Maths Number System
Maths Number System
NUMBER SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTION
Some Properties of Prime Numbers
The chapter of number systems is amongst the most impor-
tant chapters in the whole of mathematics syllabus for the n The lowest prime number is 2.
CAT examination. The students are advised to go through n 2 is also the only even prime number.
this chapter with utmost care, understanding each and every n The lowest odd prime number is 3.
question type on this topic. Over the last decade, approxi- n The remainder when a prime number p ≥ 5 is divided
mately 10–15 questions out of 40–50 questions asked in by 6 is 1 or 5. However, if a number on being divided
Mathematics have been taken from this chapter. It would be by 6 gives a remainder of 1 or 5 the number need not
a good idea to first go through the basic definitions of all be prime.
types of numbers (something I have found to be surprisingly n The remainder of the division of the square of a
very less known about). The student is also advised to go prime number p ≥ 5 divided by 24 is 1.
through the solutions of the various questions illustrated in n For prime numbers p > 3, p2 – 1 is divisible by 24.
this chapter. Besides, while solving this chapter, try to maximise n Prime Numbers between 1 to 100 are: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11,
your learning experience with every problem that you solve. 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67,
71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97.
DEFINITIONS n Prime Numbers between 100 to 200 are: 101, 103,
107, 109, 113, 127, 131, 137, 139, 149, 151, 157,
Natural Numbers These are the numbers (1, 2, 3 etc.) 163, 167, 173, 179, 181, 191, 193, 197, 199.
that are used for counting. In other words, all positive in- n If a and b are any two odd primes then a2 – b2 is
tegers are natural numbers. composite. Also, a2 + b2 is composite.
There are infinite natural numbers and the number 1 is n The remainder of the division of the square of a
the least natural number. prime number p ≥ 5 divided by 12 is 1.
Examples of natural numbers: 1, 2, 4, 8, 32, 23, 4321 and so on.
The following numbers are examples of numbers that
To Check Whether a Number is
are not natural: –2, –31, 2.38, 0 and so on.
Prime or Not
Based on divisibility, there could be two types of natural
numbers: Prime and Composite.
To check whether a number N is prime, adopt the follow-
Prime Numbers A natural number larger than unity is ing process.
a prime number if it does not have other divisors except for (a) Take the square root of the number.
itself and unity. (b) Round of the square root to the next highest integer.
Note: Unity (i.e. 1) is not a prime number Call this number z.
48 How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT
4 : 8
The Straight Line Approach
= (6 – Aw) : (Aw – 5) As we have seen, the cross method becomes quite cumber-
fi (6 – Aw)/(Aw – 5) = 4/8 Æ12 – 2 Aw = Aw – 5 some in Case 2 and Case 3. We will now proceed to modify
3 Aw = 17 the cross method so that the question can be solved graphi-
\ Aw = 5.66 Rs./kg. (Answer) cally in all the three cases.
Consider the following diagram, which results from
Task for student: Solve through the alligation formula closing the cross like a pair of scissors. Then the positions
approach and through the weighted average approach to get of A1, A2, Aw, n1 and n2 are as shown.
the solution. Notice, the amount of time required in doing
the same. A1 A2
Aw
Note: The cross method becomes quite cumbersome in
this case, as this method results in the formula being written. n1 n2
Illustration 6
7
On mixing two classes of students having average marks
25 and 40 respectively, the overall average obtained is 30
5 : 4 marks. Find
= (x – 7) : 1 (a) the ratio in which the classes were mixed.
\ (x – 7)/1 = 5/4 Æ 4x – 28 = 5 (b) the number of students in the first class if the second
\ x = Rs. 8.25. class had 30 students.
Chapter 3: Alligations 49
5 4
Illustration 7
SOME TYPICAL SITUATIONS WHERE
4 kg of rice at Rs. 5 per kg is mixed with 8 kg of rice at ALLIGATIONS CAN BE USED
Rs. 6 per kg. Find the average price of the mixture.
