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50+ Important Formulas for CAT 2024 Preparation: Topic-Wise Formulas

50+ important formulas for CAT 2024 preparation mostly include formulas from common CAT QA topics like profit and loss, algebra, number system, percentages, etc. Learning these formulas can help you speed up your solving skills for CAT 2024!

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50+ formulas for CAT 2024 preparation cover topics like profit and loss, algebra, number system, permutation & combination, percentages, etc. It is essential that every candidate be aware of several key CAT formulas aside from these topics for CAT 2024 exam preparation. CAT formulas are mostly relevant to the Quantitative Aptitude section, which includes Maths topics. Strategies mentioned in the CAT 2024 preparation tips in addition to these important formulas can help you perform better in the exam. There are many formula-based questions in CAT 2024 where all you need to do is use a formula to reach the answer. You must learn all the formulas mentioned here to the best of your abilities to ensure a stellar performance in CAT 2024!

Also Read:

Important Formulas in CAT 2024 Preparation

There are a number of important formulas in CAT preparation 2024 that you must become fluent in. All of the formulas used in CAT are from up to the Class 12th level. You must already be familiar with these formulas from their school days. However, since there is at least a 3 to 4-year gap between Class 12th and CAT preparation, it becomes easy to forget these formulas. Hence, it makes sense to regularly revise and practice using formulas when solving CAT questions. Before moving on further, here is a quick glance at the revised exam pattern of CAT 2024.

 Section

No. of Questions

Time

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

24

40 minutes

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning 

20

40 minutes

Quantitative Ability

22

40 minutes

TOTAL

66

120 minutes

Also Read:

The QA section of CAT 2024 includes many topics such as Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, HCF & LCM, Mensuration, Geometry, etc. Here are some important formulas to remember for each topic.

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Algebra

Square of a + b

  • (a + b)(a – b) = (a2 – b2)

  • (a + b)2 = (a2 + b2 + 2ab)

  • (a – b)2 = (a² + b² – 2ab)

Square of a + b + c

  • (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2(ab + bc + ca)

Cube of a + b

  • (a + b)3 = a3 + 3a2b + 3ab2 + b3

  • (a – b)3 = a3 – 3a2b + 3ab2 – b3

  • (a3 + b3) = (a + b)(a2 - ab + b2)

  • (a3 – b3) = (a – b)(a2 + ab + b2)

  • (a3 + b3 + c3 – 3abc) = (a + b + c)(a2 + b2 + c2 – ab – bc – ac)

  • When a + b + c = 0, then a3 + b3 + c3 = 3abc

Root Formula

(a+b)= anC1 an – 1 b + nC2 an – 2 b2 + ..... nCx an – x bx + ....... bn

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Number System

  • (12 + 22 + 32 + ….. + n2) = n ( n + 1 ) (2n + 1) / 6

  • 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + … + n = n(n + 1)/2

  • (13 + 23 + 33 + ….. + n3) = (n(n + 1)/ 2)2

  • Sum of first n odd numbers = n2

  • Sum of first n even numbers = n (n + 1)

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Permutation and Combination

  • Combination: nCr = n! / (n-r)!r! = nPr / r!

  • Permutation: nPr = n! / (n-r)!

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Percentages

  • Percentage Change = {(Final Value – Initital Value) / Initial Value} x 100

  • Total Percentage Change for two successive changes of a% and b% = (a + b + ab/100)%
    eg. for two successive changes of 10% and 20%, the total percentage change will be = (10 + 20 + 10*20/100)% = 32%

Important Fractions and Their Percentage Values

Fraction

Equivalent Percent

Decimal Value

1/2

50%

0.5

1/3

331/3%

0.333...

2/3

662/3%

0.666...

1/4

25%

0.25

3/4

75%

0.75

1/5

20%

0.2

1/6

162/3%

0.1666....

5/6

831/3%

.8333...

1/8

121/2%

0.125

3/8

371/2%

0.375

5/8

621/2%

0.625

7/8

871/2%

0.875

1/9

111/9%

0.111...

1/10

10%

0.1

1/11

91/11%

0.999...

5/11

455/11%

0.4545...

1/12

81/3%

0.08333...

