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Why CAT Shortcut Tricks Matter for Aspirants
If you’re preparing for the CAT exam 2025, you already know how tough the Quantitative Ability section feels. With just 40 minutes for 22 questions,. That’s stressful, right?
In these situation CAT shortcut tricks can save you precious time. These are simple mental hacks that help you solve questions faster without losing accuracy. Think of them as “smart math tools” once you know them, you can cut your solving time in half.
Key Topics in CAT Quantitative Ability
Important Quant topics for CAT 2025:
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Algebra and Modern Math
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Geometry and Mensuration
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Number System and Progressions
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Averages, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages
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Probability, Permutations & Combinations
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Statistics and Data Sufficiency
| Topic | Shortcut Technique | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Squares of 2-digit numbers | Subtract 25 -- Subtract 50 -- Square the result -- Adjust with carry. | (51)² = 2601, (63)² = 3969, (28)² = 784 |
| Squares of 3-digit numbers | Step method: last digit -- 2×Y×Z -- 2×X×Z + Y² -- 2×X×Y -- X². Add carries. | (431)² = 185761 |
| Average | Find difference from old avg -- Divide by no. of terms -- Add to old avg. | Old avg = 30, New score = 70 -- New avg = 32.35 |
| Multiplication (Base Method) | Pick nearest base (100, 1000) -- Multiply surplus -- Cross-add surplus -- Multiply by base -- Add surplus product. | 105 × 107 = 11235 |
| Algebra (Simultaneous Equations) | If ratio of one coefficient = ratio of constants -- other variable = 0. | 6x + 7y = 8; 19x + 14y = 16 -- x = 0, y = 8/7 |
These are the areas where CAT Quant tricks can make a real difference.
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Squares shortcut: Instead of multiplying the whole number, you break it down into parts. This works beautifully when the number is close to 50 or 100. Once you try it 3-4 times, it feels almost magical.
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Average shortcut: No need to add huge numbers. Just compare the new entry with the old average. The difference spread across terms gives you the updated average in seconds.
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Multiplication base method: Works best when numbers hover around 100, 1000, etc. Instead of doing the whole multiplication, you use the base and surplus to simplify.
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Algebra trick: Many simultaneous equations in CAT are designed with hidden ratios. Spotting the ratio early saves a lot of algebraic grind.
Tips for CAT Quant Preparation 2025
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Practice shortcuts daily until they feel natural.
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Mix fundamentals with tricks shortcuts save time, but strong basics prevent mistakes.
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Use a timer while solving sets. Speed without pressure is useless.
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Analyze mocks check where you could’ve applied a trick but didn’t.
With these CAT shortcut tricks 2025, you’ll solve questions faster, improve accuracy, and feel more confident in the Quant section.