Given below are typical alligation situations, which students
Solution:
should be able to recognize. This will help them improve
5 Aw 6 upon the time required in solving questions. Although in
this chapter we have illustrated problems based on alliga-
4 8 tion at level 1 only, alligation is used in more complex
is the same as problems where the weighted average is an intermediate
step in the solution process.
5 Aw 6
The following situations should help the student identify
alligation problems better as well as spot the way A1, A2, n1
1 2
and n2 and Aw are mentioned in a problem.
Then, by unitary method: In each of the following problems the following magni-
tudes represent these variables:
n1 + n2 corresponds to A2 – A1
Æ 1 + 2 corresponds to 6 – 5 A1 = 20, A2 = 30, n1 = 40, n2 = 60
That is, 3 corresponds to 1 Each of these problems will yield an answer of 26 as the
value of Aw.
( A2 - A1 ) ¥ n2
\ n2 will correspond to
(n1 + n2 ) 1. A man buys 40 kg of rice at Rs. 20/kg and 60 kg of
rice at Rs. 30 kg. Find his average price. (26/kg)
In this case (1/3) ¥ 2 = 0.66.
2. Pradeep mixes two mixtures of milk and water. He
Hence, the required answer is 5.66.
mixes 40 litres of the first containing 20% water and
Note: In this case, the problem associated with the cross 60 litres of the second containing 30% water. Find the
method is overcome and the solution becomes graphical. percentage of water in the final mixture. (26%)
Case 3: A1, Aw, n1 and n2 are known; A2 is unknown. 3. Two classes are combined to form a larger class. The
first class having 40 students scored an average of 20
marks on a test while the second having 60 students
Illustration 8 scored an average of 30 marks on the same test. What
was the average score of the combined class on the
5 kg of rice at Rs. 6 per kg is mixed with 4 kg of rice to test. (26 marks)
get a mixture costing Rs. 7 per kg. Find the price of the 4. A trader earns a profit of 20% on 40% of his goods
costlier rice. sold, while he earns a profit of 30% on 60% of his
Chapter 4: Percentages 59
Hence, the net percentage change between the values of the denominator. If the numerator dominates the change,
the two products is 34.81%. This process will be much the ratio will change in the direction of the numerator.
faster than any other process of calculating the percentage However, the magnitude of the change will depend on
change (provided you have developed your skill at calculat- both the numerator and the denominator’s change.
ing percentage values through percentage rule)
A) Numerator and its effect on the ratio: The
The process is found useful for calculating the net per- numerator, as we know, has a direct effect on the magnitude
centage change in a product x ¥ y when both x and y change. of change in the ratio. This direct relationship holds true
not only for the direction but also for the magnitude of the
Use of Percentage Change Graphic percentage change in the ratio vis a vis the percentage
for Product Constancy/Inverse change in the numerator.
Proportionality That is, a 20% increase in the numerator increases
the ratio by 20% while a 10% decrease in the numerator
This usage requires just a minor adjustment in the process. reduces the ratio by 10%. In general, we can say that an x%
The situation for this usage will be when the percentage increase/decrease in the numerator increases/decreases the
change in one part of the product is provided and we have to ratio by x%.
find the corresponding percentage change in the other part of B) Denominator and its effect on the ratio: A little
the product so as to maintain the value of the overall product. concentrated thought will give you a clear picture of the
This is best illustrated through an example: direction of effect the denominator’s change has on the
ratio. It can be stated as:
Increase by 22% on 100
100
→
= + 22 (a) A decrease in the denominator increases the ratio.
(b) An increase in the denominator reduces the ratio.
122
→ 100
decrease needed to get back to 100 = − 22 These being obvious, we can further couple this with the
Table 4.1 given above to understand the magnitude of the
Decrease required to keep product constant = (–22/122)
percentage change in the ratio due to a percentage change
= –18.03 % approx (calculated by percentage rule)
in the denominator.
