Summary: The Quantitative Aptitude section in the CAT exam plays a pivotal role in testing a candidate's numerical and analytical abilities. Understanding its intricacies can significantly enhance one's performance and overall CAT score.

The Common Admission Test (CAT) stands as the gateway to India's premier B-schools, and a high score can transform the trajectory of a student's career. 

Among the sections in the CAT exam, Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is especially crucial, demanding both speed and accuracy in problem-solving. 

Delving into the QA section’s specifics provides invaluable insights for aspirants. Let's check the Quantitative aptitude questions and answers. 

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CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions: Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The CAT exam consists of three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Section-wise CAT exam pattern details are tabulated below.

Sections	Total No. of Questions	MCQs	TITA Questions	Marks	Duration
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	21	3	72	40 min
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR)	20	14	6	60	40 min
Quantitative Ability (QA)	22	14	8	66	40 min
Total	66	49	17	198	120 (2 hours)

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CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions: Types of Questions

Quantitative Aptitude covers a vast array of topics, each testing different facets of one's numerical abilities:

• Arithmetic: Encompassing percentages, time & work, profit & loss, ratios, and averages.
• Algebra: Features linear equations, quadratic equations, sequences, and series.
• Geometry & Mensuration: Delving into triangles, circles, polygons, solid figures, and coordinate geometry.
• Number Systems: Basics of numbers, remainders, prime numbers, and factorials.
• Modern Math: Exploring permutations and combinations, probability, set theory, and functions.

The QA section typically includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs or Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions. MCQs carry a negative marking for incorrect answers, while TITA questions do not.

CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions

Sample Quantitative aptitude question in CAT exam are as follows - 

Peter received 30% of the total marks and failed by ten marks, whereas John received 40% of the marks and scored 15 marks more than the passing marks. Find the passing marks. 

• a) 250
• b) 150
• c) 70
• d) 85

Answer - d) 85

In a Tennis tournament, John has played 60 matches so far and won 60% of them. If he wins 37.5% of the remaining matches, their overall win percentage will be 50%. Suppose he wins 75% of the remaining matches, then the total number of matches lost by him in the tournament will be 

• a) 24
• b) 36
• c) 42
• d) 48

Answer - b) 36

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A class has 120 students; each one has majored either in Arts or in Science. 3% of students who have majored in Arts is equal to 9% of the students who have majored in science. Find the number of students who have majored in Arts. 

• a) 80
• b) 100
• c) 60
• d) 90

Answer - d) 90

Two numbers a and b are inversely proportional to each other. If "a" increases by 50%, then b decreases by:

• a) 25%
• b) 100%
• c) 50% 
• d) 33.33% 

Answer - d) 33.33% 

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In an election between 2 candidates a and b, a received 46% of the total valid votes and lost the election by 1440 votes. If 10% of the votes were invalid, find the number of votes polled in the election. 

• a) 20,000
• b) 19,000
• c) 19900
• d) 18100

Answer - a) 20,000

John spends 30% of his salary on his house rent. He spends 20% of his remaining salary on food, 20% of the remaining salary for commuting to the office, and 25% of the remaining salary on entertainment. If he is left with INR 16800, then find the house rent paid by John. 

• a) INR 50000
• b) INR 35000
• c) INR 25000
• d) INR 15000

Answer - d) INR 15000

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In a class, 60% of the students are boys, which is 40 more than that of the girls. Suppose 44% of the students were selected for a quiz competition, including 60 boys. How many % of the girls are not selected for quiz competitions? 

• a) 58%
• b) 65%
• c) 60%
• d) 52%

Answer - b) 65%

A company processes the fresh juice pulp of fruits to prepare the Jam. Find the number of KG of juice pulp required to make 800 KG of Jam; fresh juice pulp consists of 75% liquid, and jam consists of 5% liquid. 

• a) 3040
• b) 2850
• c) 2950
• d) 3250

Answer - a) 3040

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The average temperature on the 1st four days of the week is 36 degrees, and on the last four days is 39 degrees. If the average temperature for the entire week is 37 degrees, find the temperature on the 4th day. 

