certain ratio. On selling the
mixture at 51 per kg, the trader makes a profit of 20%. Find the ratio in which two types of rice are to
be mixed.
Ans
Selling price per kg of mixture = 51
Profit = 20%
85
Cost price per kg of mixture =
2
59
Quantitative Aptitude
By the rule of alligation we have,
40 46
85
2
(Mean
price)
85 7 85 5
46 40 =
2 2 2 2
7 5
The ratio = : = 7:5
2 2
Two types of rice are to be mixed in the ratio 7 : 5
20. A container contains mixture of milk and water in the ratio 7 : 4 respectively. If 5 litres of milk is added
in it then the ratio of milk to water becomes 2 : 1. Find the volume of mixture originally contained.
Ans
Let the volume of milk and water be 7x and 4x litres respectively
After adding 5 litres, the volume of milk is 7x + 5
7x + 5 2
=
4x 1
8x = 7x + 5 x = 5
Original volume of mixture = 11x
= 55 litres.
60
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. 10,000 has to be divided among Amar, Akbar and Antony in such a way that if 200, 300 and 500
are deducted from their respective shares, their money will be in the ratio 3 : 5 : 7. Find Akbar’s share in
10,000. (HSEE 2020)
(1) 3,000 (2) 2,800 (3) 3,300 (4) 3,500
Ans (3)
Let the shares of Amar, Akbar and Antony be
(3x + 200), (5x + 300) and (7x + 500), respectively.
3x 200 5x 300 7x 500 10,000
15x 1000 10,000
15x 10000 1000 9000
x
Akbar’s share = 5x + 300 = 3,000 + 300 = 3,300.
2. A certain sum of money is divided between Adil and Carrey in the ratio 7 : 6 respectively. If half of
Adil’s share is 850 less than Carrey’s total share, what was the sum of money? (RBI asst. 2020)
(1) 4,880 (2) 4,120 (3) 4,420 (4) 5,340
Ans (3)
Let the shares of Adil and Carrey be 7x and 6x respectively.
1
Then, (7x) 6x 850
2
7x 12x 1700
12x 7x 1700
5x 1700
x 340
Sum of money = 7x + 6x = 13x
= 13 340 = 4,420.
3. Salaries of Rohan and Sumit are in the ratio 7 : 8. Both get an increase of 5% in their salaries. After
increase, the salary of Sumit is 42,000. What was the old salary of Rohan? (MAT 2019)
(1) 40,000 (2) 35,000 (3) 36,750 (4) None of these
Ans (2)
Let the salaries of Rohan and Sumit, before increase, be 7x and 8x respectively.
x
Sumit’s salary after 5% increase x
42x
42000
5
42000 5
x 5000
42
Old salary of Rohan = 7x = 35,000.
61
Quantitative Aptitude
4. If by increasing the price of a ticket in the ratio 8 : 11 the number of tickets sold fall in the ratio 23 : 21,
then what is the increase (in ) in revenue, if revenue before increase in price of ticket was 36,800?
(SSC CGL 2018)
(1) 21,250 (2) 9,400 (3) 7,850 (4) 12,850
Ans (2)
Let the price of the ticket before increase and after increase be 8x and 11x respectively.
Let the number of tickets sold before increase and after increase by 23y and 21y respectively.
Revenue before increase = 8x 23 y
36800 184 xy
36800
xy 200
184
Increase in revenue (11x 21y) (8x 23y) 231xy 184xy
47xy 47 200 = 9,400.
5. When x is subtracted from each of 21, 22, 60 and 64, the numbers so obtained, in this order are in
proportion. What is the mean proportion between (x + 1) and (7x + 8)? (SSC MTS 2019)
(1) 27 (2) 18 (3) 24 (4) 21
Ans (3)
21 x : 22 x 60 x : 64 x
(22 x)(60 x) (21 x)(64 x)
1320 82x x 2 1344 85x x 2
1320 82x 1344 85x
85x 82x 1344 1320
3x 24 x 8
Mean proportion between (x + 1) and (7x + 8)
(x 1)(7x 8) 9 64 32 82 3 8 24 .
4 2
6. 11,550 has to be divided among X, Y and Z such that X gets of what Y gets and Y gets of what
5 3
Z gets. How much more Z gets over X (in )? (SSC CGZ 2018)
(1) 7,200 (2) 1,800 (3) 1,170 (4) 2,450
Ans (4)
Let Z’s share be x
2 2x
Then Y’s share x
3 3
4 2x 8x
X’s share
5 3 15
8x 2x
x 11550
15 3
8x 10x 15x
11550
15
33x 11550 15
62
Quantitative Aptitude
11550 15
x 5250
33
8x 7x 5250 7
Z’s share – X’s share x 2450
15 15 15
Z gets 2450, more than what X gets.
7. The ratio of monthly incomes of Pawan and Sunil is 4 : 3 and the ratio of their monthly expenditures is
3 : 2. If Pawan and Sunil save 4,000 and 6,000 respectively per month, then what is the sum of their
monthly income? (SSC MTS 2019)
(1) 60,000 (2) 70,000 (3) 50,000 (4) 36,000
Ans (2)
Let the monthly incomes of Pawan and Sunil be 4x and 3x respectively.
Let the monthly expenditures of Pawan and Sunil be 3y and 2y respectively.
Savings of Pawan = 4x – 3y
4x – 3y = 4000 ... (1)
Savings of Sunil = 3x – 2y
3x 2y 6000 ... (2)
Multiplying (1) by 2 and (2) by 3 we get,
8x 6y 8000 ... (3)
9x 6y 18000 ... (4)
On subtracting (3) from (4) we get
x = 10,000
Total income of Pawan and Sunil = 4x + 3x = 7x = 7 10,000 = 70,000.
8. The monthly incomes of A and B are 12,000 and 8,000 respectively. The ratio of their monthly
expenses is 5 : 3. If they have equal saving each month, what is the savings per month of A and B?
(SSC MTS 2019)
(1) 2,000 (2) 1,500 (3) 800 (4) 1,000
Ans (1)
Let the monthly expenses of A and B be 5x and 3x respectively.
Then, 12,000 – 5x = 8,000 – 3x
5x 3x 12000 8000
2x = 4,000
x = 2,000
Monthly savings of A = 12,000 – 10,000 = 2000
Monthly savings of B = 8,000 – 3x = 8,000 – 6,000 = 2,000.
9. Rizwan has a box in which he kept red and blue marbles. The red marbles and blue marbles were in the
ratio 5 : 4. After he lost 5 red marbles the ratio became 10 : 9. How many marbles does he have now?
(SSC CGL 2018)
(1) 81 (2) 86 (3) 76 (4) 91
Ans (3)
63
Quantitative Aptitude
Let the number of red marbles and blue marbles be 5x and 4x respectively.
After losing 5 red marbles, the ratio is
5x – 5 : 4x
5x 5 : 4x 10 : 9
x x
40x 45x 45
x x
5x 45
x9
After losing 5 marbles, total number of marbles with him 9x 5 81 5 76 .
10. The ratio of selected candidates to unselected candidates was 14 : 25. If 35 less candidates had applied
and 10 less candidates had been selected, the ratio of selected to unselected candidates would have been
3 : 5. What is the number of candidates who had applied? (SSC MTS 2019)
(1) 200 (2) 175 (3) 275 (4) 195
Ans (4)
Let the number of candidates selected and unselected be 14x and 25x respectively.
So, number of candidates applied = 14x + 25x = 39x
If 35 less candidates had applied, the number of candidates applied is (39x – 35)
If 10 less candidate had been selected the number of candidates selected = 14x – 10
Number of candidates unselected (39x 35) (14x 10)
= 25x – 25
Then (14x 10) : (25x 25) 3 : 5 (given)
5(14x 10) 3(25x 25)
70x 50 75x 75
75x 70x 75 50
5x 25
x5
Hence, number of candidates applied = 39x = 39 5 = 195.
11. If A : B = 2 : 3, B : C = 2 : 4, C : D = 2 : 5, then A : D is equal to _______. (CPO 2007)
(1) 1 : 5 (2) 2 : 5 (3) 3 : 5 (4) 2 : 15
Ans (4)
A : B 2:3 4:6
B : C 2 : 4 6 :12
C : D 2 : 5 12 : 30
A : B : C : D 4 : 6 :12 : 30 A : D 4 : 30 2 :15
a 4 b 15 c2 a 2
12. If = and = , then 2 would be _______.
b 5 c 16 c + a2
1 3 7
(1) (2) (3) (4) None of these
7 4 25
Ans (3)
64
Quantitative Aptitude
a b 4 15
b c 5 16
a 3
c 4
c 4
a 3
c 2 16
2
a 9
c a
2 2
16 9 7
2 (using componendo dividendo)
c a 2 16 9 25
13. When 30% of one number is subtracted from another number, the second number reduces to its
four-fifths. What is the ratio of the first to second number? (Bank P.O 2010)
(1) 2 : 5 (2) 3 : 2 (3) 4 : 7 (4) 2 : 3
Ans (4)
Let the first and second numbers be a and b respectively.
30 4
Then, b a b
100 5
4 30
b b a
5 100
1 3
b a
5 10
a 1 10 2
b 5 3 3
a : b 2 : 3
14. Rita invested 25% more than Sunil, Sunil invested 30% less than Abhinav, who invested 6,000. What
is the ratio of the amount that Rita invested to the total amount invested by all of them together?
(Bank P.O 2010)
(1) 35 : 104 (2) 13 : 29 (3) 101 : 36 (4) 35 : 103
Ans (4)
Investment of Abhinav = 6,000
70
Investment of Sunil 6000 4,200
100
125
Investment of Rita 4200 5,250
100
Total investment = (6,000 + 4,200 + 5,250) = 15,450
Ratio of Rita’s investment to total investment 5250 :15450 35 :103
15. One fourth of sixty percent of a number is equal to two fifth of twenty percent of another number. What
is the ratio of the first number to the second number? (Bank P.O 2008)
(1) 4 : 7 (2) 5 : 9 (3) 8 : 13 (4) 8 : 15
Ans (4)
Let the numbers be a and b.
65
Quantitative Aptitude
1 60 2 20
Then, a b
4 100 5 100
3a 2
b
20 25
a 2 20 8
b 25 3 15
Hence, a : b = 8 : 15
16. Five mangoes and four oranges cost as much as three mangoes and seven oranges. What is the ratio of
the cost of one mango to the cost of one orange? (Campus Recruitment 2009)
(1) 4 : 3 (2) 1 : 3 (3) 3 : 2 (4) 5 : 2
Ans (3)
Let the cost of 1 mango and 1 orange be x and y respectively.
Then, 5x 4y 3x 7y
5x 3x 7y 4y
2x 3y
x 3
y 2
x : y 3: 2
17. A sum of 731 is divided among A, B and C such that A receives 25% more than B and B receives 25%
less than C. What is C’s share in the amount? (Bank P.O 2006)
(1) 172 (2) 200 (3) 258 (4) 272
Ans (4)
Let the share of C be x.
75 3x
Then B’s share x
100 4
125 3x 15x
A’s share
100 4 16
15x 3x
x 731
16 4
15x 12x 16x 43x
731 731
16 16
731 16
x 272
43
18. A sum of money is divided among A, B, C and D in the ratio 3 : 4 : 9 : 10 respectively. If the share of C
is 2,580 more than the share of B, then what is the total amount of A and D together?
(Bank P.O 2009)
(1) 5,676 (2) 6,192 (3) 6,708 (4) 7,224
Ans (3)
Let the shares of A, B, C and D be 3x, 4x, 9x and 10x respectively.
9x = 4x + 2580
5x = 2580
66
Quantitative Aptitude
x = 516
Total share of A and D = 3x + 10x = 13x
= 13 × 516 = 6,708.
19. Incomes of A, B and C are in the ratio 7 : 9 : 12 and their respective expenditures are in the ratio
1
8 : 9 : 15. If A saves of his income, then the ratio of their savings is _____. (AAO Exam 2009)
4
(1) 56 : 99 : 69 (2) 33 : 19 : 23 (3) 15 : 28 : 27 (4) 56 : 69 : 99
Ans (1)
Let the incomes of A, B and C be 7x, 9x and 12x respectively and let their expenditures be 8y, 9y and
15y respectively.
A’s savings = 7x – 8y
1
It is given that A saves of his income
4
1
7x – 8y = × 7x 28x – 32y = 7x
4
21
21x = 32y y = x
32
21x 288x 189x 99x
B’s savings = 9x – 9y 9x – 9
32 32 32
21x 384x 315x 69x
C’s savings = 12x – 15y 12x –15
32 32 32
x x x
Ratio of savings of A, B, C = : : = 56 : 99 : 69
20. 1087 is to be divided among A, B and C such that if 10, 12 and 15 are diminished from the shares
of A, B and C respectively, the remainders will be in the ratio of 5 : 7 : 9. What is the share of B?
(MAT 2008)
(1) 260 (2) 355 (3) 362 (4) 465
Ans (3)
Let the shares of A, B and C be 5x + 10, 7x + 12 and 9x + 15 respectively.
5x + 10 + 7x + 12 + 9x + 15 = 1087
21x + 37 = 1087
21x = 1087 – 37 = 1050
x = 50
B’s share = 7x + 12 = 7 × 50 + 12 = 350 + 12 = 362.
21. The ratio of the number of ladies to that of gents at a party was 3 : 2. When 20 more gents joined the
party, the ratio was reversed. The number of ladies present at the party was ______. [CPO 2006]
(1) 16 (2) 24 (3) 32 (4) 36
Ans (2)
Let the number of ladies and gents be 3x and 2x respectively.
Then 3x : (2x + 20) = 2 : 3
4x + 40 = 9x
67
Quantitative Aptitude
9x – 4x = 40
5x = 40 x = 8
Number of ladies in the party = 3x = 24.
22. Two numbers are in the ratio 2 : 3. If 2 is subtracted from the first and 2 is added to the second, the ratio
becomes 1 : 2. The sum of the numbers is _____. [SSC 2007]
(1) 10 (2) 24 (3) 28 (4) 30
Ans (4)
Let the two numbers be 2x and 3x respectively.
(2x – 2) : (3x + 2) = 1:2
4x – 4 = 3x + 2 4x – 3x = 2 + 4
x=6
Sum of the numbers = 2x + 3x = 5x = 5 × 6 = 30.
23. One year ago the ratio of the ages of Sarika and Gowri was 3 : 4 respectively. One year hence the ratio of
their ages will be 10 : 13 respectively. What is Sarika’s present age? (Bank P.O 2008)
(1) 18 years (2) 20 years (3) 26 years (4) None of these
Ans (4)
Let the ages of Sarika and Gowri, one year ago be 3x years and 4x years respectively.
One year hence, their ages will be (3x + 2) years and (4x + 2) years respectively.
(3x + 2) : (4x + 2) = 10 : 13
13 (3x + 2) = 10 (4x + 2)
39x + 26 = 40x + 20
40x – 39x = 26 – 20
x= 6
Sarika’s present age = 3x + 1 = 19 years.
24. Ratio of earnings of A and B is 8 : 9 respectively. If the earnings of A increase by 50% and the earning
of B decrease by 25%, the new ratio of their earnings becomes 16 : 9 respectively. What is A’s
earnings? (Bank P.O 2006)
(1) 22,000 (2) 28,500 (3) 37,000 (4) Cannot be determined
Ans (4)
Let the earnings of A and B be 8x and 9x respectively.
150 75
8x : 9x 16 : 9
100 100
27
12x : x 16 : 9
4
27
12x 9 x 16
4
108x = 108x
We cannot find the value of x.
Hence, A’s earnings cannot be determined.
68
Quantitative Aptitude
25. Mr Sharma’s expenditure and savings are in the ratio 3 : 2. His income increases by 10% and his
expenditure also increases by 12%. How much percent does his savings increase? (MAT 2010)
(1) 6% (2) 7% (3) 11% (4) 13%
Ans (2)
Let Sharma’s expenditure and savings be 3x and 2x respectively.
Sharma’s earning = 3x + 2x = 5x
110 11x
His increased income = 5x
100 2
112 84x
His increased expenditure = 3x
100 25
11x 84x 275x 168x 107x
Sharma’s new savings = =
2 25 50 50
107x 7x
Increase in savings = 2x
50 50
7x 100
Percentage of increase in savings = 7% .
50 2x
26. Mrs Richi Rich inherits 3224 gold coins and divides them amongst her 3 daughters Lalita, Pulita and
Salita in a certain ratio. Out of the total coins each of them received, Lalita sells her 50 coins, Pulita
donates 85 of her coins and Salita makes jewellery out of 39 coins. Now the ratio of gold coins with
them is 24 : 21 : 16 respectively. How many coins did Lalita receive from her mother?
(Bank Recruitment 2009)
(1) 1,050 (2) 1,135 (3) 1,200 (4) 1,250
Ans (4)
Let the number of coins with Lalita, Pulita and Salita at the end be 24x, 21x and 16x respectively.
Then, number coins received by Lalita = 24x + 50
Number coins received by Pulita = 21x + 85
Number coins received by Salita = 16x + 39
24x + 50 + 21x + 85 + 16x + 39 = 3224
61x + 174 = 3224
61x = 3224 – 174 = 3050
3050
x 50
61
Number of coins received by Lalita = 24x + 50 = 1250.
27. 50 people consume 350 kg of rice in 30 days. In how many days will 35 people consume 49 kg of rice?
(NABARD, 2008)
(1) 2 days (2) 3 days (3) 5 days (4) 6 days
Ans (4)
Let the required number of days be x.
More people, Less days (Inverse proportion)
More quantity, More days (Direct proportion)
69
Quantitative Aptitude
People 35 : 50
: : 30 : x
Quantity 350 : 49
x
x
28. Working 8 hours a day, 12 men can do a work in 30 days. In how many days, 18 men, working 5 hours a
day can do the same work? (PCS, 2006)
(1) 30 days (2) 32 days (3) 40 days (4) 45 days
Ans (2)
Let the required number of days be x.
Less working hours, More days (Inverse proportion)
More men, Less days (Inverse proportion)
Working hours :
: : : x
Men :
x
x
29. 24 persons working 8 hours a day can complete 2 units of work in 10 days. How many persons are
required to complete 4 units of that work, if they work 6 hours a day, for 16 days?
(SSC SI Delhi Police, 2019)
(1) 48 (2) 36 (3) 40 (4) 32
Ans (3)
Let the men required be x.
Less hours, More men (Inverse proportion)
More units, More men (Direct proportion)
More days, Less men (Inverse proportion)
Hours :
Unitss : : : : x
Days :
x
x
30. Two coal loading machines each working 12 hours per day for 8 days handle 9,000 tonnes of coal with
an efficiency of 90% while 3 other coal loading machines at an efficiency of 80% are set to handle
12,000 tonnes of coal in 6 days. Find how many hours per day each should work. (MAT, 2008)
(1) 10 hours (2) 12 hours (3) 14 hours (4) 16 hours
Ans (4)
Let the number of working hours per day be x.
More machines, Less working hours per day (Inverse proportion)
70
Quantitative Aptitude
Less days, More working hours per day (Inverse proportion)
More coal, More working hours per day (Direct proportion)
More efficiency, Less working hour per day (Inverse proportion)
Machines 3:2
Days 6:8
: : 12 : x
Coal 9000 : 12000
Efficiency 80 : 90
x
x
Hence, each machine should work for 16 hours per day.
31. In what ratio must a grocer mix two varieties of pulses costing 15 and 20 per kg respectively so as to
get a mixture worth 16.50 per kg? (RRB 2008)
(1) 3 : 7 (2) 5 : 7 (3) 7 : 3 (4) 7 : 5
Ans (3)
Cost per kg of first Cost per kg of second
By rule of allegation pulse 15 pulse 20
Required ratio = 3.5 : 1.5 = 7 : 3
16.50
(Mean
cost)
(20 – 16.5) = 3.50 (16.50 – 15) =1.50
32. The ratio of Copper to Zinc in alloys A and B are 3 : 4 and 5 : 9 respectively. A and B are taken in the
ratio 2 : 3 and melted to form a new alloy C. What is the ratio of Copper to Zinc in C? (SSC CGL 2019)
(1) 8 : 13 (2) 3 : 5 (3) 9 : 11 (4) 27 : 43
Ans (4)
In alloy A,
3 4
Copper = and Zinc =
7 7
In alloy B,
5 9
Copper = and Zinc =
14 14
In alloy C,
3 5 6 15 27
Copper = 2 3
7 14 7 14 14
4 9 8 27 43
Zinc = 2 3
7 14 7 14 14
27 43
Ratio of Copper to Zinc, in C = : 27 : 43
14 14
71
Quantitative Aptitude
33. In what ratio sugar at 30 per kg should be mixed with sugar at 45 per kg so that on selling the
mixture at 42 per kg there is a profit of 20%? (SGC CGL 2013)
(1) 2 : 1 (2) 2 : 3 (3) 5 : 2 (4) 3 : 7
Ans (1) Cost of first variety Cost of second
Selling price of sugar per kg = 42. per kg 30 variety per kg 45
Profit = 20 %
Cost price of the mixture =
35
By rule of alligation.
(Mean
price)
They should be mixed in the ratio
10 : 5 = 2 : 1
10 5
34. How much quantity (in kg) of wheat costing 84 per kg must be mixed with 81 kg of wheat costing
60 per kg, so that on selling the mixture at 75.9 per kg, there is a gain of 15%? (SSC CHSL 2018)
(1) 27 (2) 20.5 (3) 22.75 (4) 24
Ans (1)
Selling price per kg = 75.9
Cost of first variety Cost of second
Profit = 15% per kg 84 variety per kg 60
100
Cost price per kg = 75.9 66
115
By rule of alligation
For 18 kg of second variety, first variety is 6 kg 66
6 (Mean
For 81 kg of second variety, first variety = 81 27 kg price)
18
6 18
So, 27 kg of wheat costing 84 per kg is to be mixed with 81 kg of wheat costing 60 per kg.
35. A milkman mixed some water with milk to gain 25% by selling the mixture at the cost price. The ratio of
water and milk is respectively __________. [SSC CHSL 2015]
(1) 5 : 4 (2) 4 : 5 (3) 1 : 5 (4) 1 : 4
Ans (4) Cost of water Cost of milk
O x
Let the cost price of milk be x per litre.
Selling price of mixture = x per litre.
100 4x
Cost price of mixture = x
125 5 4x
By rule of alligation 5
In the mixture, (Mean
price)
x 4x
Water : Milk = : 1: 4
5 5 x 4x
5 5
72
Quantitative Aptitude
36. A drum contains 80 litres of ethanol. 20 litres of this liquid is removed and replaced with water. 20 litres
of this mixture is again removed and replaced with water. How much water (in litres) is present in this
drum now? (SSC CGL 2018)
(1) 45 (2) 40 (3) 35 (4) 44
Ans (3)
20 litres of liquid is removed from 80 ltrs twice and replaced by water.
20 2 1
2
The quantity of ethanol in the final solution 80 1 80 1
80 4
2
3 9
= 80 80 45litres
4 16
Quantity of water = 80 – 45 = 35 litres.
37. 20 litres of a mixture contains milk and water in the ratio 3 : 1. Then the amount of milk to be added to
this mixture so as to have milk and water in ratio 4 : 1 is _____. (SSC CHSL 2015)
(1) 7 litres (2) 4 litres (3) 5 litres (4) 6 litres
Ans (3)
Quantity of milk in the original mixture = litres
Quantity of water in the original mixture = litres
In the final mixture
Milk : Water = 4 : 1 = 20 : 5
15 litres of milk is present in the original mixture. Hence, another 5 litres of milk is to the added to get
final mixture.
38. A vessel contains a mixture of grape, pineapple and banana juices in the respective ratio of 4 : 6 : 5.
15 litres of this mixture is taken out and 8 litres of grape juice and 2 litres of pineapple juice is added to
the vessel. If the resultant quantity of grape juice is 10 litres less than the resultant quantity of pineapple
juice, what was the initial quantity of mixture in the vessel (in litres)? (IBPS PO 2015)
(1) 120 (2) 150 (3) 105 (4) 135
Ans (4)
Let the quantity of grape, pineapple and banana juice, originally in the vessel be 4x, 6x and 5x litres
respectively.
15 litres of mixture taken out contains, 4 litres of grape juice, 6 litres of pineapple juice and 5 litre of
banana juice.
Quantity of grape juice in the final mixture = 4x – 4 + 8 = 4x + 4 litres
Quantity of pineapple juice in the final mixture = 6x – 6 + 2 = 6x – 4 litres
4x + 4 = (6x – 4) – 10
4x + 4 = 6x – 14
6x – 4x = 4 + 14 2x = 18
x=9
Initial quantity of mixture = 4x + 6x + 5x = 15x = 15 × 9 = 135 litres.
73
Quantitative Aptitude
39. The respective ratio of milk and water in the mixture is 4 : 3. If 6 litres of water is added to this mixture,
the respective ratio of milk and water becomes 8 : 7. What is the quantity of milk in the original mixture?
(IBPS RRB 2015)
(1) 36 litres (2) 84 litres (3) 48 litres (4) None of these
Ans (3)
Let the quantity of milk and water in the original mixture be 4x litres and 3x litres respectively
Then, 4x : (3x + 6) = 8 : 7
28x = 8 (3x + 6)
28x = 24x + 48
28x – 24x = 48
4x = 48
x = 12
Quantity of milk in the original mixture = 4x litres = 48 litres.
40. How many litres of water should be added to a 30 litres mixture of milk and water containing milk and
water in the ratio 7 : 3 such that the resultant mixture has 40% water in it?
(SSC Junior associates 2016)
(1) 5 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 8
Ans (1)
30 litres of original mixture contains 21 litres of milk and 9 litres of water.
Let the quantity of water added be x litres
Quantity of final mixture = (30 + x) litres
Quantity of water in the final mixture = (9 + x) litres
(9 + x) = 40% of (30 + x)
40
9 x 30 x
100
2
9 x 30 x
5
45 + 5x = 60 + 2x
5x – 2x = 60 – 45
3x = 15
x=5
Hence, 5 litres of water is to be added.
***
74
4. Percentage
Important points to be remembered
The word percent is a Latin word which means ‘per hundred’ or ‘for every hundred’. In Mathematics we use
the symbol ‘%’ for percent. ‘Percentage’ is a number or ratio expressed as a fraction of 100.
Worked Examples
45
1. 45% expressed as a fraction = . It can also be expressed as 0.45 or as a ratio 45 : 100
100
5
2. 5 as a percentage of 40 = × 100 = 12.5%
40
3. A town had 3,500 children in the year 2001. In the year 2006 there were 6,000 children. The percentage
6000 3500
increase in the number of children from the years 2001 to 2006 = × 100 = 71.43%
3500
4. In the year 2010, in a school of 2,000 students, if 60% are boys and 40% are girls, then what is the total
number of boys and girls? If in the year 2015, in the same school, there were 1,500 students, then what is
the percentage decrease in the total number of students?
Ans
60
Total boys in 2010 = × 2000 = 1,200
100
40
Total girls in 2010 = × 2000 = 800
100
In the year 2015, in the same school there were 1,500 students. The percentage decrease in the total
2000 1500
number of students = × 100 = 25%
2000
5. Which one is greater 2% of 10,000 or 99% of 200?
Ans
2
2% of 10000 = × 10000 = 200
100
99
99% of 200 = × 200 = 198
100
So, 2% of 10000 is greater than 99% of 200.
6. If Shyam earns 25% more than Ram, then by what percentage is Ram’s earning lesser than Shyam’s
earning?
Ans
Let Ram’s earning be 100. Then Shyam’s earning will be 125.
75
Quantitative Aptitude
125 100
Ram’s earning lesser than Shyam’s earning in percentage = × 100 = 20%
125
Short Cut method
M
If Shyam’s earnings is M % more than Ram’s earnings, then, Ram’s earning is % less
M
than Shyam’s earning.
7. If Shyam earns 20% less than Ram, then by what percentage is Ram’s earning more than Shyam’s
earning?
Ans
Let Ram’s earning be 100. Then Shyam’s earning will be 80.
100 80
Ram’s earning more than Shyam’s earning in percentage = × 100 = 25%
100 20
Short Cut method
M
If Ram’s earnings is M % less than Shyam’s earnings, then, Shyam’s earning is % more
M
than Shyam’s earning.
8. Find the missing numbers in the below given equations.
(i) 12% of ? = 48
(ii) 0.35% of 2500 = ?
(iii) ?% of 400 = 50
Ans
(48×100)
(i) Let 12% of Y = 48, Y = = 400
12
0.35
(ii) Let 0.35% of 2500 = Y, Y = × 2500 = 8.75
100
50
(iii) Let Y% of 400 = 50, Y = × 100 = 12.5%
400
9. (i) The price of groundnut oil increased by 25%. How much percent should the lady reduce usage of
groundnut oil so that the total expenditure on groundnut oil remains the same?
(ii) The price of groundnut oil decreased by 25%. How much percent can the lady increase usage of
groundnut oil so that the total expenditure on groundnut oil remains the same?
Ans
(i) Let original price of groundnut oil be 100. Increased price = 125.
100
For 125, the lady get 1 litre (L). So for 100 lady gets = = 0.8 L.
125
0.2
So the consumption has to be reduced from 1 L to 0.8L, i.e., = × 100 = 20%
1
76
Quantitative Aptitude
(ii) Let original price of groundnut oil be 100. Decreased price = 75.
100
For 75, the lady get 1 litre. So for 100 lady gets = = 1.33 L (appx)
75
0.33
So the consumption can be increased from 1 L to 1.33L i.e., = × 100 = 33% (appx)
1
Shortcut methods
If commodity price increases by A%, then the reduction in consumption (in percentage) so as to
A
keep the expenses the same is given by 100 %
100 A
If commodity price decreases by A%, then the increase in consumption (in percentage) so as to keep
A
the expenses the same is given by 100 %
100 A
10. (i) Let present salary of Jyoti be 2 lakhs per annum this year and suppose it increases by 6% every
year, then what will her salary be after 4 years?
(ii) Let present salary of Jyoti be 2 lakhs per annum this year and suppose in the earlier years it was
increased by 6% every year, then what was her salary 4 years ago?
Ans
(i) Jyoti’s salary after 1 year = 2,00,000 1.06 = 2,12,000, after 2 years = 2,24,720
after 3 years = 2,38,203 after 4 years = 2,52,495
So, this is similar to Compound interest and the formula for this is
n 4
R 6
P 1 = 200000 1 = 2,52,495
100 100
P
(ii) Jyoti’s salary 4 years ago can be calculated by the formula = n
R
1+
100
200000
= 4
= 1,58,418.73
6
1 +
100
11. Let the present value of a car be 5 lakhs. If it depreciates at 15% per annum, (i) what will be its value
after 3 years (ii) what was its value 3 years before.
Ans
(i) If P = present value, R is rate of depreciation and n is the number of years, value of car after 3 years
n 3
R 15
= P 1 – = 500000 1 = 3,07,062.5
100 100
P 500000
(ii) Value of car 3 years before = n
= 3
= 8,14,166.5
R 15
1 1 –
100 100
77
Quantitative Aptitude
12. In the figures given below what percentage of area is shaded?
Ans
1 th 1
(i) area is shaded = × 100 = 25%
4 4
1 1
(ii) area is shaded = × 100 = 50%
2 2
2 2
(iii) th area is shaded = × 100 = 33.3%
6 6
13. The price of a mobile handset is decreased by 15%. This resulted in sale increase by 20%. What will be
the effect on the total revenue of the shop?
Ans
Let the price of each mobile handset set be ‘x’
Let the number of mobile handset sold be ‘y’
Then, the revenue earned by the shopkeeper = xy
Now the price of the mobile handset is decreased by 15%, which means that the cost of each mobile
handset = (x 15% x) = 0.85x
The sale is increased by 20% which means the number of mobile handset sold is (y + 20% y) = 1.2y
The new revenue = 0.85x 1.2y = 1.02xy
difference in revenue
Effect on revenue 100
initial revenue
1.02 xy xy
Effect on revenue = 100 = 2% increase in revenue of the shop.
xy
14. In a fraction the numerator is increased by 20% and the denominator is increased by 40%. Then, what
percentage of the original fraction is the new fraction?
Ans
Let the numerator be ‘x’ and the denominator be ‘y’.
x 20% of x 1.2x
Then, the new fraction is
y 40% of y 1.4y
Let the new fraction be A% of the original fraction. It can Mathematically be written as
A x 1.2x
100 y 1.4y
1.2
A 100
1.4
6
A 100
7
A = 85.71%
78
Quantitative Aptitude
15. The given problem consists of a question and two Statements numbered I and II given below. You are
required to decide whether the data provided in the Statements is sufficient to answer the question.
Choose option
(1) If the data in Statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(2) If the data in Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(3) If the data either in Statement I alone or in Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(4) If the data in both Statements I and II together is not sufficient to answer the question.
(5) If the data in both Statements I and II together is needed to answer the question.
Rajani’s and Dhanya’s salaries are in the ratio 4 : 3. What is Rajani’s salary?
Statement I: Dhanya’s salary is 75% of Rajani’s salary.
Statement II: Dhanya’s salary is 21,000 per month.
Ans
Statement I is the other form of the information given in the question. It does not provide any other data
to find Rajani’s salary.
4
Statement II gives the salary of Dhanya ( 21,000 per month). So Rajani’s salary will be × 21000
3
= 28,000 per month.
Answer: Option (2)
The data given in statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question, but the data in statement I alone
is not sufficient to answer the question.
16. Forty five percent of a number is 90 less than three fourths that number. What is the number?
Ans
Let the number be x.
3x
It is given that – 0.45x = 90
4
0.75x – 0.45 x = 90,
0.30x = 90, so x = 300
17. Two cans of the same volume are filled with grape juice upto 40% and 45% of their capacity
respectively. Thereafter, both the cans are filled with lemon juice to their full capacity and then both of
them are put into a big drum. What is the percentage of lemon juice in the mixed juice?