Effect of a Change in B o t h Numerator and
C) Calculation of the combined effect: The combined
Denominator on the Ratio There can be two broad
effect then that the simultaneous percentage changes in the
cases:
numerator and the denominator will have on the percentage
Case 1: Both numerator and denominator have the change in the ratio is easily calculated on the basis of the
same effect in terms of ratio change. percentage change graphic illustrated above. The process is
(A) Numerator increases and denominator decreases re- illustrated below:
sulting in an increase in the ratio. Suppose the numerator increases by 20% and the de-
(B) Numerator decreases and denominator increases re- nominator decreased by 10%. Then, the effect on the value
sulting in a decrease in the ratio. of the ratio will be:– 20% increase due to the numerator
increase and 9.09% decrease due to the denominator de-
In both the above situations the numerator and the de- crease. These values can be used on the percentage change
nominator work hand in hand and have the same directional graphic to get the net result.
effect on the ratio. In this case, it is not difficult to under-
stand the direction that the ratio will take in terms of its
change in value. FRACTION TO PERCENTAGE CONVERSION
Case 2: Numerator and denominator have the opposite TABLE
effects on the value of the ratio:
The following percentage values appear repeatedly over the
(A) Numerator and denominator both increase.
entire area where questions can be framed on the topic of
(B) Numerator and denominator both decrease. percentage. Further, it would be of great help to you if you
In both these cases the net effect on the value of the ratio are able to recognize these values separately from values
will depend upon the relative effects of the numerator and that do not appear in the table.
Chapter 6: Interest 109
Again, interest for next 4 years will be equal to 7 ¥ 4 = Problems 6.5 A sum of money was invested at SI at a
28%. certain rate for 3 years. Had it been invested at a 4%
And interest for next 4 years (till 11 years) – 7.5 ¥ 4 = higher rate, it would have fetched Rs. 480 more. Find the
30% principal.
So, total interest = 18 + 28 + 30 = 76%
So, total interest earned by him = 76% of the amount (a) Rs. 4000 (b) Rs. 4400 (c) Rs. 5000 (d) Rs. 3500
(76 ¥ 1200) Solution Let the rate be y% and principal be Rs. x and
= = Rs. 912 the time be 3 years.
100
Then according to the question = (x(y + 4) ¥ 3)/100
This calculation can be done very conveniently using the
– (xy ¥ 3)/100 = 480
percentage rule as 75% + 1% = 900 + 12 = 912.
fi xy + 4x – xy = 160 ¥ 100
Problem 6.3 A sum of money doubles itself in 12 years. fi x = (160 ¥ 100)/4 = Rs. 4000
Find the rate percentage per annum.
Alternatively: Excess money obtained = 3 years @ 4% per
(a) 12.5% (b) 8.33% (c) 10% (d) 7.51% annum
= 12% of whole money
Solution Let principal = x, then interest = x, time = 12
So, according to the question, 12% = Rs. 480
years.
So, 100% = Rs. 4000 (answer arrived at by using unitary
Using the formula, Rate = (Interest ¥ 100)/Principal ¥ Time
method.)
= (x ¥ 100)/(x ¥ 12) = 8.33%
Problem 6.6 A certain sum of money trebles itself in 8
Alternatively: It is obvious that in 12 years, 100% of the years. In how many years it will be five times?
amount is added as interest.
(a) 22 years (b) 16 years (c) 20 years (d) 24 years
So, in 1 year = (100/12)% of the amount is added.
Hence, every year there is an addition of 8.33% (which Solution It trebles itself in 8 years, which makes inter-
is the rate of simple interest required). est equal to 200% of principal.
Alternatively, you can also use the formula. So, 200% is added in 8 years.
If a sum of money gets doubled in x years, then rate of Hence, 400%, which makes the whole amount equal to
interest = (100/x)%. five times of the principal, which will be added in 16 years.
Problem 6.4 A certain sum of money amounts to Rs. 704 Problem 6.7 If CI is charged on a certain sum for 2 years
in 2 years and Rs. 800 in 5 years. Find the rate percentage at 10% the amount becomes 605. Find the principal?
per annum.
