Crack Competitive Exams with a Good Grasp on Objective Arithmetic

Introduction

Competitive exams are gateways to securing a successful career, whether it's in the fields of government services, corporate sectors, or professional institutes. These exams can often be intense, testing not just knowledge but also your ability to solve problems quickly and accurately under pressure. Among the various sections tested in competitive exams, arithmetic (or quantitative aptitude) is one of the most crucial areas where candidates tend to struggle. However, a solid grasp of objective arithmetic can significantly improve your performance and help you crack these exams. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of arithmetic in competitive exams, the benefits of fast track objective arithmetic which is one of the best arihant arithmetic books and provide a roadmap on how you can master this area to increase your chances of success. 

The Role of Objective Arithmetic in Competitive Exams

Objective arithmetic is an essential component of most competitive exams. Whether you're preparing for exams like the SSC, IBPS, UPSC, CAT, GRE, or railway exams, arithmetic is often a major section of the quantitative aptitude part. The questions are typically objective, meaning that you are required to select the correct answer from a set of options. The key topics that fall under objective arithmetic include: 

• Number Systems: Understanding the properties of numbers such as divisibility rules, factors, and multiples.
• Percentages: Problems involving profit and loss, discounts, and percentage increases/decreases.
• Ratio and Proportion: Deals with comparisons and relations between two or more quantities.
• Averages: Calculating the mean of a set of numbers.
• Time and Work: Solving problems related to the efficiency of workers, machines, etc.
• Time, Speed, and Distance: Includes problems on relative speed, trains, boats, and other real-life applications.
• Simple and Compound Interest: Calculation of interest over different periods.
• Profit and Loss: Determining profit margins, selling price, and cost price.
• Mixtures and Allegations: Problems related to the mixing of substances and their ratios.

Why Focus on Arithmetic?

In competitive exams, speed and accuracy are paramount. Arithmetic, being objective, allows you to practice a set of formulas and techniques that help you solve problems rapidly and with precision. You can master the techniques for solving arithmetic problems with the help of fast track objective arithmetic, you can gain a significant edge over other candidates, especially in exams where time is limited. Here’s why objective arithmetic is essential: 

• High Weightage: Arithmetic forms a significant part of the total marks in many competitive exams. Its importance cannot be overstated, and mastering it can make the difference between passing and failing.
• Test Preparation Strategy: Most competitive exams are designed to test your ability to solve problems in a limited amount of time. By practising arithmetic regularly, you improve your problem-solving speed, which can help you complete the exam on time and with fewer errors.
• Real-Life Application: Arithmetic skills are not just useful for exams but also real-life decision-making. Whether it’s managing finances, calculating discounts while shopping, or understanding work-related tasks, arithmetic plays an important role in everyday situations.

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic: Steps to Master Arithmetic 

Now that you understand the importance of arithmetic in competitive exams, let’s take a look at the steps you can follow to master this section: 

Step 1: Understand the Basics

Before diving into solving complex problems, it's important to have a strong foundation in basic arithmetic concepts. Brush up on topics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Ensure that you’re comfortable working with fractions, decimals, and percentages. A solid understanding of these will help you tackle more advanced topics with ease. 

Step 2: Study Key Formulas and Concepts

Objective arithmetic is all about applying formulas and concepts efficiently. Make sure to memorize important formulas, such as those for percentage calculation, profit and loss, time and work, and interest calculations. 

Step 3: Solve Sample Problems

Practice is key when it comes to mastering arithmetic, hence arihant objective mathematics is a suitable option. Begin by solving a variety of problems from different topics in the fast track objective arithmetic book. Start with easy problems and gradually move to more difficult ones. This will help you build both confidence and speed. Make sure to work on time management, as this is crucial during competitive exams. 

Step 4: Use Shortcuts and Tricks

There are many shortcuts and tricks you can use to solve problems faster. For example: 

• Vedic Math: Learn simple tricks for faster multiplication, division, and squaring.
• Approximation: In many cases, competitive exams allow for approximations. If the options are close, estimate the answer rather than calculating it precisely.
• Elimination Method: In objective questions, sometimes it’s faster to eliminate the wrong options rather than solve the entire problem.

Step 5: Mock Tests and Time-Bound Practice

Taking mock tests is an excellent way to simulate the actual exam environment. By practicing under timed conditions, you can learn how to manage your time and identify which types of questions take longer to solve. This will help you focus on the areas where you need to improve and help you strategize during the real exam. 

Step 6: Review and Analyze Mistakes

After completing each mock test or practice set, carefully review the questions you got wrong. Understand where you went wrong and why. Did you misinterpret the question? Did you forget a formula? Or was it simply a calculation error? By analyzing your mistakes, you can avoid making the same errors in the future. 

Conclusion

A good grasp of arithmetic is an indispensable asset in competitive exams. It not only improves your performance but also boosts your confidence. By following the steps outlined in this blog post—building a strong foundation, memorizing formulas, practising regularly, and using time management strategies—you can crack competitive exams with ease. Remember, consistency and persistence are key. Keep practising, and soon you’ll see your scores soar! Good luck with your preparations, and stay focused. With the right approach and suitable preparation with the fast track objective arithmetic, you are well on your way to success! 

FAQs

• Why is arithmetic important in mathematics?
• The arithmetic forms the basics of many concepts in maths including algebra, calculus, etc.

• What sets apart arihant fast track objective arithmetic from other books?
• The key reason is that it covers the major and basic concepts of arithmetic and includes base-level questions and higher skill-level questions.

• When should I start preparing for the arithmetic?
• Dedicate a certain amount of time to study mathematics.