Ans
Let the capacity of both cans = 100 units each. So total capacity = 200 units
Amount of grape juice in both units = 40 + 45 = 85 units
Amount of lemon juice in both units = 200 – 85 = 115 units
115
Percentage of lemon juice in the mixed juice = 100 = 57.5%
200
79
Quantitative Aptitude
18. After 50 kgs of water had evaporated from a sugar solution which had 40% sugar, the remaining solution
had 60% sugar. Find the weight of the original solution.
Ans
Let the weight of original solution be ‘x’ kg
Weight of sugar in x kg of solution = 40% of x kg = 0.4x kg
Weight of water in x kg solution = 1 – 0.4 = 0.6x kg
Weight of solution after evaporation = (x – 50) kg
0.4x 60
x 50 100
40x = 60x – 3000
20x = 3000
x = 150 kg = Weight of original solution.
Alternate Solution
Let the original weight of solution be x kg
So, weight of solution after evaporation is (x – 50) kg
Weight of sugar will not change.
So, 40% of x = 60% of (x – 50)
x x
2x = 3(x 50) = 3x 150
x = 150 kg.
19. The income tax slab system in a country is as given below.
Annual income slab ( ) Rate of taxation
0 - 150,000 0%
150,001 - 5,00,000 10%
5,00,001 - 10,00,000 20%
> 10,00,000 30%
If Shaligram’s salary was 25 lakhs, what is the total tax liability?
Ans
Shaligram’s total tax liability can be split into 4 parts
Tax upto 1.5 lakhs - NIL
Tax on next 3.5 lakhs @ 10% = 35,000
Tax on next 5 lakhs @ 20% = 1,00,000
Tax on balance 15 lakhs @ 30% = 4,50,000
Total tax liability = 35,000 + 1,00,000 + 4,50,000 = 5,85,000
80
Quantitative Aptitude
20. A box has 320 biscuits and 525 chocolates. If 20% of chocolates and 15% of biscuits are removed from
the box and given to students to eat, then what is the
(i) percentage of chocolates out of the total items left in the box?
(ii) ratio of biscuits left in the box to the chocolates taken out of the box and given to students for
eating?
Ans
Biscuits taken out of the box = 15% of 320 = 48
Chocolates taken out of the box = 20% of 525 = 105
Chocolates left in the box = 525 – 105 = 420.
Biscuits left in the box = 320 – 48 = 272
Total items left in the box = 420 + 272 = 692
420
(i) Percentage of chocolates out of the items left in the box = × 100
692
= 60.69%
272
(ii) Ratio of biscuits left in the box to the chocolates taken out of the box =
105
81
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. Convert the following into percentage.
1 2
(i) (ii) 0.05 (iii) (iv) 3 : 5
4 5
Ans
1
(i) ×100 = 25%
4
5
(ii) 0.05 5%
100
2
(iii) ×100 = 40%
5
3
(iv) 100 60%
5
2. The length of the sides of a triangle are 4 cm, 5 cm and 6 cm. By what percentage is the largest side
more than the smallest side?
(1) 2% (2) 20% (3) 40% (4) 50%
Ans (4)
Smallest side = 4 cm
Largest side = 6 cm
Difference = 6 4 = 2 cm
2
Largest side is 100 50% more than the smallest side.
4
3. The strength of a school was 2,500 students in the year 2016. In 2019 the school strength was 60% of the
school strength in 2016. Find decrease in school strength.
(1) 1,500 (2) 2,000 (3) 1,000 (4) 750
Ans (3)
School strength in 2019 = 60% of 2500
60
= × 2500
100
= 1500
Decrease in school strength in 2019 as compared to 2016 = 2500 – 1500 = 1000 students.
4. The price of sugar is decreased from 50 per kg to 44 per kg. What is the percentage decrease in the
price of sugar? If original budget for sugar was 4 kgs, how much more sugar one can now get for the
same amount?
(1) 12% ; 0.54 kg (2) 10% ; 0.54 kg (3) 12% ; 0.45 kg (4) 10% ; 0.45 kg
Ans (1)
Difference in the price of sugar = ( 50 44) = 6.
6
Therefore, percentage decrease in price of sugar = × 100 = 12%
50
Original budget for sugar = 4 50 = 200
82
Quantitative Aptitude
200
Quantity of sugar they can now buy for 200 = = 4.54 kgs
44
Extra sugar they can now get is 4.5 – 4 = 0.54 kg.
5. There were 500 teachers in a school during the academic year 2019-20. There was a 12% increase in the
number of teachers for the next academic year. How many teachers were there during the next academic
year?
(1) 650 (2) 560 (3) 460 (4) 675
Ans (2)
Number of teachers in the academic year 2020-21 = 500 × 1.12 = 560 teachers.
6. A number, when increased by 20% becomes 480. What is the number? If 480 decreases by 20% what is
the new number?
(1) 400 ; 384 (2) 384 ; 484 (3) 374 ; 400 (4) 364 ; 384
Ans (1)
Let the number be x.
480
It is given that 1.2x = 480. So x = = 400
1.2
When 480 is decreased by 20%, the new number = 480 × 0.8 = 384.
7. A vegetable cum fruit seller sold 80% of vegetables and 75% of fruits. If he is left with 10 kgs fruits and
40 kgs vegetables, what is the ratio of fruits to vegetables he had before he commenced selling?
(1) 1 : 3 (2) 1 : 5 (3) 2 : 3 (4) 4 : 7
Ans (2)
Vegetables (v) left with the seller = 100% v – 80% v = 20% v = 40 kgs vegetables,
40
v = × 100 = 200 kgs = Weight of vegetables he had before he commenced selling.
20
Fruits (f) left with the seller = 100% f – 75% f = 25% f = 10 kgs fruits,
10
f = × 100 = 40 kgs = Weight of fruits he had before he commenced selling.
25
40 1
Ratio of fruits to vegetables he had before he commenced selling = or 1 : 5
200 5
8. Surya scored 120 runs which included 6 fours and 8 sixes. What percent of his total score did he score
(i) in boundaries?
(ii) by running between the wickets?
(1) 60% ; 45% (2) 50% ; 48% (3) 65% ; 30% (4) 60% ; 40%
Ans (4)
Number of runs scored in boundaries = 6 4 + 8 6 = 24 + 48 = 72 runs
72
Percentage of the total score he made in boundaries = × 100 = 60%
120
Percentage of the total score he made by running between the wickets = 100% 60% = 40%.
83
Quantitative Aptitude
9. In a given fraction, the numerator is increased by 25% and the denominator is increased by 30%. Then,
what percentage of the original fraction is the new fraction?
(1) 65.59% (2) 89.25% (3) 96.15% (4) 72.63%
Ans (3)
Let the numerator be ‘x’ and the denominator be ‘y’.
x
So the fraction = = A1
y
1.25x
New fraction = = A2
1.3y
1.25x
A2 1.3y
Percentage of the new fraction to the original fraction = × 100 = × 100
A1 x
y
1.25
= × 100 = 96.15%.
1.3
10. The price of a TV set is decreased by 25% as a result of which the sale is increased by 20%. What will
be the effect on the total revenue of the shop?
(1) 5% increase (2) 7.5% increase (3) 15% decrease (4) 10% decrease
Ans (4)
Let the price of each T.V. set be ‘x’
Let the number of T.V. sets sold be ‘y’
Then, the revenue earned by the shopkeeper = xy
Now the price of the TV set is decreased by 25%, which means that the cost of each TV set is
(x 25% x) = 0.75x
The sale is increased by 20% which means the number of TV sets sold is = 1.2y
The new revenue = 0.75x 1.2y = 0.9xy
difference in revenue
Effect on revenue 100
initial revenue
(1 0.9)xy
Effect on revenue 100 10% decrease is revenue.
xy
11. A’s income is 20% less than B’s income. How much is B’s income more than A’s income?
(1) 20% (2) 25% (3) 40% (4) 35%
Ans (2)
20
B’s income more than A’s income = × 100% = 25%.
100 20
84
Quantitative Aptitude
12. Out of 48 students in a class, only 42 students have passed in an exam. Find
(i) the pass percentage.
(ii) the ratio of number of students passed to number of students failed.
(iii) the ratio of number of students passed to total number of students.
(1) 50% ; 1 : 2 ; 3 : 5 (2) 67.5% ; 7 : 2 ; 8 : 5
(3) 87.5% ; 7 : 1 ; 7 : 8 (4) 77% ; 4 : 3 ; 7 : 9
Ans (3)
(i) Out of 48 students, number of students passed = 42
42
Out of 100 students, number of students passed = 100 = 87.5
48
Pass percentage = 87.5%
Out of 48 students 42 students passed. So, remaining 6 students failed.
(ii) Number of students passed : number of students failed = 42 : 6 = 7 : 1
(iii) Ratio of number of students passed : total number of students = 42 : 48 = 7 : 8
13. Mohan sold a scooter for 41,400 making a profit of 15%. Find the cost price of the scooter and the
percentage of profit if he had sold the scooter at 45,000.
(1) 36000 ; 25% (2) 25000 ; 20% (3) 20000 ; 15% (4) 45000 ; 30%
Ans (1)
If selling price is 115, the cost price is 100
100
If selling price is 41,400, the cost price = 41400 = 36,000
115
Cost price of scooter is 36,000.
45000 36000
Profit percentage earned if he had sold it for 45,000 = × 100 = 25%.
36000
14. A fruit seller purchased 100 kgs of apples. After transporting it to his shop, 5 kgs were thrown away as
they were damaged in transport. He sold 85 kgs at 200 per kg and donated 10 kgs to a nearby
orphanage. Find the profit percentage if his total gain was 2,000.
(1) 47.25% (2) 13.33% (3) 27.56% (4) 34.89%
Ans (2)
Since the fruit seller sold only 85 kgs of apples, SP = 85 × 200 = 17,000
Gain / profit = SP CP, 2000 = 17000 CP. So, CP of 100 kgs apples = 15,000
2000
Profit percentage = × 100 = 13.33%.
15000
15. A lady’s salary was 3,00,000 per annum in 2018. Her salary increases by 10% every year. What will
her salary be in the year 2021?
(1) 3,90,000 (2) 3,90,030 (3) 3,90,300 (4) 3,90,390
Ans (3)
3
10
Lady’s salary in 2021 will be = 300000 1 = 3,99,300 per annum.
100
85
Quantitative Aptitude
3 5
16. A student multiplied a number by instead of . What is the percentage error in the calculation?
5 3
(1) 35% (2) 53% (3) 64% (4) 75%
Ans (3)
5x
Let the number be x. The number should have been . However, due to wrong multiplication the
3
5x 3x
3x 3 5
number obtained is . Percentage error in calculation =
× 100 = 64%.
5 5x
3
17. In an election, there were only two candidates A and B in a constituency. 5% of the voters did not turn
up, A got 15% more votes than B and won by 2,700 votes. There were no invalid votes.
Find (i) total number of voters in that constituency (ii) votes cast for B.
(1) 18947 ; 7650 (2) 20000 ; 8000 (3) 23465 ; 6324 (4) 16237 ; 7560
Ans (1)
2700
15% votes = 2700 votes. So 100 % of votes 100 18000
15
This implies that the number of persons who cast their votes = 18000
(i) Total number of voters in the constituency =
Out of the voters who cast their votes, 57.5% voted for A and 42.5% voted for B.
.
(ii) Votes cast for B = .
18. In a baking unit, there are three stages and there are some rejections at each stage. In stage 1, there is
10% rejection and the balance moves to the next stage. In stage 2 there is 5% rejection. In the final stage
there is 3% rejection. What percentage of the original items were flawlessly baked in the end?
(1) 79.255% (2) 84.965% (3) 82.935% (4) 91.365%
Ans (3)
In Stage 1 there is 10% rejection, so 100% – 10% = 90% of the baked items move to Stage 2.
Out of 90%, 5% is rejected in Stage 2, so 95% of 90 = 85.5% of baked items move to Stage 3.
Out of 85.5%, 3% is rejected in Stage 3, so 97% of 85.5 = 82.935% of baked items were flawlessly
baked in the end.
Shortcut method = 100 0.9 0.95 0.97 = 82.935%.
19. In an exam there were 100 questions of 2 marks each and double the number questions of 4 marks each.
Mayur answered 50% of the 2 marks questions correctly. How many 4 marks questions must he answer
correctly to get an overall percentage of 80%?
(1) 250 (2) 175 (3) 125 (4) 300
Ans (2)
Total marks = 100 2 + 200 4 = 1000 marks
Overall percentage desired = 80% of 1000 = 800 marks
86
Quantitative Aptitude
Mayur answers 50% of 100 questions of 2 marks each correctly and gets = 50% 100 2 = 100 marks.
Balance marks that Mayur needs to score to get overall 80% = 800 – 100 = 700 marks.
Number of 4 marks questions which Mayur needs to answer correctly to get 700 more marks
700
= = 175 questions.
4
20. 605 sweets were distributed equally among children in such a way that the number of sweets received by
each child was 20% of the total number of children. How many sweets did each child receive?
(Bank PO 2004)
(1) 11 (2) 24 (3) 45 (4) Cannot be determined
Ans (1)
Let total children be Y.
Total sweets distributed = 605 = Y (20% of Y)
1
Y2 = 605, So Y = 55.
5
Each child receives 20% of 55 = 11 sweets.
21. In a college, one chocolate was distributed to each student. Total of 900 chocolates were distributed. If
there were y boys, then the number of girls was y% of the total number of students. Find the number of
girls.
(1) 711 (2) 810 (3) 690 (4) 900
Ans (2)
Number of boys = y
y + y% of 900 = 900
10y = 900, y = 90.
Number of girls = 900 – 90 = 810.
22. If the price of petrol increased by 20% and Rama intends to spend only an additional 10% on petrol, by
how much will he reduce the quantity of petrol purchased?
(1) 11% (2) 15% (3) 6.54% (4) 8.33%
Ans (4)
Let original money being spent on petrol = 100
Increased price for same quantity of petrol = 120
Rama is willing to spend 10% more, i.e., 100 + 10 = 110.
So he will have to reduce spending by 120 – 110 = 10.
10
In percentage terms he has to reduce × 100 = 8.33%.
120
23. In a fraction the numerator is increased by 15% and the denominator is increased by 20%. Then, what
percentage of the original fraction is the new fraction?
(1) 11.33% (2) 4.17% (3) 95.83% (4) 88.33%
Ans (3)
Let the numerator be ‘x’ and the denominator be ‘y’.
87
Quantitative Aptitude
x 0.15x
Then, the new fraction is =
y 0.2y
Let the new fraction be A% of the original fraction. It can Mathematically be written as
A x 1.15 x
100 y 1.2 y
1.15
A= 100
1.2
A = 95.83%
24. Two numbers are respectively 20% and 25% lower than a third number. By how much percentage is the
second number lower than the first? (R.R.B 2006)
(1) 5% (2) 6.25% (3) 8.5% (4) 10%
Ans (2)
Let third number be x.
2nd number = 0.75 x
1st number = 0.8 x
0.8 0.75 100
2nd number is lower than 1st number by × 100 = 0.05 × = 6.25%.
0.8 0.8
25. Shyam purchased three items - Item 1 at 5,000 and paid 4% tax, Item 2 at 2,000 and paid 8% tax and
Item 3 at 8,000 and paid 15% tax. What is the average tax % paid on all 3 items?
(1) 10.4% (2) 11.4% (3) 9.4% (4) 12.4%
Ans (1)
Tax paid on 1st item = 4% of 5000 = 200
Tax paid on 2nd item = 8% of 2000 = 160
Tax paid on 3rd item = 15% of 8000 = 1,200
Total tax paid = 200 + 160 + 1200 = 1,560
1560
Average tax % paid on all 3 items = × 100 = 10.4%.
5000 2000 8000
26. Mr. More spent 20% of his monthly income on food and 15% on children’s education. 40% of the
remaining he spent on entertainment and transport together and 30% on medical. He is left with an
amount of 8,775 after all these expenditures. What is Mr. More’s monthly income? (Bank PO 2009)
(1) 35,000 (2) 38,000 (3) 45,000 (4) 42,000
Ans (3)
Mr. More’s spends on food and children’s education = 20% + 15% = 35%
Remaining = 100% – 35% = 65%.
(40% + 30%) of remaining income = 70% of 65% = 45.5%
Total spends of Mr. More = 35% + 45.5% = 80.5%
Left over salary in percentage = 100% – 80.5% = 19.5%.
8775 100
If 19.5% = 8775, 100% = = 45,000 = Mr. More’s monthly income.
19.5
88
Quantitative Aptitude
27. In an area, of the total people 40% were women and 45% coffee drinkers. One-third of the males are
coffee drinkers. Suppose the total number of persons in the area is 100, then the number of female non-
coffee drinkers is __________. (PCS 2009)
(1) 15 (2) 20 (3) 25 (4) None of these
Ans (1)
Female population = 40% = 40, male population = 100% – 40% = 60% = 60
Coffee drinkers = 45% = 45,
1
Male coffee drinkers = of 60 = 20.
3
Female coffee drinkers = 45 – 20 = 25.
Female non coffee drinkers = 40 25 = 15
28. One type of solution contains 30% water and another type of liquid contains 20% water. One jar is filled
with 5 parts of first liquid and 7 parts of second liquid. The percentage of water in the new mixture is
__________.
(1) 22.14% (2) 23.14% (3) 24.61% (4) 24.16%
Ans (4)
30% of 5 20% of 7
Percentage of water in new mixture = × 100
5 7
1.5 1.4
= × 100 = 24.16%.
12
29. In a construction truck, there are 200 sand bags and 50 cement bags. At site A, 20% of both bags are
delivered. At site B, 30% of sand bags and 25% of cement bags left in the truck are the delivered. At site
C, the remaining bags are delivered. What is the difference between the sand bags and cement bags
delivered at each site?
(1) 40 ; 30 ; 80 (2) 46 ; 10 ; 32 (3) 30 ; 38 ; 82 (4) 56 ; 54 ; 52
Ans (3)
Sand bags delivered at site A = 20% of 200 = 40 bags
Cement bags delivered at site A = 20% of 50 = 10 bags
Sand bags delivered at site B = 30% of (200 – 40) = 30% of 160 = 48 bags
Cement bags delivered at site B = 25% of (50 – 10) = 25% of 40 = 10 bags
Sand bags delivered at site C = 200 – (40 + 48) = 112 bags
Cement bags delivered at site C = 50 – (10 + 10) = 30 bags.
Difference between the sand bags and cement bags delivered at each site = 30, 38, 82
89
Quantitative Aptitude
30. In a survey in a small town, it was found that 85% of the people have got a two wheelers and 35% of the
people have got a car. If everyone in the town owns at least one type of vehicle, what percentage of
people own both types of vehicles?
(1) 22% (2) 23% (3) 24% (4) 20%
Ans (4)
Percentage of people who own both types of vehicles = 85 + 35 – 100 = 20%.
31. Kanya ordered two type of dresses - red and yellow. 8 yellow dresses were ordered and some red
dresses. Yellow dress was twice the price of the red dress. The shop made an error and interchanged the
quantity of both dresses which led to 25% increase in the total bill amount. The ratio of yellow to red
dresses in the original order was __________.
(1) 1 : 3 (2) 1 : 2 (3) 4 : 3 (4) 4 : 5
Ans (2)
Let “n” be number of red dresses ordered.
Let the price of each red dress be x.
The price of each yellow dress will be 2x.
Bill as per original order should have been = 8(2x) + n(x) = 16x + nx
Bill as per wrong calculation = n (2x) + 8 (x) = 2nx + 8x
Given that 2nx + 8x = 125% of (16x + nx)
2nx + 8x = 20x + 1.25 nx
2n + 8 = 20 + 1.25n
0.75 n = 12, n = 16
Number of red dresses = 16
Ratio of yellow to red dresses in the original order = 8 : 16 = 1 : 2
32.
On time X%
Upto 15 mins delayed 43%
15 - 30 mins delayed 17%
30 - 60 mins delayed 12%
More than 60 mins delayed 3%
The chart above describes departures of flights from a certain airport on a certain day. If 1,200 flights
were delayed, how many flights departed on time? (N.M.A.T 2005)
(1) 250 (2) 300 (3) 350 (4) 400
Ans (4)
Percentage of delayed departures = (43 + 17 + 12 + 3) = 75%
1200 fights departed late. So 75% delayed flights = 1200
1200
Number of flights which departed on time = 100% 75 % = 25% = 25 400
75
90
Quantitative Aptitude
Directions (Questions 33 - 35):
The below given problems consist of a question and two Statements numbered I and II. You are required to
decide whether the data provided in the Statements is sufficient to answer the question. Choose option
(1) If the data in Statement I alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(2) If the data in Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(3) If the data either in Statement I alone or in Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the question.
(4) If the data in both Statements I and II together is not sufficient to answer the question.
(5) If the data in both Statements I and II together is sufficient to answer the question.
33. What is the total monthly salary of Vasu?
I. Vasu’s basic salary is 100 more than Rajan’s basic salary.
II. Other allowances drawn by Rajan besides his basic salary are 2000 per month which is 50 less
than the other allowances of Vasu. Rajan’s basic salary is 1550 per month.
(1) Option 4 (2) Option 1 (3) Option 5 (4) Option 2
Ans (3)
Salary consists of two components. (i) Basic salary and (ii) other allowances.
From Statement II; Rajan’s basic salary = 1550
From Statement I; Vasu’s basic salary = (1550 + 100)
= 1650
From Statement II; Rajan’s other allowances = 2000
and Vasu’s other allowances = 2050
Vasu’s monthly salary = 1650 + 2050 = 3700
So, data in both Statements I and II is necessary to answer the question.
34. 60% of all teachers in a school are male teachers. If 20% of the male teachers in that school teach
6 classes a day, what is the number of male teachers who do not teach 6 classes a day?
Statement I - There are 80 female teachers in the school.
Statement II - 30 female teachers in the school do not teach 6 classes a day but balance 50 female
teachers teach 6 classes a day.
(1) Option 3 (2) Option 1 (3) Option 4 (4) Option 2
Ans (1)
From statement I we get
Female teachers = 100% – 60% = 40%. Given that 40% = 80. So total teachers = 200
Male teachers = 200 – 80 = 120
Male teachers who do not teach 6 classes per day = 100% – 20% = 80%
Male teachers who do not teach 6 classes per day = 80% of 120 = 96
From statement II we get
Female teachers = 100% – 60% = 40%, given that 40% = 30 + 50 = 80
80
40% teachers = 80 teachers. So 100% teachers = 100 = 200
40
Total male teachers = 200 – 80 = 120
Male teachers who do not teach 6 classes per day = 80% of 120 = 96
91
Quantitative Aptitude
So, data given in either Statement I alone or Statement II alone is sufficient to answer the given question.
35. While shortlisting 28 women players for the cricket world cup, the selectors decided to have twice the
number of batswomen only as compared to bowlers only. All rounders were also there in the list. How
many “bowlers only” were there in the shortlisted squad?
Statement I - There were less than 5 all rounders in the short listed team.
Statement II - 30% of the batswomen were below 25 years of age.
(1) Option 3 (2) Option 1 (3) Option 4 (4) Option 2
Ans (3)
From Statement I we know that the all rounders could have been any number from 1 to 4 and is not
sufficient to deduce how many “bowlers only” were there in the list.
From Statement II - the given data is not enough to know how many batswomen were there in the list
and is not sufficient to deduce how many “bowlers only” were there in the list.
So, data in both Statements I and II together is not sufficient to answer the question.
***
92
5. Profit and Loss
The world of business operates on the concept of profit and loss. Few terms which will be used in this
chapter and their abbreviations are given below.
Cost price (C.P): Cost at which an item is purchased.
Selling price (S.P): The price at which the item is sold.
Profit: If the item is sold for a price that is greater than the cost price, then there is a profit.
Profit = Selling price Cost price. (As SP > CP)
Loss: If the item is sold for a price that is less than the cost price, then there is a loss.
Loss = Cost price Selling price (As SP < CP)
Overhead / other charges Expenditure incurred over and above the purchase cost of the item, such as
transportation, repair, insurance, etc, come under this category. Overhead / other charges are added to the
cost price of the item while arriving at the profit.
Profit percent (P%): The profit earned expressed in terms of percent (or per hundred) is termed as profit
percent or gain percent (G%). It is always calculated on C.P.
P
P% = ×100
C.P.
Loss percent (L%): The loss incurred expressed in terms of percent (or per hundred) is termed as loss
percent. It is always calculated on C.P.
L
L% = ×100
C.P.
Discount: Discount is a reduction that is made in the selling price of the item. Discounts are always
calculated on the marked price of the item.
Profit, loss is generally expressed as a percentage: (P%, L%). Profit and loss are always calculated on the
cost price of the item.
For example, let us assume that a person purchased an item for 200 and sold it for 220. There is a profit.
He earns 20 for 200 that he spends. Then his earnings per hundred rupees spent by him is given by,
20 : 200 : : ? : 100
20 100 = 200 x
20×100
x=
200
x = 10%
Hence, the profit percent is 10%, which means for every 100 that is spent, he gains a profit of 10.
Worked Examples
1. Jaya purchased an old cycle for 1,500 and spent 650 on its repair in the first year and 850 on its
repair in the second year. After 2 years, if she sold the cycle for 3,300, what was her gain percentage?
Ans
Total Cost price (C.P) = 1,500 + 650 + 850 = 3,000
Sale price (S.P) = 3,300
Profit (Gain) = S.P – C.P = 3,300 – 3,000 = 300
Profit on 3,000 is 300
93
Quantitative Aptitude
Gain 300
Gain % = 100 = 100 = 10%.
CP 3000
2. A shopkeeper bought a TV set for 19,000 and spent 1,000 on its transportation. Due to change in
technology, this model got outdated and due to drop in demand, he was forced to sell it at 16,000.
What was the loss percentage for the shop keeper?
Ans
Total cost price (C.P) = 19,000 + 1,000 = 20,000
Sale price = 16,000
Since CP > SP, it is a loss.
Loss = CP SP = 20,000 = 16,000 = 4,000
4, 000
Loss percentage = 100 = 20%.
20,000
3. Dinesh sold a scooter for 45,600 making a profit of 20%. Find the cost price of the scooter and the
amount of profit earned.
Ans
If SP is 120, then CP is 100
100
If SP is 45600, CP = 45600 = 38,000
120
Cost price of scooter is 38,000.
Profit = SP – CP
= 45,600 – 38,000 = 7,600.
4. A fruit merchant purchased 25 kilograms of apples, at 20 per kilogram. Out of this 5 kg of apples were
thrown away as they were badly damaged in transport. The merchant sold the remaining apples at 25
per kilogram. Find the profit / loss for the fruit merchant in this transaction.
Ans
Cost price of 25 kg of apples = 25 20 = 500
Out of 25 kg, the merchant has thrown 5 kg and sold the remaining 20 kg only
Sale price of 20 kg of apples = 20 25 = 500
Profit = SP – CP = 500 – 500 = 0
Hence, he neither made any profit nor incurred any loss in the entire transaction.
5. Raju purchased two used scooters for 25,000 each. He sold one scooter at a profit of 12% and the other
at a loss of 8%. Find the selling price of each scooter. Also find the total profit and profit percent.
Ans
Total cost price of two scooters = 25,000 2
= 50,000
Pr ofit percent cost price
Profit earned on first scooter =
100
12
25000 = 3,000
100
94
Quantitative Aptitude
Selling price of first scooter is 25000 + 3000 = 28000
Loss percent cost price
Loss incurred on second scooter =
100
8
25000 = 2,000
100
Selling price of second scooter is 25000 – 2000 = 23,000
Total selling price of two scooters = 28,000 + 23,000 = 51,000
Total profit earned = Total selling price – total cost price
= 51,000 – 50,000 = 1,000
Profit 1000 100
Profit percent = 100 2% .
CP 50000
Note
When a person sells two similar items at same sale price, one at a gain (profit) of say x%, and the other at a loss of x%,
then the seller always incur loss and the loss percent is given by the following formula.
2 2
common loss and gain % x
Loss %
10
10
6. A shopkeeper sells two laptops for 21,000 each. He sold one at a profit of 12% and the other at a loss
of 12%. Find the cost price of each laptop and also find the total profit / loss and the overall gain / loss
percentage.
Ans
21000
CP of 1st laptop = = 18,750
1.12
21000
CP of 2nd laptop = = 23,863.64
0.88
Total CP = 18,750 + 23863.64 = 42,613.64
Total SP = 21,000 2 = 42,000
Total loss = CP SP = 42,613.64 – 42,000 = 613.64
613.64
Overall loss percentage = 100 = 1.44%
42613.64
2
12
Direct formula for loss percentage = = 1.44%.
10
7. The selling price of 24 marbles is equal to the cost price of 30 marbles. What is the profit or loss
percentage?
Ans
Let CP of 1 marble be equal to 1
CP of 30 marbles = 30 = SP of 24 marbles
30
So SP of 1 marble = = 1.25
24
(1.25 1)
Gain percentage = 100 = 25%.
1
95
Quantitative Aptitude
8. By selling 40 chocolates, a shopkeeper gained the sale price of 10 chocolates. Find the gain percentage.
Ans
SP of 40 chocolates CP of 40 chocolates = Gain = SP of 10 chocolates
So, SP of 30 chocolates = CP of 40 chocolates.
Let CP of 1 chocolate be = 1
CP of 40 chocolates = 40
SP of 30 chocolates = 40
40 4
SP of 1 chocolate = =
30 3
Gain percentage = % .
9. A trader sells salt at the cost price, by using a faulty weighing machine which shows 200 grams when the
actual weight is 160 grams. Find the gain percentage.
Ans
SP of 160 grams = CP of 200 grams
Gain = 40 grams
40
Gain percentage = 100 = 25%.
160
Discounts
In order to attract customers and to promote the sales, traders sometimes sell their items for a lesser price
than the one marked on the item. This is called as Discount. So, discount is the reduction given on the
marked price (M.P.) of the item.
Discount = Marked price – Sale price
Marked price (M.P.): The price that is labelled on an item or product is called as marked price/list
price/ label price. It is always greater than cost price.
Discount (D): The amount given as rebate or reduction from the marked price, by the seller is called as
discount.
Discount percent (D%): The discount expressed in terms of percent (or per hundred) is termed as
discount percent. It is always calculated over M.P.
D
D% 100
M.P
While marking prices on the items, the profit amount is added to the cost price. Hence, by giving discount,
the trader will not incur any loss, but his profit portion comes down.
It is very important to note that discount should always be calculated on marked price (M.P) only.
Sometimes the word ‘list price’ is used instead of marked price.
Successive discounts: After the buyer has been given a discount D1% if he is given further discounts on
reduced price say discount D2% discount, D3%, etc, it is termed as successive discounts.
D D D
Formula i.e., SP 1 1 1 2 1 3 ... MP
100 100 100
96
Quantitative Aptitude
10. A gas stove marked at 2,850 was sold for 2,394. Find the discount percentage.
Ans
Discount = Marked price – sale price
= 2,850 – 2,394 = 456
On marked price of 2,850, the discount is 456
456
Discount percentage = 100 16% .
2850
11. A tablet marked at 12,360 is sold at a discount of 15%. Find the discount given and the sale price of
the tablet.
Ans
Discount given is 15% on marked price.
15
15% of 12,360 12360 1,854
100
Sale price = Marked price – Discount
= 12,360 – 1,854 = 10,506
Alternate method
If marked price is 100, the selling price will be 85
85
If marked price is 12,360 then S.P = 12360 = 10,506.
100
12. The marked price of an item is 50,000. The successive discounts offered by the store is 25% and 10%.
Calculate the total discount and the selling price of the item. If the cost price is 60% of the marked price
then what is the profit gained?
Ans
If the marked price is 100, first discount is 25 and second discount is 10% of reduced price. Reduced
price is 100 – 25 = 75
Second discount = 10% of 75 = 7.5
Total of two discounts = 25 + 7.5 = 32.5
Discount on a marked price of 100 is 32.5
32.5
So discount on marked price of 50,000 = 50000 = 16,250
100
Sale price = Marked price – Discount
= 50,000 – 16,250 = 33,750
Cost price = 60% of 50,000 = 30,000
Profit = SP CP = 33,750 – 30,000 = 3,750.
13. A boy goes to a shop and buys biscuits for 200 and cake for 400. The shopkeeper gives discounts of
40% on the cake and 60% on the biscuits and tells the boy that he has given an average discount of 50%.
What is the actual average discount percentage given?
Ans
Discount given on biscuits = 60% of 200 = 120
Discount given on cake = 40% of 400 = 160
97
Quantitative Aptitude
Total discount = 120 + 160 = 280
Total purchase = 200 + 400 = 600
280
So, actual average discount percentage given = 100 = 46.67% and not 50% as claimed by the
600
shopkeeper.
14. Sale price of an item including GST was 21,000. If GST component was 5%, what was the cost price if
the seller made a profit of 25%?
Ans
GST is on the sale price of an item.
Sale price = 21,000 (including GST at 5%)
100
Actual sale price (Excluding GST) = 21000 20,000
105
Profit = 25%
100
Cost price 20000 16,000 .
125
15. Sonal bought a big stand and painting for a total sum of 6,000. She sold the big stand for a loss of 10%
and the painting for a profit of 20% but making an overall profit of 5%. Find the cost of the big stand.
Ans
Let CP of painting = X.
CP of big stand = (6000 – X)
20% of X – 10% of (6000 – X) = 5% of 6,000
0.2X – 600 + 0.1X = 300
0.3X = 900
X = 3,000
⸫ Cost price of big stand = (6000 – X) = 3,000.