• a) 37 degrees 
• b) 38 degrees 
• c) 39 degrees 
• d) 41 degrees 

Answer - d) 41 degrees 

A tank has a 240 litres mixture of syrup and water in a 240 litres mixture of syrup and water in a ratio of 5:7. 40 litres of the mixture is replaced with water, and then 48 litres of the mixture is replaced by water and again 60 litres of the mixture is replaced by water. Find the amount of syrup remaining in the tank. 

• a) 40 litres 
• b) 50 litres 
• c) 60 litres 
• d) 80 litres 

Answer - c) 60 litres 

The average mark scored by 5 friends is 84; the average decreased by 4 when the score of John is added. Find the marks scored by John. 

• a) 60
• b) 64
• c) 65
• d) 70

Answer - a) 60

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The cost of a glass slab is directly proportional to the square of its thickness. Find the cost of the slab with a thickness 3mm if the slab with a thickness 4mm costs Rs. 64. 

• a) Rs.56
• b) Rs.48
• c) Rs.45
• d) Rs.36

Answer - d) Rs.36

A shopkeeper mixes 2 oils 1 and 2. One litre of oil 1 weighs 1 KG and one liter of oil 2 weighs 800 gm. If 750ml of the mixture weighs 720 gm, then the percentage of oil 1 in the mixture, in terms of volume, is 

• a) 60%
• b) 70%
• c) 80%
• d) 90%

Answer - c) 80%

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Charan started the business with an investment of Rs. 300000, and Kiran invested Rs. 600000 after 3 months. As Charan is an active partner, he receives 20% of the profit as a salary. Find the total amount received by Charan if the profit at the end of a year is Rs. 2000000. 

1. a) Rs. 1200000
2. b) Rs. 1040000
3. c) Rs. 960000
4. d) Rs. 112000

Answer - b) Rs. 1040000

If John goes at a speed of 12 km/h, he will be 20 minutes late, and if he travels at a speed of 18km/ h, he will be 10 minutes early. Find the distance if it is the same in both cases. 

• a) 17 KM
• b) 18 KM
• c) 19 KM
• d) 20 KM

Answer - b) 18 KM

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Tips for CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions

Tips for CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions are as follows -

Foundation is Key

Before diving into complex problems, ensure you have a clear understanding of the basics. This approach aids in problem-solving and reduces the likelihood of errors.

Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is the mantra. The more you solve, the better you get at identifying patterns and shortcuts.

Mock Tests

Simulating the actual test environment through mock tests helps in time management and provides a realistic understanding of where you stand.

Review Mistakes

After every mock or practice session, review the mistakes made. Understand the reasoning behind them to avoid repeating the same in the main exam.

Check: CAT Exam Maths Syllabus 2024

Time Management

It's crucial to strike a balance. Do not spend too much time on one question. If stuck, move on and come back if time allows.

Stay Updated

The CAT exam pattern or emphasis on certain topics can shift. Stay updated with the latest trends by engaging in forums or coaching classes.

CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions: Recommended Books

These are the CAT books recommended for the Quantitative Aptitude section. 

1. "Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT" by Arun Sharma: A popular choice among aspirants, this book covers all fundamental concepts with graded levels of difficulty.
2. "Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT" by Sarvesh K Verma: Comprehensive in its approach, it provides ample problems for practice.
3. "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Arun Sharma: A favourite for many, it delves deep into strategies and shortcuts for the CAT exam.
4. "The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Nishit Sinha: This book is renowned for its clarity and the variety of questions it offers.

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Conclusion

Tackling the CAT quantitative aptitude questions with solution requires a blend of strategy, practice, and a calm mindset. While the challenge is significant, with dedicated preparation and the right resources, one can achieve excellence in this crucial section, paving the way for a successful CAT score and a bright future in management. Remember, every mathematical problem has a solution; the journey lies in finding it.