Maths Basics and Formulas
Maths Basics and Formulas
User:
Evaluate, analyse and bring a solid solution for my problem.
Claude:
I'd be happy to help analyze and solve your problem, but I don't see any specific problem
described yet. Could you please share:
1. What problem or challenge you're facing
2. Any relevant context or details
3. What you've already tried (if anything)
4. What kind of solution you're hoping to achieve
Once you provide these details, I can help evaluate the situation and suggest potential solutions
tailored to your needs.
User:
I have to give a very important college entrance test in one and a half month, the MCQ test
includes logical reasoning, quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning. I solve logical reasoning
intuitively and with a little bit of practice, even the difficult questions are managed, I'm not 100%
correct while giving mocks but I am going through. However, the main problem lies in the
quantitative reasoning, there are very few questions I can solve with basic foundations of maths
and intuitive based. But the problem lies in the part where I have to solve questions with
structured mathematical process rather than intuition. I do not have a problem with learning the
basic foundations I need to solve the questions but I am not able to solve the majority of them
with intuitions and foundations. Give me a solid solution where I can solve quantitative reasoning
questions the same way I do logical reasoning, taking into consideration the time I have left.
Claude:
Let me analyze your situation and provide a structured solution:
Analysis of the Current Situation:
1. You have 1.5 months until your entrance test
2. You excel at logical reasoning through intuition and practice
3. You understand basic math foundations
4. The challenge is with structured mathematical processes
5. You want to develop a more intuitive approach to quantitative reasoning
Your strengths in logical reasoning suggest you have strong pattern recognition and analytical
skills, which we can leverage for quantitative reasoning.
Here's a strategic solution:
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1. Pattern Recognition Training (Week 1)
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User:
This pdf is the official sample paper which includes how quantitative reasoning questions are
asked.
Claude:
Let me analyze the quantitative reasoning section from the sample paper to provide a more
targeted strategy for your preparation.
Analysis of the Question Types:
1. Mathematical Properties & Operations (Questions 1-4)
Functions and algebra
Linear equations
Quadratic equations
Number properties
2. Word Problems (Questions 5-8)
Time and work
Mixtures and ratios
Percentage calculations
Rate and productivity
3. Geometry & Measurement (Questions 9-12)
3D geometry (cones, volumes)
Triangle properties
Overlapping shapes
Area calculations
4. Data Interpretation (Questions 13-16)
Percentage changes
Time series data
Average calculations
Unit conversions
5. Statistics & Sets (Questions 17-20)
Median properties
Arithmetic progressions
Set theory
Range and average concepts
Strategic Solution:
1. Pattern-Based Learning (2 weeks)
Create question clusters based on similar solving patterns
For example:
All questions about percentage change follow similar steps
Geometry questions often use core formulas with variations
Time & work problems have common calculation patterns
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2. Formula Optimization (1 week)
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Basic Properties
(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
(a - b)² = a² + b² - 2ab
a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b)
(a + b)³ = a³ + b³ + 3ab(a + b)
Function Shortcuts
For f(x) = (1 + 1/x), f(x) × f(x+1) pattern indicates telescoping series
For quadratic equations ax² + bx + c:
Sum of roots = -b/a
Product of roots = c/a
Discriminant = b² - 4ac
Linear Equations
For infinite solutions: Coefficients must be proportional
Quick check: Cross multiply coefficients
System compatibility: Compare ratios of coefficients
2. Percentages and Ratios
Percentage Changes
Successive % changes: Multiply (1 + r₁/100)(1 + r₂/100)
Overall % change = New−Original/Original × 100
Quick % calculations:
10% = divide by 10
5% = half of 10%
15% = 10% + 5%
Ratio Shortcuts
If a:b = x:y, then a/b = x/y
In continued ratios (a:b:c), convert to parts
When combining ratios, use LCM
Three-way ratio distribution: Convert to parts out of total
3. Time and Work
Basic Formulas
Time = Work/Rate
Combined work rate = 1/T = 1/T₁ + 1/T₂
Work done = Rate × Time
Quick Methods
For two people: Combined time = (T₁ × T₂)/(T₁ + T₂)
Three people working: Add reciprocals
Work efficiency ratio = Inverse of time ratio
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Person joining later: Calculate work done before joining
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Key Formulas
Mean = Σx/n
Median (odd n) = (n+1)/2th term
Median (even n) = Average of n/2th and (n/2+1)th terms
Range = Maximum - Minimum
Quick Methods
For grouped data: Use assumed mean method
Class interval midpoint = (Upper + Lower limit)/2
Mode = 3Median - 2Mean (approximately)
8. Set Theory
Basic Operations
n(A∪B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A∩B)
n(A∪B∪C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) - n(A∩B) - n(B∩C) - n(A∩C) + n(A∩B∩C)
Quick Checks
