How to Develop Mental Math Skills to Solve CAT Questions Faster

How to Develop Mental Math Skills to Solve CAT Questions Faster

"Mental math" describes the ability to perform calculations without paper, a calculator, or any other instrument. In the increasingly digitized world, even the most minor mathematics problems can be solved using gadgets, and this has led to the popularization of mental arithmetic.
Nonetheless, it is beneficial: it saves time, improves problem-solving abilities, and boosts confidence when dealing with numbers. Shatter some myths while strengthening the muscle memory for computation, as this blog discusses a few easy techniques that shall aid in speeding up calculations.

Why Mental Mathematics is Essential in CAT

It Creates a strong number sense
Mental math instills a sense of numbers in people by explaining how numbers relate to one another. It enables people to visualize numbers in their interactions and may improve conflicting intuitions when solving specific problems. Such strong number sense will also aid in the critical need to calculate numbers quickly in the real and practical worlds outside of mathematics classes.

Improves a Person's Problem-Solving Ability
Mental mathematics, as the name implies, encourages one to think critically while coming up with various strategies to deal with "more than ordinary" problems. It prepares the brain to break complicated calculations into smaller, manageable steps applicable to more difficult math problems.

Helps You Save Time in Life
In shopping, dining out, or traveling, you would need to make quick calculations regarding discounts, splitting bills, or estimating the time it would take to reach there. This will save time and make a person more confident in everyday numerical situations.

Increased Performance in Academics
The time that would have been wasted calculating something could have been better spent checking one's answer, as the calculations are only a minute or two. Regardless of how easy they think mental math reading is, students who do well at mental math have better performance in all math subjects because they process numbers faster.

Sharpening Memory and Attention
Mental math practice will improve memory and concentration. It forces you to keep numbers and steps in your head and improve the ability to concentrate on more complex tasks without being confused or distracted.

Simple Tricks to Improve Your Calculation Speed

The key to mastering mental math is practice and familiarity with some useful techniques. Here are a few practical tips to help you calculate more quickly:

1. Break Down Complex Problems
Divide a complex problem into smaller, easier-to-manage components rather than trying to solve it all at once. For instance, divide 26 into 20 and 6 to multiply it by 4. Multiply 20 by 4 to obtain 80, and then multiply 6 by 4 to obtain 24. The sum of the two outcomes is 80 + 24 = 104.
2. Use the "9 Rule" for Multiplication

To simplify multiplying by nine, apply the "9 Rule." To multiply 9 by 7, for example, consider 9 to be 10 - 1. To get 70, multiply 10 by 7, and then subtract 7 to get 63. You can use this trick on any number that is multiplied by 9.
3. Memorize Squares Up to 20

Quick calculations and estimations can be facilitated by learning squares up to 20, such as 4² = 16 or 12² = 144. Having these on hand helps you save time when solving math problems that often involve squaring numbers.
4. Use Rounding and Adjusting

To facilitate computations, round numbers up or down, and then modify your response appropriately. For instance, round 48 to 50 if you need to multiply 48 by 5. To get 250, multiply 50 by 5, and then subtract 10 (because you rounded up by adding 2) to get 240.
5. Practice the “5 Rule” for Division

If you keep in mind this rule, dividing by five is easy: double the number, then divide by ten. To get 170, for instance, divide 85 by 5; to get 17, divide by 10; and so on.

Weightage of Maths for IIM
Both the CAT exam and the IIM selection process place a high value on math. The Math (QA) portion accounts for 66 of the 198 total points. There will be 22 math questions out of 66. For any applicant hoping to get into IIMs, ignoring math is not a smart move.
Maths Important Topics

The CAT math syllabus is not defined. It covers a wide range of topics that a candidate should study to perform well on this section of the CAT exam. To name a few, important concepts include arithmetic, trigonometry, and geometry. While preparing for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section, candidates should keep the following important topics on their checklist:

Logarithms, the number system, inequalities, trigonometry, simple and compound interest

Work and Time. Permutation and Combination Surds & Indices, Percentages, probabilities

Square and cube roots, profit and loss, and geometric progression

Can I clear CAT if I am weak in mental maths?
Clearing the CAT will be difficult if a candidate is not strong in mathematics. Being good at math is critical for qualifying for the CAT exam and meeting the sectional cutoff for the Quant section at various IIMs.

Does IIM require mental maths?
IIM requires qualifying CAT and sectional cutoffs, so math is essential. Having a knack for numbers and mathematical ability enhances a candidate's overall profile when applying to an IIM.

Does CAT have 11 and 12 maths?
The majority of the mathematical concepts used to formulate questions in the quantitative section of the CAT exam are taught in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade mathematics. However, the questions remain slightly advanced.
Developing mental math skills takes practice, but it doesn't have to be dull. You can make it fun by challenging yourself with quick quizzes, math games, or apps designed to improve calculation speed. To gain confidence, practice frequently and increase the level of difficulty.
More than just a practical ability, mental math helps you maintain your mental acuity and flexibility. You can increase your calculation speed and manage numbers with ease in academic and real-world situations by picking up a few easy tips and practicing frequently. Accept the challenge, and you will soon discover that mental math is second nature.

Sambhavi Prakash