16. Sameer bought a scooter for a certain sum of money. He spent 10% of the cost for repairs and sold the
scooter for a profit of 4,620. If he has made a profit of 15% in the transaction, how much did he spend
for repairs?
Ans
Let CP of scooter = X.
Additional amount spent on repairs = 10% of X = 0.1X. So, total cost = 1.1X
Gain = SP - total cost 4,620 = 15% of 1.1X
0.165X = 4,620
So X = 28,000 = Cost Price.
Money spent on repairs = 10% of 28,000 = 2,800.
98
Quantitative Aptitude
17. A manufacturer undertakes to supply 2,000 pieces of a particular component at 25 per piece.
According to his estimate, even if 5% fail to pass the quality test, he will make a profit of 25%.
However, it turned out that 50% of the components were rejected. What is the loss incurred by the
manufacturer?
Ans
Sale price per piece = 25, Pieces sold = 2,000 nos, Total SP = 2000 × 25 = 50,000
Assuming 5% fail the test, deduction from SP = 5% of 2000 × 25 = 2,500
Sale price expected to be realized = 50,000 – 2,500 = 47,500
Profit expected (incl 5% rejections) is 25% on CP (X)
So, 1.25X = 47,500,
X = 38,000 = Cost price
Since 50% components failed, total amount received by the manufacturer is for balance 50% good
components only = 25 × 50% of 2000 = 25,000
Loss incurred by the manufacturer = CP – Total amount received = 38,000 – 25,000 = 13,000.
18. When an article is sold for 18,700 the trader loses 15%. At what price must the article be sold in order
to gain 15%?
Ans
Let CP of article = X, Loss = 15%
SP of article = 18,700 = 0.85 X
So, X = 22,000 = Cost Price
In order to gain 15%, the trader must sell it at 1.15X = 25,300.
19. A man gains 20% by selling an article for a certain price. If he sells the article at double the price, what
will the profit percentage be?
Ans
Let CP of article = X
SP of article = 1.2X
If article is sold at double the price then SP = 2 × 1.2X = 2.4X. CP remains the same.
So, profit = 2.4X – X = 1.4X
1.4X
Profit percentage = × 100 = 140%.
X
20. Profit earned by selling an article for 1,060 is 20% more than the loss incurred by selling the article for
950. At what price should the article be sold to earn 20% profit?
Ans
Let CP of article be = X
120
1060 – X = (X – 950)
100
5300 – 5X = 6X – 5700
11000 = 11X, X = 1,000
To get 20% profit the article should be sold for 1.2 × 1000 = 1,200.
99
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. An item is sold for 13,500 at a loss of 10%. What is the cost price of the item?
(1) 12,500 (2) 15,000 (3) 14,000 (4) 14,500
Ans (2)
SP of item = 13,500, Loss = 10%
CP - 10% of CP = SP
0.9 CP = 13,500
CP = 15,000.
2. A merchant earns 15% profit by selling a carpet for 23,000. If the cost of making the carpet goes up by
20%, at what price must he sell the carpet to earn the same profit percentage?
(1) 30,000 (2) 25,000 (3) 27,600 (4) 29,750
Ans (3)
SP of item = 23,000, Profit = 15%
CP + 15% of CP = SP
1.15 CP = 23,000
CP = 20,000
Additional cost = 20% of CP = 20% of 20,000 = 4,000
New CP = 20,000 + 4,000 = 24,000
Profit 15% of new CP. So, new SP = new CP + 15% of new CP
new SP = 1.15% of new CP = 1.15 × 24,000 = 27,600
The merchant must sell the carpet at 27,600 to make the same (15%) profit.
Alternate method
Profit remains at the same rate of 15 %.
So, selling price should also increase by 20 %
New selling price = 120 % of 23,000 = 27,600.
3. A vendor buys 10 oranges for 25 and sells 4 oranges for 16, 3 oranges for 10, 2 oranges for 4 and
the remaining he gives it to a poor boy free of cost. Find his gain / loss percentage.
(1) 20% gain (2) 15% loss (3) No loss no gain (4) 17.5% loss
Ans (1)
CP of 10 oranges = 25
Total SP = SP of 4 oranges + SP of 3 oranges + SP of 2 oranges + SP of 1 orange
= 16 + 10 + 4 + 0 = 30
30 25
Profit percentage = × 100 = 20%.
25
4. A shopkeeper sells two sofa sets for 20,000 each. He sold one at a profit of 25% and the other at a loss
of 25%. Find the overall gain / loss percentage.
(1) No loss no gain (2) 6.25% gain (3) 6.25% loss (4) 12.5% gain
Ans (3)
100
Quantitative Aptitude
20000
CP of 1st sofa set = = 16,000
1.25
20000
CP of 2nd sofa set = = 26,666,67
0.75
2
25
Loss percentage = = 6.25%.
10
5. Pankaj purchased an old motorbike for 35,000 and spent 10% of the cost of motorbike on repairs, each
year, for the next 4 years He got it repainted in the 4th year for 11,000 and sold it in the 5th year for
63,000. What was his loss / gain percentage?
(1) 3% gain (2) 5% loss (3) 10% loss (4) 5% gain
Ans (4)
Total Cost price (C.P) = 35,000 + 3500 × 4 + 11,000 = 60,000
Sale price (S.P) = 63,000
3000
Gain % = 100 = 5%.
60000
6. By selling 50 ice creams, a shopkeeper gained the sale price of 10 ice creams. Find the gain percentage.
(1) 25% gain (2) 15% gain (3) 10% gain (4) 5% gain
Ans (1)
Let CP of 1 ice cream be = 1
CP of 50 ice creams = 50
SP of 50 ice creams - CP of 50 ice creams = Gain = SP of 10 ice creams
So, SP of 40 ice creams = CP of 50 ice creams.
SP of 40 ice creams = 50
50
SP of 1 ice cream = = 1.25
40
0.25
Gain percentage = 100 = 25%.
1
7. A trader claims he is selling rice at the cost price. However, he uses a faulty weighing machine which
shows 440 grams when the actual weight is 400 grams. Find the gain percentage.
(1) 40% gain (2) 15% gain (3) 10% gain (4) 5% gain
Ans (3)
SP of 400 grams = CP of 440 grams
Gain = 40 grams
40
Gain percentage = 100 = 10%.
400
101
Quantitative Aptitude
8. The marked price of a gold plated mobile phone was 4 lakhs. In the label it was mentioned 5%
discount. Shyamala waited for Deepavali festival in which the store had announced an additional 10%
off on all items on the discounted price. When she went near the payment counter, she met her
schoolmate who was the shop owner. The shop owner told the cashier to give an additional discount of
20% on the payable amount so far. If the cost price was 2.65 lakhs, then what was the loss / profit to
the shop owner?
(1) 9,650 (2) 8,600 (3) 7,650 (4) 6,900
Ans (2)
5 10 20
Selling price = 1 1 1 400000 = 273,600
100 100 100
Profit gained = 273,600 – 265,000 = 8,600.
9. If 100 apples are bought for 500 and sold at 75 per dozen, what will the loss / gain be if 16 of them
turn out to be bad and are unsold? Also find the loss / gain percentage.
(1) 25, 10% loss (2) 50, 5% gain (3) 25, 5% gain (4) 75, 7.5% loss
Ans (3)
CP of 100 apples = 500
Apples sold = 100 16 = 84 = 7 dozen.
SP = 75 7 = 525
Gain = 525 – 500 = 25
25
Gain percentage = 100 = 5%.
500
10. A shopkeeper marks an item 30% above the cost price and gives a discount of 10% on the marked price.
If he makes a profit of 340, then what is the cost price of the item?
(1) 2,000 (2) 3,400 (3) 3,000 (4) 2,600
Ans (1)
Let CP be X.
Marked price = 1.3X.
Discount given = 10% on 1.3X. So, SP = 1.17X.
Profit 0.17X = 340, So, X = 2,000.
11. After giving two successive discounts, a cradle with a list price of 15,000 is sold at 10,800. If the
second discount is 20%, then find the first discount.
(1) 12% (2) 5% (3) 10% (4) 7.5%
Ans (3)
List price of cradle = 15,000.
Let 1st discount be X%.
For successive discounts, we know that
X 20
15000 1 1 = 10,800
100 100
So, X = 10%.
102
Quantitative Aptitude
12. Profit percentage earned by selling an article at 10,800 is equal to the loss percentage by selling the
same article at 7,200. What will be the profit percentage if the item is sold at 9,900?
(1) 12% (2) 4.5% (3) 9% (4) 10%
Ans (4)
Let profit be X (when it is sold at 10,800)
10,800 X = 7200 + X
3600 = 2X, X = 1,800.
So, CP of article = 10,800 – 1,800 = 9,000
9,900 9000
If item is sold at 9,900 then profit percentage = 100 = 10%.
9000
13. A person marks his goods x% above the cost price and allows a discount of 30% on the marked price.
If his profit is 5%, then the value of x will be? [SSC CGL Tier-I CBE Exam, 2019]
(1) 25% (2) 50% (3) 39% (4) 40%
Ans (2)
Let CP = 100
SP will be 105
SP = MP – 30% of MP = 105
So, MP = 150
x=
150 100 100 = 50%.
100
14. An article is sold at 16% profit. What is the ratio of the selling price to the cost price?
(1) 16 : 10 (2) 116 : 110 (3) 29 : 25 (4) 30 : 20
Ans (3)
Let CP = 100, SP = 116
Ratio of SP : CP = 116 : 100 = 29 : 25
15. A shopkeeper marks his goods at 25% above the cost price. He sells three-fourth of the goods at the
marked price and the remaining at 40% discount on the marked price. His gain / loss percent is _______.
[SSC 2019]
(1) 12.5% gain (2) 12.5% loss (3) 25% gain (4) 25% loss
Ans (1)
Let CP of all goods = 100, MP of all goods = 125
3
SP of 3/4th goods = 75% of 125 = 125 = 93.75
4
25
SP of Balance 25 % = 0.6 125 = 18.75
100
Total SP = 93.75 + 18.75 = 112.50
So, gain percentage =
112.50 100 = 12.5%.
100
103
Quantitative Aptitude
16. An old man goes to a shop and buys his monthly medicines for 2,000 and chocolates for his
grandchildren for 500. The shopkeeper gives discounts of 10% on the medicines and 20% on the
chocolates and tells the old man that he has given an average discount of 15%. What is the difference
between the average discount percentage mentioned by the shopkeeper and the actual average discount
percentage given?
(1) 4.5% (2) 2.5% (3) 5% (4) 3%
Ans (4)
Discount given on medicines = 10% of 2,000 = 200
Discount given on chocolates = 20% of 500 = 100
Total discount given = 200 + 100 = 300
Total purchase = 2,000 + 500 = 2,500
300
Actual average discount percentage given = 100 = 12% and not 15% as claimed by the
2500
shopkeeper.
So, the difference between the average discount percentage mentioned by the shopkeeper and the actual
average discount percentage given = 15% 12% = 3%.
17. Profit earned by selling an article for 20,600 is 12% more than the loss incurred by selling the article
for 10,000. At what price should the article be sold to earn 10 % profit?
(1) 16,000 (2) 16,500 (3) 17,000 (4) 12,000
Ans (2)
Let CP of article be = X
112
20600 – X = (X – 10000)
100
X
X
20600 + 11200 = 1.12X + X
2.12X = 31800,
X
.
To get 10% profit the article should be sold for 15,000 × 1.1 = 16,500.
18. Sale price of an item including GST was 16,800. If GST component was 12%, what was the cost price
if the seller made a loss of 10%?
(1) 15,000 (2) 16,666.66 (3) 14,500 (4) 13,000
Ans (2)
GST is on the sale price of an item.
Sale price = 16,800 (including GST at 12%)
100
Sale price excluding GST = 16800 = 15,000
112
Loss = 10%
100
Cost Price = 15000 = 16,666.66.
90
104
Quantitative Aptitude
19. A new businessman marked the price of an item at 15% higher than cost price and gave a discount of
15% thinking it was a “no loss no gain” deal for him. What percentage did the shopkeeper gain / lose?
(1) 3.75% gain (2) 3.5% loss (3) 2.75% gain (4) 2.25% loss
Ans (4)
Let CP of item be = X.
MP = 1.15 X
SP = 0.85 1.15 X = 0.9775 X
Loss = CP SP = X – 0.9775X = 0.0225X
0.0225
Loss percentage = 100 = 2.25%.
1
20. A manufacturer undertakes to supply 500 pieces of a particular component at 500 per piece. According
to his estimate, even if 3% fail to pass the quality test, he will make a profit of 15 %. However, it turned
out that many components were faulty and he was levied a fine of 30,000. What is the loss / gain
incurred by the manufacturer?
(1) 10,000.56 loss (2) 1,630.44 loss (3) 9,130.43 gain (4) 12,002.56 gain
Ans (3)
Sale price per piece = 500
Pieces sold = 500 nos
Total SP = 500 × 500 = 2,50,000
Cost of 3% failure while testing = 3% of 500 × 500 = 7,500
Estimated SP, after allowing 3% rejection = 2,50,000 – 7,500 = 2,42,500
Estimated profit = 15%
100
Cost price 2, 42,500 2,10,869.57
115
Fine levied = 30,000
Money received = SP Fine (due to faulty component supply) = 2,50,000 30,000 = 2,20,000
Total cost = 2,10,869.57
Gain = Money received CP = 2,20,000 2,10,869.57 = 9,130.43.
21. When an article is sold for 20,000 the trader loses 20%. At what price must the article be sold in order
to gain 5%?
(1) 26,000 (2) 26,250 (3) 25,600 (4) 25,800
Ans (2)
Let CP of article = X, Loss = 20%
SP of article = 20,000 = 0.8 X
So, X = 25,000 = Cost Price
In order to gain 5%, the trader must sell it at 1.05X = 26,250.
105
Quantitative Aptitude
22. A man loses 35% by selling an article for a certain price. If he sells the article at double the price, what
will his loss / gain percentage be?
(1) 70% loss (2) 35% loss (3) No loss no gain (4) 30% gain
Ans (4)
Let CP of article = X
SP of article = 0.65X
If article is sold at double the price then SP = 2 × 0.65X = 1.3X. CP remains the same.
So, profit = 1.3 X – X = 0.3X
0.3X
Profit percentage = 100 = 30%.
X
23. The cost price of two articles is the same. One is sold at a profit of 15% and the other is sold at a profit of
12%. If the difference between their selling price is 18, what is the cost price of each article?
[SSC 2018]
(1) 600 (2) 625 (3) 650 (4) 575
Ans (1)
Let CP of article = X
SP of article 1 = 1.15X
SP of article 2 = 1.12X
Difference = 0.03X = 18.
So, X = 600.
24. Aditya, a trader sells an item to a retailer at 20% discount but charges 10% on the discounted price for
delivery and packaging. The retailer sells it for 2046 more, thereby earning a profit of 25%. At what
price had the trader marked the item? [IBPS 2015]
(1) 9,400 (2) 9,000 (3) 8,000 (4) 9,300
Ans (4)
Let MP of item = X
Discounted price = 0.8X
Sale price Discounted price + 10% on 0.8X = 0.88X
1.25 × 0.88X 0.88X = 2,046
0.22X = 2,046
X = 9,300.
Marked price of item = 9,300.
25. If the ratio of cost price to selling price of an article is 10 : 11, the percentage of profit is___. [SSC 2010]
(1) 8% (2) 10% (3) 11% (4) 15%
Ans (2)
Let CP = 10X
SP = 11X
Profit = 11X – 10X = X
X
Profit percentage = × 100 = 10%.
10X
106
Quantitative Aptitude
26. A person purchases an article for p and sells it for q thereby gaining r%. The selling price in terms of
cost price may be written as? [R.R.B 2008]
pr r(100 p) p(100 r) p(100 r)
(1) (2) (3) (4)
100 100 100 100
Ans (3)
CP = p
SP = q
Pr of it = (q – p)
q p
Percentage of profit 100
p
100 q p
r
p
rp
qp
100
rp p 100 r
q p .
100 100
27. The market price of a coat and jacket are in the ratio 1 : 3. The shopkeeper gives 30% discount on the
jacket. If the total discount on the set of coat and jacket is 25%, the discount offered on the coat is____.
(1) 15% (2) 20% (3) 25% (4) 10%
Ans (4)
Let MP of coat be 100. Then MP of jacket = 300
Discount given on jacket = 30% of 300 = 90
Total discount given = 25% of (100 + 300) = 100
Discount given on coat = 100 – 90 = 10
10
Percentage discount given on coat = × 100 = 10%.
100
28. Marked price of a bicycle is 5,000 and the tag also says discount of 10% on it. Shopkeeper says if you
buy the bicycle, you get an air blowing pump worth 500 free. On selling this set the shopkeeper makes
an overall profit of 25%. What is the cost price of the bicycle?
(1) 3,500 (2) 3,000 (3) 3,200 (4) 3,100
Ans (3)
MP of bicycle = 5000, discount = 10% on 5000 = 500
Selling price of bicycle + pump = 5,000 – 500 = 4,500
Selling price of bicycle alone = 4500 – 500 = 4000
Cost price of bicycle .
107
Quantitative Aptitude
29. A hotel has three types of rooms.
Type Rent per day Number of rooms Daily occupancy
Executive 10,000 5 60%
Deluxe 7,500 10 60%
Standard 5,000 15 80%
The daily running and maintenance expenditure of the entire hotel is 1,00,000. The cost of food
supplied to the room occupants per day is 25,000. Apart from room rent, extra amount is collected
from the occupants towards the food supplied. If the hotel owner makes an overall profit of 50,000 per
day, what is the profit percentage on the food supplied?
(1) 60% (2) 50% (3) 40% (4) 25%
Ans (1)
Type Rent per day Number of Daily occupancy Amount of money received from
rooms room rent per day = SP
Executive 10,000 5 60% 5 × 60% × 10,000 = 30,000
Deluxe 7,500 10 60% 10 × 60% × 7,500 = 45,000
Standard 5,000 15 80% 15 × 80% × 5,000 = 60,000
Hotel running and maintenance expenditure (CP) = 1,00,000
CP of food = 25,000
Total CP per day = 1,00,000 + 25,000 = 1,25,000
SP (room rent) per day = 30,000 + 45,000 + 60,000 = 1,35,000
Profit on room rent = 1,35,000 – 1,00,000 = 35,000
Total profit per day = 50,000
Profit on food supplied = 50,000 – 35,000 = 15,000
15,000
Profit percentage on food supplied = × 100 = 60%.
25,000
30. A mobile worth 20,000 was sold by Sunil to Dinesh at 3% profit. Dinesh sold the mobile back to Sunil
at 3% gain. How much did Sunil gain or lose in the transaction with Dinesh?
(1) No loss, no gain (2) 618 loss (3) 618 gain (4) 250 loss
Ans (2)
SP of Sunil = CP of Dinesh = 20,000 × 1.03 = 20,600
Sunil’s initial profit = 20,600 – 20,000 = 600
SP of Dinesh = 1.03% of 20,600 = CP of Sunil = 21,218
Dinesh’s profit = 21,218 – 20,600 = 618
Loss to Sunil = 1218 – 600 = 618.
***
108
6. Problems on Ages
Worked Examples
1. The ratio of present ages of Suraj and Rohan is 3 : 5. Four years ago the ratio of their ages was 5 : 9.
What is the present age of Rohan?
Ans
Let the present ages of Suraj and Rohan be 3x years and 5x years respectively.
3x 4 5
5x 4 9
27x – 36 = 25x – 20
2x = 16 x = 8
Present age of Rohan = 5x = 5 8 = 40 years.
2. Vivek’s present age is two - seventh of his father and two - third of his sister Vidya. What is the ratio of
the present ages of Vivek, Vidya and his father?
Ans
2
Let the present age of Vivek = age of his father
7
2
age of Vidya = x years
3
7x 3x
Fathers age = years. Vidya’s age years.
2 2
3x 7x
Ratio of the ages of Vivek, Vidya and his father x : : 2 : 3: 7
2 2
3. A man’s present age is half the age of his mother. After 7 years, his age will be five-ninth the age of his
mother. What was the ratio of man’s age to his mother’s age 4 years back?
Ans
Let the present age of the man be x years
Present age of his mother = 2x years
5
(x 7) (2x 7)
9
9x + 63 = 10x + 35
10x – 9x = 63 – 35 x = 28
Age of man 4 years back = 28 – 4 = 24 years
Age of his mother 4 years back = 2 28 – 4 = 52 years
Ratio of their ages = 24 : 52 = 6 : 13
4. A is 10 years older than B. 6 years ago A was 6 times as old as B. Find the sum of their present ages.
Ans
Let B’s present age be x years
A’s present age = x + 10 years
(x + 10) – 6 = 6 (x – 6)
x + 4 = 6x – 36
6x – x = 4 + 36
109
Quantitative Aptitude
5x = 40
x=8
Sum of present ages of A and B = x + 10 + x = 2x + 10 = 26 years.
5. Five years ago, the ratio of the ages of A and B was 4 : 5. Average of present ages of A, B and C is
31 years. C is 8 years older than B. What is the present age of B?
Ans
Let the ages of A and B, five years back be 4x and 5x respectively.
Present age of A = 4x +5
Present age of B = 5x + 5
Present age of C = 5x + 13
Sum of age of A, B and C = 14x + 23
x
Average age of A, B and C =
14x 23
31
3
14x + 23 = 93
14x = 93 – 23 = 70
x=5
Present age of B = 5x + 5 = 30 years.
6. Seven years ago Varun’s age was five times the square of Swathi’s age. Three year hence, Swathi’s age
will be two – fifth of Varun’s age. Find the ratio of present age of Varun to present age of Swathi.
Ans
Let Swathi’s age, 7 years ago be x years
Varun’s age 7 years ago = 5x2
Three years hence, Swathi’s age = x + 7 + 3 = x + 10 years
Three years hence, Varan’s age = 5x2 + 10 years
2
x + 10 = (5x2 + 10)
5
10x + 20 = 5x + 50
2
10x2 – 5x – 30 = 0
2x2 – x – 6 = 0
x x
3
x = 2 or x =
2
x cannot be negative. So, x = 2
Present age of Varun = 5x2 + 7 = 5 4 + 7 = 27 years
Present age of Swathi = x + 7 = 2 + 7 = 9 years
Ratio of present age of Varun to Swathi = 27 : 9
=3:1
110
Quantitative Aptitude
7. The ratio of A’s age 4 years ago to A’s age 4 years hence is 2 : 3. What is the present age of A?
Ans
Let the present age of A be x years
x4 2
x4 3
2x + 8 = 3x – 12
3x – 2x = 8 + 12
x = 20
So, present age of A is 20 years.
8. The present age of a man is six times the present age of his son. Four years hence, the age of man will be
four times his son’s age. Find their present ages.
Ans
Let the present of the son be x years
Present of age of man = 6x years
(6x + 4) = 4 (x + 4)
6x + 4 = 4x + 16
6x – 4x = 16 – 4
2x = 12
x=6
Present age of father is 36 years and present age of son is 6 years.
9. A person was asked to state his age in years. His reply was “Take my age three years hence, multiply it
by 3 and then subtract three times my age three years ago and you will know how old I am”. What was
the age of the person?
Ans
Let the age of the person be x years.
His age three years hence is x + 3 years
x = 3 (x + 3) – 3 (x – 3) = 3x + 9 – 3x + 9 = 18
The person’s age was 18 years.
6
10. Rajan got married 8 years ago. His present age is times his age at the time of his marriage. Rajan’s
5
sister was 10 years younger to him at the time of his marriage. What is the present age of Rajan’s sister?
Ans
Let the present age of Rajan be x years
Rajan’s age at the time of his marriage was x – 8 years
6
x (x 8)
5
5x = 6x – 48
x = 48
Rajan’s sister’s present age = 48 – 10 = 38 years
111
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. Present age of A is 3 years less than the present age of B. Ratio of B’s age 5 years ago and A’s age
4 years hence is 3 : 4. Find the present age of A. (IP BBA 2019)
(1) 20 years (2) 17 years (3) 23 years (4) 26 years
Ans (1)
Let the present age of A be x years
Then present age of B is x + 3 years
(x + 3) – 5 : x + 4 = 3:4 (given)
x2 3
x4 4
3x + 12 = 4x – 8
4x – 3x = 12 + 8
x = 20
Present age of A = 20 years.
2. The ages of Sulekha and Arunima are in the ratio 9 : 8 respectively. After 5 years, the ratio of their ages
will be 10 : 9. What is the difference in their ages? (Bank PO 2008)
(1) 4 years (2) 5 years (3) 6 years (4) 7 years
Ans (2)
Let the ages of Suleka and Arunima be 9x years and 8x years respectively
9x 5 10
8x 5 9
81x + 45 = 80x + 50
81x – 80x = 50 – 45
x=5
Hence the present ages of Sulekha and Arunima are 45 years and 40 years respectively.
The difference in their ages = 5 years.
3. The sum of the ages of a daughter and her mother is 56 years. After four years, the age of the mother will
be three times that of the daughter. At present their ages in years are _________. (SSC 2006)
(1) 10 ; 46 (2) 12 ; 44 (3) 11 ; 45 (4) 13 ; 43
Ans (2)
Let the present age of daughter be x years
Then present age of mother = (56 – x) years
(56 – x) + 4 = 3 (x + 4)
60 – x = 3x + 12
3x + x = 60 – 12
x = 48
x = 12
Present ages of daughter and mother are 12 years and 44 years respectively.
112
Quantitative Aptitude
4. The present age of son is half the present age of his mother. Ten years ago, his mother’s age was thrice
the age of her son. What is the present age of the son? (Railways 2006)
(1) 20 years (2) 25 years (3) 30 years (4) 40 years
Ans (1)
Let the present age of son be x years
Then the present age of mother = 2x years
2x – 10 = 3(x – 10)
2x – 10 = 3x – 30
3x – 2x = 30 – 10
x = 20
Present age of son is 20 years.
5. A couple has a son and a daughter. The age of the father is four times that of the son and the age of the
daughter in one-third of that of her mother. The wife is 6 years younger to her husband and the sister is
3 years older than her brother. The mother’s age is _________. (PCS 2008)
(1) 42 years (2) 48 years (3) 54 years (4) 63 years
Ans (3)
Let the present age of mother be x years
x
Then the age of daughter = years
3
The age of father = x + 6 years
x
The age of son = 3years
3
It is given that the age of father is four times that of son
x
x 6 4 3
3
4 x 9
x6
3
x – 36 = 3x + 18
4x – 3x = 18 + 36
x = 54
Present age of mother is 54 years.
6. The product of the ages of Ankit and Nikita is 240. If twice the age of Nikita is more than Ankit’s age by
4 years, what is Nikita’s age? (SBI P.O 1999)
(1) 12 years (2) 14 years (3) 15 years (4) 18 years
Ans (1)
Let the age of Nikita be x years.
240
Then the age of Ankit =
x
240
2x 4
x
240
(2x – 4) =
x
113
Quantitative Aptitude
2x2 – 4x – 240 = 0
x2 – 2x – 120 = 0
(x – 12) (x + 10) = 0
x = 12 or x = –10
x cannot be negative. Hence, x = 12
Present age of Nikita is 12 years.
7. The ratio between the present ages of P and Q is 5 : 7 respectively. If the difference between Q’s present
age and P’s age after 6 years is 2, what is the total of P’s and Q’s ages? (Bank P.O 1999)
(1) 48 years (2) 52 years (3) 56 years (4) Cannot be determined
Ans (1)
Let the present ages of P and Q be 5x years and 7x years respectively
7x – (5x + 6) = 2
7x – 5x – 6 = 2
2x = 8
x=4
Total ages of P and Q = 5x + 7x = 12x = 48 years.
8. The ratio between the present ages of A and B is 5 : 3 respectively. The ratio between A’s age 4 years
ago and B’s age 4 years hence is 1 : 1. What is the ratio between A’s age 4 years hence and B’s age
4 years ago? (SIDBI 2000)
(1) 1 : 3 (2) 2 : 1 (3) 3 : 1 (4) 4 : 1
Ans (3)
Let the present ages of A and B be 5x years and 3x years respectively
5x 4
1
3x 4
5x – 4 = 3x + 4
5x – 3x = 4 + 4
2x = 8
x=4
Hence present age of A and B are 20 years and 12 years respectively
Ratio of A’s age four year hence and B’s age 4 years ago = 20 + 4 : 12 – 4 = 24 : 8 = 3 : 1
9. Tanya’s grandfather was 8 times older to her 16 years ago. He would be 3 times of her age 8 years from
now. Eight years ago, what was the ratio of Tanya’s age to that of her grandfather? (SSC 2003)
(1) 1 : 2 (2) 1 : 5 (3) 3 : 8 (4) None of these
Ans (2)
Le the present age of Tanya be x years
Tanya’s age 16 years ago = x – 16
Tanya’s grandfather was 8 times older to her 16 years ago.
This implies that 16 years ago, he was 9 times as old as Tanya,
So, Tanya’s grandfather’s age 16 years ago = 9(x – 16) = 9x – 144 years
Tanya’s grandfather’s present age = 9x – 144 + 16 = 9x – 128 years
114
Quantitative Aptitude
8 years from now,
(9x – 128) + 8 = 3(x + 8)
9x – 120 = 3x + 24
9x – 3x = 24 + 120
x
x = 24
Tanya’s age 8 year’s ago = x – 8 = 16 years
Tanya’s grand father’s age 8 years ago = (9x – 128) – 8 = 88 – 8 = 80 years.
The required ratio = 16 : 80 = 1 : 5
10. Q is as much younger than R as he is older than T. If the sum of the ages of R and T is 50 years, what is
definitely the difference between R’s and Q’s age? (Bank P.O 1999)
(1) 1 year (2) 2 years (3) 25 years (4) Data inadequate
Ans (4)
Let Q’s age be x years and R’s age be y years
Then T’s age = x – (y – x) = 2x – y years
Sum of the ages of R and T is 50 years
y + 2x – y = 50
2x = 50
x = 25 years
y can take any value from 0 to 25.
So, we cannot find the difference between R’s and Q’s age, as R’s age is not certain.
11. Father is aged three times more than his son Ronit. After 8 years, he would be two and half times of
Ronit’s age. After further 8 years, how many times would he be of Ronit’s age? (CBI 1998)
1 3
(1) 2 times (2) 2 times (3) 2 times (4) 3 times
2 4
Ans (1)
Let the present age of Ronit be x years
His father’s present age = x + 3x = 4x years
After 8 years.
1
4x 8 2 (x 8)
2
5
4x 8 (x 8) 8x 16 5x 40
2
3x = 24 x = 8
After further 8 years Ronith’s age = x + 16 = 24 years
And his father’s age = 4x + 16 = 48 years
Father' s age
Ronit' s age
Father’s age after further 8 years = 2 times Ronit’s age at that time.
115
Quantitative Aptitude
12. 10 years before, the ratio of ages of A and B was 13 : 17. After 17 years from now, the ratio of the ages
will be 10 : 11. The present age of B is _________. (IPBBA 2020)
(1) 23 years (2) 40 years (3) 27 years (4) 44 years
Ans (3)
Let the age of A and B, 10 years before be 13x and 17x years respectively.
After 17years from now, A’s and B’s age will be 13x + 27 and 17x + 27 years respectively
13x 27 10
17x 27 11
170x + 270 = 143x + 297
170x – 143x = 297 – 270
27x = 27
x=1
Present age of B = 17x + 10 = 27 years.
13. The difference between the ages of two persons is 10 years. 15 years ago the elder one was twice as old
as the younger one. The present age of the elder person is ________. (NCHMCT JEE 2020)
(1) 35 years (2) 25 years (3) 55 years (4) 45 years
Ans (1)
Let the present age of the elder person be x years
Then the present age of younger person = x – 10 years
(x – 15) = 2 (x – 10 – 15)
x – 15 = 2x – 50 2x – x = 50 – 15
x = 35
Hence, the present age of elder person is 35 years.
14. The ratio between the present ages of Simran and Smitha is 3 : 7 respectively. After 4 years Smitha’s age
will be 39 years. What was Simran’s age 4 years ago? (NCHMCT JEE 2020)
(1) 12 years (2) 13 years (3) 19 years (4) 11 years
Ans (4)
Let the present ages of Simran and Smitha be 3x and 7x years respectively
Then, 7x + 4 = 39
x– 4 = 35
x=5
Simran’s age 4 years ago = 3x – 4
= 15 – 4 = 11 years.
15. Father is nine times as old as his son and the mother is eight times as old as the son. The sum of father’s
and the mother’s age is 51 years. What is the age of the son? (NCHMCT JEE 2020)
(1) 7 years (2) 5 years (3) 4 years (4) 3 years
Ans (4)
Let the age of son be x years
Then father’s age = 9x years
And mother’s age = 8x years
116
Quantitative Aptitude
9x + 8x = 51
17x = 51
x=3
Hence, the age of the son is 3 years.
16. The ratio of present ages of P, Q and R is 3 : 4 : 5. After four years, the average age of all the three will
be 24 years. What was the difference between the ages of Q and R, 6 years before? (MH – CET 2020)
(1) 5 years (2) 6 years (3) 8 years (4) 10 years
Ans (1)
Let the present ages of P, Q and R be 3x, 4x and 5x years respectively.
3x 4 4x 4 5x 4 24
3
12x + 12 = 72
12x = 72 – 12 = 60
x=5
The difference between the ages of Q and R, 6 years before = (5x – 6) – (4x – 6) = x = 5 years.
17. Five years ago, the average age of A, B, C and D was 45 years. By including X in the present lot their
present average changes to 49 years. What is the present age of X? (CMAT 2020)
(1) 40 years (2) 45 years (3) 49 years (4) 48 years
Ans (2)
Let the present age of X be a years
Total ages of A, B, C and D, 5 years ago = 45 × 4 = 180 years
Total ages of A, B, C and D, at present = 180 + 20 = 200 years
200 a
Average age of A, B, C, D and X =
5
200 a
So, = 49
5
200 + a = 245
a = 245 – 200 = 45
Present age of x is 45 years.