1/16

61/4%

0.0625

1/25

4%

0.04

1/32

31/8%

0.03125

1/50

2%

0.02

Also Read15+ CAT 2024 Percentage Questions

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Averages

  • Average = Total Sum / Total Number

  • Weighted Average = (w1x1 + w2x2 + w3x3 .... + wnxn) / (w1 + w2 + ..... + wn)

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Simple Interest and Compound Interest

  • Amount = Principle + Interest

  • Simple Interest = P x r x n

  • Compound Interest = P(1 + r)n – P

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Profit, Loss and Discount

  • Profit = SP – CP

  • Profit Percentage = (SP – CP)/CP x 100

  • Loss = CP – SP

  • Loss Percentage = (CP – SP)/CP x 100

  • Discount = MP – SP

  • Discount Percentage = (MP – SP)/MP x 100

  • Total Discount on successive discounts of a% followed by b% = (a + b – ab/100)%

  • If articles worth Rs. b are free along with articles worth Rs. a, Discount = y/(x+y) x 100

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for HCF and LCM

  • HFC of Fractions = (HCF of numerators) / (LCM of denominators)

  • LCM of Fractions = (LCM of numerators) / (HCF of denominators)

  • LCM x HCF = Product of Numbers

Also Read

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Set Theory & Function

Demorgan’s Law is the basic and most important formula for sets, which is defined as

  • (A ∩ B) ‘ = A’ U B’ and (A U B)’ = A’ ∩ B’

The relation R⊂A×AR⊂A×A is said to be called:

  • Reflexive Relation: If a R a ∀∀ a ∈∈ A.

  • Symmetric Relation: If aRb, then bRa ∀∀ a, b ∈∈ A.

  • Transitive Relation: If aRb, bRc, then aRc ∀∀ a, b, c ∈∈ A.

If any relation R is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive in a given set A, then that relation is known as an equivalence relation.

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Logarithms

  • log1 = 0

  • logx = 1

  • logx (mn) = logx m + logx n

  • log(m/n) = logx m – logx n

  • logx ab = b logx a

  • logx ax = a

  • logx m = (logy n) x (loga n)

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Surds and Indices

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Time, Speed, and Distance

  • Speed = Distance / Time

  • 1 km/h = 5/18 m/s

  • 1 m/s = 18/5 km/h

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Boats and Streams

  • Sdownstream = Sboat + Sstream

  • Supstream = Sboat - Sstream

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Mixtures and Alligations

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 the desired price.

Mean Price: The cost of a unit quantity of the mixture is called the mean price.

Rule of Alligation:

If two ingredients are mixed, then

  • (Quantity of cheaper / Quantity of dearer) = (C.P. of dearer – Mean Price / Mean price – C.P. of cheaper)

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Trigonometry

  • sin A = Perpendicular / Hypoteneuse = a / c

  • cos A = Base / Hypoteneuse = b / c

  • tan A = Perpendicular / Base = a / b

  • cot A  = 1 / tan A

  • sec A = 1 / cos A

  • cosec A = 1 / sin A

Trigonometric Identities:

  • Sine=Opposite/Hypotenuse

  • Cosine=Adjacent/Hypotenuse

  • Tangent=Opposite/Adjacent

  • Secant=Hypotenuse/Adjacent

  • Co−Secant=Hypotenuse/Opposite

  • Co−Tangent=Adjacent/Opposite

The reciprocal identities:

  • sinΘ=1/CosecΘ

  • cosΘ=1/secΘ

  • tanΘ=1/cotΘ

  • CosecΘ=1/sinΘ

  • secΘ=1/cosΘ

  • cotΘ=1/tanΘ

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Mensuration

Check out the important formulae for mensuration mentioned below:

Plane Figures

Solids


NOTE: (3.14) is an approximation of pi.

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Probability

Sample Space: When performing an experiment, the set S of all possible outcomes is called the sample space.
Event: Any subset of a sample space is called an event.
The probability of Occurrence of an Event: Let S be the sample and let E be an event.
Therefore, P(E) =n(E) / n(S)

Important CAT 2024 Formulas for Coordinate Geometry

The Distance Between Two Points A and B:

  • AB2 = (Bx – Ax)2 + (By – Ay)2

The Equation of a Line Using One Point and the Gradient

The equation of a line that has gradient m and which passes through the point (x1, y1) is:

  • y – y1 = m(x – x1)

The Midpoint of a Line Joining Two Points

The midpoint of the line joining the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is:

  • [½(x1 + x2), ½(y1 + y2)]

How to Remember Important Formulas for CAT 2024

Candidates are often worried about how to remember the important CAT formulas. There are various methods, mnemonics, and learning tricks you can use to remember the important formulas. If your basic mathematical concepts are clear, you may even be able to figure out some of the formulas used in CAT 2024 without the need to learn them.

  • As an example, if we imagine a Cylinder as infinite disks stacked on top of each other, the Curved Surface Area of a Cylinder becomes equal to the Perimeter of the Base Circle times Height. Hence, 2 (3.14) r multiplied by h.

However, the best way to remember important formulas for CAT is to use them in solving questions. Practicing will help you become familiar with important formulas. It will also train you to use these formulas with more speed and accuracy.