Complement rule: n(A') = n(U) - n(A)
Subset check: If A⊆B, then n(A∩B) = n(A)
Empty set property: n(∅) = 0
Time-Saving Tips
1. Elimination Strategy
For "Always/Sometimes/Never" questions:
Find one counter-example to eliminate "Always"
Find one example to eliminate "Never"
2. Quantity Comparison
Check with extreme values
Test with zero and one
Look for common factors
3. Data Problems
Round numbers for quick calculations
Look for patterns in changes
Use percentage change shortcuts
4. Word Problems
Underline key information
Draw diagrams for visualization
Check units before calculations
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I've created a comprehensive guide of formulas and shortcuts that directly align with the sample
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1. Perfect Squares
Last digit can only be 0,1,4,5,6,9
Sum of first n odd numbers = n²
n² - (n-1)² = 2n-1
2. Perfect Cubes
Last digit same as the cube root
n³ - (n-1)³ = 3n² - 3n + 1
3. Prime Numbers
Prime factorization method
Sieve of Eratosthenes
Prime factors of n can't exceed √n
2. Algebra & Functions
Basic Algebraic Identities
1. Standard Forms
(a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
(a - b)² = a² - 2ab + b²
a² - b² = (a+b)(a-b)
(a + b)³ = a³ + b³ + 3ab(a + b)
(a - b)³ = a³ - b³ - 3ab(a - b)
a³ + b³ = (a + b)(a² - ab + b²)
a³ - b³ = (a - b)(a² + ab + b²)
2. Function Properties
Domain and Range
Even function: f(-x) = f(x)
Odd function: f(-x) = -f(x)
Periodic function: f(x + T) = f(x)
Composite function: (f∘g)(x) = f(g(x))
Advanced Function Concepts
1. Special Functions
Floor function ⌊x⌋: largest integer ≤ x
Ceiling function ⌈x⌉: smallest integer ≥ x
Modulus function |x|: distance from zero
2. Function Transformations
f(x) + k: Vertical shift up k units
f(x - h): Horizontal shift right h units
-f(x): Reflection about x-axis
f(-x): Reflection about y-axis
kf(x): Vertical stretch by factor k
f(kx): Horizontal compression by factor k
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3. Equations & Inequalities
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Linear Equations
1. Basic Concepts
ax + b = 0
System of equations:
a₁x + b₁y = c₁
a₂x + b₂y = c₂
Solution exists if a₁/a₂ ≠ b₁/b₂
2. Advanced Applications
Substitution method
Elimination method
Cross-multiplication method
Graphical interpretation
Quadratic Equations
1. Standard Form
ax² + bx + c = 0
Discriminant (D) = b² - 4ac
Roots: x = (-b ± √D)/2a
2. Properties of Roots
Sum of roots = -b/a
Product of roots = c/a
Nature of roots:
D > 0: Real and distinct
D = 0: Real and equal
D < 0: Complex conjugates
Inequalities
1. Basic Rules
Adding/subtracting same number
Multiplying/dividing by positive number
Multiplying/dividing by negative number reverses inequality
2. Advanced Applications
Quadratic inequalities
Rational inequalities
Absolute value inequalities
4. Coordinate Geometry
Points and Lines
1. Distance Formula
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d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²]
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1. Word Problems
Read completely first
Identify known and unknown variables
Draw diagrams or tables
Work backwards if needed
2. Data Interpretation
Scan for patterns
Calculate percentage changes
Use weighted averages
Compare ratios
3. Option Elimination
Use extreme values
Check special cases (0,1,∞)
Look for contradictions
Apply common sense checks
[Continued in next response due to length...]
Would you like me to:
1. Provide specific examples for any concept?
2. Add more advanced topics in any area?
3. Create practice problems focused on particular sections?
4. Explain specific shortcuts in more detail?
User:
Can you do all four and complete it??
Claude:
I'll provide a complete guide with examples, advanced topics, practice problems, and detailed
shortcuts. Due to the extensive content, I'll break this into focused sections.
Complete Mathematics Guide with Examples, Practice, and Shortcuts
Comprehensive Mathematics Study Guide
- Part 1: Algebra and Functions
Section 1: Advanced Algebraic Concepts
A. Quadratic Functions Deep Dive
Theory:
Complete form: ax² + bx + c
Vertex form: a(x - h)² + k
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Factored form: a(x - r₁)(x - r₂)
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Advanced Properties:
1. Vieta's Formulas:
Sum of roots = -b/a
Product of roots = c/a
Sum of squares of roots = (b²/a²) - (2c/a)
Example 1:
For the quadratic: 2x² - 5x + 2
Step 1: Using Vieta's formulas
Sum of roots = 5/2
Product of roots = 1
Step 2: Verify using quadratic formula
x = [-(-5) ± √(25-16)]/4
x = (5 ± 3)/4
x₁ = 2, x₂ = 1/2
Practice Problem 1:
Find the value of p if one root of x² + px + 4 is twice the other.
Solution:
Let roots be r and 2r
Using Vieta's formulas:
r + 2r = -p
r(2r) = 4
3r = -p
2r² = 4
r = ±√2
Therefore p = ∓3√2
Practice Problem 2:
Find the vertex of h(x) = -2(x + 1)² + 3
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Solution:
Step 1: Original vertex of x² is (0,0)
Step 2: Shift left 1 unit: (-1,0)
Step 3: Vertical stretch by -2: (-1,0)
Step 4: Vertical shift up 3: (-1,3)
2. Geometric-Arithmetic Mixed:
Look for terms like nr^n
Example:
nr² + (n-1)r + (n-2) follows pattern
Practice Problem 3:
Find the sum: 1/1×2 + 1/2×3 + 1/3×4 + ... + 1/99×100
Solution:
Step 1: Recognize telescoping pattern
1/n(n+1) = 1/n - 1/(n+1)
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