18. A is two years older than B who is twice as old as C. If the total of the ages of A, B and C be 27, how old
is B? [NCHM JEE 2016)
(1) 7 years (2) 8 years (3) 9 years (4) 10 years
Ans (4)
Let the age of C be x years
Then, the age of B = 2x years
And the age of A = 2x + 2 years
Total ages of A, B and C = 2x + 2 + 2x + x
= 5x + 2 years
5x + 2 = 27
5x = 27 – 2 = 25
117
Quantitative Aptitude
x=5
Hence, the age of B = 2x = 10 years.
19. Six years ago, the age of Ally was 4 times that of Bally and the age of Cally was 2 times what of Bally.
If the present age of Ally is 1.5 times the present age of Cally, then the present age of Bally is _____.
(HSEE 2019)
(1) 3 years (2) 12 years (3) 6 years (4) 9 years
Ans (4)
Let the present age of Bally be x years
Six years ago Bally’s age was (x – 6) years.
Six years ago Ally’s age was 4(x – 6) = 4x – 24 years.
Present age of Ally = 4x – 24 + 6 = (4x – 18) years.
Six years ago Cally’s age was 2(x – 6) = 2x – 12 years.
Present age of Cally = 2x – 12 + 6 = (2x – 6) years.
It is given that present age of Ally is 1.5 times the present age of Cally
3
(4x – 18) = 2x 6
2
8x – 36 = 6x – 18
8x – 6x = 36 – 18
2x = 18 x
Present age of Bally = 9 years.
20. Bima is as many years younger to Abhi, as she is older to Chia. Abhi’s age 4 years hence will be equal to
Chia’s age 12 years hence. Bima is how many years younger to Abhi? (SBI PO 2019)
(1) 8 (2) 6 (3) 4 (4) 3
Ans (3)
Let the present age of Abhi be x years and the present age of Bima be y years
Then Chia’s present age = y – (x – y) years
= 2y – x years
x + 4 = 2y – x + 12
2x – 2y = 12 – 4
x–y=4
Hence, Bima is 4 years younger to Abhi.
21. X’s age 3 years ago was three times the present age of Y. At present Z’s age is twice the age of Y. Also
Z is 12 years younger than X. What is the present age of Z? (IBPS – RRB 2015)
(1) 15 years (2) 24 years (3) 12 years (4) 18 years
Ans (4)
Let the present age of Z be x years
Then the present age of X = x + 12 years
1 x9
Present age of Y x 12 3
3 3
Z’s age is twice the age of Y
118
Quantitative Aptitude
2 x 9
x
3
3x = 2x + 18
3x – 2x = 18
x = 18
Present age of Z = 18 years.
22. Eight years ago, Poorvi’s age was equal to the sum of the present ages of her one son and one daughter.
Five years hence, the respective ratio between the ages of her daughter and her son at that time will be
7 : 6. If Poorvi’s husband is 7 years elder to her and his present age is three times the present age of their
son, what is the present age of daughter? (RBI Gr.B 2015)
(1) 15 years (2) 23 years (3) 19 years (4) 27 years
Ans (2)
Let the ages of Poorvi’s daughter and son, five year hence be 7x years and 6x years respectively.
Then their present ages are (7x – 5) and (6x – 5) years respectively.
Poorvi’s age 8 years ago = 7x – 5 + 6x – 5 = 13x – 10 years.
Poorvi’s present age = 13x – 10 + 8 = 13x – 2 years.
Present age of Poorvi’s husband = 13x – 2 + 7 = 13x + 5 years.
13x + 5 = 3(6x – 5)
13x + 5 = 18x – 15
18x – 13x = 5 + 15
5x = 20
x=4
Present age of Poorvi’s daughter = 7x – 5 = 28 – 5 = 23 years.
23. The sum of present ages of a father and his son is 8 years more than the present age of the mother. The
mother is 22 years older than the son. What will be the age of father after 4 years? (UIICL asst 2015)
(1) 34 years (2) 36 years (3) 40 years (4) 38 years
Ans (1)
Let the present age of son be x years
Then the present age of mother = x + 22 years
Present age of father = (x + 22) – x + 8 = 30 years
Age of father after 4 years = 30 + 4 = 34 years.
1
24. 4 years ago, the ratio of of A’s age at that time and four times B’s age at that time was 5 : 12. Eight
2
1
years hence, of A’s age at that time will be less than B’ age at that time by 2 years. What is B’s
2
present age? (IBPS – RRB 2015)
(1) 10 years (2) 14 years (3) 12 years (4) 5 years
Ans (1)
1
Let the age of A and four times the age of B, 4 years ago be 5x years and 12x years respectively
2
Then present age of A = 10x + 4 years
119
Quantitative Aptitude
x
Present age of B = x years
8 years hence, A’s age = 10x + 12years
8 years hence, B’s age = 3x + 12 years
x x x
5x + 6 = 3x + 10
5x – 3x = 10 – 6
2x = 4
x=2
Present age of B = 3x + 4 =10 years.
25. The ages of Nishi and Vinne are in the ratio 6 : 5 respectively. After 9 years, the ratio of their ages will
be 9 : 8. What is the difference in their ages now? (Bank P.O 2008)
(1) 3 years (2) 5 years (3) 7 years (4) 9 years
Ans (1)
Let the ages of Nishi and Vinne be 6x years and 5x years respectively
6x 9 9
5x 9 8
48x + 72 = 45x + 81
48x – 45x = 81 – 72
3x = 9
x=3
Difference in their ages = 6x – 5x = x = 3 years.
26. The ages of A and B are in the ratio 6 : 5 and the sum of their ages is 44 years. What will be the ratio of
their ages after 8 years? (PCS 2008)
(1) 7 : 6 (2) 8 : 7 (3) 9 : 8 (4) 3 : 4
Ans (2)
Let the ages of A and B be 6x years and 5x years respectively.
Then, 6x + 5x = 44 11x = 44
x=4
Ratio of their ages after 8 years = 6x + 8 : 5x + 8 = 32 : 28 = 8 : 7
2
27. Farah got married 8 years ago. Today her age is 1 times her age at the time of her marriage. At present
7
her daughter’s age is one – sixth of her age. What was the daughter’s age 3 years ago? (Bank P.O 2009)
(1) 4 years (2) 3 years (3) 6 years (4) Cannot be determined
Ans (2)
Let the present age of Farah be x years
2
Then x = 1 (x 8)
7
9
x (x 8)
7
120
Quantitative Aptitude
7x = 9x – 72
9x – 7x = 72
2x = 72
x = 36
1
Present age of her daughter = 36 6years
6
Hence, daughter’s age 3years ago was 3 years.
28. The average of the ages of a man and his daughter is 34 years. If the respective ratio of their ages four
years from now is 14 : 5, what is daughter’s present age? (Bank P.O – 2008)
(1) 10 years (2) 12 years (3) 16 years (4) Cannot be determined
Ans (3)
Let the ages of man and his daughter, four years from now be 14x years and 5x years respectively Then,
their present ages are (14x – 4) and (5x – 4) years
14x 4 5x 4
34
2
19x – 8 = 68
19x = 68 + 8 = 76
x=4
Daughter’s present age = 5x – 4 = 20 – 4 = 16 years.
29. Ratio of Rani’s and Komal’s ages is 3 : 5 respectively. Ratio of Komal’s and Pooja’s ages is 2 : 3
respectively. If Rani is two – fifth of Pooja’s age, what is Rani’s age? (Bank P.O 2009)
(1) 10 years (2) 15 years (3) 14 years (4) Cannot be determined
Ans (4)
Let the ages of Komal and Pooja be 2x years and 3x years respectively
2
Rani’s age = of Pooja’s age
5
2 6x
3x years
5 5
6x
: 2x 3: 5 (given)
5
6x
5 2x 3
5
6x = 6x
We cannot find the value of x, with the given data.
So, Rani’s age cannot be determined.
30. The ratio between the ages of Ram and Mohan is 4 : 5 and that between the ages of Ram and Anil is
5 : 6. If the sum of the ages of the three is 69 years, what is Mohan’s age? (Railways 2008)
(1) 20 years (2) 24 years (3) 25 years (4) 30 years
Ans (3)
Ram’s age: Mohan’s age = 4 : 5
4 × Mohan’s age = 5 × Ram’s age
121
Quantitative Aptitude
5
Mohan’s age = × Ram’s age
4
Let the ages of Ram and Anil be 5x years and 6x years respectively
5 25x
Then, Mohan’s age = × 5x = year
4 4
Sum of their ages = 69 years
25x
5x + 6x + = 69
4
20x 24x 25x
69
4
69x = 69 × 4
x=4
25x 25
Hence, Mohan’s age = = 4 = 25 years.
4 4
***
122
7. Time and Distance
Important facts and formulae
Distance travelled Distance travelled
1. Speed = ;Time taken = ; Distance travelled = Speed × Time taken
Time taken Speed
km 5 18
2. x x m / sec; x m / sec x km / hr
hr 18 5
3. If the ratio of the speeds of A and B is a : b, then the ratio of the time taken by them to cover the same
1 1
distance : or b : a.
a b
4. Suppose a person covers a certain distance at x km/hr and an equal distance at y km/hr, then the average
2xy
speed for the entire journey =
x+y
5. If two people are moving in the same direction, at a speed of x km/hr and y km/hr respectively and if
x > y, then their relative speed is (x – y) km/hr.
6. If two people are moving in opposite directions at a speed of x km/hr and y km/hr respectively, then their
relative speed is (x + y) km/hr.
7. In flowing water, the direction along the stream is called downstream and the direction against the
stream is called upstream.
8. If the speed of the boat in still water is u km/hr and the speed of the stream is v km/hr, then
Speed downstream = (u + v) km/hr
Speed upstream = (u – v) km/hr
9. If the speed of a boat downstream is ‘a’ km/hr and the speed upstream is ‘b’ km/hr then,
1
Speed of boat in still water = (a + b) km/hr
2
1
Speed of the stream = (a – b) km/hr
2
10. Time taken by a train of length ‘l’ metres to pass a pole or a standing man or a signal post is equal to the
time taken by the train to cover ‘l’ metres.
11. Time taken by a train of length ‘l’ metres to pass a stationary object of length ‘b’ metres is the time taken
by the train to cover (l + b) metres.
12. If two trains of length ‘a’ meters and ‘b’ meters are moving in opposite direction at a speed of u m/s and
(a + b)
v m/s respectively, then the time taken by the trains to cross each other = sec. If the trains are
(u + v)
moving in the same direction, then the time taken by the faster train (moving at speed u m/s) to cross the
(a + b)
slower train (moving at speed v m/s) = sec .
(u v)
123
Quantitative Aptitude
Worked Examples
1. A man on his scooter covers a distance of 800 metres in 1 min 20 sec. What is the speed of the scooter in
km/hr?
Ans
800
Speed = = 10 m / s
80
18
= 10 × km / hr = 36 km/hr.
5
2. Two cars A and B start from the same place P, at 8:00 am and 9:00 am respectively and move towards
another place Q. Speed of the car A is 48 km/hr and that of car B is 60 km/hr. At what time and at what
distance from ‘P’, will the two cars be together?
Ans
Distance travelled by car A in one hour = 48 km
Relative speed of car B = 60 – 48 = 12 km/hr
48
Time taken by car B to travel 48 km = = 4 hours
12
Distance travelled by car B in 4 hours = 60 4 = 240 km
So, the cars A and B are together at 1:00 pm, at a distance of 240 km from the place P.
3. While covering a distance of 14 km, a man noticed that after walking for 1 hour 20 minutes, the distance
8
covered by him was of the remaining distance. What was his speed?
13
Ans
Let the speed of the man be x km/hr
1
Distance covered in 1 hr 20 min i.e, 1 hours
3
4 4x
= x× km
3 3
4x 42 4x
Remaining distance = 14
3 3
4x 8 42 4x 8(42 4x)
= × 4x =
3 13 3 13
52 x = 336 – 32x 84x = 336
336
x= = 4 km / hr
84
The speed of the man was 4 km/hr.
4. A man travels one-fifth of journey at a speed of 30 km/hr, one-third at a speed of 50 km/hr and the rest at
35 km/hr. Find the average speed for the entire journey.
Ans
Let the total distance be ‘x’ km
x
Distance travelled at 30 km/hr = km
5
124
Quantitative Aptitude
x
Distance travelled at 50 km/hr = km
3
x x 8x 7x
Distance travelled at 35 km/hr = x + = x km
5 3 15 15
x x 7x
5 3 15
Total time taken
30 50 35
x x x x + x + 2x 4x 2x
= + + = = =
150 150 75 150 150 75
Distance x 75
Average speed 37.5 km/hr
Time 2x 2
75
Average speed for the entire journey is 37.5 km/hr.
5. A man travelled from place A to B at a speed of 40 km/hr and returned from B to A at a speed of
60 km/hr. The whole journey took 2 hrs 20 minutes. Find the distance between the places A and B.
Ans
2xy 2× 40× 60 4800
Average speed = = = = 48 km / hr
x+y 40 + 60 100
1 7
Distance travelled in 2 hr. 20 min = 2 × 48 = × 48 = 112 km
3 3
112
Distance between A and B = = 56 km
2
6. Train A takes 2 hours less than train B for a journey of 150 km. If the speed of train B is 20 km/hr less
than speed of train A, find the speed of the trains.
Ans
Let the speed of train A be x km/hr
The speed of train B = (x – 20) km/hr
150 150
=2
(x 20) x
150[x x + 20]
=2
x(x 20)
3000 = 2x2 – 40 x 2x2 – 40 x – 3000 = 0
x2 – 20 x – 1500 = 0 (x – 50) (x + 30) = 0
x = 50 or x = – 30
x cannot be negative. Hence, x = 50
Speed of train A is 50 km/hr and speed of train B is 30 km/hr.
7. A man travels from his house to his office in a scooter. He reaches the office 10 minutes late if he travels
with an average speed of 25 km/hr and reaches 8 minutes early if the travels with an average speed of
40 km/hr. Find the distance between his house and the office.
Ans
Let the distance between his house and his office be x km.
125
Quantitative Aptitude
3
Difference in time taken = 10 + 8 = 18 min = hrs.
10
x x 3 8x 5x 3
= =
25 40 10 200 10
3x 3 200× 3
= x= = 20 km
200 10 30
Hence, the distance between his house and office is 20 km.
8. An aeroplane started 40 minutes later than the scheduled time from a place 2,000 km away from its
destination. To reach the destination at the scheduled time the pilot had to increase the speed by
150 km/hr. What was the speed of the aeroplane per hour during the journey?
Ans
Let the original speed of the aeroplane be x km/hr
Increased speed = (x + 150) km/hr
2000 2000 2 2
= 40 minutes = hours
x x +150 3 3
2000(x +150 x) 2 2000×150 2
= 2 =
x(x +150) 3 x +150x 3
x2 + 150x = 450000
x2 + 150x – 450,000 = 0
(x + 750) (x – 600) = 0
x = 600 or x = – 750
x cannot be negative. So, x = 600
Speed of the aeroplane during journey = 600 + 150 = 750 km/hr.
9. A man covers a certain distance in his car. Had he moved 4 km/hr faster, he would have taken
10 minutes less. If he had moved 6 km/hr slower, he would have taken 20 minutes more. Find the
distance he travelled.
Ans
Let the distance travelled be x km and the original speed be y km/hr
x x 1 1
10 minutes hours
y y4 6 6
x(y + 4 y) 1 4x 1
= 2 =
y(y + 4) 6 y + 4y 6
y 2 4y
x= … (1)
24
Again
x x 1 1
= 20 minutes = hours
y6 y 3 3
x(y y + 6) 1 6x 1
= 2 =
y(y 6) 3 y 6y 3
y 6y
2
x= … (2)
18
From (1) and (2)
126
Quantitative Aptitude
y 2 + 4y y 2 6y y 2 + 4y y 2 6y
= =
24 18 4 3
4y – 24 y = 3y + 12 y
2 2
y2 = 36 y y = 36
Substitute the value of y in (1), we get
362 + 36 × 4 1296 +144 1440
x= = = = 60 km
24 24 24
Hence, the distance travelled is 60 km.
10. Two persons A and B start from two different places P and Q respectively at the same time and move
towards each other. Both of them meet at a point R. A takes 36 minutes to travel from R to Q. B takes 25
minutes to travel from R to P. Find the ratio of the speeds of A and B.
Ans
Let the speed of A be x km/hr and the speed of B be y km/hr
Let them meet at R after t minutes of starting
tx
PR is the distance travelled by A in t minutes = km
60
ty P Q
QR is the distance travelled by B in t minutes = km A RB
60
ty 36
‘A’ travels from R to Q i.e., km in 36 minutes = hours
60 60
ty
ty
60
Speed of A = = km / hr
36 36
60
ty
x = km/hr
36
tx 25
B travels from R to P i.e., km in 25 minutes = hours
60 60
tx
tx
60
Speed of B = = km / hr
25 25
60
tx
y= km / hr
25
ty
x 36 ty 25 25y
= = × =
y tx 36 tx 36x
25
x x 25y x x
× = × multiplying both side with
y y 36x y y
x 2 25 x 5
2
= =
y 36 y 6
Speed of A : Speed of B = 5 : 6
127
Quantitative Aptitude
11. The speed of a boat downstream is 50% more than its speed upstream. If the time taken by the boat for
going 60 km downstream and 50 km upstream is 4 hrs 30 minutes, what is the speed of boat in still
water?
Ans
Let the speed of boat upstream be x km/hr
50 3x
Speed downstream = x + x= km / hr
100 2
60 50 1 1
+ =4 (⸪ 4 hours 30 min = 4 hours)
3x x 2 2
2
40 50 9
+ =
x x 2
90 9
= x = 20
x 2
Speed of boat upstream = 20 km/hr and speed downstream = 30 km/hr
1
Speed of boat in still water = (20 + 30) = 25 km/hr.
2
12. A man can row 8 km/hr in still water. It takes him thrice as long to row upstream as to row downstream.
Find the speed of the stream.
Ans
Let the speed upstream be x km/hr
Speed downstream = 3x km/hr
1
Speed in still water = (x + 3x)
2
8 = 2x x = 4
Speed upstream = 4 km/hr and speed downstream = 12 km/hr
1
Speed of stream = (12 – 4) = 4 km/hr.
2
13. Speed of a boat in still water is 13 km/hr. In travelling a certain distance upstream the boat takes 60%
more time than travelling the same distance downstream. Find the speed of the stream.
Ans
Let the speed of the stream be x km/hr
Let the distance travelled be y km
Speed upstream = (13 – x) km/hr
Speed downstream = (13 + x) km/hr
distance
Time taken
speed
y y
= (100 + 60)% of
13 x 13 + x
y 160 y y 8y
= × =
13 x 100 13 + x 13 x 5(13 + x)
104 – 8x = 65 + 5x 13x = 39 x = 3 km/hr
Speed of the stream is 3 km/hr.
128
Quantitative Aptitude
14. A boatman rows to a place 20 km away and comes back to the starting place in 7 hours. Further, the time
taken by him to row 5 km downstream is same as the time taken to row 2 km upstream. Find the speed of
the boat in still water and the speed of the stream.
Ans
Let the time taken to travel 5 km downstream be x hours
5
Speed downstream = km/hr
x
2
Speed upstream = km/hr
x
20 20
+ =7
5 2
x x
1
4x + 10x = 7 14x = 7 x=
2
5 5
Speed downstream = = = 10 km/hr
x 1
2
2 2
Speed upstream = = = 4 km/hr
x 1
2
1
Speed in still water = [10 + 4] = 7 km/hr
2
1
Speed of the stream = [10 – 4] = 3 km/hr.
2
15. A man can row 30 km upstream and 70 km downstream in 10 hours. Also, he can row 24 km upstream
and 42 km downstream in 7 hours. Find the speed of the boat in still water and the speed of the stream.
Ans
Let the speed of the boat in still water be x km/hr and the speed of the stream be y km/hr
Speed upstream = (x – y) km/hr
Speed downstream = (x + y) km/hr
30 70
+ = 10 ... (1)
xy x+y
24 42
+ =7 … (2)
xy x+y
Multiplying (1) with 4 and (2) with 5 we get
120 280
+ = 40 … (3)
xy x+y
120 210
+ = 35 … (4)
xy x+y
Subtracting (4) from (3) we get
70
= 5 x + y = 14 … (5)
x+y
Substituting (x + y) value in (1), we get
129
Quantitative Aptitude
30 70 30
+ = 10 = 10 5 = 5
x y 14 xy
x–y=6 … (6)
On solving (5) and (6) we get, x = 10 and y = 4
Speed of the boat in still water is 10 km/hr and speed of stream is 4 km/hr.
16. A train of length 125 metres is running at a constant speed of 45 km/hr. Find the time taken by it to pass
a man standing on the platform and the time taken to cross the platform of 150 meters.
Ans
5 25
Speed of the train = 45 km/hr = 45 = m / sec
18 2
Distance moved in passing a man = length of the train = 125 m
125 2
Time taken to pass the man = = 125× = 10 sec
25 25
2
Distance moved in crossing the platform = Length of platform + length of train
= 150 + 125 = 275 m
275 2
Time taken to cross the platform = = 275× = 22 sec
25 25
2
17. A person standing on a railway platform noticed that a train took 23 seconds to completely cross the
platform of length 140 metres and it took 9 seconds in passing him. Find the speed of the train in km/hr.
Ans
Let the length of the train be x metres
So, train covers x metres in 9 seconds and (x + 140) metres in 23 seconds
x x +140
Speed of the train = m/sec. or m/sec
9 23
x x +140
=
9 23
23x = 9x + 1260 14x = 1260
1260
x= = 90 metres
14
x 90
Speed of the train = = = 10 m / sec
9 9
18
= 10 = 36 km/hr
5
Speed of the train is 36 km/hr.
130
Quantitative Aptitude
18. Two trains A and B of different lengths are moving with equal speed. They take 15 sec and 18 sec
respectively to cross a pole. Length of the train A is 180 meters. Find the time taken by train B to
completely cross a platform of length 240 meters.
Ans
180
Speed of train A = = 12 m / sec
15
Speed of train B = 12 m/sec
Length of train B = distance travelled in 18 sec
= 18 12 = 216 meters.
Time taken by train B to completely cross a platform of length 240 m is the time taken to move
240 + 216 = 456 meters.
456
= = 38 sec
12
Train B takes 38 seconds to cross the platform.
19. Two trains of length 130 metres and 170 metres are moving towards each other on parallel lines. One
train is moving with a speed of 50 km/hr and the other train moves at 58 km/hr. How much time will
they take to cross each other?
Ans
Relative speed of two trains = 50 + 58 = 108 km/hr
5
= 108× = 30 m / s
18
Time taken by trains to cross each other = time taken to cover 130 + 170 = 300 metres
300
= = 10 seconds
30
The trains take 10 seconds to cross each other.
20. Two trains of length 120 metres and 160 metres are running on parallel tracks, in the same direction,
with speeds of 68 km/hr and 50 km/hr. In how much time will the first train cross the second?
Ans
Relative speed of the first train with respect to second train = 68 – 50 = 18 km/hr
5
= 18 = 5 m/s
18
Time taken by first train to cross second train
= Time taken to travel a length of (120 + 160) metres
280
= = 56 seconds.
5
131
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. Two bikers A and B start and ride at 75 km/hr and 60 km/hr respectively towards each other. They meet
after 20 minutes. How far (in km) were they from each other when they started? (CBE exam, 2018)
(1) 60 (2) 45 (3) 30 (4) 15
Ans (2)
75 20
Distance travelled by A in 20 minutes = = 25 km
60
60 20
Distance travelled by B in 20 minutes = 20 km
60
Initial distance between A and B = 25 + 20 = 45 km.
2. If Arjun walks at the speed of 4 km/hr, then he reaches his school 6 minutes late but if he walks at the
speed of 5 km/hr, then he reaches 6 minutes before the scheduled time. What is the distance (in km) of
his school from his house? (SSC CHSL tier I, 2018)
(1) 4 (2) 3 (3) 6 (4) 3.5
Ans (1)
Let the distance between his house and his school be x km.
x x
12 min
4 5
5x 4x 1 1
( 12 minutes = hours)
20 5 5
5x = 20
x = 4 km.
3
3. Walking at of his usual speed, a person reaches his office 18 minutes later than the usual travel time.
4
What is his usual time in minutes? (SSC CGL CRE exam 2019)
(1) 60 (2) 54 (3) 72 (4) 45
Ans (2)
3 4
At of usual speed, the time taken is of usual time.
4 3
Let the usual time be x minutes.
4
x x 18
3
4x 3x
18
3
x
18
3
x = 54
Hence, usual time is 54 minutes.
132
Quantitative Aptitude
4. Places A and B are 144 km apart. Two cars start simultaneously one from A and the other from B. If
they move in the same direction, they meet after 12 hours, but if they move towards each other they meet
9
after hours. The speed (in km/hr) of the car moving at faster speed is____.(SSC CGL CBE exam 2020)
8
(1) 64 (2) 60 (3) 70 (4) 72
Ans (3)
Let the speeds of the cars be S1 and S2 receptively (S1 > S2)
When they move in same direction,
12S1 – 12S2 = 144
S1 – S2 = 12 ... (1)
When they move in opposite direction,
9 9
S1 + S2 = 144
8 8
9S1 + 9S2 = 144 8
S1 + S2 = 128 ... (2)
Adding (1) and (2) we get
2S1 = 140
S1 = 70
Hence, speed of faster car = 70 km/hr.
1 1
5. rd part of a certain journey is covered with the speed of 25 km/hr. of the journey is covered with
3 2
the speed 45 km/hr and the remaining part is covered with the speed 37.5 km/hr. What is the average
speed (in km/hr) for the whole journey? (SSC CHSL CBE exam 2018)
(1) 37.08 (2) 34.61 (3) 43 (4) 56
Ans (2)
Let the total distance travelled be ‘x’ km.
distance travelled
Speed
Time taken
Distance travelled
Time taken
speed
x
Distance travelled with speed of 25 km/hr km
3
x
Distance travelled with speed of 45 km/hr km
2
x x 5x x
Distance travelled with speed of 37.5 km/hr x x km
3 2 6 6
x x x
x x x 6x 5x 2x 13x
3 2 6
Total time taken
25 45 37.5 75 90 225 450 450
x 450x 450
Average Speed 34.61 km / hr
13x 13x 13
450
133
Quantitative Aptitude
6. The speed of two railway engines is in the ratio 5 : 4. If they move on parallel tracks in the same
direction and if the slower engine is ahead of the faster engine by 8 km when the latter starts, then how
far will the faster engine have to travel before it overtakes the slower one? (CISF ASI exam 2020)
(1) 48 (2) 32 (3) 40 (4) 36
Ans (3)
Let the speeds of two engines be 5x km/hr and 4x km/hr respectively.
Let the distance travelled by faster engine be d km
distance travelled by slower engine = d – 8 km
Distance travelled
Time taken
speed
d d8 d d8
5x 4x 5 4
5d 40 4d
5d 4d 40 d 40 km
Hence, distance travelled by faster engine in 40 km.
7. Train A takes 45 minutes more than train B to travel a distance of 450 km. Due to engine trouble, speed
of train B falls by a quarter, so it takes 30 minutes more than train A to complete the same journey. What
is the speed of train A (in km/hr)? (SSC CGL exam 2018)
(1) 90 (2) 120 (3) 100 (4) 110
Ans (3)
Let the speed of train A be x km/hr
450
Time taken by train A hrs
x
3
Time taken by train B 45 minutes hours
x 4
1800 3x
hrs
4x
450 1800x
Speed of train B
1800 3x 1800 3x
4x
3 1800x 450x
Reduced speed of train B
4 1800 3x 600 x
x
Time taken by train B at reduced speed hours
x x
x
600 x 450 1 900 x
x x 2 2x
900 x
600 x
2
900 x 1200 2x
3x 300 x 100
Hence, speed of train A is 100 km/hr.
134
Quantitative Aptitude
8. Amit travelled from A to B at an average speed of 80 km/hr. He travelled the first 75% of the distance in
two third of the time and the rest at a constant speed of x km/hr. The value of ‘x’ is _______.
(SSC CHSL exam 2019)
(1) 56 (2) 60 (3) 64 (4) 54
Ans (2)
Let the total time of journey be t hours
Distance travelled = 80t km
2
75% of distance travelled in time implies that
3
1
Remaining 25% of distance travelled in of time
3
1
80t
x
4 20t 3 60 km / hr
1 t
t
3
9. A man travels for 5 hours 15 minutes. If he covers the first half of the journey at 60 km/hr and the rest at
45 km/hr, find the total distance travelled by him. (SSC – CHSL exam 2015)
6
(1) 1028 km (2) 189 km (3) 378 km (4) 270 km
7
Ans (4)
Let the total distance covered be d kms
d d
km covered with speed 60 km/hr and remaining km covered with speed 45 km/hr
2 2
d d
2 2 1
5
1
15 m inutes hour
60 45 4 4
d d 21
120 90 4
3d 4d 21 7d 21
360 4 360 4
21 360
d 270 km .
4 7
2
10. Rohan covers rd of a certain distance in 2 hrs 30 minutes at the rate of x kmph. He covers the
3
remaining distance at the rate of (x + 2) kmph in 50 minutes. What is the total distance?
(RBI officers exam 2015)
(1) 21 km (2) 18 km (3) 16 km (4) 15 km
Ans (4)
Let the total distance covered be 3d km
1
2d km covered in 2 hours with speed x km/hr
2
5
d km covered in hour with speed (x + 2) km/hr
6
135
Quantitative Aptitude
Distance travelled = speed time taken
1 5 5x
2d x 2 x … (1)
2 2 2
5 5x 10
and d (x 2) … (2)
6 6
From (1) and (2)
5x 5x 10 5x 5x 10
2
2 6 2 3
15x 10x 20
5x 20 x 4
5x 20 10
2d 10 3d 3 15 km
2 2 2
Hence, the total distance travelled = 15 km.
11. A and B are 396 km apart. Train ‘X’ leaves from ‘A’ for ‘B’ and train ‘Y’ leaves from B for A at the
1
same time on the same day on parallel tracks. Both trains meet after 5 hours. The speed of train ‘Y’ is
2
10 km/hr more than that of train ‘X’. What is the speed (in km/hr) of train ‘Y’? (SSC CGL exam 2019)
(1) 41 (2) 54 (3) 31 (4) 56
Ans (1)
Let the speed of train X be x km/hr
Then, the speed of train Y in (x + 10) km/hr
Distance travelled = speed time taken
1 1
x 5 (x 10) 5 396
2 2
11x 11x 110
396
2 2
11x 11x 110
396
2
22x 110 792
22x 792 110 682
682
x 31
22
Speed of train B = (x + 10) km/hr = 41 km/hr.
12. With a uniform speed, a car covers a distance in 8 hours. Had the speed, been increased by 4 km/hr, the
same distance could have been covered in 7 hours 30 minutes. What is the distance covered? (CDS 2016)
(1) 420 km (2) 480 km (3) 520 km (4) 640 km
Ans (2)
Let the speed of the car be x km/hr.
Distance covered in 8 hours = 8x km
1 15
When the speed is increased to (x + 4) km/hr, the time taken is 7 hours
2 2
136
Quantitative Aptitude
15
8x (x 4)
2
16x 15x 60 x 60
Distance covered = 8x = 480 km.
13. The speeds of A and B are in the ratio 3 : 4. A takes 20 minutes more than B to reach a destination. In
what time does A reach the destination? (SSC 2007)
1 2 2
(1) 1 hours (2) 1 hours (3) 2 hours (4) 2 hours
3 3 3
Ans (1)
Let the speeds of A and B be 3x km/hr and 4x km/hr respectively
Let the time taken by B to reach the destination be t hours
1 1
Then time taken by A t hrs 20 m inutes hours
3 3
1
3x t 4x t 3t 1 4t t 1.
3
1 1
Hence, time taken by A 1 1 hours
3 3
14. The speeds of three cars is in the ratio 2 : 3 : 4. The ratio of the time taken by these cars to travel the
same distance is ______. (SSC, 2005)
(1) 2 : 3 : 4 (2) 4 : 3 : 2 (3) 4 : 3 : 6 (4) 6 : 4 : 3
Ans (4)
Ratio of the speeds = 2 : 3 : 4
1 1 1
Ratio of time taken : : = 6 : 4 : 3
2 3 4
15. A takes 2 hours more than B to walk d km, but if A doubles his speed, then he can make it in 1 hour less
than B. How much time B requires for walking d km? (RRB 2005)
d 2d
(1) hours (2) 3 hours (3) 4 hours (4) hours
2 3
Ans (3)
Let the time taken by B be t hours
Then time taken by A = t + 2 hours
d d
Speed of B and speed of A
t t2
2d
When ‘A’ doubles his speed, his speed is
t2
d t2
Time taken by A to cover d km with double the speed hours
2d 2
t 2
As given in the problem
t2
t 1
2
2t – 2 = t + 2 t = 4
Hence, B requires 4 hours for walking d km.
137
Quantitative Aptitude
16. A salesman travels a distance of 50 km in 2 hours 30 minutes. How much faster in kilometers per hour,
5
on an average must he travel to make such a trip in hour less time? (Hotel management 2002)
6
(1) 10 (2) 20 (3) 30 (4) None of these
Ans (1)
5 5
hours 60 50 minutes
6 6
New time required 2hr 30 min 50 min
2 5
1hr 40 min 1 hrs.
3 3
50 3
New speed 50 30 km / hr
5 5
3
50 2
Original speed = 50 20 km / hr
5 5
2
Difference in speed = 30 – 20 = 10 km/hr
So, he must travel 10 km/hr faster than the original speed.