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FAQs

What is the exam pattern for CAT 2024?

66 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) having four options with one correct answer will be asked in the CAT 2024 exam. Apart from this, candidates are required to type their answers in the Type in the Answer (TITA) questions. 3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. However, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in TITA questions. The expected number of questions and time limit from each section are as follows:

  • VARC: Approximately 22-26 questions in 40 minutes
  • DILR: Approximately 20-24 questions in 40 minutes
  • QA: Approximately 22-26 questions in 40 minutes
  • Total: Around 66-76 questions overall

What is the most useful formula that everyone should know for CAT preparation? Why is it so important?

The Percentage Change Formula can be regarded as one of the most useful formulas for CAT preparation. 
Percentage Change=(New Value−Old Value/Old Value​)×100
It is important because Percentage change concepts can be applied in different questions from Profit & Loss, discounts, interest calculations, Compound Interest, and Data Interpretation. 

How important are formulas and concepts when preparing for an MBA entrance exam like CAT/XAT/GMAT, etc.?

Since MBA entrance exams focus on logical thinking, problem-solving ability, understanding, and the application of concepts in different scenarios, important formulas provide conceptual clarity and help in mastery of basic concepts across essential topics. Candidates must understand the core concepts in Quantitative Aptitude (algebra, geometry, number theory, percentages, etc.) to be able to solve complex questions more easily. With the help of formulas, candidates can speed up calculations, recognize patterns or shortcuts in questions, master shortcuts and approximation techniques, etc.

What are the important topics to cover under the chapter 'Numbers' for the CAT 2024? Are the questions based on huge formulas ever asked from this chapter?

The important topics to cover under the chapter 'Numbers' for the CAT 2024 include Divisibility Rules, Factors, Multiples, and Prime Factorization, Least Common Multiple (LCM) and Highest Common Factor (HCF), Number Properties, Remainders and Modular Arithmetic, Base Systems (Binary, Decimal, etc.), Factorials, Sum of Consecutive Numbers (integers, odd/even integers, or arithmetic series), Number Properties (ages, ratios, and divisibility conditions).
Generally, memorizing huge or complex formulas are not required for CAT questions from the "Numbers" chapter. Instead, candidates must learn to apply basic number properties, divisibility, and remainder rules in innovative and creative ways. Rather than complex calculations, candidates must be familiar with properties and the ability to apply them logically.

What is more important while preparing for the CAT, accuracy or speed (prioritization)? Is there any formula behind this statement which one has to follow during preparation?

Both accuracy and speed are important while preparing for the CAT exam, but candidates must learn to balance them strategically. In the initial stages of preparation, accuracy needs to be prioritized. This can be done by building a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding important concepts and solving problems accurately. You can start working on speed once you have solid accuracy and can consistently solve problems correctly. It is advisable that you learn to tackle short timed practice sets, that will gradually help in reducing the time you take per question. Candidates must aim for around 80-85% accuracy with good speed.

What is the percentage important formula for CAT?

The important percentage formulas for CAT include the following:

  • Percentage=(Total/Value​)×100
  • Percentage Increase=(y−x/x​)×100
  • Percentage Decrease=(x−y/x​)×100
  • Net Percentage Change=a+b+a⋅b​/100
  • Final Value for an increase of x%=P×(1+x​/100)
  • Final Value for a decrease of x%=P×(1-x​/100)

What are the important formulas in CAT algebra?

Some of the important formulas in CAT algebra include the following:

  • (a+b)2=a2+2ab+b2
  • (a−b)2=a2−2ab+b2(a - b)^2 = a^2 - 2ab + b^2(a−b)2=a2−2ab+b2
  • (a+b)(a−b)=a2−b2(a + b)(a - b) = a2 - b2(a+b)(a−b)=a2−b2
  • (a+b+c)2=a2+b2+c2+2ab+2bc+2ca(a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2ca(a+b+c)2=a2+b2+c2+2ab+2bc+2ca
  • ax2+bx+c=0
  • log(ab)=log a+log b

What are some important formulas for CAT preparation 2024?

Some important formulas for CAT preparation 2024 include those related to arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, percentages, profit and loss, time and work, probability, and permutations and combinations.

Can I create my own formula sheet for CAT preparation 2024?

Yes, creating a personalized formula sheet can be helpful for CAT preparation 2024. Include formulas that you find particularly important or difficult to remember. Writing them down and reviewing them regularly will aid in reinforcement and familiarity.

How can I revise and reinforce the CAT 2024 formulas regularly?

Set aside dedicated time for CAT 2024 formula revision regularly. Use flashcards, practice problems, and solve mock tests to reinforce your understanding and memorization of the formulas.

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