Topic Page No

Ratio And Proportion Formulas 1

Mixtures And Alligations Formulas 12

Profit And Loss, Discount Formulas 16

Simple Interest & Compound Interest

20
Formulas

Time, Speed, Distance &Work Formulas 25

Linear Equations Formulas 39

Quadratic Equations Formulas 45

Inequalities Formulas 51

Progressions and Series Formulas 54

Logarithms, Surds and Indices Formulas 63

Geometry Formulas 68

Set Theory And Venn Diagrams Formulas 102

Number System Formulas 109

Remainder Theorems Formulas 121

Permutations And Combinations Formulas 135

Bayes Theorem
140
(Conditional Probability) Formulas
 CAT Ratio & Proportion
Formulas
● Ratio and Proportions is one of the easiest concepts
in CAT. Questions from this concept are mostly asked
in conjunction with other concepts like similar
triangles, mixtures and alligations.
● Hence fundamentals of this concept are important
not just from a stand-alone perspective, but also to
answer questions from other concepts
● A ratio can be represented as fraction a/b or using the
notation a:b. In each of these representations ′a′ is
called the antecedent and ′b′ is called the consequent.
● For a ratio to be defined, the quantities of the items
should be of the same nature. We can not compare
the length of the rod to the area of a square.

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● However if these quantities are represented in
numbers, i.e., length of a rod is ‘a’ cm and area of a
square is ‘b’ sq.km, we can still define the ratio of
these numbers as a:b
● The Ratio of the number a to the number b (b≠ 0) is
𝑎
also expressed as
𝑏
● Example: As mentioned, a Ratio can be expressed or
represented in a variety of ways. For instance, the
2
ratio of 2 to 3 can be expressed as 2:3 or
3

● The order in which the terms of a ratio are written is

important. For example, The ratio of the number of
months having precisely 30 days to the number of
4 7
months with exactly 31 days, is , not
7 4
Properties of Ratios:
● It is not necessary for a ratio to be positive. When
dealing with quantities of objects, however, the

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 ratios will be positive. Only positive ratios will be
considered in this notion.
● A ratio remains the same if both antecedent and
consequent are multiplied or divided by the same
non-zero number, i.e.,

𝑎 𝑝𝑎 𝑞𝑎
𝑏
= 𝑝𝑏
= 𝑞𝑏
, p,q≠ 0

𝑎 𝑎/𝑝 𝑎/𝑞
𝑏
= 𝑏/𝑝 = 𝑏/𝑞 , p,q≠ 0
● Two ratios in fraction notation can be compared
in the same way that actual numbers can.
𝑎 𝑝
𝑏
= 𝑞
⇔ 𝑎𝑞 = 𝑏𝑝
𝑎 𝑝
𝑏
> 𝑞
⇔ 𝑎𝑞 > 𝑏𝑝
𝑎 𝑝
𝑏
< 𝑞
⇔ 𝑎𝑞 < 𝑏𝑝
● If antecedent > consequent, the ratio is said to be
the ratio of greater inequality.

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● If antecedent < consequent, the ratio is said to be
the ratio of lesser inequality.
● If the antecedent = consequent, the ratio is said to
be the ratio of equality.

If a, b, x are positive, then

𝑎+𝑥 𝑎
If a > b, then <
𝑏+𝑥 𝑏
𝑎+𝑥 𝑎
If a < b, then >
𝑏+𝑥 𝑏
𝑎−𝑥 𝑎
If a > b, then >
𝑏−𝑥 𝑏
𝑎−𝑥 𝑎
If a < b, then <
𝑏−𝑥 𝑏
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑
If
𝑝
= 𝑞
= 𝑟
= 𝑠
=... ,
then a:b:c:d:... = p:q:r:s:...