17. A train is scheduled to cover the distance between two stations 46 km apart in one hour. If it travels
25 km at a speed of 40 km/hr, find the speed for the remaining journey to complete it in the scheduled
time. (MAT 2009)
(1) 36 km/hr (2) 46 km/hr (3) 56 km/hr (4) 66 km/hr
Ans (3)
25 5
Time taken to travel 25 km hrs.
40 8
Remaining distance = 46 – 25 = 21 km
5 3
Remaining time 1 hours
8 8
21 8
Required speed 21 56 km / hr .
3 3
8
18. A person travels 285 km in 6 hours in two stages. In the first part of journey, he travels by bus at the
speed of 40 km/hr. In the second part of the journey, he travels by train at the speed of 55 km/hr.
How much distance did he travel by train? (MAT 2007)
(1) 145 km (2) 165 km (3) 185 km (4) 205 km
Ans (2)
Let the distance travelled by train be x km
Then, the distance travelled by bus = (285 – x) km
285 x x
6
40 55
3135 11x 8x
6
440
3135 3x 2640
138
Quantitative Aptitude
3x 3135 2640 495
x km
Hence the distance travelled by train is 165 km.
19. A train increases its normal speed by 12.5% and reaches its destination 20 minutes earlier. What is the
actual time taken by the train in the journey? (PCS, 2008)
(1) 145 min (2) 160 min (3) 180 min (4) 220 min
Ans (3)
Let the normal speed of the train be x km/hr
112.5 9x
Then increased speed x
100 8
Let the distance travelled be d km
d d 1 1
20 minutes hours
x 9x 3 3
8
d 8d 1
x 9x 3
9d 8d 1 d 1
9x 3 9x 3
d 9
3 hours
x 3
d
Actual time taken 3 hours 180 minutes .
x
20. A train can travel 50% faster than a car. Both start from point A at the same time and reach point B
75 km away from A at the same time. On the way, however, the train lost about 12.5 minutes while
stopping at the stations. The speed of the car is ______. (MAT 2003)
(1) 100 km/hr (2) 110 km/hr (3) 120 km/hr (4) 130 km/hr
Ans (3)
Let the speed of the car be x km/hr
3x
Then, speed of train = 150% of x km / hr
2
Distance travelled = 75 km
75 75 5
12.5 min hrs
x 3x 24
2
75 150 5
x 3x 24
75 50 5 25 5
x x 24 x 24
25 24
x 120 km / hr .
5
139
Quantitative Aptitude
21. A man rows 20 km upstream and back again to the starting point in 110 minutes. If the speed of the
stream is 2 km/hr, then the speed of rowing in still water is _______. (JIP MAT 2021)
(1) 20 km/hr (2) 22 km/hr (3) 24 km/hr (4) 28 km/hr
Ans (2)
Let the speed of the boat in still water be x km/hr
Speed upstream = (x – 2) km/hr
Speed downstream = (x + 2) km/hr
20 20 11 11
110 minutes = hours
x2 x2 6 6
20 x 2 x 2 11
x 2 x 2 6
40x 11
2 11x 2 44 240x
x 4 6
11x 2 240x 44 0
11x 2 242x 2x 44 0
11x x 22 2 x 22 0
x 22 11x 2 0
2
x 22 or x
11
x cannot be negative. Hence, x = 22
Hence, speed of rowing in still water = 22 km/hr.
22. A boat takes 3 hours more to travel upstream from X to Y than the time it takes to travel downstream
from Y to Z. The speed of the boat downstream is 27 km/hr and that upstream is 21 km/hr. If the
distance between X and Y is 51 km more than that between Y and Z, what is the distance (in km)
between X and Y? (SBI P.O 2019)
(1) 64 (2) 105 (3) 54 (4) 68
Ans (2)
Let the distance between Y and Z be d km.
Then, distance between X and Y = (d + 51) km
d 51 d
3
21 27
9d 459 7d 459 2d
3 3
189 189
459 + 2d = 567
2d = 567 – 459 = 108
d = 54
Distance between X and Y = d + 51 = 105 km.
23. A boat goes 8 km upstream and 12 km downstream in 7 hours. It goes 9 km upstream and 18 km
downstream in 9 hours. What is the speed (in km/hr) of the boat in still water? (SSC CBE exam 2018)
(1) 5 (2) 4 (3) 2 (4) 3
Ans (4)
140
Quantitative Aptitude
Let the speed of the boat downstream be x km/hr and the speed upstream be y km/hr.
8 12
7 … (1)
y x
9 18
9 … (2)
y x
Multiply (1) by 3 and (2) by 2 we set
24 36
21 … (3)
y x
18 36
18 … (4)
y x
Subtracting (4) from (3), we get,
6 6
3 y 2
y 3
Substituting the value of y in (1) we get,
8 12 12
7 4 7
2 x x
12 12
3 x 4
x 3
1
Speed of boat in still water = x y
2
1
4 2 3km / hr .
2
24. The speed of a boat in still water is 6 km/hr. Time taken by the boat to cover a certain distance upstream
is 3 hours more than the time taken to cover the same distance downstream. If the speed of the stream is
2 km/hr, then what is the total distance (upstream and downstream) covered by the boat?
(SSC MTS exam 2019)
(1) 72 km (2) 24 km (3) 48 km (4) 36 km
Ans (3)
Let the distance travelled upstream and downstream be x km each
Speed upstream = 6 – 2 = 4 km/hr
Speed downstream = 6 + 2 = 8 km/hr
x x
3
4 8
x
3 x 24
8
Total distance = 24 + 24 = 48 km.
25. A person can row a distance of 4 km upstream in 1 hour 20 minutes and can row back to the starting
point in just 24 minutes. How much time (in hours) will he take to row 13 km in still water?
(SSC CBE Exam 2018)
1 1
(1) 2 (2) 3 (3) 3 (4) 2
2 2
141
Quantitative Aptitude
Ans (1)
1 4 2
1 hour 20 min = 1 hours, 24minutes hours
3 3 5
4 4 3
Speed upstream = 3 km / hr
4 4
3
4 4 5
Speed downstream = 10 km / hr
2 2
5
1 13
Speed in still water = 3 10 km / hr
2 2
13
Time taken to row 13 km = 2 hours .
13
2
26. A man takes 2.2 times as long to row a distance upstream as to row the same distance downstream. If he
can row 55 km downstream in 2 hours 30 minutes, what is the speed of the boat in still water?
(IPBS RRB 2015)
(1) 40 km/hr (2) 8 km/hr (3) 16 km/hr (4) 24 km/hr
Ans (3)
55
Speed of boat downstream = [2 hr 30 min = 2.5 hours]
2.5
550
= 22km / hr
25
22
Speed of boat upstream = 10km / hr
2.2
1
Speed of the boat in still water = 22 10 = 16 km/hr.
2
27. The speed of the boat in still water is 5 times that of the current. It takes 1.1 hours to row to point B from
point A downstream. The distance between point A and point B is 13.2 km. How much distance (in km)
it covers in 312 minutes upstream? (IBPS exam 2015)
(1) 43.2 (2) 48 (3) 41.6 (4) 44.8
Ans (3)
Let the speed of the stream be x km/hr
Then, speed of boat in still water = 5x km/hr
Speed upstream = 5x – x = 4x km/hr
Speed downstream = 5x + x = 6x km/hr
13.2
6x 12 x2
1.1
Speed upstream = 4x = 8 km/hr
312 208
Distance travelled in 312 minutes = 8 41.6
60 5
Hence, in 312 minutes, the boat covers 41.6 km.
142
Quantitative Aptitude
28. A boat takes half time in moving a certain distance downstream than upstream. What is the ratio between
the rate in still water and the rate of current? (RRB 2006)
(1) 1 : 2 (2) 2 : 1 (3) 1 : 3 (4) 3 : 1
Ans (4)
Speed downstream = 2 speed upstream
Let the speed upstream be x km/hr
Then speed downstream = 2x km/hr
1 3x
Speed in still water = 2x x km / hr
2 2
3x x
Speed of the stream = x km / hr
2 2
3x x
Required ratio in : 3:1
2 2
29. A boat, while going downstream in a river covered a distance of 50 miles at an average speed of 60 miles
per hour. While returning, because of water resistance, it took 1 hour 15 minutes to cover the same
distance. What was the average speed during the whole journey? (MAT 2004)
(1) 40 mph (2) 48 mph (3) 50 mph (4) 55 mph
Ans (2)
50
Time taken to cover 50 miles downstream = hr
60
= 50 minutes
Time taken to cover 50 miles upstream = 75 minutes
Total time taken to cover 100 miles = 50 + 75 = 125 minutes
100
Average speed = 60 48miles / hr .
125
30. P, Q and R are three towns on a river which flows uniformly. Q is equidistant from P and R. I row from
P to Q and back in 10 hours and I can row from P to R in 4 hours. Compare the speed of my boat in still
water with that of the river. (MAT 2005)
(1) 4 : 3 (2) 5 : 3 (3) 6 : 5 (4) 7 : 3
Ans (2)
Let PQ = QR = d km
PR = 2d km
2d d
Speed downstream = km / hr .
4 2
Time required to travel from P to Q (d km) = 2 hours.
Time taken to travel back from Q to P = 10 – 2 = 8 hrs
d
So, speed upstream = km / hr
8
1 d d 5d
Speed of boat in still water = km / hr
2 2 8 16
1 d d 3d
Speed of stream =
2 2 8 16
143
Quantitative Aptitude
5d 3d
Hence, the required ratio = : 5:3
16 16
31. A train of length 350 m takes 96 seconds to cross a tunnel of length 450 m. What is the speed of the train
in km/hr? (NCHM JEE 2021)
(1) 20 (2) 25 (3) 30 (4) 35
Ans (3)
Total distance travelled = 350 + 450 = 800 m
800 25
Speed = m/s
96 3
25 18
30km / hr .
3 5
32. A train with speed of 90 kmph crosses a bridge in 36 seconds. Another train 100 meters shorter crosses
the same bridge at 45 kmph. The time taken by the second train to cross the bridge will be _____.
(JIP MAT 2021)
(1) 60 sec (2) 64 sec (3) 68 sec (4) 72 sec
Ans (2)
5
Speed of first train = 90 km/hr = 90 25 m / s
18
Length of first train + bridge = 25 × 36 = 900 m
Length of second train + bridge = 900 – 100 = 800 m
5 25
Speed of second train = 45 km/hr = 45 m / s
18 2
800 800 2
Time taken by the second train to cross the bridge 64seconds .
25 25
2
33. Train A while travelling at a speed of 48 km/hr crosses a vertical pole in 18 seconds. Train B crosses the
vertical pole in 30 seconds. If the length of train B is 60 meters more than that of train A, what is the
speed of train B? (in km/hr) (SBI PO 2019)
(1) 36 (2) 45 (3) 54 (4) 63
Ans (1)
5 40
Speed of train A = 48 km/hr = 48 m/s
18 3
40
Length of train A = 18 240 m
3
Length of train B =240 + 60 = 300m
300
Speed of train B = 10m / s
30
18
10 36 km / hr .
5
144
Quantitative Aptitude
34. From stations A and B, two trains start moving towards each other with the speeds of 120 km/hr and 100
km/hr respectively. When the two trains meet each other, it is found that one train has covered 40 km
more than the other train. Find the distance between stations A and B. (MAT 2019)
(1) 240 km (2) 200 km (3) 400 km (4) 440 km
Ans (4)
Let the two trains meet after t hours.
120t – 100t = 40 20t = 40
t = 2 hours
Distance between A and B = 120t + 100t
= 220t = 220 × 2 = 440 km.
35. Two trains are running in opposite directions with the same speed. If the length of each train is 80 meters
and they cross each other in 16 seconds, then what is the speed (in km/hr) of each train?
(SSC CRE exam 2018)
(1) 12 (2) 18 (3) 24 (4) 30
Ans (2)
Distance travelled = length of both the trains = 80 + 80 =160 m
Let the speed of each train be x km/hr
5 5x
Relative speed = x + x = 2x km/hr = 2x m/s
18 9
5x 160
10
9 16
90
x 18km / hr .
5
36. Two stations L and M are 180 km apart from each other. A train leaves from L to M and simultaneously
another train leaves from M to L. Both trains meet after 9 hours. If the speed of the first train is 10 km/hr
more than that of the second train, what is the speed (in km/hr) of the slower train?
(SSC CHSL – CBE 2018)
(1) 9 (2) 5 (3) 12 (4) 15
Ans (2)
Let the speed of slower train be x [Link]
Then speed of faster train = (x + 10) km/hr
Distance travelled by both the trains in 9 hours = 9x + 9 (x + 10) = 18x + 90 km
18x + 90 = 180
18x = 180 – 90 = 90
90
x 5
18
Hence, speed of slower train in 5 km/hr.
37. A train travelling at 44 km/hr crosses a man walking with a speed of 8 km/hr in the same direction, in
15 seconds. If the train crosses a woman coming from the opposite direction in 10 seconds, then what is
the speed (in km/hr) of the woman? (SSC CGL – CBE 2019)
(1) 10.5 (2) 10 (3) 9 (4) 8.5
145
Quantitative Aptitude
Ans (2)
Relative speed of train with respect to man = 44 – 8 = 36 km/hr
5
36 10 m / s
18
Length of the train = 10 × 15 = 150 m.
Let the speed of women be x km/hr
Woman is moving in opposite direction
Relative speed of train with respect to woman = (44 + x) km/hr
5
44 x m / s
18
5
44 x 10 150
18
150 18
44 x 54
50
x 54 44 10
Hence, speed of woman = 10 km/hr.
38. Train A travelling at 63 kmph can cross a platform 199.5 meters long in 21 seconds. How much time
would train A take to completely cross (from the moment they meet) train B, 157 meters long and
travelling at 54 kmph in opposite direction which train A is travelling? (in seconds)
(IBPS – RRB 2015)
(1) 16 (2) 18 (3) 12 (4) 10
Ans (4)
Speed of the train A = 63 km/hr
5
63 17.5 m / s
18
Let the length of train A be ‘l’ meters
l + 199.5 = 21 × 17.5 = 367.5
l = 367.5 – 199.5 = 168 m
Length of train A = 168 m
5
Speed of train B = 54 km/hr = 54 15 m / s
18
Relative speed of train A with respect to train B = 17.5 + 15 = 32.5 m/s
Total length of train A and B = 168 +157 = 325 m
325
Time taken to cross each other = 10 seconds .
32.5
39. A 180-meters-long train crosses another 270 meters long train running in the opposite direction in
10.8 seconds. If the speed of the first train is 60 kmph, what is the speed of the second train in kmph?
(Bank P.O 2010)
(1) 80 (2) 90 (3) 150 (4) Cannot be determined
Ans (2)
Let the speed of second train be x km/hr
Then relative speed = (60 + x) km/hr
146
Quantitative Aptitude
5
= (60 + x) × m/s
18
Total length of two train = 180 + 270 = 450 m.
5 450
60 x
18 10.8
450 18
60 x 150
10.8 5
x = 150 – 60 = 90
Speed of second train is 90 km/hr.
40. A man standing on a platform finds that a train takes 3 seconds to pass him and another train of same
length moving in the opposite direction takes 4 seconds. The time taken by the trains to pass each other
will be _________. (CPO 2003)
3 3 3 3
(1) 2 sec (2) 3 sec (3) 4 sec (4) 5 sec
7 7 7 7
Ans (2)
Let the length of each train be x meters
x
Then speed of first train = m / sec
3
x
Speed of second train = m / sec
4
x x 7x
Relative speed of train = m/s
3 4 12
2x 12
Time taken to cross each other 2x
7x 7x
12
24 3
3 seconds .
7 7
***
147
8. Time and Work
Important facts and formulae
1. If a person completes a piece of work in ‘n’ days, then the portion of work completed by him in one
1
day .
n
1
2. If a person completes portion of the work in one day, then he requires n days to complete the same
n
work.
3. If ‘A’ is thrice as good a workman as B, then the ratio of work done by A and B = 3 : 1.
Ratio of time taken by A and B to complete the work = 1 : 3.
4. If a pipe can fill a tank in x hours and another pipe can empty the full tank in y hours and if y > x, then
1 1
on opening both the pipes together, the net portion of the tank filled in one hour . If x > y, then
x y
1 1
the net portion of the tank emptied in one hour .
y x
Worked Examples
1. Arun completes a work in 10 days and Bharat takes 15 days to complete the same work. If both of them
work together how many days do they require to complete the work?
Ans
1
Portion of the work completed by Arun in 1 day
10
1
Portion of the work completed by Bharath in 1 day
15
1 1 3 2 5 1
Portion of the work completed by both of them together in one day
10 15 30 30 6
They require 6 days to complete the work.
2. A and B undertake to do a piece of work for 6,000. A alone can do it in 6 days, while B alone can do it
in 9 days. With the help of C they finished the work in 3 days. Find the share of each of them.
Ans
1
Portion of work completed by A, B and C in 1 day
3
1 1 3 2 5
Portion of work completed by A and B in 1 day
6 9 18 18
1 5 65 1
Portion of work completed by C in 1 day
3 18 18 18
1 1 1
Ratio of work done by A : B : C : : =[Link]
6 9 18
3
A 's share 6000 3,000
6
2
B's share 6000 2,000
6
1
C's share 6000 1,000 .
6
148
Quantitative Aptitude
3. A can complete a piece of work in 10 days working 8 hours on each day. B can complete the same work
in 16 days, working 7 hours on each day. A and B join together and they work 6 hours 40 minutes
2
6 hours each day. How many days do they require to complete the same work?
3
Ans
1 1
A 's 1 hour work
10 8 80
1 1
B's 1 hour work
16 7 112
1 1 7 5 12 3
1 hour work of both A and B together
80 112 560 560 140
2 20
They work for 6 i.e., hours each day.
3 3
3 20 1
1 day’s work of A and B together
140 3 7
Number of days required to complete the work = 7 days.
4. Raju takes twice as much time as Kiran and thrice as much time as Sachin to complete a work. When all
the three of them work together, they complete the work in 2 days. Find the time taken by each of them
separately to complete the said work.
Ans
Let Raju takes x days to complete the work.
x x
Then Kiran takes days and Sachin takes days to complete the work.
2 3
1 2 3 6
Work done by Raju, Kiran and Sachin in 1 day
x x x x
6 12
Work done by them in 2 days 2
x x
12
1 x 12
x
Raju takes 12 days, Kiran takes 6 days and Sachin takes 4 days to complete the work.
5. A can complete a work in 30 days. He worked for 6 days. B finished the remaining work in 16 days. If A
and B work together, how many days do they require to complete the work?
Ans
1 1
Work done by A in 6 days 6
30 5
1 4
Remaining work 1
5 5
4
B in 16 days completes of work
5
4 1 1
B’s one day work
5 16 20
1 1 23 5 1
One days’ work of both A and B
30 20 60 60 12
149
Quantitative Aptitude
Hence, they require 12 days to complete the work.
6. A can complete a work in 20 days, B in 24 days and C in 30 days. All of them began the work together.
A left the work after 4 days of commencement. C also left the work 3 days before completion of the
work. How many days were taken to complete the entire work?
Ans
1 1 1 6 5 4
Work done by A, B and C in first four days 4 4
20 24 30 120
15 1
4
120 2
1 1
Work done by B alone in last 3 days 3
24 8
1 1 4 1 5 3
Remaining portion of work 1 1 1
2 8 8 8 8
1 1 5 4 9 3
Work done by B and C in 1 day
24 30 120 120 40
3 40 3
Number of days required for B and C to complete portion of week 5 days
8 3 8
Hence, the total time taken = 4 + 3 + 5 = 12 days.
7. A and B can do a piece of work in 25 and 20 days respectively. They began the work together. A leaves
the work after some days and B alone finishes the remaining work in 11 days. After how many days did
A leave?
Ans
1 11
Work done by B in 11 days 11
20 20
11 9
Work done by A and B together 1
20 20
1 1 45 9
Work done by A and B in 1 day
25 20 100 100
9 100 9
Time required for A and B to complete portion of work 5 days
20 9 20
Hence, A left the work after 5 days.
8. A can do a piece of work in 60 days, B can do the same work in 75 days. Both of them work together for
20 days. Then A leaves and B alone continues the work. After another 15 days C joins B and they
together complete the work in another 6 days. In how many days C alone can do the work?
Ans
1 1
Work done by A and B in 20 days 20
60 75
5 4 9 3
20 20
300 300 5
1 1
Work done by B alone in 15 days 15
75 5
150
Quantitative Aptitude
3 1 4 1
Remaining work 1 1
5 5 5 5
1
B and C’s 6 days work
5
1 1
B and C’s 1 day work
5 6 30
1 1 52 3 1
C’s 1 day work
30 75 150 150 50
Hence, C alone can do the work in 50 days.
9. 12 men can complete a work in 20 days. They commence the work together. After some days 4 of them
left the job and remaining 8 people continued the work. As a result, the work took 25 days to complete
instead of 20 days. How many days after commencement of the work, did the 4 men leave?
Ans
12 men complete the work in 20 days.
1 1
1 man’s 1 day’s work
12 20 240
Suppose 4 men left after x days.
1 1
Then 12 x 8 25 x 1
240 240
x 25 x
1
20 30 30
x x 25 5
1 1
20 30 30 6
x 3 2 6 5
60 6
x 1
60 6
60
x 10 days
6
4 men left 10 days after commencement of work.
10. 10 children can complete a piece of work in 40 days. 8 men can complete the same piece of work in
20 days and 12 women can complete it in 25 days. In how many days can 10 men, 15 women and
5 children together complete the said piece of work?
Ans
1 1
1 man’s 1 day’s work
8 20 160
1 1
1 woman’s 1 day’s work
12 25 300
1 1
1 child’s 1 day’s work
10 40 400
10 15 5
10 men’s + 15 women’s + 5 children’s 1 day work
160 300 400
151
Quantitative Aptitude
1 1 1 5 4 1 10 1
16 20 80 80 80 8
Hence, 10 men, 15 women and 5 children can complete the work in 8 days.
11. Pipe A can fill a tank in 20 hours and pipe B can fill it in 30 hours. If both the pipes are opened in an
empty tank, how much time will they take to fill it?
Ans
1
Portion of the tank filled in 1 hour by pipe A
20
1
Portion of the tank filled in 1 hour by pipe B
30
1 1 3 2 5 1
Portion of the tank filled in 1 hour by both pipes A and B
20 30 60 60 12
Hence, pipes A and B together fill the tank in 12 hours.
12. Pipes A and B can fill a cistern in 6 hours and 9 hours respectively. When full, a pipe C can empty it in
4 hours. If all the three pipes are turned on simultaneously when the cistern is empty, how much time is
taken to fill the cistern?
Ans
1 1 1 6 49 1
Net portion of the tank filled in 1 hour
6 9 4 36 36
Hence, 36 hours are required to fill the cistern.
13. A pipe can fill a tank in 15 minutes and another pipe can empty it in 9 minutes. If the tank is already
two-fifth full and both the pipes are opened together, will the tank be filled or emptied? How long will it
take before the tank is either filled completely or emptied completely as the case may be?
Ans
The outlet pipe is faster than the inlet pipe.
So, the tank will be emptied.
2
Part of the tank to be emptied is .
5
1 1
Net part emptied in 1 minute
9 15
53 2
45 45
2 th 45 2
Time required to empty part 9 minutes
5 2 5
The tank will be emptied in 9 minutes.
152
Quantitative Aptitude
14. Two pipes A and B fill a tank in 10 minutes and 15 minutes respectively. Another pipe C fixed at the
bottom of the tank, empties it. Pipes A and B are opened simultaneously. After 2 minutes, pipe C is also
opened. The tank is full in 8 minutes after the pipe C opened. How long does it take for pipe C to empty
the full tank?
Ans
1 1 3 2 1
Portion of the tank filled by pipes A and B in 1 minute
10 15 30 6
2 1
Portion of the tank filled in 2 minutes
6 3
1 2
Remaining portion of tank 1
3 3
Let C take x minutes to empty the full tank.
1 1 1 1 1 x 6
Portion of the tank filled in 1 minute, when A, B and C are opened
10 15 x 6 x 6x
8 x 6
Portion filled in 8 minutes
6x
2 8 x 6
3 6x
24(x 6) = 12x
24x 144 = 12x
24x 12x = 144
12x = 144
144
x 12
12
Pipe C empties the full tank in 12 minutes.
15. Pipes P and Q can fill a tank in 12 minutes and 18 minutes respectively. Pipe R can empty the full tank
in 24 minutes. Pipes P and Q are opened simultaneously for 6 minutes and then closed. Now pipe R is
opened. How long does it takes to empty the tank?
Ans
1 1 3 2 5
Part of the tank filled by P and Q in 1 minute
12 18 36 36
Part of the tank filled by P and Q in 6 minutes
1
Part of the tank emptied in 1 minute, by pipe R
24
5 5
Time required to empty part = 24 20 minutes
6 6
Pipe R empties the tank in 20 minutes.
153
Quantitative Aptitude
16. Two pipes can fill a cistern in 10 hours and 14 hours respectively. The pipes are opened simultaneously
and it is found that due to leakage in the bottom it took 1 hour 10 minutes more to fill the cistern. When
the cistern is full, in what time will the leak empty it?
Ans
1 1 7 5 12 6
Part of the cistern filled by two pipes in 1 hour
10 14 70 70 35
35
Time taken by these pipes to fill the cistern hours 5 hours 50 minutes
6
Due to leakage, time taken = 5 hour 50 minutes + 1 hour 10 minutes = 7 hours
1
Part of the cistern filled in 1 hour
7
6 1 65 1
Part of the cistern emptied in 1 hour due to leakage
35 7 35 35
Hence, the leak will empty the full tank in 35 hours.
17. If two pipes are opened simultaneously, a reservoir is filled in 6 hours. The second pipe fills the reservoir
5 hours faster than the first pipe. How many hours does the second pipe take to fill the reservoir?
Ans
Let the time taken by second pipe to fill the reservoir be x hours.
First pipe takes 5 hours more. So, it takes x + 5 hours.
1 1 1
x x5 6
x 5 x 1
x x 5 6
x2 + 5x = 12x + 30
x2 7x 30 = 0
(x 10) (x + 3) = 0
x = 10 or x = 3
x cannot be negative
Hence, x = 10
Second pipe takes 10 hours to fill the reservoir.
18. A tank is fitted with two inlet pipes A and B and an outlet pipe C. A is twice as efficient as B and thrice
as efficient as C. When all the three pipes are opened, the empty tank is filled in 12 hours. How many
hours are required to fill the empty tank, if B is plugged and the other two pipes are opened?
Ans
Let pipe A alone take x hours to fill the tank.
Then, B takes 2x hours to fill the tank and C take 3x hours to empty the tank.
1 1 1 1
x 2x 3x 12
63 2 1 7 1
6x 12 6x 12
7 12
x 14
6
154
Quantitative Aptitude
1 1 3 1 1
Part of the tank filled in 1 hour, when only pipes A and C are opened
14 42 42 21
Hence, the tank is filled in 21 hours.
19. A cistern has three pipes A, B and C. A and B can fill the cistern in 4 hours and 6 hours respectively.
Pipe C can empty the completely filled cistern in 2 hours. If the pipes are opened in order at 8:00 am,
9:00 am and 10:00 am respectively. At what time will the cistern be empty?
Ans
Let the cistern be emptied x hours after 8:00 am. Then, pipes A, B and C worked for x, x 1 and x 2
hours respectively.
x x 1 x 2
0
4 6 2
3x 2x 2 6x 12
0
12
x + 10 = 0 x = 10
8:00 am + 10 hours = 6:00 pm
The cistern will be empty at 6:00 pm.
20. Two pipes A and B can fill a tank in 36 minutes and 48 minutes respectively. Both the pipes are opened
simultaneously. After how much time pipe B should be closed so that the tank is full in 27 minutes?
Ans
Let the pipe B be closed after x minutes.
Part of the tank filled by (A + B) in x minutes + part of the tank filled by A in (27 x) minutes = 1
x
x
27 x 1
36 48 36
4x 3x 4x 108
1
144
3x + 108 = 144
3x = 144 108 = 36
x = 12 minutes.
So, pipe B must be closed after 12 minutes.
155
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. 12 men can do a work in 10 days while 10 women can do the same work in 18 days. In how many days
4 men and 6 women together can do the same work? [SBI clerk exam 2020]
120 180
(1) days (2) 24 days (3) days (4) 15 days
7 13
Ans (4)
12 men do the work in 10 days
1 1
Portion of work done by 1 man in 1 day
12 10 120
10 women do the work in 18 days
1 1
Portion of work done by 1 women in 1 day
10 18 180
4 6 1 1 2 1
Portion of work done by 4 men and 6 woman in 1 day
120 180 30 30 30 15
So, they require 15 days to do the same work.
2. A, B and C can individually complete a piece of work in 24 days, 15 days and 12 days respectively.
B and C started the work and worked for 3 days and left. The number of days required by A alone to
complete the remaining work is _______. [SSC CGL Exam 2020]
1 1
(1) 11 (2) 15 (3) 18 (4) 13
2 5
Ans (4)
9
Portion of work completed by B and C in 3 days
20
9 11
Remaining portion of work = 1
20 20
To complete the entire work A requires 24 days
11 11 66 1
To complete portion A requires 24 13 days.
20 20 5 5
3. A can do a work in 36 days while B can do the same work in 48 days. If A works for x days and B works
for x + 2 days, then one-third of the work is complete. Find the value of x. [IBPS PO Pre Exam 2019]
(1) 4 (2) 8 (3) 6 (4) 7
Ans (3)
x x2 1
36 48 3
4x 3x 6 1 7x 6 1
144 3 144 3
21x + 18 = 144 21x = 144 – 18 = 126
126
x 6
21
x = 6.
156
Quantitative Aptitude
4. 40 men can complete a work in 48 days. 64 men started the same work and worked for x days. After
2
x days, 32 more men joined and the remaining work is completed in 16 days. Find x.
3
[SBI PO Exam 2019]
(1) 5 (2) 8 (3) 10 (4) 6
Ans (1)
Portion of work completed by 64 men in x days
1 x
64 x
40 48 30
x 30 x
Remaining work = 1
30 30
After 32 more men join, number of men increases to 96.
2 50 1 50 5
Work done by 96 men in 16 i.e., days = 96
3 3 40 48 3 6
30 x 5
30 6
180 – 6x = 150
6x = 180 – 150 = 30
x = 5.
5. A can complete a work in 20 days while B is 25% more efficient than A. B worked for 6 days and left.
Remaining work is completed by C in 15 days. Find in how many days C can complete the whole work
alone. [IBPS PO Exam 2018]
(1) 27 days (2) 21 days (3) 18 days (4) 24 days
Ans (4)
1
Portion of work done by A in 1 day =
20
B is 25% more efficient
1
Portion of work done by B in 1 day = 125% of
20
6 3
Portion of work completed by B in 6 days
16 8
3 5
Remaining portion of work 1
8 8
5
C completes portion of work in 15 days
8
8
C completes the entire work in 15 24 days.
5
157
Quantitative Aptitude
6. A, B and C each working alone can finish a piece of work in 27, 33 and 45 days respectively. A starts by
working alone for 12 days, then B takes over from A and works for 11 days. At this stage, C takes over
from B and completes the remaining work. In how many days, the whole work was completed?
[SBI PO Exam 2018]
(1) 33 (2) 31 (3) 39 (4) 35
Ans (1)
12 4
Portion of the work completed by A in 12 days
27 9
11 1
Portion of the work completed by B in 11 days =
33 3
4 1 7 2
Remaining portion of work = 1 = 1
9 3 9 9
Number of days required by C to complete entire work = 45
2 2
Number of days required by C to complete portion of work 45 10 days
9 9
Total number of days taken to complete the work = 12 + 11 + 10 = 33 days.
7. 4 men and 3 women finish a job in 6 days. 5 men and 7 women can do the same job in 4 days. How long
will 1 man and 1 woman take to do the work? [SBI clerk Exam 2018]
2 1 1 7
(1) 22 days (2) 25 days (3) 5 days (4) 12 days
7 2 7 22
Ans (1)
Let ‘m’ and ‘w’ be the portion of work completed by 1 man and 1 woman respectively, in 1 day
1
4m+3w= ... (1)
6
1
5m+7w= ... (2)
4
Multiplying (1) by 5 and (2) by 4, we get
5
20 m + 15 w = … (3)
6
20 m + 28 w = 1 … (4)
Subtracting (3) from (4), we get,
1
13 w =
6
1
w
78
Substituting the value of w in (1)
4m =
5 5
m
39 4 156
5 1 5 2 7
Portion of work completed by 1 man and 1 woman in 1 day = m + w =
156 78 156 156
Number of days required to complete the work days
158
Quantitative Aptitude
8. 56 workers can finish a piece of work in 14 days. If the work is to be complete in 8 days, then how many
extra workers are required? [IBPS RRB Exam 2018]
(1) 36 (2) 48 (3) 44 (4) 42
Ans (4)
To complete the work in 14 days number of workers required = 56
56 14
To complete the work in 8 days number of workers required = 98
8
Extra workers required = 98 – 56 = 42
Hence, 42 extra workers are required.
9. 18 men can complete a project in 30 days and 16 women can complete the same project in 36 days.
15 men start working and after 9 days, they are replaced by 18 women. In how many days will
18 women complete the remaining work? [IBPS RRB Clerk exam 2018]
(1) 20 (2) 30 (3) 26 (4) 24
Ans (4)
18 men complete the work in 30 days
1 1
Portion of work completed by 1 man in 1 day =
18 30 540
15 9 1
Portion of work completed by 15 men in 9 days
540 4
1 3
Remaining work = 1
4 4
16 women complete the work in 36 days.
