The important concepts

Number Theory
Number Theory questions are usually based on classification of numbers (even-odd, prime-
composite), HCF, LCM, divisibility, reversal of numbers, factorials, squares, cubes and base
conversions. Many of these questions can be solved by testing different sets of numbers to satisfy
conditions or by plugging in values in options.

Some others can be easily solved if you know divisibility rules for numbers like 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 16
etc. Having knowledge of the Fundamental Principle of Counting, applications of the Binomial
theorem to divisibility problems and notations of Set theory will definitely help.

Remember that these questions are on the easier side on a relative scale. However, to ace CAT, you
will need regular practice to become comfortable and score well on these.

Circles
Here your knowledge of applying basic formulae -- area of circles, triangles, Pythagoras theorem, mid-
point theorem and knowledge of definitions and properties -- tangents, chords and arcs comes into
play. Certain sub-concepts such as basics of geometry, triangles, coordinate geometry, and arithmetic
and geometric progressions very often feature in these questions.

More often than not, a fair amount of visualisation is important. There are only a few fundamentals to
master in plane geometry, but an endless variety of questions. CBSE/NCERT textbooks of standards
VIII, IX and X are a great place to learn the basics and past CAT questions a great place to apply them
(even when you are a few weeks away from taking the CBT-CAT this year).

Functions
This is probably the most feared concept. You need to know how functions are represented
analytically (algebraically) and graphically. Number theory, algebraic equations, inequalities and
coordinate geometry are concepts that are generally required to answer these questions.

Functions have an uncanny knack of appearing difficult to a test-taker (when they are absolutely not).
Do not decide whether to attempt a functions question based on how it appears at the first glance.
With the CAT body stating that the number of questions in this year's CAT will be in the range of 60-
70, you have time to decide on your attempts after having a good look at the questions.

Time and Distance

Time x Speed = Distance

We learnt this in the third standard. The faster you run, the faster you reach. The slower you run,
more the time you take to reach. If two trains run towards each other, they collide faster than they
would, if one was stationary and the other running. This is common sense, right? Well this is what
Time and Distance questions in CAT are all about.

You need to understand the concept of relative speed very well. Once you understand and incorporate
what average speed and variation means, Time and Distance questions will be a cakewalk for you.

Permutations and Combinations

This is one topic where most students falter, partly because it is generally taught in classes XI and XII,
after which it is not really used, and partly because test-takers have a preconception that this is a very
tough topic. Well, Permutations and Combinations can be rated as the most entertaining concept, if
you get the hang of it.
You can start with simple applications of the Fundamental Principle of counting, which you will find
in any good text book and slowly graduate to solving relatively complex questions on permutations
and combinations. Past CAT questions will give you an idea of what kind of questions you can expect
in the real test.

Do not take the risk of neglecting this concept since it is very useful in Number Theory.

Sequences, Progressions and Series

This concept covers mainly two types of questions. One involves identifying sequences of numbers
that do not follow any predefined patterns using logic and the other involves use of arithmetic,
geometric and harmonic progressions. The application of this concept also features in Functions,
Geometry, Number Theory, and Time and Distance.

As you go through past CAT questions you will notice that there is hardly any topic that is completely
absent. A single question may need an understanding of 3-4 different concepts. Therefore, not
knowing one concept may put you at the risk of losing out on the choice of attempting a number of
questions.

And with the CAT clearly showing a trend of reduced number of questions, you need to attempt more
and leave less questions unattempted.

It is important to get the basics right across concepts, and then focus on the ones that you know are
important. If you keep practicing new examples, you will master all fundamentals easily. The best way
to learn, increase accuracy, scores and percentiles is by doing, rather than learning by rote.

Good luck with Quant!