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 𝑎 𝑐
If two ratios 𝑏
and 𝑑
are equal
𝑎 𝑐 𝑏 𝑑
1. Invertendo:
𝑏
= 𝑑
⟹𝑎 =𝑐

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏
2. Alternendo:
𝑏
= 𝑑
⟹𝑐 =𝑑

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎+𝑏 𝑐+𝑑
3. Componendo:
𝑏
= 𝑑
⟹ 𝑏
= 𝑑

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎−𝑏 𝑐−𝑑
4. Dividendo:
𝑏
= 𝑑
⟹ 𝑏
= 𝑑

𝑎 𝑐 𝑎+𝑏 𝑐+𝑑
5. Componendo-Dividendo:
𝑏
= 𝑑
⟹ 𝑎−𝑏 = 𝑐−𝑑

𝑎 𝑐 𝑝𝑎+𝑞𝑏 𝑝𝑐+𝑞𝑑
6.
𝑏
= 𝑑
⟹ 𝑟𝑎+𝑠𝑏
= 𝑟𝑐+𝑠𝑑
,

for all real p, q, r, s such that pa+qb ≠ 0 and rc+sd

≠0

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Other Properties:
● If a, b, c, d, e, f, p, q, r are constants and are not
𝑎 𝑐 𝑒
equal to zero and = = = … then each
𝑏 𝑑 𝑓
𝑎+𝑐+𝑒...
of these ratios is equal to
𝑏+𝑑+𝑓...
● If a, b, c, d, e, f, p, q, r are constants and are not
𝑎 𝑐 𝑒
equal to zero and = = =… then each
𝑏 𝑑 𝑓
𝑝𝑎+𝑞𝑐+𝑟𝑒...
of these ratios is equal to
𝑝𝑏+𝑞𝑑+𝑟𝑓...
● If a, b, c, d, e, f, p, q, r are constants and are not
𝑎 𝑐 𝑒
equal to zero and = = =… then each
𝑏 𝑑 𝑓
1/𝑛

( )
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
𝑝𝑎 +𝑞𝑐 +𝑟𝑒 +...
of these ratios is equal to 𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
𝑝𝑏 +𝑞𝑑 +𝑟𝑓 +...

2 2
➔ Duplicate Ratio of a : b is 𝑎 :𝑏

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➔ Sub-duplicate ratio of a : b is 𝑎 : 𝑏
3 3
➔ Triplicate Ratio of a : b is 𝑎 : 𝑏

3 3
➔ Sub-triplicate ratio of a : b is 𝑎: 𝑏

Proportions :
● A proportion is defined as an equalisation of ratios.
● As a result, if a:b = c:d is a ratio, the first and last
terms are referred to as extremes, whereas the
middle two phrases are referred to as means.
● When four terms a, b, c, and d are considered to be
proportionate, a:b = c:d is the result. When three
terms a, b, and c are considered to be proportionate,
a:b = b:c is the result.
● A proportion is a statement that two ratios are
2 8
equal; for example
3
= 12 is a proportion.

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● One way to solve a proportion involving an
unknown is to cross multiply, obtaining a new
equality.
2 𝑛
● For example, to solve for n in the proportion
3
= 12 ,
cross multiply, obtaining 24=3n, then divide both
sides by 3, to get n=8

Properties of proportions :
● If a:b = c:d is a proportion, then Product of extremes
= product of means i.e., ad = bc
● Denominator addition/subtraction: a:a+b = c:c+d
and a:a-b = c:c-d
● a, b, c, d,.... are in continued proportion means, a:b
= b:c = c:d = ....
2
● a:b = b:c then b is called mean proportional and 𝑏 =
ac

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● The third proportional of two numbers, a and b, is c,
such that, a:b = b:c.
● ‘d’ is fourth proportional to numbers a, b, c if a:b =
c:d

Variations :
● If x varies directly to y, then x is said to be in
directly proportional with y and is written as x ∝ y
➔ x = ky (where k is direct proportionality constant)
➔ x = ky + C (If x depends upon some other fixed
constant C)
● If x varies inversely to y, then x is said to be in
inversely proportional with y and is written as
1
𝑥∝ 𝑦

1
➔𝑥 = 𝑘 𝑦

(where k is indirect proportionality constant)

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 1
➔𝑥 = 𝑘 +C
𝑦

(If x depends upon some other fixed constant C)

● If x ∝ y and y ∝ z then x ∝ z
● If x ∝ y and x ∝ z then x ∝ (y ± z)
● If a ∝ b and x ∝ y then ax ∝ by

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 CAT Mixtures And Alligations
Formulas
● Mixtures and alligations are a common type of
quantitative problem that may appear on the CAT.
● These problems involve mixing two or more
substances to form a new mixture, and then finding
the ratio or quantity of each substance in the
mixture.
● Alligation is a specific method for solving mixture
problems that involves representing the ingredients
and the mixture as points on a line, and using the
distance between these points to find the ratio of the
ingredients in the mixture.
● There are many variations of mixture and alligation

problems that may appear on the CAT, but they all

involve some variation of this basic concept.