1 1
Portion of work completed by 1 woman in 1 day =
36 16 576
18 1
Work completed by 18 women in 1 day
576 32
Number of days required to complete the entire work = 32
3 3
Number of days required to complete of work 32 24
4 4
Remaining work will be completed by 18 women in 24 days.
10. A can complete a project in 20 days and B can complete the same project in 30 days. If A and B start
working on the project together and A quits 10 days before the project is completed, in how many days
will the project be completed? [IBPS Grade B Exam 2017]
(1) 18 days (3) 27 days (3) 26.67 days (4) 16 days
Ans (1)
B alone works for last 10 days
10 1
Portion of work completed by B in 10 days =
30 3
1 2
Portion of the work completed by A and B together = 1
3 3
1 1 3 2 5 1
Portion of the work completed by A and B in 1 day
20 30 60 60 12
159
Quantitative Aptitude
To complete entire work A and B require 12 days
2 2
To complete of the work they require 12 8 days
3 3
Total number of days taken to compete the project = 8 + 10 = 18 days.
11. Vijay and Sahil together complete a piece of work in 40 days. Sahil and Ranjit can complete the same
work in 48 days. Ranjit and Vijay can complete the same work in 60 days. In how many days can all the
three complete the same work while working together? [SSC CPO Exam 2017]
(1) 16 (2) 24 (3) 32 (4) 38
Ans (3)
Let x, y and z be the portion of work done by Vijay, Sahil and Ranjit respectively, in 1 day
1
x+y=
40
1
y+z=
48
1
z+x=
60
1 1 1
Adding, 2x + 2y + 2z =
40 48 60
6 5 4 15 1
2 (x + y + z) =
240 240 16
1
x+y+z=
32
1
Portion of work completed in 1 day
32
Hence, they require 32 days to complete the work.
12. 40 men can complete a piece of work in 15 days. 20 more men join them after 5 days they start doing
work. How many days will be required by them to finish the remaining work?
[ESIC UDC, Exam 2016]
2 1 1 2
(1) 7 day (2) 6 days (3) 8 days (4) 6 days
3 5 4 3
Ans (4)
1 1
Portion of work completed by 1 man in 1 day
40 15 600
1 1
Portion of work completed by 40 men in 5 days 40 5
600 3
1 2
Remaining work 1
3 3
20 more men join. So total men will become 60.
60 1
Work done by 60 men in 1 day
600 10
1
To complete of work, time required = 1 day
10
160
Quantitative Aptitude
2 2 20 2
To complete of work time required = 10 6
3 3 3 3
2
So, 6 days are required to finish the remaining work.
3
13. Two workers A and B are engaged to do a work. A working alone takes 8 hours more to complete the
1
job than if both worked together. If B worked alone, he would need 4 hours more to complete the job
2
than they both working together. What time would they take to do the work? [MAT 2010]
(1) 4 hours (2) 5 hours (3) 6 hours (4) 7 hours
Ans (3)
Let the time taken by A and B together to complete the work be x hours.
Then time taken by A to complete the work = x + 8 hours and time taken by B to complete the work
1 2x 9
x 4 hours hours.
2 2
1 2 1
[Work done in 1 hour]
x 8 2x 9 x
2x 9 2x 16 1
2x 2 25x 72 x
4x 25 1
2x 25x 72 x
2
4x2 + 25x = 2x2 + 25x+72
2x2 = 72
72
x2 = = 36
2
x=6
A and B together do the work in 6 hours.
14. Madhu takes twice as much time as Uma to complete a work. Rahul does it in the same time as Madhu
and Uma together. If all the three working together can finish the work in 6 days, then the time taken by
Madhu to finish the work is ______. [MAT, 2010]
(1) 12 days (2) 14 days (3) 36 days (4) 40 days
Ans (3)
Let the time taken by Uma to complete the work be x days
Then time taken by Madhu to complete the work is 2x days
1
Work done by Uma in 1 day =
x
1
Work done by Madhu in 1 day =
2x
1 1 3
Work done by Rahul in 1 day =
x 2x 2x
1 1 3 1
(Work completed in 1 day)
x 2x 2x 6
2 1 3 1 6 1
2x 6 2x 6
161
Quantitative Aptitude
2x = 36
Hence, Madhu can complete the work in 36 days.
15. A can complete a piece of work in 18 days, B in 20 days and C in 30 days. B and C together start the
work and are forced to leave after 2 days. The time taken by A alone to complete the said work is
_______. [SSC 2010]
(1) 10 days (2) 12 days (3) 15 days (4) 16 days
Ans (3)
2 2 10 1
Part of the work completed by B and C in 2 days
20 30 60 6
1 5
Remaining work = 1
6 6
5 5
Time taken by A to complete part of work 18 15
6 6
A completes the remaining work in 15 days.
16. Working together, Asha and Sudha can complete an assigned task in 20 days. However, if Asha worked
alone and completed half the work and then Sudha takes over the task and completes the second half of
the task, the task will be completed in 45 days. How long will Asha take to complete the task if she
worked alone? Assume that Sudha is more efficient than Asha. [MAT 2010]
(1) 25 days (2) 30 days (3) 60 days (4) 65 days
Ans (3)
Let the time taken by Asha and Sudha to complete the work be x days and y days respectively (x > y)
x y
Asha takes days to complete half of the work Sudha takes days to complete half of the work
2 2
x y
45 x + y = 90 ... (1)
2 2
Again
1 1 1
(Work completed in 1 day)
x y 20
xy
xy
90 1
xy = 1800
xy 20
x y (x y) 2 4xy 8100 7200 900
x – y = 30 ... (2)
Adding (1) and (2) we get, 2x = 120
x = 60.
Hence, Asha alone completes the task in 60 days.
162
Quantitative Aptitude
17. A and B together complete a piece of work in ‘T’ days. If A alone completes the work in T + 3 days and
B alone completes the piece of work in T + 12 days, what is T? [SBI PO 2018]
(1) 3 days (2) 9 days (3) 12 days (4) 6 days
Ans (4)
1 1 1
T 3 T 12 T
T 12 T 3 1
(T 3)(T 12) T
2T 15 1
T 15T 36 T
2
2T2 + 15T = T2 + 15 T + 36
T2 = 36
T = 6 days
18. A can build a wall in the same time in which B and C together can do it. If A and B together could do it
in 25 days and C alone in 35 days, in what time could B alone do it? [N MAT 2008]
(1) 90 days (2) 100 days (3) 175 days (4) 200 days
Ans (3)
Let A and B individually build the wall in x days and y day respectively.
1
Part of the work done by A in 1 day
x
1
Part of the work done by B in 1 day
y
1
Part of the work done by C in 1 day
35
A and B together complete the work in 25 days
1 1 1
... (1)
x y 25
A’s 1 day work = B and C’s 1 day work
1 1 1
x y 35
1 1 1
... (2)
x y 35
Subtracting (2) from (1) we get,
2 1 1 75 2
y 25 35 175 175
y = 175
Hence, B alone can build the wall in 175 days.
19. A can do a piece of work in 14 days while B can do it in 21 days. They begin together but 3 days before
the completion of the work, A leaves off. The total number of days to complete the work is ______.
[GBO, 2007]
3 1 1 1
(1) 6 (2) 8 (3) 10 (4) 13
5 2 5 2
163
Quantitative Aptitude
Ans (3)
3 1
Part of the work completed by B in last 3 days
21 7
1 6
Part of the work completed by A and B together 1
7 7
1 1 3 2 5
Part of the work done by A and B in 1 day
14 21 42 42
42
So, to complete entire work together, they require days
5
6 42 6 36 1
Number of days required to complete part of the work 7
7 5 7 5 5
1 1
Total number of days required to complete the work = 7 3 10
5 5
20. A sum of money is sufficient to pay A’s wages for 21 days and B’s wages for 28 days. The same money
is sufficient to pay the wages of both for _____. [ICET, 2005, GBO 2008]
1 1
(1) 12 days (2) 12 days (3) 14 days (4) 24 days
4 2
Ans (1)
Let the total sum be x
x
A’s 1 day wage =
21
x
B’s 1 day wage =
28
x x
1 day’s wage of A and B =
21 28
4x 3x 7x x
84 84 12
So, the sum is sufficient to pay the wages of both A and B for 12 days.
21. One pipe can fill a tank in 9 hours, while another pipe can empty it in 12 hours. If both the pipes are
opened simultaneously, then how much time will be taken to fill the tank? [MAT 2019]
(1) 36 hours (2) 32 hours (3) 28 hours (4) 48 hours
Ans (1)
1 1 43 1
Portion of the tank filled in 1 hour, when both the pipes are opened
9 12 36 36
So, tank will be filled in 36 hours.
22. Pipes A and B can fill a tank in 15 minutes and 20 minutes respectively. Pipe C empties the tank in
12 minutes. What is the time taken by A, B and C together to fill the tank completely?
[IBPS RRB 2019]
(1) 25 minutes (2) 30 minutes (3) 40 minutes (4) 20 minutes
Ans (2)
1 1 1
Portion of the tank filled by A, B and C in 1 minute
15 20 12
164
Quantitative Aptitude
4 3 5 2 1
60 60 30
So, tank will be filled in 30 minutes.
23. A large tanker can be filled by two pipes A and B in 36 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. How many
minutes will it take to fill the tanker from empty state, if only A is used for first half of the time and
A and B fill it together for the other half? [MAT 2019]
9 4
(1) 26 minutes (2) 27 minutes (3) 12 minutes (4) 32 minutes
13 13
Ans (2)
Let the total time taken to fill the tank be ‘t’ minutes
t t
Pipe A is used for minutes and both the pipes A and B are used for minutes
2 2
t
Portion of the tanker filled by pipe A in minutes
2
t 1 t
... (1)
2 36 72
t
Portion of the tanker filled by pipes A and B together in minutes
2
t 1 1
2 36 60
t 5 3 t 8 t
... (2)
2 180 2 180 45
From (1) and (2)
t t
1
72 45
5t 8t
1
360
13 t = 360
360 9
t 27 minutes.
13 13
24. A tank has an inlet pipe which can fill the tank in 9 hours and an outlet pipe which can empty the tank in
10 hours. The inlet pipe was opened at 8 am, when the tank was empty, but by mistake the outlet pipe
also remained open. The operator realized at 9 am that the outlet pipe is open and he closed it. At what
time will the tank be full? [MAT May 2018]
(1) 5 : 54 pm (2) 5 : 24 pm (3) 4 : 54 pm (4) 5 : 15 pm
Ans (1)
1 1 1
Portion of the tank filled in first 1 hour =
9 10 90
1 89
Remaining portion = 1
90 90
To fill entire tank the time required for the inlet pipe = 9 hour
89 89
To fill portion, time required 9 8.9 hours = 8 hrs 54 minutes
90 90
165
Quantitative Aptitude
If we add 8 hrs 54 minutes to 9 am we get 5 : 54 pm
So, the tank will be full at 5 : 54 pm.
25. Pipe A can fill a tank in 6 hours. Pipe B can fill the same tank in 8 hours. Pipe A, B and C together can
fill the same tank in 12 hours. Then which of the following statements is true for pipe C?
(1) It can fill the tank in 4 hours 40 minutes. (2) It can fill the tank in 4 hours 48 minutes.
(3) It can empty the tank in 4 hours 48 minutes. (4) It can empty the tank in 4 hours 40 minutes.
[SSC MTS Exam 2019]
Ans (3)
1 1 43 7
Portion of the tank filled in 1 hr by pipes A and B together
6 8 24 24
1
Portion of the tank filled in 1 hour by pipes A, B and C =
12
1 7
is less then
12 24
This implies that pipe C is an outlet which empties the tank
7 1 72 5
Portion of the tank emptied by C in 1 hour
24 12 24 24
24
Pipe C requires hours = 4 hrs 48 minutes to empty the tank.
5
26. Two pipes A and B can fill an empty tank in 10 hours and 15 hours respectively. Pipe C can alone empty
the completely filled tank in 12 hours. First both pipe A and B are opened and after 5 hours pipe C is
also opened. What is the total time (in hours) in which the tank will be filled?
[Delhi Police SI exam 2017]
(1) 7 (2) 5 (3) 9 (4) 8
Ans (1)
5 5 15 10 25 5
Portion of the tank filled by pipes A and B in 5 hours
10 15 30 30 6
5 1
Remaining portion = 1 – =
6 6
Portion of the tank filled by A, B and C in 1 hour
1 1 1 6 45 5 1
10 15 12 60 60 12
1 1
Time required to fill of tank = 12 = 2 hours
6 6
Hence, total time taken to fill the tank = 5 + 2 = 7 hours.
27. Pipes A and B can separately fill a tank in 12 hours and 16 hours respectively. Pipe C can empty the full
tank in 24 hours. All three pipes are opened together but after 4 hours pipe A is closed. In how many
hours from the beginning the tank will be filled? [ASI and CISF exam 2019]
(1) 24 (2) 28 (3) 30 (4) 32
Ans (4)
4 4 4
Portion of the tank filled by pipes A, B and C in 4 hours
12 16 24
166
Quantitative Aptitude
16 12 8 20 5
48 48 12
5 7
Remaining portion = 1
12 12
1 1 3 2 1
Portion of the tank filled in 1 hour by pipes B and C
16 24 48 48
7 7
Time required to fill portion of the tank 48 28 hours
12 12
Hence, total time taken to fill the tank = 4 + 28 = 32 hours.
28. Pipes A and B can fill a tank in one hour and two hours respectively, while pipe C can empty the filled
up tank in one hour and fifteen minutes. A and C are turned on together at 9 am. After 2 hours, only A is
closed and B is turned on. When will the tank be emptied? [SSC CGL exam 2019]
(1) 12 : 10 pm (2) 11 : 30 am (3) 10 : 30 am (4) 12 : 20 pm
Ans (4)
1 5
1 hour 15 minutes = 1 hours
4 4
5
Pipe C empties the tank in hours
4
4
Portion of the tank emptied by pipe C in 1 hour =
5
8 2
Portion of the tank filled by A and C in 2 hours (i.e., till 11 am) 2
5 5
4 1 85 3
Portion of tank emptied by B and C in 1 hour
5 2 10 10
2 10 2 4
Time required to empty portion = 1 hr 20 minutes
5 3 5 3
Hence, the tank will be empty at 9 am + 2 hrs + 1 hr 20 mins = 12 : 20 pm.
29. Three pipes A, B and C can fill a cistern in 12, 18 and 24 minutes respectively. If all the pipes are
opened together for 7 minutes, what will be the volume of water that overflows as the percentage of the
total volume of the cistern? [Delhi Police SI exam 2019]
7 1 2 5
(1) 26 (2) 23 (3) 23 (4) 26
18 3 3 18
Ans (1)
7 7 7 42 28 21
Portion of cisterns filled in 7 minutes by pipes A, B and C
12 18 24 72
19
part of the cistern overflows
72
Percentage of volume of cistern that overflows .
167
Quantitative Aptitude
30. A tank has two outlets A and B, which together take 6 hours to empty a full tank when they are opened
simultaneously. The tank was initially half full and both the outlets were opened. After an hour, an inlet
pipe X was also opened. If the inlet alone can fill the empty tank in 4 hours, how much time will it now
take to fill the tank completely? [CET – Maharashtra (MBA) exam 2016]
1
(1) 8 hours (2) 7 hours (3) 8 hours (4) 9 hours
2
Ans (1)
1
Portion of the tank emptied in 1 hour
6
1 1 3 1 1
Water in the tank after 1 hour =
2 6 6 3
1 2
Remaining portion of the tank 1
3 3
When all the pipes A, B and X are opened, portion of the tank filled in one hour.
1 1 3 2 1
4 6 12 12
2 2
Time required to fill of tank = 12 8 hours.
3 3
1
31. In what time would a cistern is filled by three pipes whose diameters are 1 cm, 1 cm and 2 cm running
3
together, when the largest alone will fill it in 61 minutes, the amount of water flowing in by each pipe,
being proportional to the square of its diameter? [Railways 2006]
(1) 28 minutes (2) 30 minutes (3) 36 minutes (4) 40 minutes
Ans (3)
2
4
Ratio of square of diameters = 1: : 2 2
3
16
1: : 4
9
= 9 : 16 : 36
1 1 1
Ratio of time taken to fill the tank = : :
9 16 36
= 16 : 9 : 4
Largest pipe takes 61 minutes to full the tank
61
Smallest pipe takes 16 244 minutes
4
61 549
2nd size pipe takes 9 minutes
4 4
1 4 1
Water filled in 1 minute =
244 549 61
1 1 4 1 9 16 36 1 61 1
1 61 36 36
61 4 9 16 36
36 minutes are required to fill the tank.
168
Quantitative Aptitude
32. Three pipes A, B and C can fill a tank from empty to full in 30 minutes, 20 minutes and 10 minutes
respectively. When the tank is empty, all the three pipes are opened. A, B and C discharge chemical
solution P, Q and R respectively. What is the proportion of solution R in the liquid in the tank after
3 minutes? [DMRC 2003]
5 6 7 8
(1) (2) (3) (4)
11 11 11 11
Ans (2)
3 3 3
Part of the tank filled in 3 minutes when all the pipes are opened
30 20 10
1 3 3
10 20 10
2 3 6 11
20 20
1 3
Volume of solution R brought by pipe C in 3 minutes 3 of the tank
10 10
3
3 20 6
10
The proportion of solution R in the liquid in the tank
11 10 11 11
20
33. One pipe can fill a tank three times as fast as another pipe. If together the two pipes can fill the tank in
36 minutes, then the slower pipe alone will be able to fill the tank in _____. [CBI 2003]
(1) 81 minutes (2) 108 minutes (3) 144 minutes (4) 192 minutes
Ans (3)
Let the faster pipe fill the tank in x minutes.
Then, the slower pipe fills the tank in 3x minutes
1 1 1
x 3x 36
31 1
3x 36
4 1
3x 36
3x 36 4 144
Hence, the slower pipe alone fills the tank in 144 minutes.
34. A swimming pool is filled by three pipes with uniform flow. The first two pipes operating
simultaneously fill the pool in the same time during which the pool is filled by the third pipe alone. The
second pipe fills the pool 5 hours faster than the first pipe and 4 hours slower than the third pipe. The
time required by the first pipe alone to fill the pool is _______. [MBA 2002, MAT 2006]
(1) 6 hours (2) 10 hours (3) 15 hours (4) 30 hours
Ans (3)
Let the first pipe fill the tank in x hours.
Then, second pipe fills the tank in x – 5 hours
and third pipe fills the tank in x – 9 hours.
169
Quantitative Aptitude
Part of the tank filled by first two pipes in 1 minute is equal to the part filled by third pipe alone in
1 minute (given)
1 1 1
x x5 x9
x 5 x 1
x(x 5) (x 9)
2x 5 1
2
x 5x x 9
(2x – 5) (x – 9) = x2 – 5x
2x2 – 23x + 45 = x2 – 5x
x2 – 18x + 45 = 0
(x – 15) (x – 3) = 0
x = 15 or x = 3
x cannot be less than 9
Hence, x = 15
So, first pipe alone fills the tank in 15 hours.
35. Two pipes A and B can fill a cistern in 12 minutes and 15 minutes respectively, while a third pipe C can
empty the full cistern in 6 minutes. A and B are kept open for 5 minutes in the beginning and then C is
also opened. In what time is the cistern emptied? [MAT 2005]
1
(1) 30 minutes (2) 33 minutes (3) 37 minutes (4) 45 minutes
2
Ans (4)
5 5
Portion of the tank filled in 5 minutes by pipe A and B
12 15
5 1 5 4 9 3
12 3 12 12 4
1 1 1
Portion of the tank emptied in 1 minute when all the three pipes are opened =
6 12 15
1 1 1 10 5 4 1
6 12 15 60 60
Time required to empty the full tank = 60 minutes
3
Time required to empty of tank minutes.
4
36. Two pipes A and B can fill a tank in 20 hours and 30 hours respectively. Both the pipes are opened to fill
the tank but when the tank is one-third full, a leak develops in the tank through which one-third water
supplied by both the pipes goes out. The total time taken to fill the tank is ____. [MAT 2006]
(1) 12 hours (2) 14 hours (3) 16 hours (4) 18 hours
Ans (3)
1 1 3 2 5 1
Part of the tank filled in 1 hour by pipes A and B =
20 30 60 60 12
So, pipes A and B together fill the tank in 12 hours.
170
Quantitative Aptitude
12
Time required to fill one–third of the tank = 4 hours
3
2 1 1
After the leak is developed, the portion of the tank filled by A and B in 1 min = .
3 12 18
Hence, 18 hours are required to fill the tank.
2 2
Time required to fill of the tank 18 12 hours
3 3
Total time taken = 4 + 12 = 16 hours.
37. Two pipes can fill a tank with water in 15 hours and 12 hours respectively and a third pipe can empty it
in 4 hours. If the pipes be opened in order at 8 am, 9 am and 11 am respectively, the tank will be emptied
at _____. [SSC, 2005]
(1) 11 : 40 am (2) 12 : 40 am (3) 1 : 40 pm (4) 2 : 40 pm
Ans (4)
3 1
Part of the tank filled by first pipe in 3 hours (8 am to 11 am)
15 5
2 1
Part of the tank filled by second pipe in 2 hours (9 am to 11 am)
12 6
1 1 6 5 11
Part of the tank filled at 11 am
5 6 30 30
At 11 am all the three pipes are opened.
1 1 1 1 1 1
Part of the tank emptied in 1 hour
4 15 12 4 15 12
15 4 5 6 1
60 60 10
11 11 11
Time required to empty part of tank = 10 hours = 3 hrs 40 mins
30 30 3
So, the tank will be empty at 11 am + 3 hrs 40 mins = 2 : 40 pm.
38. Pipe A can fill a tank in 10 hours. Pipe B can fill the same tank in 15 hours. Pipe C can empty the full
tank in 20 hours. Pipes A, B and C are opened alternatively for 1 hour each. If A is opened first, then
how many hours will they take to fill the empty tank? [MBA 2004]
2
(1) 24 hours (2) 24 hours (3) 25 hours (4) 26 hours
3
Ans (2)
1 1 1 6 43 7
Net portion of the tank filled in 3 hours =
10 15 20 60 60
7 56 14
Net portion filled in 24 hours (8 blocks of 3 hours) 8
60 60 15
14 1
Remaining portion = 1
15 15
After 24 hours, pipe A is opened
1 1 2
Time taken by pipe A to fill of tank 10 hours
15 15 3
2
So, total time taken to fill the tank = 24 hours.
3
171
Quantitative Aptitude
39. A leak in the bottom of a tank can empty the full tank in 8 hours. An inlet pipe fills water at the rate of
6 litres a minute. When the tank is full the inlet is opened and due to the leak the tank is empty in
12 hours. How many litres does the tank hold? [MAT 2005]
(1) 7,580 (2) 7,960 (3) 8,290 (4) 8,640
Ans (4)
Water brought by inlet pipe in 12 hours = 6 60 12 = 4320 litres
12 3 1
Water emptied in 12 hours by the leak 1 tank
8 2 2
1
This implies that the water brought in by inlet pipe is equal to the tank
2
The capacity of tank = 4,320 2 = 8,640 litres
So, the tank can hold 8,640 litres of water.
40. Three pipes A, B and C can fill a tank in 6 hours. After working at it together for 2 hours, C is closed
and A and B can fill the remaining part in 7 hours. The number of hours taken by C alone to fill the tank
is ________. [LIC AAO, 2003]
(1) 10 (2) 12 (3) 14 (4) 16
Ans (3)
2 1
Portion of the tank filled by A, B and C in 2 hour
6 3
1 2
Remaining portion = 1 –
3 3
2
Pipes A and B together fill portion of tank in 7 hours
3
2
Portion of the tank filled by A and B in 1 hour
21
1
A, B and C together fill portion of tank in 1 hour
6
1 2 74 3 1
Portion of the tank filled by pipe C alone
6 21 42 42 14
So, C alone can fill the tank in 14 hours.
***
172
9. Simple and Compound Interest
Introduction
When we keep our money with banks, in deposits, we get extra money. Similarly, when a person borrows
money from bank or from another person, he pays extra money. This extra money paid by banks, institutions
or persons is called interest.
The money deposited or borrowed is called the principal. Sum of principal and interest is called amount
(principal + interest = amount). If interest is calculated on the original principal throughout, it is called
simple interest. If the principal undergoes changes periodically due to addition of interest, it is called
compound interest.
Rate of interest: The interest charged on a principal of 100 is called rate of interest. If interest of 10 is
charged on a principal of 100 per year, the rate of interest is indicated as 10 percent per annum
[10% p.a. or 10 p.c.p.a].
Likewise, if interest of 2 is charged on principal of 100 per month, we indicate the rate of interest as
2 percent per month [2% pm].
Simple interest
Derivation of the formula for calculation of simple interest
Let ‘P’ be the principal. ‘T’ be the term (in years) and ‘R’ be the rate of interest per annum and ‘I’ be the
total interest.
By definition of rate of interest, we have, interest on principal of 100 for 1 year = R.
R
Interest on a principal of P for 1 year P
100
R
Thus, interest on a principal of P for ‘T’ years PT
100
PRT
Hence, I
100
Note
(i) To calculate the time period between two given dates, only one of the two dates is counted (either first or last).
(ii) For converting the time period in days into years always divide by 365 irrespective of whether it is a leap year or a
normal year.
Example
1
1. 2,800 becomes 2,968 in 1 years at a certain rate of simple interest. Find the sum of money which
2
1
will become 4,845 in 3 years at the same rate of interest.
2
Ans
Principal (P1) = 2,800
Amount (A1) = 2,968
1
Term (T1) = 1 years
2
173
Quantitative Aptitude
Principal (P2) = ?
Amount (A2) = 4,845
I1 = (A1 – P1) = 2,968 – 2,800
I1 = 168
PRT
We know that I
100
I 100
R
PT
168 100 1 3
3 1
2800 2 2
2
168 100 2
2800 3
R = 4%
Principal (P2) = P2
Rate (R1) = Rate (R2) = 4%
1
Term (T2) = 3 years.
2
Amount (A2) = 4,845 = P2 + I2
I 2 A 2 P2
I 2 4845 P2
P2 4 7 1 7
4845 P2 3
100 2 2 2
4845 200 200 P2 28 P2
4845 200 28 P2 200 P2
4845 200
P2
228
P2 = 4,250
Compound interest
You have understood that while calculating simple interest, the principal remains same. So interest per year
also remains unchanged.
If you observe a savings bank account pass book issued by a Post office, you will notice that the periodical
interest credited in the account increases, though there are no other transactions in the account.
What is the reason for increase in interest?
The interest for the first year is added to the principal and the amount is indicated in the Pass Book.
For calculation of interest for the second year, this amount is taken as principal. Similarly, interest for third
year is calculated on the amount at the end of second year. So, it is clear that, interest is calculated on the
amount of previous year. This system of interest calculation is called compound Interest.
Let us take an example to understand the concept clearly.
174
Quantitative Aptitude
2. Mohan borrows a sum of 15,000 for two years at an interest of 12% p.a compounded annually.
Find the compound interest and the amount payable at the end of two years.
Ans
Find simple interest for one year.
PTR 15000 1 12
S.I. 1,800
100 100
Amount at the end of first year = principal + interest
= 15,000 + 1,800 = 16,800
This amount of 16,800, becomes principal for second year
PTR 16800 12
Now, interest for second year = 2,016
100 100
Amount at the end of second year = 16,800 + 2,016
= 18,816
Total interest payable = 1,800 + 2,016 = 3,816.
So, total interest is 3,816 and the amount payable at the end of second year is 18,816.
What is the simple interest on the same sum of 15,000 at the same rate of 12% pa for the same period
of two years?
PTR 15000 2 12
S. I. = 3,600.
100 100
From the above it is clear that compound interest is more than the simple interest. Why it is so?
The interest of previous year also earns interest during the current year, in case of compound interest.
Hence, it is more than simple interest.
The following table gives comparison between simple interest and compound interest on 100 at
10% pa.
Under simple interest Under compound interest
Principal 100.00 100.00
I year Interest at 10% pa 10.00 10.00
Amount at the end of the year 110.00 110.00
Principal 100.00 110.00
II year Interest at 10% pa 10.00 11.00
Total amount at the end of the year 120.00 121.00
Principal 100.00 121.00
III year Interest at 10% pa 10.00 12.10
Total amount at the end of the year 130.00 133.10
Note
Principal remains same under simple interest. Principal changes year after year under compound interest.
175
Quantitative Aptitude
Formula for compound interest
Let P be the principal and R be the rate of interest
PR
Interest for first year = S.I1
100
Amount at the end of first year = A1 = P + SI1
PR R
P P 1
100 100
Amount at the end of first year is the principal for 2nd year
R
So, principal for second year = P2 P 1
100
PR R R
Interest for 2nd year SI P .
PR R
1
100 100
Amount at the end of second year = A2 = P2 + SI2
R PR R
P 1 1
100 100 100
R R
P 1 1
100 100
2
R
P 1
100
2
R
Principal for third year = P3 P 1
100
PR
Interest for 3rd year = SI3 3
100
2
R R
P 1
100 100
2
PR R
1
100 100
Amount at the end of 3 years = A3 = P3 + SI3
2 2
R PR R
P 1 1
100 100 100
2
R R
P 1 1
100 100
3
R
P 1
100
Proceeding this way, the amount A at the end of n years is given by the formula.
n
R
A P 1
100
176
Quantitative Aptitude
Remember
The above formula gives the amount payable at the end of n years and not the compound interest. In order to
find compound interest, we should subtract principal from the amount payable.
C.I. = A – P.
3. Find the compound interest on 25,000 for two years at 12% p.a. compounded annually.
Ans
n 2
R 12
A P 1 25000 1
100 100
2
28
25000
25
28 28
25000 31,360
25 25
C.I. = A – P = 31,360 – 25,000 = 6,360.
Interest compounded half yearly or quarterly
We have since understood the meaning of compound interest and how it is different from simple interest.
We have also learnt the method of calculating compound interest when it is compounded annually.
In some cases interest is compounded half yearly or even quarterly. What does it mean?
Interest is first calculated for six months (half of a year) only. This interest is added to the principal to get the
amount at the end of six months. This amount is taken as principal for calculation of interest for the second
half year.
Normally, commercial banks charge interest on their loan accounts on quarterly basis. The amount at the end
of first quarter (three months) is taken as principal for calculation of interest for the second quarter. In such
cases interest is said to be compounded quarterly.
R
If R is the rate of interest per annum, then the interest on 100 for six months (half an year) is . If the
2
term for which the amount borrowed is n years, it is equivalent to ‘2n’ half years. So, the formula for
calculation of amount when interest is compounded half yearly, takes the following form:
2n
R
2
A P 1
100
When interest is compounded quarterly, amount is calculated by using the following formula:
4n
R
4
A P 1
100
177
Quantitative Aptitude
4. Mohan borrowed a sum of 20,000 for 1½ years. If interest is charged at 10% p.a compounded half
yearly, find the amount repayable by Mohan at the end of one and half (1½) years.
Ans
First, we shall calculate the amount without using formula.
1 PTR
Interest for first year
2 100
1
20000 10
2 1,000
100
Amount at the end of first half year = 20,000 + 1,000 = 21,000
1 PTR
Interest for second year
2 100
1
21000 10
2 1,050
100
Amount at the end of second half year = 21,000 + 1,050 = 22,050
1 PTR
Interest for the third year
2 100
1
22050 10
2 1,102.50
100
Amount at the end of the third half year = 22,050 + 1,102.50 = 23,152.50.
Thus, amount payable after 1½ years is 23,152.50
Now, let us calculate the amount by using formula
2n
R
5
3
A P 1 2 20000 1
100 100
3
21 20000 21 21 21
20000
20 20 20 20
46305
= 23,152.50
2
5. Find the interest payable on 5,000 for a period of 15 months at 12% p.a compounded half yearly.
Ans
In this problem, interest is compounded half yearly. First, we shall calculate the amount at the end of
2 half years.
2n
R
2 6
2
A P 1 5000 1
100 100
2
53 5000 2809
5000 5,618
50 50 50
Now, calculate interest on 5,618 for the remaining period of 3 months.
178
Quantitative Aptitude
1
5618 12
PTR 4
SI 168.54
100 100
So, Amount payable at the end of 15 months = 5,618 + 168.54 = 5,786.54
Total interest = A – P = 5,786.54 – 5,000 = 786.54
6. Sohan borrowed a sum of 20,000 at 16% p.a. compounded half yearly. Find the amount repaid at the
end of one year and 73 days and also the interest paid.
Ans
2 2
16 8
20000 1
Amount at the end of 2 half years = 20000 1 2 100
100
2
27 729
20000 20000 = 23,328
25 25 25
Now, calculate interest on 23,328 for 73 days.
73 1
First convert 73 days to years. It is of a year.
365 5
1
23328 16
PTR 5
S.I
100 100
23328 16
746.496
100 5
On rounding off to two decimal places, interest for 73 days becomes 746.50.
So, total amount repaid = 23,328 + 746.50 = 24,074.50
Interest paid = A – P = 24,074.50 – 20,000 = 4,074.50
7. Find the interest payable on 25,000 for a period of 20 months at 12% p.a compounded half yearly.
Ans
In this problem the period is 20 months. It can be taken as 3 half years and 2 months. First, we should
calculate amount at the end of 3 half years by using formula and then we should find interest on this
amount for two months.
3
12
Amount at the end of 3 half years 25000 1 2
100
3
53 25000 148877
25000 = 29,775.40
50 50 50 50
1
29775.40 12
6 29775.40 2
Interest on 29775.40 for two months at 12% p.a
100 100
= 595.508 = 595.51
Total amount payable at the end of 20 months = 29,775.40 + 595.51 = 30,370.91
Interest payable = 30,370.91 – 25,000 = 5,370.91.
179
Quantitative Aptitude
Applications of compound interest formula
Apart from calculation of interest, the compound interest formula can be used on several other situations
also.
