Maths Shortcuts & Tricks for Competitive Exams
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1. Multiplication Trick:
Example: 46 × 99 = 46 × (100 - 1) = 4600 - 46 = 4554
2. Square of Numbers Ending with 5:
Example: 35² = (3×(3+1)) & add 25 = 1225
Example: 75² = (7×(7+1)) & add 25 = 5625
3. Time & Work Shortcut:
If A can do a job in 10 days, B in 15 days,
Together = (10×15) / (10+15) = 6 days
4. Percentage Change Formula:
Net % change = x + y + (xy/100)
Example: If price ↑20% and consumption ↓20%,
Net effect = 20 - 20 - 4 = -4% (overall decrease)
5. Divisibility Rule for 11:
Difference of (sum of odd place digits - sum of even place digits)
Example: 1331 → (1+3) - (3+1) = 0 → divisible by 11
6. Average Short Trick:
If average of 10 numbers is 20 and one number 25 is added,
New average = (20×10 + 25) / 11 = 20.45 approx.
7. Ratio & Proportion Shortcut:
If a:b = 2:3 and b:c = 4:5, then a:b:c = 8:12:15
8. Square Root Approximation:
√50 ≈ 7.07 (since √49 = 7, √64 = 8, interpolate)
9. Speed, Distance & Time Formula:
Speed = Distance / Time
Example: Distance = 120 km, Time = 2 hrs → Speed = 60 km/h
10. Simple Interest Trick:
SI = (P×R×T)/100
Example: P=5000, R=10%, T=2 yrs → SI = 1000
These tricks are especially useful for SSC, Bank, Railway, and UPSC exams.
