CAT 2013: Begin Quant Prep with Number System

As you chalk-out your Quant section strategy for CAT 2013, you must start your preparation with major building blocks like Number System under the section. A conceptual clarity in Number System of Quant section also helps your overall Quant preparation as it strengthens your fundamentals for other areas of Quant section.

Importance of Number System:

The Number System covers 2-3 questions in Quant Section of Common Admission Test (CAT). According to the experts, it is one of the easiest quant areas to prepare for, but the way CAT questions are asked from this section varies a lot given the huge fundamental concepts that it covers. Experts suggest that the Number system is not much difficult but it is an exhaustive Quant area.

The Number system does not only form the basis of most of your calculations but it also helps enhance your logical ability. The CAT question on this area is based on conceptual questions and puzzles that require more of application of fundamental concepts.

The students while preparing for this section of Quant should be careful in capturing the concept correctly, as its not the speed but the concept that will help solve the questions.

Basic learning topics:
While the section covers a wide range of topics, it essentially includes Real numbers, Rational numbers, Irrational numbers, Integers, Fractions, Negative numbers, Whole numbers, Natural numbers, Even numbers, Odd numbers, Composite numbers, Prime numbers, Prime Factors etc.

Apply Number System to other Qs:
Once you have covered the basic concept of the Number System, you will be required to learn the application of the same to solve the twists of the CAT questions. You need to practice lots of mocks to gain speed in solving such questions.

The type of questions which will require application of Number System concepts include unit digit problems, Test of divisibility of large numbers, Remainder of division of a polynomial, GCD, HCD, Number of trailing zeroes etc.

Practice a lot:
You should begin your Quant preparation with revising fundamentals of number system. You can develop your own logic for instant calculation which will help you solve standard numeric problems during the exam. You also must develop tricks for squares and cubes of numbers till 25-30. To make better recall of your tricks, you can keep doing mental calculations with percentages, fractions etc. in your spare time.
The key to success in CAT however is your practice. Try to solve problem within time limit which can help you increase accuracy with speed. Remember, consistent practice and revision of different areas in Number system is key to your success in Quant section.