1. This formula can be used to find the population of a place after certain years, when the present
population is known and when the population increases at a constant rate every year.
2. This formula can also be used for finding the present value of articles, when its cost price and rate of
depreciation per year are known (depreciation means reduction of value due to use and age of articles).
Important: Depreciation is the reduction in value of articles due to their use and age. Hence the rate of
depreciation should be taken with negative sign.
If C.P is the cost price, R is rate of depreciation and D.V is the depreciated value after ‘n’ years, it is
calculated by using the following formula.
n
R
D.V C.P 1
100
8. The population of a certain city is 1,25,000. If the annual birth rate is 3.3% and the annual death rate is
1.3%, calculate the population after 3 years.
Ans
Present population of the city (P) = 1,25,000
Term (n) = 3 years, Rate of birth (R1) = 3.3%
Rate of death (R2) = 1.3%
So, the net rate of increase (R1 R2) = 3.3 1.3 = 2%
Therefore, Population after 3 years
51 51 51
125000
50 50 50
= 51 51 51
= 1,32,651.
9. Kiran purchased a car for 5,00,000. What is the depreciated value of this car at the end of three years,
if the rate of depreciation is 10%, annually?
Ans
n
R
D.V C.P 1
100
3
10
Depreciated value = 5,00,000 1
100
3
9 5, 00,000× 729
= 5,00,000× = = 3,64,500
10 1000
The depreciated value of the car after three years is 3,64,500.
180
Quantitative Aptitude
Worked Examples
1. A man invested a certain sum at a certain rate of interest, on simple interest and he got 30% more money
after four years. If he invests 12,800 at the same rate of interest on simple interest, how much total
interest he would get after 5 years?
Ans
Let the sum invested be x and the rate of interest be r.
30 3x
Interest earned in 4years = 30% of x = x
100 10
PRT
SI
100
3x x r 4
10 100
300x 40xr
300x
r 7.5%
40x
12800 7.5 5
Hence, interest on 12,800 for 5years = 4,800.
100
2. A sum of 3,000 is invested in a scheme ‘A’ at R% p.a. simple interest. Another certain sum is invested
in scheme B at 2R% p.a. simple interest. After 4 years, interest earned from scheme A is 25% less than
the interest earned on scheme B. Find the sum invested in scheme B.
Ans
Let the sum invested in scheme ‘B’ be x.
x 2R 4 2xR
Interest earned in scheme B =
100 25
3000 R 4
Interest earned in scheme A = 120 R
100
Interest earned from scheme A is 25% less than the interest earned on scheme B.
This implies that interest earned form scheme ‘A’ is 75% of interest earned from scheme ‘B’
75 2xR
120R
100 25
6xR
120R
100
6xR 12000R
12000 R
x = 2,000.
6R
Hence, the sum invested in scheme ‘B’ in 2,000.
3. Certain sum at a simple interest of 11.5% p.a. amounts to 24,570 after 5 years. Find the sum.
Ans
Let the sum be x.
Interest earned = (24,570 – x)
PRT
SI
100
181
Quantitative Aptitude
x 11.5 5 x 115 5 23x
24570 x
100 1000 40
40 24570 x 23x 982800 40x 23x
982800
63x 982800 x 15,600
63
Hence, the sum is 15,600.
4. Naveen borrowed a certain sum of money at the rate of 8% p.a. simple interest for the first 2 years at the
rate of 10% p.a. simple interest for the next 3 years and at the rate of 12% p.a. for the period beyond
5years. If he pays a total interest of 6,560, at the end of 8years, how much money did he borrow?
Ans
Let the sum borrowed be x.
x x x
Interest for 8 years =
16x 30x 36x 82x
6560
100 100 100 100
82x 6560 100
6560 100
x 8,000.
82
5. A certain sum of money amounts to 9,450 in two years and to 12,375 in five years, at a certain rate
of simple interest. Find the sum and the rate of interest.
Ans
S.I. for 3 years = 12,375 – 9,450 = 2,925
2925
[Link] 2years 2 1,950
3
Principal = Amount – Interest
= 9,450 – 1,950 = 7,500.
PTR
S.I.
100
100 S.I. 100 1950
r 13%
PT 7500 2
Hence, sum is 7,500 and rate of interest is 13% p.a.
6. A certain sum of money becomes three times of itself in 16 years at a simple interest. In how many years
does it become double of itself at the same rate of simple interest?
Ans
Let the principle be x.
The amount after 16 years = 3x (given)
Interest earned in 16 years = 3x – x = 2x
PTR
S.I.
100
x 16 R
2x 16Rx 200x
100
200x
R 12.5%
16x
182
Quantitative Aptitude
Sum doubles means it become 2x.
Interest = 2x – x = x.
PTR
S.I.
100
x T 12.5 x T
x
100 8
x T 8x
T 8
Hence, in 8 years the sum doubles itself.
1
7. The simple interest on a certain sum of money for 3 years at 10% p.a. is 40 less than the simple
2
1
interest on the same sum for 4 years at 8% p.a. Find the sum.
2
Ans
Let the sum be x.
x 7 10 x 9 8
Then, 40
100 2 100 2
70x 72x 8000
200 200
70x 72x 8000
2x 8000
x = 4,000.
Hence, the sum is 4,000.
8. A sum of 6,000 is lent out into two parts, one at 10% p.a. simple interest another at 9% p.a. simple
interest. If the total annual income is 585, find the money lent at each rate.
Ans
Let the sum lent at 10% p.a. be x.
Then, the sum lent at 9% = 6,000 – x.
x 10 6000 x 9
585
100 100
10x 54000 9x
585
100 100
x 54000 58500
x 58500 54000 4,500.
Hence, sum lent at 10% p.a. is 4,500 and the sum lent at 9% is 1,500.
9. Find the compound interest on 10,000 at 16% p.a. for 9 months, when interest is compounded
quarterly.
Ans
4n
R
4
A P 1 ........(Interest is compounded quarterly)
100
183
Quantitative Aptitude
th
3
n 9months year
4
3
4n 4 3
4
3
4
A 10,000 1
100
3
1
10,000 1
25
3
26
10,000
25
17576 16 17576
10,000 11, 248.64
25 25 25 25
Compound Interest = 11,248.64 – 10,000 = 1,248.64.
10. The compound interest on a certain sum at 8% p.a. for 2 years 4 months is 1,481.28, interest being
compounded yearly. Find the sum.
Ans
Let the sum be P.
2
8 27 2
Amount at the end of two years P 1 P 2
100 25
1
4 months = year.
3
2
27 1
P 8
Interest on the amount for 4 months =
25 3
100
729 1 8 486 P
= P
625 3 100 15625
27 2 486 P
Amount at the end of 2 years 4 months P 2
25 15625
729 P 486 P 18225 P 486 P 18711 P
625 15625 15625 15625
18711 P
P C.I.
15625
18711 P 18711 P 15625 P 3086 P
C.I. P
15625 15625 15625
3086 P
1481.28 (⸪ Given that C.I. = 1,481.28)
15625
1481.28 15625
P = 7,500.
3086
11. The simple interest accrued on a sum of 20,000 at the end of 3 years is 7,200. What would be the
compound interest (compounded annually) accrued on the same amount at the same rate and for the
same period?
Ans
184
Quantitative Aptitude
PRT
SI
SI
R % p.a .
PT
When interest is compounded yearly,
n 3
R 12
A P 1 20000 1
100 100
3
28 20000 21952
20000 = 28,098.56
25 15625
Hence, Compound interest A P = 28,098.56 20,000 = 8,098.56.
12. In how many years a sum of 25,600 will become 36,450 at the interest rate of 12.5% p.a.
compounded yearly?
Ans
Let the period be n years.
n
R
A P 1
100
n n
12.5 1
36450 25600 1 25600 1
100 8
n
9
25600
8
n 3
9 36450 729 93 9
8 25600 512 83 8
n 3
Hence, the required period is 3years.
13. At what rate of compound interest, compounded half yearly, will 5,000 amounts to 5,624.32 in
1
1 years.
2
Ans
2n
R
2
A P 1 ........... interest is compounded half yearly
100
3 3
R 200 R
5624.32 5000 1 5000
200 200
3
200 R 5624.32 562432 17576 26
3
3
200 5000 500000 15625 25
3 3
200 R 26
200 25
200 R 26
200 25
185
Quantitative Aptitude
5000 25R 5200 25R 5200 5000 200
200
R 8.
25
Hence, the rate of interest is 8% p.a.
14. If the compound interest accrued on a certain sum at 8% p.a. for 3 years is 16,232, find the simple
interest on the same sum at the same rate for the same period.
Ans
Let the sum be x.
n
R
A P
n
R
P C.I P
n
R
C.I P P
x x
x .
x x x
x . x . x x
16232 15625
x 62,500
4058
PRT 62500 8 3
S.I 15,000.
100 100
15. If the difference between the compound and simple interests on a certain sum for 3 years at 10% p.a. is
93, find the sum.
Ans
Let the sum be x.
3 3
10 11
C.I x 1 x x x
100 10
1331 x 1331 x 1000 x 331 x
x
1000 1000 1000
x 10 3 30 x
S.I.
100 100
331 x 30 x
93 (given)
1000 100
331 x 300 x
93
1000
31 x 93000
93000
x 3,000
31
186
Quantitative Aptitude
Hence the sum is 3,000.
16. If the difference between the compound interest and the simple interest accrued on a sum of 8,000 in
2 years is 125, what is the rate of interest per annum?
Ans
Let the rate of interest be R% p.a.
R
C.I
R
R
R R
R
SI R
4 100 R 40000
2
160R 125
5
4 100 R 40000 800R 125 5
2
4 10000 200R R 2 40000 800R 625
40000 800R 4R 2 40000 800R 625
4R 2 625
R
R .
Hence, rate of interest is 12.5% p.a.
17. Divide 10,618 between A and B, so that the amount of A after 6 years is equal to the amount of B after
8 years, the interest being 6% p.a. compounded yearly.
Ans
Let A’s share be x.
Then B’s share = (10,618 – x)
6 8
6 6
x 1 10618 x 1
100 100
6 8
53 53
x 10618 x
50 50
2
x 53 2809
10618 x 50 2500
10618 2809 2809x 2500x
5309x 10618 2809
187
Quantitative Aptitude
10618 2809
x 5,618
5309
10618 x 10618 5618 5,000
Hence, A’s share is 5,618 and B’s share is 5,000.
18. A certain sum of money amounts to 10,580 in 2 years and to 13,992.05 in 4 years at a compound
interest, compounded annually. Find the sum and the rate of interest.
Ans
Amount at the end of two years is the principal for third year.
So, the principal of 10,580 amounts to 13,992.05 in another two years
n
R
A P 1
100
2
R
13992.05 10580 1
100
2
R 13992.05 1399205 279841 5292
1 10580 1058000 211600 4602
100
2 2 2
R 529 69
1 1
100 460 460
R
R
It is given that the amount at the end of 2 years is 10,580.
n
R
A P 1
100
2 2
15 3 232 529P
10580 P 1 P 1
20 P
100 202 400
10580 400
P = 8,000.
529
Hence the sum is 8,000 and the rate of interest is 15% p.a.
19. The cost of a T.V. set is 82,750. If 20% of the cost is paid on purchase (cash down payment), the
remaining sum is permitted to be paid in three equal annual installments. The trader charges interest at
the rate of 10% p.a. compounded annually. Calculate the amount of each annual installment.
Ans
Cost of TV = 82,750.
20
Cash down payment = 20% of 82,750 = 82750 = 16,550.
100
Remaining balance payable = 82,750 – 16,550 = 66,200
Let the value of each instalment be x
n
R A
A P 1 P n
100 R
1
100
So, present worth of x paid after 1 year (First annual installment)
188
Quantitative Aptitude
x x 100x 10x
10 110 110 11
1
100 100
Present worth of x paid after 2 years (Second annual installment)
x x x 100x
2
2
2
10 110 11 121
1
100 100 10
Present worth of x paid after 3 years (Third installment)
x x
10x 100x 1000x
66200
11 121 1331
1210x 1100x 1000x
66200
1331
3310x
66200
1331
66200 1331
x = 26,620.
3310
Hence, amount of each installment is 26,620.
20. The value of a residential flat is appreciating at the rate of 10% per year. If the present value of the flat is
66.55 lakhs, what was its value three years back?
Ans
Let the value of the flat, three years back be P lakhs.
We can use the compound interest formula.
n
R
A P 1
100
Here, A is the present value, P was the value three years back, R is rate of appreciation and n is number
of years.
3 3
10 11 1331P
66.55 P 1 P
100 10 1000
1331P 66.55 1000 66550
66550
P 50
1331
Hence, the value of the flat, three years back was 50 lakhs.
189
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
1. A certain sum of money lent out at simple interest amounts to 2,400 in 4 years and 3,000 in 6 years.
Find the rate of interest per annum. (RBI Asst. 2020)
(1) 20% (2) 18% (3) 25% (4) 15%
Ans (3)
Interest for two years = Amount at the end of 6 years – Amount at the end of 4 years
= 3,000 – 2,400 = 600
Interest for 4 years = 600 2 = 1,200
Principal = Amount – Interest = 2,400 – 1,200 = 1,200
PTR
S.I. =
100
1200 4 R
1200
100
1200 100
R 25%
1200 4
Rate of interest = 25%.
2. Simple interest on a sum for eight months at 6% per annum is 340. What is the value (in ) of sum?
(SSC CHSL 2018)
(1) 8,500 (2) 9,500 (3) 8,000 (4) 6,800
Ans (1)
Let the sum be x
2
Eight months years
3
PTR
SI
2
x 6
3 4x x
340
100 100 25
x 340 25 8,500.
3. A certain sum was invested on simple interest. The amount to which it had grown in five years was
1
1 times the amount to which it has grown in three years. The percentage rate of interest was ______.
4
(SSCCHSL 2019)
(1) 10% (2) 20% (3) 25% (4) 15%
Ans (2)
Let the amount after 3 years be x.
1 5x
Then the amount after 5 years 1 x
4 4
5x x
Interest for two years x
4 4
x 3 3x
Interest for three years
42 8
Principal = Amount – Interest
190
Quantitative Aptitude
x x
x
PTR
SI
100
5x
3 R
3x
8
8 100
3x 15xR
8 800
800 3x
R 20
8 15x
Rate of interest was 20% p.a.
4. A sum of 4,000 is lent out in two parts, one at 8% simple interest and the other at 10% simple interest.
If the annual interest is 352, the sum lent at 8% is _______. (SCC CGL 2020)
(1) 2,900 (2) 2,200 (3) 2,400 (4) 3,100
Ans (3)
Let the sum lent at 8% simple interest be x
Then the sum lent at 10% simple interest = (4,000 – x)
x 1 8 (4000 x)1 10
352
100 100
8x 40000 10x
352
100 100
8x 40,000 10x 35200
40,000 2x 35200
2x 40,000 35200 4800
x 2400
Sum lent at 8% simple interest is 2,400.
5. A person invested a total sum of 7,900 in three different schemes of simple interest at 3%, 5% and 8%
per annum. At the end of one year he got same interest in all three schemes. What is the money (in )
invested at 3%? (SSC CGL 2017)
(1) 2,900 (2) 3,500 (3) 4,000 (4) 5,600
Ans (3)
Let the sum invested at 3%, 5% and 8% be x, y and z respectively.
x + y + z = 7,900
3x 5y 8z
[They earn same interest]
100 100 100
x y z
3x 3x
y and z
5 8
x y z 7900
3x 3x
x 7900
5 8
191
Quantitative Aptitude
40x 24x 15x
7900
40
79x
7900
40
7900 40
x 4000
79
Hence, money invested at 3% is 4,000.
16
6. The simple interest on a sum of money is of the principal. The number of years is equal to the rate of
25
interest per annum. What is the rate (in per cent) of interest per annum? (SSC CHCL 2018)
(1) 4 (2) 16 (3) 8 (4) 12
Ans (3)
Let the sum of money be 100
16
Simple interest 100 64
25
Let the number of years and rate of interest be x.
PTR
S.I
100
100 x x
64
100
x 64
2
x 8
Hence, rate of interest = 8% p.a.
7. A man buys a TV priced at 16,000. He pays 4,000 at once and the rest after 15 months on which he is
charged a simple interest at the rate of 12% p.a. The total amount he pays for the TV is ______.
(SSL CHSL 2015)
(1) 18,200 (2) 17,800 (3) 17,200 (4) 16,800
Ans (2)
Cost of TV .... 16,000
Down Payment 4,000
Balance 12,000
1 5
15 months = 1 years years
4 4
5
12000 12
S.I on 12000, at 12% p.a. for 15 months 4
100
12000 5 12
1,800
4 100
Total amount paid for TV = 4,000 + 12,000 + 1,800 = 17,800
192
Quantitative Aptitude
8. The sum invested in scheme B is thrice the sum invested in scheme A. The investment in scheme A is
made for 4 years at 8% p.a simple interest and in scheme B for 2 years at 13% p.a simple interest. The
total interest earned from both the schemes is 1,320. How much amount was invested in scheme A?
(IBPS P.P 2015)
(1) 1,200 (2) 1,140 (3) 960 (4) 1,500
Ans (1)
Let the sum invested in scheme A be x.
Then the sum invested in scheme B = 3x
x 4 8 8x
Interest on scheme A
100 25
3x 2 13 39x
Interest on scheme B
100 50
8x 39x 16x 39x
Total interest earned
25 50 50
55x
1320
50
1320 50
x 1,200
55
1200 was invested in scheme A.
9. Ramakant invested amounts in two different schemes A and B for five years in the ratio of 5 : 4
respectively. Scheme A offers 8% simple interest and bonus equal to 20% of the amount of interest
earned in 5 years on maturity. Scheme B offers 9% simple interest. If the amount invested in scheme A
was 20,000, what was the total amount received on maturity from both the schemes?
(Bank P.O 2005)
(1) 50,800 (2) 51,200 (3) 52,800 (4) 58,200
Ans (3)
Amount invested in scheme A = 20,000
20000
Amount invested in scheme B = 4
5
= 16,000
20000 5 8
Interest earned on scheme A 8,000
100
20
Bonus earned in scheme A 8000 1,600
100
16000 5 9
Interest earned on scheme B 7,200
100
Total amount received on maturity = (20,000 + 8,000 + 1,600) + (16,000 + 7,200) = 52,800.
10. Asmita invested a sum of 9,535 @ 4 p.c.p.a to obtain a total amount of 11,442 on simple interest
after a certain period. For how many years did she invest the sum to obtain the total amount?
(MAT 2009)
(1) 2 years (2) 4 years (3) 5 years (4) 10 years
Ans (3)
Interest earned = Amount – principal
193
Quantitative Aptitude
= 11,442 – 9,535 = 1,907
PTR
SI
100
9535 T 4
1907
100
1907 100
T 5
9535 4
Money was invested for 5 years.
11. Veena obtained an amount of 8,376 as simple interest on a certain amount at 8 p.c.p.a after 6 years.
What is the amount invested by Veena? (SBI P.O 2008)
(1) 16,660 (2) 17,180 (3) 17,450 (4) 18,110
Ans (3)
Let the sum invested be x
PTR
SI
100
x 68
8376
100
8376 100
x 17,450.
68
12. Simple interest on 500 for 4 years at 6.25% per annum is equal to the simple interest on 400 at 5%
per annum for a certain period of time. The period of time is _______. (SSC 2007)
1 2
(1) 4 years (2) 5 years (3) 6 years (4) 8 years
4 3
Ans (3)
500 4 6.25
S.I 125
100
In the second case, let the period be t years.
PTR
S.I
100
400 t 5
125
100
125 100 25 1
t 6 years .
400 5 4 4
1
13. In how many years, 150 will produce the same interest @ 8% as 800 produce in 3 years @ 4 %?
2
(1) 6 years (2) 8 years (3) 9 years (4) 12 years
Ans (3)
9
800 3
1 2
Interest on 800 for 3 years at 4 % p.a 108
2 100
150 t 8
Interest on 150 at 8 % p.a for ‘t’ years = 12 t
100
194
Quantitative Aptitude
108
108 12t t 9 years .
12
14. Arun borrowed a sum of money from Jayant at the rate of 8% per annum simple interest for the first four
years, 10% per annum for the next 6 years and 12% per annum for the period beyond 10 years. If he pays
total of 12,160 as interest only at the end of 15 years, how much money did he borrow?
(NMAT 2005)
(1) 8,000 (2) 9,000 (3) 10,000 (4) 12,000
Ans (1)
Let the sum borrowed be x
x 4 8 x 6 10 x 5 12
Interest for 15 years
100 100 100
32x 60x 60x
12160
100 100 100
152x
12160
100
12160 100
x 8,000
152
Money borrowed was 8,000.
15. Kruti took a loan at simple interest rate of 6 p.c.p.a in the first year and it increased by 1.5 p.c.p.a every
year. If she pays 8,190 as interest at the end of 3 years, what was her loan amount? (Bank PO 2010)
(1) 35,400 (2) 36,000 (3) 36,800 (4) None of these
Ans (4)
Rate of interest for first year = 6 % p.a.
Rate of interest for the second year = 7.5 % p.a.
Rate of interest for the third year = 9 % p.a.
Let the loan borrowed be x
x 6 x 7.5 x 9
Interest for 3 years
100 100 100
6x 15x 9x
8190
100 200 100
12x 15x 18x
8190
200
45x
8190
200
8190 200
x 36,400
45
Hence the loan amount is 36,400.
16. A person invested some amount at the rate of 12% p.a simple interest and a certain amount at the rate of
10% simple interest. He received yearly interest of 130. But if he had interchanged the amounts
invested, he would have received 4 more as interest. How much did he invest at 12% simple interest?
(MAT 2010)
(1) 400 (2) 500 (3) 700 (4) 800
195
Quantitative Aptitude
Ans (2)
Let the sum invested at 12% p.a and 10% p.a be x and y respectively
x 12 y 10
130
100 100
12x 10y
130
100 100
12x 10y 13000 ... (1)
When amounts are interchanged, interest earned =134
x y
10x 12y 13400 ... (2)
Multiplying (1) by 6 and (2) by 5 we get
72x + 60y = 78,000 ... (3)
50x + 60y = 67,000 ... (4)
On subtracting (4) from (3) we get
22x = 11,000
11000
x 500
22
Hence, amount invested at 12% p.a. = 500.
17. Two equal sums of money are lent at the same time at 8% and 7% per annum simple interest. The former
is recovered 6 months earlier than the latter and the amount in each case is 2,560. The sum and the
time for which the sums of money are lent out are _______. (MAT 2005)
(1) 2,000 ; 3.5 years and 4 years (2) 1,500 ; 3.5 years and 4 years
(3) 2,000 ; 4 years and 4.5 years (4) 3,000 ; 4 years and 4.5 years
Ans (1)
Let the sum of money in each case be x
1
Let the first sum be invested for T years
2
and the second sum for T years
In the first case
1
x T 8
2
x 2560
100
100x 8xT 4x
2560
100
96x 8xT 256000 ... (1)
In the second case
xT7
x 2560
100
100x 7xT
2560
100
100x 7xT 256000 ... (2)
From (1) and (2)
196
Quantitative Aptitude
x xT x xT
8xT 7xT 100x 96x
xT 4x
T4
Substituting the value of T in (1), we get
96x + 32x = 2,56,000
x
x
Hence, the sum is 2,000, and the periods are 3.5 years and 4 years.
18. A man invested 5,000 at some rate of simple interest and 4,000 at 1 percent higher rate of interest. If
the interest in both the cases after 4 years is same, the rate of interest in the former case is _____.
(ATMA 2004)
1 1
(1) 4% p.a (2) 5% p.a. (3) 6 p.a. (4) 8 % p.a.
4 3
Ans (1)
Let the rate of interest in the first case be x% p.a.
Then the rate of interest in the second case (x +1) % p.a.
Interest earned in both the cases are same
5000 4 x 4000 4(x 1)
100 100
20000x 16000x 16000
20000x 16000x 16000
4000x 16000
16000
x 4
4000
Hence, the rate of interest in the former case = 4% p.a.
19. A man divided his share between his sons A and B in such a way that the interest received by A at
15 % p.a simple interest for 3 years is double the interest received by B at 12% p.a simple interest for 5
years. In what ratio was his share divided? (MAT 2010)
2 3 3 8
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3 2 8 3
Ans (4)
Let the shares of A and B be x and y respectively
x 15 3 9x
Interest received by A =
100 20
y 12 5 3y
Interest received by B =
100 5
9x 3y
2 45x 120y
20 5
x 8
3x 8y
y 3
197
Quantitative Aptitude
20. A sum of 18,750 is left by a will by father to be divided between the two sons, 12 and 14 years of age,
so that when they attain majority at 18, the amount (Principal + interest) received by each at 5 percent
simple interest will be the same. Find the sum allowed at present to each son. (NMAT 2005)
(1) 9,500 ; 9,250 (2) 8,000 ; 10,750 (3) 9,000 ; 9,750 (4) None of these
Ans (3)
Let the share of younger son (12 years old) be x.
Then the share of elder son = (18,750 – x)
Younger son attains majority after 6 years, whereas the elder son attain after 4 years
x 6 5 3x
Interest earned by younger son
100 10
3x 13x
Amount received by younger son x ... (1)
10 10
(18750 x) 4 5
Interest earned by elder son
100
18750 x
5
18750 x
Amount received by elder son (18750 x)
5
93750 5x 18750 x
5
112500 6x
... (2)
5
Equating (1) and (2) we get
13x 112500 6x
10 5
13x
112500 6x
2
13x 225000 12x
25x 225000
225000
x 9,000
25
18750 x 18750 9000 9,750.
Hence, younger son’s share is 9,000 and elder son’s share is 9,750.
21. A certain sum is lent at a certain rate of compound interest. It grows to 1.44 times its value in 2 years.
If the same sum is lent at simple interest at the same rate, in how many years would it double itself?
(JIPMAT 2021)
(1) 3 years (2) 4 years (3) 5 years (4) 6 years
Ans (3)
n
R
A P
2
R
1.44 P P 1
100
198
Quantitative Aptitude
(100 R)2
1.44
10000
(100 R) 2 14400 1202
100 R 120
R 20% P.a
Sum double means, interest earned is equal to principal
PTR
S.I
100
PT 20
P
100
20T 100
T5
In 5 years, the sum doubles.
22. A company publishes to its customers that at a certain compound interest rate, a sum of money deposited
by anyone will become 8 times in 3 years. If the same amount is deposited at the same compound rate of
interest, then in how many years will it become 16 times? (CMAT 2021)
(1) 4 years (2) 3.5 years (3) 3 years (4) 4.5 years
Ans (1)
n
R
A P
Amount becomes 8 times the principal in 3 years
3
R
8P P 1
100
3
R
8 1
100
3
R
2 1
3
100
R R
1 2 2 1 1
100 100
R % p.a
Every year, the sum gets doubled
Hence, in 4 years, it becomes 16 times.
23. 25,000 is borrowed at compound interest at the rate of 3 % for the first year, 4% for second year and
5% for third year. Find the amount to be paid after 3 years. (CMAT 2021)
(1) 28,117 (2) 28,118 (3) 28,120 (4) 28,119
Ans (4)
3 4 5
A P 1 1 1
100 100 100
103 104 105
25000
100 100 100
103 104 105
28119
40
199
Quantitative Aptitude
Amount after 3 years = 28,119
24. A certain principal amount is charged at a rate of 10% p.a compound interest for two years and the
amount becomes 605. The principal amount is _____. (HSEE 2020)
(1) 450 (2) 500 (3) 550 (4) 530
Ans (2)
Let the principal be P
n
R
A P
2
10
605 P 1
100
2
11
605 P
10
121P 60500
60500
P 500
121
Hence, the principal is 500.
25. Rukmi invested a certain sum for 2 years in scheme ‘X’ at 20% p.a compound interest (compounded
annually). He also invested an equal sum in scheme ‘Y’ at 15% p.a simple interest for 2 years. If the
difference in the interests earned from scheme ‘X’ and scheme ‘Y’ is 350, what was the sum?
(LIC AAO 2019)
(1) 2,000 (2) 1,200 (3) 2,500 (4) 4,000
Ans (3)
Let the sum invested in each scheme be x
2
20
Amount after 2 years under compound interest x 1
100
2
1 36x
x 1
5 25
x 15 2 3x 13x
Amount after 2 years under simple interest x x
100 10 10
Difference is 350
36x 13x
350
25 10
72x 65x
350
50
7x 17500
17500
x 2500
7
Sum invested in each scheme = 2,500.
200
Quantitative Aptitude
26. A sum of money lent at compound interest for 2 years at 20% per annum would fetch 482 more if the
interest was payable half yearly than if it was payable annually. The sum is _______. (MAT 2019)
(1) 10,000 (2) 20,000 (3) 40,000 (4) 50,000
Ans (2)
When interest compounded annually
2 2
20 1 36P
A P 1 P 1
100 5 25
When interest is compounded half yearly
4 4
10 11 14641 P
A P 1 P
100 10 10000
Difference is 482
14641 P 36P
482
10000 25
P P
241 P 482 10000
482 10000
P 20,000.
241
27. What is the rate of interest (in %) if simple interest earned on a certain sum for 3 years is 6,000 and the
compound interest earned for 2 years is 4,160? (SSC CGL 2018)
(1) 9 (2) 8 (3) 12 (4) 6
Ans (2)
Let the principal and rate of interest be P and R% p.a respectively
P 3 R
SI
100
PR
PR 200000
2,00,000
P
R
2
R
C.I for 2 years P 1 P
100
R
2
4160 P 1 1
100
2R R2
4160 P 1 1
100 10000
200000 2 R
4160 R
R 100 10, 000
(200 R)
4160 2,00,000
10,000
4160 20 (200 R)
201
Quantitative Aptitude
4160
200 R 208
20
R 208 200 8
Hence, rate of interest is 8% p.a.
28. If a sum amounts to 2,190 in four years and to 2,409 in five years at compound interest, when the
interest is compounded yearly, then the annual rate of interest is _______. (SSC CGL 2019)
(1) 8% (2) 10% (3) 9% (4) 11%
Ans (2)
Let the rate of interest be R % p.a.
2,190 becomes 2,409 in one year.
Interest earned in one year = 2,409 –2,190 = 219
PTR
S.I
100
2190 1 R
219
100
R % p.a
Alternate method
R
Amount P
R
, ,
,, ,, ,R
,R ,, ,, ,
R %
29. The difference between the compound interest and the simple interest on a sum at 10% p.a for three
years is 155. The sum (in ) is ________. (SSC CHSL 2019)
(1) 5,500 (2) 6,000 (3) 6,600 (4) 5,000
Ans (4)
Let the sum be P
3
10
CI P 1 –P
100
3
11 1331
P P P 1
10 1000
331 331P
C.I P.
1000 1000
P 3 10 3P
SI
100 10
Difference is 155
331P 3P
155
1000 10
202
Quantitative Aptitude
331P 300P
155
1000
31P 155 1000
155 1000
P 5000
31
The sum is 5,000.
30. A sum of 20,000 is invested for 15 months at the interest of 10% per annum compounded half yearly.
What is the percentage gain, correct to one decimal place, at the end of 15 months? (SSC SI Delhi 2019)
(1) 12.5% (2) 13.6% (3) 13.0% (4) 13.4%
Ans (3)
2
5
Amount after 1 year = 20,000 1
100
2
21
20000
20
441
20,000 22050.
400
1
Interest on 22,050 for 3 months year
4
2205
551.25
4
Amount after 15 months = 22,050 + 551.25
= 22,601.25
Gain = 22,601.25 – 20,000 = 2,601.25
2601.25 100
Percentage gain 13% .
20000
31. The sum of money which when given on compound interest at 18% per annum would fetch 960 more
when the interest is payable half yearly than when it was payable annually for 2 years is ______.
(SSC CHSL 2015)
(1) 60,000 (2) 30,000 (3) 40,000 (4) 50,000
Ans (4)
Let the sum of money be P
When interest compounded annually
2
18
A P 1
100
P
P . P
When interest is compounded half yearly
4
9
A P 1
100
203
Quantitative Aptitude
4
109
P [1.09]4 1.4116 P
100
1.4116 P 1.3924 P 960
.P
960
P 50,000
0.0192
The sum is 50, 000.
2
32. Shashi had a certain amount of money. He invested of the total money in scheme A for 6 years and
3
rest of the money he invested in scheme B for 2 years. Scheme A offers simple interest at a rate of
12% p.a. and scheme B offers compound interest (compounded annually) at a rate of 10% p.a. If the total
interest obtained from both the schemes is 2,750, what was the total amount invested by him in scheme
A and scheme B together (Approximate value). (IBPS 2015)
(1) 4,500 (2) 4,200 (3) 4,050 (4) 5,000
Ans (4)
Let the sum he had be 3x
Then sum invested in scheme A = 2x
And the sum invested in scheme B = x
2x 6 12 36x
Interest earned in scheme A
100 25
2
10
Interest earned in scheme B x 1 x
100
2
11 121 21x
x x x 1
10 100 100
36x 21x
2750
25 100
(144 21)x
2750
100
165x 275000
275000
x
165
275000
3x 3 5000
165
Total sum is 5,000.
33. What will be the difference between the simple interest and the compound interest accrued on a sum of
19,200 at the end of 3 years @ 12 p.c.p.a? (SBI PO 2008)
(1) 722.6826 (2) 798.1824 (3) 802.5144 (4) 862.6176
Ans (4)
n
R
Compound interest P 1 P
100
3
12
19200 1 19200
100
204
Quantitative Aptitude
3
28
19200 19200
25
21952
19200 1
15625
21952 15625
19200
15625
19200 6327
7774.6176
15625
19200 3 12
SI 6912
100
Difference = 7,774.6176 – 6,912 = 862.6176.