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● To prepare for these types of problems, it is
important to practise solving a variety of mixture
and alligation problems, and to become familiar
with the basic formulas and methods for solving
them.
Types of mixtures:
● Simple mixture: A simple mixture is formed by the
mixture of two or more different substances.
Example: Water and Wine mixture.
● Compound mixture: A Compound mixture is formed
by the mixture of two or more simple mixtures.
Example: one part of 'water and wine' mixture mixed
with two parts of 'water and milk' mixture.

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● If 𝑀1 and 𝑀2 are the values and 𝑄1 and 𝑄2 are the

quantities of item 1 and item 2 respectively, and 𝑀𝐴

is the weighted average of the two items, then

𝑄1 𝑀2 − 𝑀𝐴
𝑄2
= 𝑀𝐴 − 𝑀1
● Weighted average 𝑀𝐴 can be calculated by

𝑄1𝑀1+𝑄2𝑀𝐴
𝑀𝐴 = 𝑄1+𝑄2
● The alligation rule can also be applied when cheaper
substance is mixed with expensive substance
𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 − 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒
𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑟
= 𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒 − 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟

● If two mixtures 𝑀1 and 𝑀2 , having substances 𝑆1

and 𝑆2 in the ratio a:b and p:q respectively are
mixed, then in the final mixture,
𝑎 𝑝
𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑆1 𝑀1 ⎡ 𝑎+𝑏 ⎤ +𝑀2 ⎡ 𝑝+𝑞 ⎤
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦
𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑆2
= 𝑏 𝑞
𝑀1 ⎡ 𝑎+𝑏 ⎤ +𝑀2 ⎡ 𝑝+𝑞 ⎤
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ ⎦

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● If there is a container with ‘a’ litres of liquid A and
if ‘b’ litres are withdrawn and an equal amount of
the mixture is replaced with another liquid B and if
this operation is repeated ‘n’ times, then
After the nth operation,

● Liquid A in the container

𝑎−𝑏 𝑛
=⎡ ⎤ × 𝐼𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝐴 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟
⎣ 𝑎 ⎦
𝑎−𝑏 𝑛
𝐿𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝐴 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 ⎡ ⎤
⎣ 𝑎 ⎦
●
𝐿𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑 𝐵 𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑛𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
= 𝑎−𝑏 𝑛
1 −⎡ ⎤
⎣ 𝑎 ⎦

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 CAT Profit And Loss, Discount
Formulas
● Profit, Loss and Discount is a very important topic for
CAT and a significant number of questions are asked
from this topic every year.
● The number of concepts in these topics is limited and
most of the problems can be solved by applying the
formulae directly.
● This document covers various formulas, tips and
shortcuts of Profit, Loss and Discount topics.

Profit and Loss

Cost Price: The amount paid to purchase an article
or the cost of manufacturing an article is called Cost
Price (C.P)
Selling Price: The price at which a product is sold is
called Selling price (S.P)

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Marked Price:

➔ The price at which an article is marked is called

Marked price (M.P)
➔ If S.P>C.P, then Profit or Gain, P = S.P – S.P
➔ If C.P>S.P, then Loss, L = C.P – S.P
➔ % Profit or Gain percentage or Profit
𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑡
Percentage =
𝐶.𝑃
× 100
𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠
%Loss =
𝐶.𝑃
× 100
➔ Discount = M.P – S.P (If no discount is given, then
M.P = S.P)
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡
➔ %Discount =
𝑀.𝑃
× 100
➔ Total increase in price due to two subsequent

increases of X% and Y% is (𝑋 +𝑌+

𝑋𝑌
100 )%

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➔ If two items are sold at same price, each at Rs. x, one
at a profit of P% and other at a loss of P% then
2
𝑃
there will be overall loss of
100
%
2
2𝑃 𝑥
➔ The absolute value of loss = 2 2
100 −𝑃