(a) Rs. 550 (b) Rs. 450 (c) Rs. 480 (d) Rs. 500
(a) Rs. 580 (b) Rs. 600 (c) Rs. 660 (d) Rs. 640
Solution Using the formula, amount = Principal (1 +
Solution Let the principal be Rs. x and rate = r%. rate/100)time
Then, difference in between the interest of 5 years and
605 = p(1 + 10/100)2 = p(11/10)2
of 2 years equals to
p = 605(100/121) = Rs. 500
Rs. 800 – Rs. 704 = Rs. 96
Alternatively: Checking the options,
So, interest for 3 years = Rs. 96
Hence, interest/year = Rs. 96/3 = Rs. 32 Option (a) Rs. 550
So, interest for 2 years Æ 2 ¥ Rs. 32 = Rs. 64 First year interest = Rs. 55, which gives the total amount
So, the principal = Rs. 704 – Rs. 64 = Rs. 640 Rs. 605 at the end of first year. So not a valid option.
Thought process here should be Option (b) Rs. 450
Rs. 96 interest in 3 years Æ Rs. 32 interest every year. First year interest = Rs. 45
Hence, principal = 704 – 64 = 640 Second year interest = Rs. 45 + 10% of Rs. 45 = 49.5
Chapter 8: Time and Work 145
Thus, the work done per man-day has to rise from 1 to 2. 6 men can do a piece of work in 12 days. How many
1.5, that is, by 50%. Hence, the efficiency of work has to men are needed to do the work in 18 days.
rise by 50%. (a) 3 men (b) 6 men
(c) 4 men (d) 2 men
Problem 8.4 A is twice as efficient as B. If they complete
3. A can do a piece of work in 20 days and B can do
a work in 30 days find the times required by each to com-
it in 15 days. How long will they take if both work
plete the work individually. together?
Solution When we say that A is twice as efficient as B, (a) 8 FH 6 IK days (b) 8 FH 4 IK days
it means that A takes half the time that B takes to complete 7 7
(c) 9 F I days
the same work. 3
(d) None of these
Thus, if we denote A’s 1 day’s work as A and B’s one HK7
day's work as B, we have 4. In question 3 if C, who can finish the same work in 25
A = 2B days, joins them, then how long will they take to com-
plete the work?
Then, using the information in the problem, we have: 30
A + 30 B = 100% work (a) 6 FH 18 IK days (b) 12 days
47
That is, 90 B = 100% work Æ B = 1.11 % (is the work
(c) 2 F I days FH IK
done by B in 1 day) Æ B requires 90 days to complete the 8 6
work alone.
H K
11
(d) 47
18
days
Since, A = 2B Æ we have A = 2.22 % Æ A requires 45 5. Nishu and Archana can do a piece of work in 10 days
days to do the work alone. and Nishu alone can do it in 12 days. In how many
You should be able to solve this mentally with the fol- days can Archana do it alone?
lowing thought process while reading for the first time: (a) 60 days (b) 30 days
(c) 50 days (d) 45 days
100 3.33
= 3.33%. = 1.11%. Hence, work done is 1.11% 6. Baba alone can do a piece of work in 10 days. Anshu
30 3
per day and 2.22% per day Æ 90 and 45 days. alone can do it in 15 days. If the total wages for the
work is Rs. 50. How much should Baba be paid if they
Problem 8.5 A is two times more efficient than B. If they work together for the entire duration of the work?
complete a work in 30 days, then find the times required by (a) Rs. 30 (b) Rs. 20
each to complete the work individually. (c) Rs. 50 (d) None of these
7. 4 men and 3 women finish a job in 6 days, and 5 men
Solution Interpret the first sentence as A = 3B and solve
and 7 women can do the same job in 4 days. How long
according to the process of the previous problem to get
will 1 man and 1 woman take to do the work?
the answers. (You should get A takes 40 days and B takes
120 days.) (a) 22 FH 2 IK days (b) 25 FH 1 IK days
7 2
a depth of 280 metres. How many metres of drilling 9. If the tank is half full and set X and set Y are closed,
was the plan for each day. how many minutes will it take for set Z to empty the
(a) 38 metres (b) 30 metres tank if alternate taps of set Z are closed.