34. A man borrows 4,000 at 15% compound rate of interest. At the end of each year he pays back 1,500.
How much amount should he pay at the end of the third year to clear his dues? (N.M.A.T 2005)
(1) 874.75 (2) 824.50 (3) 924.25 (4) 974.25
Ans (1)
Sum borrowed 4,000
Int for 1 year 600
Amount 4,600
Sum repaid 1,500
nd
Principal for 2 year 3,100
nd
Int for 2 year 465
Amount 3,565
Sum repaid 1,500
rd
Principal for 3 year 2,065
rd
Interest for 3 year 309.75
Amount 2,374.75
Sum repaid 1,500.00
Balance 874.75
At the end of third year, he should pay 874.75 to clear the dues.
35. The compound interest on 30,000 at 7% per annum is 4,347. The period (in years) is _______.
(LIC AAO 2003)
1
(1) 2 years (2) 2 years (3) 3 years (4) 4 years
2
Ans (1)
n
R
C.I P 1 P
100
n
7
4347 30000 1 30000
100
n
107
34347 30000
100
205
Quantitative Aptitude
n 2
107 34347 11449 107
100 30000 10000 100
n=2
Hence the period is 2 years.
36. An amount of 10,000 becomes 14,641 in 2 years, if the interest is compounded half-yearly. What is
the rate of compound interest p.c.p.a? (Bank P.O.2009)
(1) 10% (2) 12% (3) 16% (4) 20%
Ans (4)
2n
R
2
A P 1 when interest is compounded half yearly
100
4
R
14641 10000 1
200
4 4
200 R 14641 11
200 10000 10
200 R 11
200 10
2000 10R 2200 10R 2200 2000 200
R = 20%.
37. A money lender borrows money at 4% per annum and pays the interest at the end of the year. He lends it
at 6% per annum compound interest compounded half yearly and receives the interest at the end of the
year. In this way he gains 104.50 a year. The sum of money he borrows is (SSC – 2007)
(1) 4,500 (2) 5,000 (3) 5,500 (4) 6,000
Ans (2)
Let the sum be P
P4 P
Interest paid for 1 year
100 25
2
3
C.I received for 1 year P 1 P
100
2
103
P P
100
10609
P 1
10000
P
,
Gain = 104.50 (given)
609 P P
104.50
10, 000 25
P P
.
,
206
Quantitative Aptitude
209 P 1045000
1045000
P 5,000
209
The sum borrowed is 5,000.
38. A person lent out certain sum on simple interest and the same sum on compound interest at a certain rate
of interest per annum. He noticed that the ratio between the difference of compound interest and simple
interest of 3 years to that of 2 years is 25 : 8. The rate of interest per annum is _____. (MAT 2005)
1
(1) 10% (2) 11% (3) 12% (4) 12 %
2
Ans (4)
Let the principal be P and rate of interest be R% p.a.
P 3 R 3PR
S.I for 3 years
100 100
3
R
C.I for 3 years = P 1 P
100
R
3
P 1 1
100
R 2R R2 R
P 1 1 1 1 1
100 100 10000 100
PR R 2 3R
3
100 10000 100
PR R 2 3R 3PR
Difference between C.I and S.I 3
100 10000 100 100
PR R 2 3R
3 3
100 10,000 100
PR R 2 3R
100 10000 100
PR 2 R
3 ... (1)
10000 100
2PR
S.I for 2 years =
100
2
R
C.I for 2 years = P 1 P
100
2R R 2
P 1 1
100 100
2R R2
P
100 10000
PR R
2
100 100
207
Quantitative Aptitude
PR R 2PR
Difference between CI and SI 2
100 100 100
PR R
2 2
100 100
2
PR
... (2)
10000
Dividing (1) by (2), we get,
PR 2 R
3
10000 100 25
PR 2 8
10000
R 25 R 25 1
3 3
100 8 100 8 8
100 1
R 12 % p.a .
8 2
39. A father left a will of 16,400 for his two sons aged 17 and 18 years. They must get equal amounts
when they are 20 years, at 5% compound interest. Find the present share of the younger son.
(RRB 2008)
(1) 8,000 (2) 8,200 (3) 8,400 (4) 8,800
Ans (1)
Let the share of 17 year old son be x
Then the share of 18 year old son = (16,400 – x)
For 17 year old son
3
5
Amount after 3 years x 1
100
3
1
x 1
20
3
21
x ... (1)
20
For 18 year old son
2
5
Amount after 2 years (16400 x) 1
100
2
21
16400 x ... (2)
20
Equating (1) and (2) we get
3 2
21 21
x (16400 x)
20 20
21
x 16400 x
20
21x
x 16400
20
208
Quantitative Aptitude
41x
16400
20
16400 20
x 8000
41
Hence, younger son’s share is 8,000.
40. One can purchase a flat from a house building society for 55,000 cash or on the terms that he/she
should pay 4,275 as cash down payment and the rest in three equal half yearly instalments. The society
charges interest at the rate of 16 % per annum compounded half-yearly. If the flat is purchased under
instalment plan, find the value of each instalment.
(NMAT – 2005)
(1) 18,756 (2) 19,292 (3) 19,683 (4) 20,285
Ans (3)
Total cost of the flat = 55,000
Down payment = 4,275
Balance = 50,725
Rate of interest = 8% per half year
Let the value of each instalment be x
1
Present worth (P.W) of x due 6 months hence + P.W of x due 1 year hence + P.W of x due 1
2
year hence = 50,725
x x x
50725
8 8
2
8
3
1 1 1
100 100 100
25x 625x 15625x
50725
27 729 19683
18225x 16875x 15625x
50725
19683
x
x 19683
Hence the value of each instalment is 19,683.
***
209
10. Brain Teasers and Applications of Venn Diagrams
A brain teaser is a form of puzzle that requires thought to solve. It often requires thinking in unconventional
ways with given constraints in mind; sometimes it also involves lateral thinking. Logic puzzles and riddles
are specific types of brain teasers.
One of the earliest known brain teaser enthusiast was the Greek Mathematician Archimedes. He devised
Mathematical problems for his contemporaries to solve.
Worked Examples
1. Latha has same number of sisters as she has brothers. Her brother Shyam has twice as many sisters as he
has brothers. How many children do their parents have?
Ans
Let Latha have x brothers and x sisters.
her brother Shyam has (x – 1) brothers and (x + 1) sisters
x + 1 = 2 (x – 1) – given
x + 1 = 2x – 2 x = 1 + 2 = 3
Total number of children = 2x + 1 = 6 + 1 = 7.
2. A rabbit hutch consists of some hares and some doves. The hutch contains 35 heads and 98 feet. Find the
number of doves in the hutch.
Ans
Let the number of hares and doves be x and y respectively.
x + y = 35 … (1) (heads)
4x + 2y = 98 … (2) (legs)
Multiply (1) by 4 and subtract (2) from it
4x + 4y = 140
4x + 2y = 98
2y = 42
y = 21
Number of doves in the hutch is 21.
3. The length of a rectangle is increased by 30% and the breadth is also increased by 30%. Then what is the
effect on the area of the rectangle?
Ans
Let the original length and breadth of the rectangle be x and y respectively.
Original area = xy sq units
30 13x
Increased length x x
100 10
30 13y
Increased breadth y y
100 10
13x 13y 169 xy
New area sq units
10 10 100
210
Quantitative Aptitude
169 xy 69 xy
Increase in the area xy
100 100
69xy 100
Percentage increase in area 69 %.
100 xy
4. A worker is paid 100 per day for attending work and fined 50 on the day of his absence. If in a
month of 30 days he earns 2,400, for how many days was he absent?
Ans
Let the number of days worked be x.
Number of days absent = 30 – x
Thus, 100 (x) – 50 (30 – x) = 2400
100 x – 1500 + 50 x = 2400
150 x = 2400 + 1500 = 3900
3900
x 26
150
So, he was absent for 4 days.
Venn diagrams are extensively used in set theory as well as in logic. They are used in many areas of
life where we need to categorize or group items, as well as compare different items. Problems on sets/groups
can be solved easily using Venn diagrams. Some illustrations are given below.
Directions (Questions 5 - 6) : In a certain school, each of the 75 students took at least one of the three
subjects - English, Economics and Accountancy. 25 students took English, 42 took Economics and 30 took
Accountancy. 5 students took all the three subjects.
5. How many students took exactly two subjects?
6. How many students took only one subject?
Ans
a = Only English, x = English + Economics
b = Only Economics, y = Economics + Accountancy
English (25) Economics (42)
c = Only Accountancy, z = Accountancy + English
x
5 students took all 3 subjects. a b
We know that 5
Total number of students = a + b + c + x + y + z + 5 = 75, z y
a + b + c + x + y + z = 70 … (i)
c
Also,
a + x + z + 5 = 25 … (1)
Accountancy (30)
b + x + y + 5 = 42 … (2)
c + y + z + 5 = 30 … (3)
Adding (1), (2) and (3), we get
a + b + c + 2 (x + y + z) + 15 = 97
a + b + c + 2 (x + y + z) = 97 15 = 82 … (ii)
Subtracting (i) from (ii) we get
x + y + z (students who took exactly 2 subjects) = 82 – 70 = 12 students,
211
Quantitative Aptitude
a + b + c (students who took only one subject) = 70 12 = 58
Answers
5. 12 students took exactly 2 subjects.
6. 58 students took only one subject.
Directions (Questions 7 - 8) : There are 150 students in a class. In an examination, all of them secured cent
percent in at least one of the three subjects - Sanskrit, Computer Science and Electronics. 18 students secured
cent percent in all the three subjects. 30 students secured cent percent in Sanskrit only. 40 students secured
cent percent in Electronics only. 20 students secured cent percent in Computer Science only. Equal number
of students have secured cent percent in any of the two subjects only.
7. How many students secured cent percent in Computer Science?
8. What is the difference between the number of students who have secured cent percent in Electronics and
those who secured cent percent in Computer Science?
Ans
Let the number of students who secured cent percent in any of the two subjects be ‘x’.
On representing the given data in the Venn diagram it appears as under.
Computer Science
Sanskrit
30 x 20
18
x x
40
Electronics
Total number of students in the class = 150
30 + 40 + 20 + 18 + 3x = 150
108 + 3x = 150
x = 14
Answers
7. Number of students who secured cent percent in Computer Science = 18 + 20 + x + x = 66
8. Difference between the number of students who have secured cent percent in Electronics and those
who secured cent percent in Computer Science = (40 + x + x + 18) – (20 + x + x + 18) = 20.
212
Quantitative Aptitude
Directions (Questions 9 - 10) : There are 125 students in a class. 60 play chess, 65 play football and 50
students play volleyball. Also, 25 students play both chess and football. 22 students play both chess and
volleyball and 23 students play both football and volleyball.
9. How many students play all the three games?
10. How many students play only football?
Ans
Chess Football
x + 13 25 x x + 17
x
22 x 23 x
x+5
Volleyball
Let the number of students who play all the 3 games be x
Then,
Number of students who play only chess and football = 25 x
Number of students who play only chess and volleyball = 22 x
Number of students who play only football and volleyball = 23 x
Number of students who play only chess = 60 (25 x) (22 x) x = x + 13
Number of students who play only football = 65 (25 x) (23 x) x = x + 17
Number of students who play only volleyball = 50 (23 x) (22 x) x = x + 5
Total number of students = 125
(x +13) + (x + 17) + (x + 5) + (25 x) + (22 x) + (23 x) + x = 125
x + 105 = 125
x = 125 105 = 20
Answers
9. 20 students play all the three games.
10. 17 + 20 = 37 students play only football.
213
Quantitative Aptitude
Exercises
Directions (Questions 1 – 7): Choose the correct answer from the given options.
1. In a tennis tournament each of six players plays with every other player exactly once. How many
matches are played during the tournament?
(1) 12 (2) 30 (3) 36 (4) 15
Ans (4)
Let us name the players as A, B, C, D, E and F. To start with A plays one match with each of the five
remaining players. So, A plays 5 matches. Then B plays only 4 matches as he has already played one
match with A. Likewise, C, D and E play 3, 2 and 1 matches/match respectively.
Thus, total number of matches played = 5 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 15.
rd
2
2. There are 3 strings of different length which together is 35 centimeters. The smallest is of the
3
th
4
middle one which is of the longest string. What is the length of the longest string?
5
(1) 12 cm (2) 22 cm (3) 15 cm (4) 18 cm
Ans (3)
Let the length of the longest string be x cm.
4 4x
The length of middle string x cm
5 5
2 4x 8x
The length of smallest string cm
3 5 15
Total length = 35 cm (given)
4x 8x
x 35
5 15
15x 12x 8x
35
15
35x
35 x = 15 cm.
15
3. A vendor sells 40% of his mango stock on a particular day and throws away 20% of the remainder.
Next day he sells 50% of the remainder and throws away the rest. What percent of his fruit does the
vendor throw?
(1) 24% (2) 30% (3) 36% (4) 40%
Ans (3)
Let the total number of fruits be 100.
He sells 40 fruits and throws 20% of 60 viz 12 fruits.
Remaining fruits = 100 – 52 = 48
Fruits sold on the next day = 50% of 48 = 24
Fruits thrown on the second day = 48 24 = 24.
Total number of fruits thrown = 12 + 24 = 36
Percentage of fruits thrown = 36.
214
Quantitative Aptitude
4. B earns 20% more than A. C earns 25% more than B. D earns 30% more than C. If D earns 975, then
how much does A earn?
(1) 195 (2) 375 (3) 487.50 (4) 500
Ans (4)
Let A’s earning be x
20 x 6x
B’s earning x xx
100 5 5
6x 25 6x 6x 3x 15x 3x
C’s earning
5 100 5 5 10 10 2
3x 30 3x 3x 9x 39x
D’s earning
2 100 2 2 20 20
It is given that D earns 975
39x
975
20
975 20
x 500
39
So, A earns 500.
5. For numbering the pages of an encyclopedia the printer used 2,989 digits. How many pages did the
book contain?
(1) 924 (2) 996 (3) 1,024 (4) 1,009
Ans (3)
Number of digits required to number first 9 pages =19=9
Number of digits required to number next 90 pages = 2 90 = 180
Number of digits required to number next 900 pages = 3 900 = 2700
Number of digits required to number next 25 pages = 4 25 = 100
Total 2989
Number of pages in the book = 9 + 90 + 900 + 25 = 1,024.
1 1
6. Ashok spends of the money for mangoes and of the remaining money for sweets and then with the
8 7
1
left over money he goes to a bakery and spends of the money to buy bread for his father and with the
6
1
remaining money he spends and buys flowers for his sister and from the amount left over he buys a
5
1
cricket ball by spending of the amount. Now, he is left with 48. How much money Ashok had at the
4
beginning?
(1) 90 (2) 128 (3) 100 (4) 124
Ans (2)
Let the original amount with Ashok be x
x
Amount spent on mangoes =
8
215
Quantitative Aptitude
x 7x
Remaining amount x
8 8
1 7x x
Amount spent on sweets
7 8 8
7x x 6x
Remaining amount
8 8 8
1 6x x
Amount spent on bread
6 8 8
6x x 5x
Remaining amount
8 8 8
1 5x x
Amount spent on flower
5 8 8
5x x 4x
Remaining amount
8 8 8
1 4x x
Amount spent on cricket ball
4 8 8
4x x 3x
Remaining amount
8 8 8
It is given that Ashok is left with 48.
3x 48 8
48 x = 128
8 3
Ashok originally had 128.
7. Six horses are worth 9 camels, 27 camels are worth 30 bicycles and 300 bicycles are worth 9 motor
bikes. If 3 motor bikes are worth 1,05,000, what is the price of one horse?
(1) 1,550 (2) 1,400 (3) 1,600 (4) 1,750
Ans (4)
Cost of 3 motor bikes = 1,05,000
Cost of 300 bicycles = cost of 9 motorbikes = 3,15,000
Cost of 27 camels = cost of 30 bicycles = 31,500
31500
Cost of 6 horses = cost of 9 camels = 10,500
3
10500
Cost of each horse = 1750.
6
Directions (Questions 8 - 11): Four brothers divided a sum of money among themselves. Nikhil divided the
th
1
money into 4 parts, took one part and of the remaining money for himself. The amount left over was
4
rd
1
again divided into 3 parts. Vinod took one part and of the remaining money. Rohit then divided the left
3
over money into 2 parts. He took one part and half of the remaining. Bharat took the left over money for
himself which amounted to 12,800.
8. What was the original amount of money divided among the brothers?
(1) 1,28,000 (2) 2,04,800 (3) 2,00,800 (4) 2,66,600
216
Quantitative Aptitude
9. What was Rohit’s share?
(1) 36,400 (2) 30,400 (3) 38,400 (4) 35,450
10. How much amount more than Vinod did Nikhil get?
(1) 25,600 (2) 10,000 (3) 22,400 (4) 14,400
11. In what ratio was the sum divided among the brothers?
(1) 1 : 2 : 4 : 6 (2) 7 : 5 : 3 : 1 (3) 9 : 7 : 3 : 1 (4) 1 : 3 : 6 : 8
Solutions (Q Nos 8 - 11)
Let the amount shared among the brothers be x.
x 1 3x x 3x 7x
Amount taken by Nikhil
4 4 4 4 16 16
7x 9x
Remaining amount x
16 16
3x 1 6x 3x 2x 5x
Amount taken by Vinod
16 3 16 16 16 16
9x 5x 4x x
Remaining amount
16 16 16 4
x 1 x x x 3x
Amount taken by Rohit
8 2 8 8 16 16
x 3x x
Remaining amount
4 16 16
x
Amount taken by Bharat
16
It is given that Bharat took 12,800.
x
12800 x 2,04,800
16
8. Ans (2)
Original amount was 2,04,800.
9. Ans (3)
3x 3x 3 204800
Rohit’s share = 38,400.
16 16 16
10. Ans (1)
7x 5x
Nikhil’s share – Vinod share
16 16
2x x 204800
= 25,600.
16 8 8
11. Ans (2)
The amount was divided in the ratio
7x 5x 3x x
: : : Or 7 : 5 : 3 : 1
16 16 16 16
217
Quantitative Aptitude
12. A certain number of camels and an equal number of men are going somewhere. Half of the owners are
on their camels back, while the remaining ones are walking along leading their camels. If the number of
legs walking on the ground is 70, how many camels are there?
(1) 12 (2) 14 (3) 16 (4) 10
Ans (2)
Let the number of camels and men be ‘2x’ each.
So, x people are on their camels and remaining x people are walking with camels.
Total number of legs on the ground = 4x + 6x = 10x
10 x = 70 x = 7
Thus, number of camels = 2x = 14.
13. In an examination, a student scores 4 marks for every correct answer and loses 1 mark for every wrong
answer. If he attempts all 75 questions and scores 125 marks, how many questions did he answer
correctly?
(1) 35 (2) 42 (3) 46 (4) 40
Ans (4)
Let the number of question answered correctly be x.
Number of questions answered wrongly = 75 – x
Total marks scored = 4x –1 (75 – x) = 5x 75
125 = 5x – 75
5x = 125 + 75 = 200
x = 40
So, 40 questions were answered correctly by the student.
14. Ashwin working in a bank can claim 15 for each km which he travels by taxi and 5 for each km
when he goes in his own car. If Ashwin claims 500 in one week for travelling 80 kms, how many km
did he travel by taxi?
(1) 10 km (2) 15 km (3) 30 km (4) 40 km
Ans (1)
Let the distance travelled by Ashwin in taxi be x km.
So, distance travelled in his own car = (80 – x) km.
15 x + 5 (80 – x) = 500
15 x + 400 – 5x = 500
10 x = 500 – 400 = 100
x = 10
Ashwin travelled 10 km in taxi.
15. In a bundle of 154 shirts, number of white shirts is 3 less than the number of red shirts, but 5 more than
the green shirts. Then how many red shirts are there?
(1) 52 (2) 55 (3) 40 (4) 47
Ans (2)
Let the number of red shirts be x
So, number of white shirts = x – 3
218
Quantitative Aptitude
Number of green shirts = x – 3 – 5 = x – 8
It is given that the bundle has 154 shirts
x + x – 3 + x – 8 = 154
3x – 11 = 154
3x = 154 + 11 = 165
165
x 55
3
There were 55 red shirts.
16. A fruit seller has a certain number of apples of which 5% are rotten. He sells 93% of the remainder and
then has 266 left. How many apples did the fruit seller have originally?
(1) 2,000 (2) 3,000 (3) 4,000 (4) 1,000
Ans (3)
Let the original number of apples with the seller be x.
5 x
Number of rotten apples x
100 20
x 19x
Number of good apples x
20 20
93 19x 1767 x
Number of apples sold
100 20 2000
19x 1767 x 1900 x 1767x 133x
Number of apples left
20 2000 2000 2000
133x
266
2000
2000 266
x 4000
133
Fruit seller originally had 4,000 apples.
17. The sum of two numbers A and B is 116. If A is 3 less than C but 4 more than B what is the value of C?
(1) 56 (2) 63 (3) 60 (4) 67
Ans (2)
A + B = 116
A = B + 4 (Given)
B + 4 + B = 116 2B = 116 – 4 = 112 B = 56
A = 116 – B = 116 – 56 = 60
A = C – 3 (Given)
C = A + 3 = 60 + 3 = 63
C = 63.
18. In a class 60% of the students were boys and 30% of them had first class. If 50% of the students in the
class had first class, find the fraction of the girls in the class who did not have a first class.
1 4 1 1
(1) (2) (3) (4)
5 5 4 3
Ans (1)
219
Quantitative Aptitude
Let the total number of students in the class be 100.
So, number of boys = 60
Number of girls = 40
30 60
Number of boys who got first class 18
100
Total number of students who got first class = 50% of 100 = 50
Number of girls who got first class = 50 – 18 = 32
Number of girls who did not get first class = 40 – 32 = 8
8 1
Fraction of girls who did not get first class .
40 5
19. Sushma was counting down numbers from 44 one at a time. Neelima was counting upwards starting
from 11 and she was counting only odd numbers. If they both call at the same speed, which common
number will they call out at the same time?
(1) 23 (2) 33 (3) 29 (4) 27
Ans (2)
Let x be the common number called by them
x – 11 = 2 (44 – x)
x – 11 = 88 – 2x
3x = 88 + 11 = 99
x = 33
Common number called is 33.
20. Two friends A and B are walking around a circular park. A is moving in the clockwise direction and
completes one round in 15 minutes. B is moving in the anticlockwise direction and completes one round
in 10 minutes. They start walking from the same point and at the same time. After how much time will
they meet each other?
(1) 15 minutes (2) 12 minutes (3) 6 minutes (4) 30 minutes
Ans (3)
Let A and B meet each other after x minutes.
x
In 15 minutes A completes 1 round. So, in x minutes A completes rounds.
15
x
In 10 minutes B completes 1 round. So, in x minutes B completes rounds
10
A and B meet each other, when the distance covered by both of them together is exactly one round.
Hence,
x x
1
15 10
2x 3x
1
30
5x
1
30
5x = 30, x = 6
220
Quantitative Aptitude
Alternate method
In one hour, A completes 4 rounds and B completes 6 rounds. Both of them together complete 10 rounds in
one hour. So, they meet 10 times in one hour. This implies that they keep on meeting each other once in
every 6 minutes.
21. How many times does the digit 7 appear when you write numbers from 11 to 100?
(1) 9 (2) 10 (3) 11 (4) 19
Ans (4)
When we write numbers from 11 to 100, the digit 7 appears 9 times in unit place and 10 times in tens
place. So, totally the digit 7 appears 19 times.
th
1
22. Deepa bought some apples. On the first day her family ate one apple and of the remaining apples.
4
th
1
The next day they ate 2 apples and of the remaining. On the third and final day they ate the
4
remaining 3 apples. What is the total number of apples purchased by Deepa?
(1) 21 (2) 17 (3) 9 (4) 13
Ans (3)
Let the number of apples bought by Deepa be x
x 1 x 3
Number of apples eaten on first day 1
4 4
x 3 3x 3
Remaining apples x
4 4
1 3x 3
Number of apples eaten on second day 2 2
4 4
1 3x 11 3x 11 3x 21
2 2
4 4 16 16
3x 3 3x 21 12x 12 3x 21 9x 33
Remaining apples
4 16 16 16
9x 33
Third day they ate apples which is equal to 3
16
9x 33
3 9x 33 48 9x 48 33 81
16
81
x 9.
9
Directions (Questions 23 - 24): On a New Year day, Vikram visits "Magic House" with
certain number of chocolates in his bag. Vikram enters 5 rooms numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in that order. The
chocolates taken out from the bag doubles in all odd numbered rooms and vanish in the remaining rooms. In
all odd numbered rooms, Vikram takes out all the chocolates in his bag and get them doubled. In all even
th
1
numbered rooms, Vikram takes out only the chocolates from his bag and all of them vanish. Finally,
4
he has 576 chocolates left with him and walks home happily with his friend.
221
Quantitative Aptitude
23. How many chocolates did Vikram have before he entered room 3?
(1) 38 (2) 48 (3) 96 (4) 192
24. What is the increase in the number of chocolates, in the entire process?
(1) 448 (2) 136 (3) 128 (4) 328
Solution (Q Nos 23 - 24)
Let the initial number of chocolates with Vikram be x.
When he enters room number 1, it doubles and becomes 2x.
x
In room number 2, he takes out only one-fourth of the chocolates i.e., , from the bag and they vanish.
2
x 3x
Number of chocolates left out with him, before entering room number 3 2x
2 2
When he enters room number 3, number of chocolates doubles and it becomes 3x.
3x
In room number 4, he takes out only one-fourth of the chocolates i.e., , from the bag and they vanish.
4
3x 9x
Number of chocolates left out with him, before entering room number 5 3x
4 4
9x
When he enters room number 5, number of chocolates doubles and it becomes
2
It is given that the the number of chocolates with Vikram at the end is 576.
9x
576
2
576 2
x 128
9
23. Ans (4)
3x 3 128
Number of chocolates with Vikram before entering room number 3 192 .
2 2
24. Ans (1)
Increase in number of chocolates in the entire process = 576 – 128 = 448.
25. P and Q are walking around a square field. Both of them are walking in clockwise direction. P completes
7 rounds in one hour and Q completes 10 rounds in one hour. If both of them start from the same point
and at the same time, after how many minutes do they meet each other?
(1) 60 (2) 40 (3) 30 (4) 20
Ans (4)
Let P and Q meet each other after t minutes
7t
In 1 hour, P completes 7 rounds. So, in t minutes P completes rounds
60
10t
In 1 hour, Q completes 10 rounds. So, in t minutes Q completes rounds
60
P and Q meet each other when the number of rounds completed by Q is exactly 1 round more than that
completed by P, as they are moving in the same direction.
222
Quantitative Aptitude
10t 7t
So, 1
60 60
3t
1
60
t
1 t = 20
20
Alternate method
In 1 hour, Q completes 3 rounds more than that completed by P. Hence, they meet 3 times in 1 hour.
This implies that they keep on meeting each other, every 20 minutes.
Directions (Questions 26 – 28): In a class of 40 students, 30 students speak English, 28 students speak
Kannada and 5 students speak neither English nor Kannada.
26. How many students speak only Kannada?
(1) 10 (2) 7 (3) 5 (4) 6
27. How many students speak only English?
(1) 12 (2) 7 (3) 6 (4) 5
28. How many students speak both English and Kannada?
(1) 18 (2) 20 (3) 28 (4) 23
Solution (Q Nos 26 – 28)
Let ‘x’ students speak both English and Kannada. The Venn diagram appears as under:
E K
E : English
30 x x 28 x K : Kannada
Total number of students in the class = 40
30 x + 28 x + x + 5 = 40
63 x = 40
x = 63 40 = 23
26. Ans (3)
Number of students who speak only Kannada = 28 x = 28 23 = 5
27. Ans (2)
Number of students who speak only English = 30 x = 30 23 = 7
28. Ans (4)
Number of students who speak both English and Kannada = x = 23
223
Quantitative Aptitude
Directions (Questions 29 – 30): In a degree examination, 75 students have appeared from a college for
subjects Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Among them,
(i) 12 students have passed in all subjects.
(ii) 21 in Physics only, 15 in Chemistry only, 9 in Mathematics only have passed.
(iii) Equal number of students have passed in any of the two subjects only.
(iv) No student has failed in all the three subjects.
29. Find the total number of students who have passed in Mathematics.
(1) 12 (2) 15 (3) 21 (4) 33
30. What is the difference in the number of students who have passed in Physics and Chemistry?
(1) 8 (2) 7 (3) 6 (4) 5
Solution (Q Nos 29 - 30)
P C
P: Physics
21 x 15 C: Chemistry
12
x x M: Mathematics
0
9
M
Let the number of students who passed in any of the two subjects be x. The Venn diagram appears as shown
above:
Total number of students = 75
21 + 15 + 9 + 12 + 3x + 0 = 75
57 + 3x = 75
3x = 75 57 = 18
x=6
29. Ans (4)
Total number of students who passed in Mathematics = 12 + 9 + 2x = 21 + 12 = 33
30. Ans (3)
Difference between number of students who passed in Physics and Chemistry = 45 39 = 6
Directions (Questions 31 – 33): In a town 85% of the people speak Kannada, 40% speak English and
20% speak Hindi. Also 32% speak Kannada and English, 13% speak Kannada and Hindi and 10% speak
English and Hindi.
31. What percentage of people in the town speak all the three languages?
(1) 10 (2) 12 (3) 15 (4) 20
32. What percentage of people speak only Kannada?
(1) 50 (2) 48 (3) 40 (3) 35
224
Quantitative Aptitude
33. What percentage of people speak at least two of the three languages?
(1) 30 (2) 35 (3) 37 (4) 40
Solution (Q Nos 31 – 33)
Let x% of people speak all the 3 languages.
The Venn diagram appears as under:
Kannada English
40+x 32x x2
x
13x 10x
x3
Hindi
40 + x + x 2 + x 3 + 32 x + 10 x + 13 x + x = 100%
90 + x = 100%
x = 100 90 = 10%
31. Ans (1)
10% of people speak all the three languages.
32. Ans (1)
People who speak only Kannada = 40 + x = 50%.
33. Ans (2)
People who speak at least two of the three languages
= people who speak two languages + people who speak three languages
= 32 x + 10 x + 13 x + x = 55 2x = 55 20 = 35%.
Directions (Questions 34 - 36): An advertising agency finds that, of its 170 clients, 115 use Television,
110 use Radio and 130 use Magazines. Also 75 use Television and Radio, 95 use Radio and Magazines,
70 use all the three.
34. How many use only Radio?
(1) 35 (2) 30 (3) 20 (4) 10
35. How many use only Television?
(1) 30 (2) 25 (3) 20 (4) 15
36. How many use Television and Magazine but not Radio?
(1) 15 (2) 20 (3) 25 (4) 30
225
Quantitative Aptitude
Solution (Q Nos 34 – 36)
Let the number of clients who use both Television and Magazine but not radio be ‘x’.
Venn diagram appears as under:
Television Radio
40x 5 10
70
x 25
35x
Magazines
Total number of clients = 170
40 x + 10 + 35 x + 5 + 25 + x + 70 = 170
185 x = 170
x = 185 170 = 15
34. Ans (4)
10 clients use only radio.
35. Ans (2)
Number of clients who use only television = 40 x = 40 15 = 25.
36. Ans (1)
Number of people who use Television and magazine but not radio = x = 15.
Directions (Questions 37 - 38): In a survey of 450 families in a town, following information was collected.
(i) 238 families had cars and 240 families had scooters.
(ii) 75 families had both cars and bicycles but not scooters
(iii) 84 families had both cars and scooters but not bicycles
(iv) 52 families had scooters and bicycles but not cars.
(v) 137 families had either only cars or only scooters.
37. How many families had both cars and bicycles?
(1) 84 (2) 107 (3) 75 (4) 98
38. How many families had only scooters?
(1) 78 (2) 91 (3) 81 (4) 87
226
Quantitative Aptitude
Solution (Q Nos 37 – 38)
Let the number of families having all the three types of vehicles (cars, scooters and bicycles) be ‘x’.
Let the number of families having only bicycles be ‘y’.
The Venn diagram will appear as under:
Cars Scooters
79x 84 104x
x
75 52
Bicycles
Number of families having only cars + number of families having only scooters = 137 (given)
79 x + 104 x = 137
183 2x = 137
2x = 183 137 = 46
x = 23
Total number of families surveyed = 450
79 x + 104 x + y + 84 + 52 + 75 + x = 450
394 x + y = 450
394 23 + y = 450 x 23
371 + y = 450
y = 450 371 = 79
37. Ans (4)
Number of families having both cars and bicycles = 75 + x = 75 + 23 = 98.
38. Ans (3)
Number of families having only scooters = 104 x = 104 23 = 81.
Directions (Questions 39 - 40): There are 120 students in a class. Among them,
(a) 20 students play both hockey and kabaddi, as well the same number of students play only football.
(b) 25 students play both hockey and football
(c) 15 students play both football and kabaddi
(d) The number of students who play only hockey is the same as the number of students who do not play
any of the three games
(e) The number of students who play only hockey is half of the number of students who play football only.
(f) No student plays all the three games.
39. How many students play only Kabaddi?
(1) 10 (2) 20 (3) 30 (4) 40
40. How many students do not play any of the three games?
(1) 5 (2) 10 (3) 15 (4) 20
227
Quantitative Aptitude
Solution (Q Nos 39 40)
Let the number of students who play only Kabaddi be x.
The Venn diagram will appear as under:
Hockey Kabaddi
10 20
x
___
25 15
20
10
Football
Total number of students = 120
10 + x + 20 + 20 + 15 + 25 = 120
100 x = 120 x = 20
39. Ans (2)
20 students play only Kabaddi.
40. Ans (2)
10 students do not play any of the three games.
***
228
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