50+ Important Formulas for CAT 2024 Preparation: Topic-Wise Formulas
Every MBA aspirant must be well-versed in all the formulas that may be required when solving the CAT question paper. Here is a topic-wise list of 50+ formulas for CAT 2024 preparation.
Ask any MBA aspirant and they will easily be able to tell you the importance oflearning50+ formulas for CAT 2024 preparation. It is essential that every candidate be aware of several key CAT formulas aside from any of the tips and tricks for CAT exam 2024 preparation. CAT formulas are mostly relevant to the Quantitative Aptitude section, which includes Maths topics. Many of these questions require the use of basic or advanced preparation formulas.
Strategies mentioned in the CAT 2024 preparation tips can also help you understand the concepts and theorems better. There are many formula-based questions in CAT 2024 where all you need to do is use a formula to reach the answer. Such questions become very easy to answer if you are aware of all of the important formulas for the QA section in CAT preparation. Here is a comprehensive list of important formulas for CAT 2024 preparation you must practice. Also, check the important tips to remember these CAT formulas.
Also Read:
| CAT 2024 Quant Formula PDF Download | CAT 2024 Geometry Formula PDF |
| CAT Formula Sheet 2024 PDF | 15+ CAT 2024 Percentage Questions |
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 |
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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)n = an + nC1 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 Read: 15+ 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
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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
logx 1 = 0
logx x = 1
logx (mn) = logx m + logx n
logx (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
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.