Simplification is a crucial topic when it comes to competitive exams IBPS PO, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, IBPS Clerk, RRB Assistant, RRB Scale 1, LIC Assistant, LIC AAO and other banking and insurance exams. Understanding this topic well is important because you will typically encounter around 5 easy simplification questions in the prelims of these exams. For those who want to take their simplification skills to the next level, Smartkeeda offers challenging simplification questions along with solutions. Additionally, you can attempt online questions on the website or download simplification questions PDFs for free and practice offline and further enhance your abilities in this area.
Introduction of Simplification Questions
Simplification is concept that involves making complex mathematical equations simpler and easier to compute or understand. Simplification typically requires the application of mathematical operations, rules, and principles to reduce a given mathematical expression to its simplest form. This topic basically tests your calculation skills. If you're confident in your ability to perform quick calculations and understand the basic rules for solving simplification questions, you can easily score five marks in just a matter of seconds. It's a low-hanging fruit in terms of scoring.
Types of Simplification Questions
In competitive exams, two common types of simplification questions are encountered:
1. Finding the Missing Number: In this type of simplification question, you will be presented with an equation in which one or more numbers or variables are missing. The task is to fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate numbers or values to make the equation true. These blanks can be on either the left-hand side or the right-hand side of the equation. You need to apply mathematical operations and principles to deduce the missing values and complete the equation.
For Example: 540 -? + 75 = 6 × 50 + 315
2. Direct Equation Solving: In this type of simplification question, you will be provided with a complete mathematical equation and will be required to solve this equation directly to obtain the result or simplify it to its simplest form using mathematical rules and operations. These questions may involve various mathematical concepts, such as arithmetic, algebra, or basic mathematical principles, and you need to apply the appropriate techniques to simplify the given equation.
For example: 456 + 187/3 – 259x2 =?
Mastering BODMAS/BIDMAS
BODMAS provides a systematic framework for solving simplification questions, ensuring that operations are carried out in a logical and consistent order. Mastering BODMAS is not just about following a rule but also about understanding the order of operations, which is a fundamental skill in solving simplification questions.
Breaking Down BODMAS: BODMAS is an abbreviation that represents a specific order of operations to be followed when solving mathematical expressions:
- Brackets (B): The first step is to evaluate any expressions within brackets. If there are multiple sets of brackets, start with the innermost and work outward.
- Orders (O): Next, calculate any values with indices or powers. This includes operations involving square roots, exponents, and other mathematical functions.
- Division (D): Perform division operations from left to right in the expression.
- Multiplication (M): Carry out multiplication operations from left to right in the expression.
- Addition (A): Add any remaining values together, proceeding from left to right.
Subtraction (S): Finally, subtract any remaining values from left to right.
The BODMAS Process: To illustrate how BODMAS works, let’s consider an example:
Expression: 4 + (5 × 3) – 2/2
Using BODMAS:
1. Brackets: Solve the expression inside the brackets first: 5 × 3 = 15.
2. Orders: There are no exponents or powers in this case, so we move on.
3. Division and Multiplication: Now, perform division: 2/2 = 1
4. Addition and Subtraction: Finally, carry out addition and subtraction from left to right: 4 + 15 - 1 = 18.
4. Addition and Subtraction: Finally, carry out addition and subtraction from left to right: 4 + 15 - 1 = 18.
Addition and Subtraction: Finally, carry out addition and subtraction from left to right: 4 + 15 - 1 = 18.
Practice Example:
689 × 6156 ÷ 18% of 684 = 28 × 250 ÷ 8 + ? + 4300
Solution:
689 × 6156 ÷ 18% of 684 = 28 × 250 ÷ 8 + ? + 4300
Applying BODMAS, first remove percentage,
or, 689 × 6156 ÷ 123.12 = 28 × 31.25 + ? + 4300
Now perform Division,
or, 689 × 50 = 875 + ? + 4300
Now perform multiplication
∴ ? = 34450 – 5175 = 29275
Effective Tips for Solving Simplification
Simplification is a crucial component of competitive exams, particularly in fields like banking and insurance. It requires quick and accurate mathematical calculations. Here are some valuable tips to enhance your simplification skills and perform better in these exams:
- Memorize tables up to 20 to increase your mental calculation speed.
- Memorizing squares till 30 and cubes till 20 will also expedite your calculations.
- Learn common percentage to fraction and fraction to percentage conversions. For example, knowing that 50% is equivalent to 1/2 and 25% is equivalent to 1/4 can simplify calculations significantly.
- Dedicate time to daily practice. Solve a minimum of 20 simplification questions every day.
- Learn to use the elimination technique and rule out obviously incorrect answer choices.
- Finally, maintain composure during the exam. Stress can lead to errors, so stay calm and focused.
Furthermore, Smartkeeda offers a vast collection of free materials to help you enhance your simplification skills. You can practice plenty of free simplification questions on our website or download simplification questions pdf and practice offline absolutely free of cost. By taking advantage of these valuable resources can significantly boost your preparation for competitive exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
Why is simplification important in competitive exams like IBPS PO and SBI Clerk?
A:
Simplification is crucial in these exams because it tests your calculation skills, and you can typically expect around 5 easy simplification questions in the prelims. You can easily score well in this topic and significantly boost your overall score.
Q:
What are some effective tips for solving simplification questions quickly and accurately?
A:
To solve simplification questions quickly and accurately, memorize multiplication tables up to 20, learn squares and cubes up to 30 and 20, master percentage to fraction conversions, practice at least 20 questions daily, use the elimination technique, and maintain composure during the exam.
Q. Where can I find free simplification practice materials online?
A. Smartkeeda offers a vast collection of free simplification practice materials. You can practice online on our website or download simplification questions in PDF format for offline practice, all at no cost.
Q. How can simplification questions benefit my overall exam performance?
A. Scoring well in simplification can provide you with quick and easy marks. Moreover, you can save time for other tricky questions of the quant section that require more time, boosting your overall exam score.
Q:
Where can I find free simplification practice materials online?
A:
Smartkeeda offers a vast collection of free simplification practice materials. You can practice online on our website or download simplification questions in PDF format for offline practice, all at no cost.
Q:
How can simplification questions benefit my overall exam performance?
A:
Scoring well in simplification can provide you with quick and easy marks. Moreover, you can save time for other tricky questions of the quant section that require more time, boosting your overall exam score.
Q:
What types of simplification questions are common in competitive exams?
A:
There are two common types:
Finding the Missing Number: You're given an equation with missing values, and you need to fill in the blanks to make the equation true.
Direct Equation Solving: You're provided with a complete mathematical equation and are required to solve it or simplify it to its simplest form.