(c) 27 metres (d) None of these (a) 12 minutes (b) 20 minutes
3. A pipe can fill a tank is x hours and another can empty (c) 40 minutes (d) 16 minutes
it in y hours. If the tank is 1/3rd full then the number 10. If one pipe is added for set X and set Y and set Z’s
of hours in which they will together fill it in is capacity is increased by 20% on it’s original value and
(3xy ) (3xy ) all the taps are opened at 2.58 p.m., then at what time
(a) (b) does the tank get filled? (If it is initially empty.)
2( y - x ) (y - x)
xy (a) 3.05 p.m. (b) 3.04 p.m.
(c) (d) None of these (c) 3.10 p.m. (d) 3.03 p.m.
3( y - x )
4. Dev and Tukku can do a piece of work in 45 and 40 11. Ajit can do as much work in 2 days as Baljit can do
days respectively. They began the work together, but in 3 days and Baljit can do as much in 4 days as Diljit
Dev leaves after some days and Tukku finished the in 5 days. A piece of work takes 20 days if all work
remaining work in 23 days. After how many days did together. How long would Baljit take to do all the
Dev leave work by himself?
(a) 7 days (b) 8 days (a) 82 days (b) 44 days
(c) 9 days (d) 11 days (c) 66 days (d) 50 days
12. Two pipes can fill a cistern in 14 and 16 hours respec-
5. A finishes 6/7th of the work in 2z hours, B works
tively. The pipes are opened simultaneously and it is
twice as fast and finishes the remaining work. For
found that due to leakage in the bottom of the cistern,
how long did B work?
it takes 32 minutes extra for the cistern to be filled
(a) FH 2 IK z (b) FH 6 IK z up. When the cistern is full, in what time will the leak
3 7
empty it?
(c) FH 6 IK z (d) F 3Iz
H 18 K (a) 114 h (b) 112 h
49 (c) 100 h (d) 80 h
13. A tank holds 100 gallons of water. It’s inlet is 7 inches
Directions for questions 6–10: Read the following and an-
in diameter and fills the tank at 5 gallons/min. The
swer the questions that follow.
outlet of the tank is twice the diameter of the inlet.
A set of 10 pipes (set X ) can fill 70% of a tank in 7
How many minutes will it take to empty the tank if the
minutes. Another set of 5 pipes (set Y ) fills 3/8 of the tank
inlet is shut off, when the tank is full and the outlet is
in 3 minutes. A third set of 8 pipes (set Z ) can empty 5/10
opened? (Hint: Rate of filling or emptying is directly
of the tank in 10 minutes.
proportional to the diameter)
6. How many minutes will it take to fill the tank if all the
(a) 7.14 min (b) 10.0 min
23 pipes are opened at the same time?
(c) 0.7 min (d) 5.0 min
5 14. A tank of capacity 25 litres has an inlet and an outlet
(a) 5 minutes (b) 5 minutes
7
tap. If both are opened simultaneously, the tank is
(c) 6 minutes (d) None of these
filled in 5 minutes. But if the outlet flow rate is
7. If only half the pipes of set X are closed and only doubled and taps opened the tank never gets filled
half the pipes of set Y are open and all other pipes are up. Which of the following can be outlet flow rate in
open, how long will it take to fill 49% of the tank? liters/min?
(a) 16 minutes (b) 13 minutes (a) 2 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 3
(c) 7 minutes (d) None of these
15. X takes 4 days to complete one-third of a job, Y takes
8. If 4 pipes are closed in set Z, and all others remain 3 days to complete one-sixth of the same work and Z
open, how long will it take to fill the tank? takes 5 days to complete half the job. If all of them
(a) 5 minutes (b) 6 minutes work together for 3 days and X and Z quit, how long
(c) 7 minutes (d) 7.5 minutes will it take for Y to complete the remaining work done.
Chapter 8: Time and Work 151