➔ If C.P of two items is the same, and by selling each

item he earned p% profit on one article and p% loss
on another, then there will be no loss or gain.
➔ If a trader professes to sell at C.P but uses false
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
weight, then Gain% =
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑊𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
× 100%
Difference represents the difference in claimed weight
and true weight ; claimed weight > true weight

➔ S.P =( 100 + 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑡%

100 )
C.P (if S.P > C.P)

S.P =( )
100 + 𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠%
➔ C.P (if S.P < C.P)
100

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 ➔ C.P =( 100 × 𝑆.𝑃
100 + 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑡% )
C.P (if S.P > C.P)

C.P =( )C.P (if S.P > C.P)

100 × 𝑆.𝑃
➔
100 + 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑡%
𝑦
➔ Buy x get y free, then the %discount =
𝑥+𝑦
× 100
(here x+y articles are sold at C.P of x articles.)
➔ When there are two successive discounts of a% and
b% are given then the,

Resultant discount = (𝑎+𝑏−

𝑎×𝑏
100 )
➔ If C.P of x article is equal to the selling price of y
articles then the,
𝑦−𝑥
Resultant profit % or loss % =
𝑦
× 100

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 CAT Simple Interest &
Compound Interest Formulas
● Simple Interest (S.I) and Compound Interest (C.I) is
one of the easiest topics in the CAT quant section.
● Every year, a significant number of questions
appear from each of these sections and students
should aim to get most questions right from these
topics.
● The number of concepts that are tested from these
topics is limited and most of the problems can be
solved by applying the formulae directly.
● Many students commit silly mistakes in this topic
due to complacency, which should be avoided.
● In Simple Interest, the principal and the interest
calculated for a specific year or time interval
remains constant.

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● In Compound Interest, the interest earned over the
period is added over to the existing principal after
every compounding period and thus, the principal
and the interest change after every compounding
period.
● For the same principal, positive rate of interest and
time period (>1 year), the compound interest on
the loan is always greater than the simple interest.

Simple Interest
● The sum of principal and the interest is called
Amount.
Amount (A) = Principal (P) + Interest (I)
● The Simple Interest (I) occurred over a time period
(T) for R% (rate of interest per annum),

𝑃𝑇𝑅
I= 100

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Compound Interest:
● The amount to be paid, if money is borrowed at
Compound Interest for N number of years,

𝑅 𝑁
A=P (1 + 100 )
● The Interest occurred, I = A – P

𝑅 𝑁
I=P (1 + )
100
-P

If R is rate of interest per year, N is number of years,

P is the principal

● If the interest is compounded half yearly, then

𝑅/2 2𝑁
Amount, A = P (1 + 100)
● If the interest is compounded quarterly, then

𝑅/4 4𝑁
Amount, A = P (1 + 100)

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● If interest Rate is 𝑅1% for first year, 𝑅2% for second
𝑟𝑑
year and 𝑅3% for 3 year, then the Amount,

A=P ( 1+
𝑅1
100 )( 1+
𝑅2
100 )( 1+ 100
𝑅3
)
● If a difference between C.I and S.I for certain sum at
same rate of interest is given, the
2
𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑙 (𝑃) = (𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝐶𝐼 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝐼) * (100/𝑅)
● When interest is compounded annually but time is
𝑏
in fraction, let a then the Amount,
𝑐

( )
𝑏
𝑎
(1 + )
𝑐
𝑅 𝑅
A=P
100
1+ 100

Installments and Present Worth:

● If R is the rate of interest per annum, then the
present worth of Rs. ‘K’ due N years hence is
𝐾
represented as Present worth = 𝑁
( 1+ 100
𝑅
)

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● If an amount of ‘P’ is borrowed for ‘n’ years at ‘r’% per
annum, and ‘x’ is the installment that is paid at the end of
each year starting from the first year, the
𝑛

𝑥=
𝑃 ( )(
𝑟
100 )
1+ 100
𝑟

𝑛
(1+ ) −1𝑟
100

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 CAT Time, Speed, Distance &
Work Formulas
● Time, Distance and Work is the most important topic
for CAT Quant Section & all competitive exams.

● The questions from this topic vary from easy to

difficult.

● This formula sheet covers the most importance tips

that helps you to answer the questions in a easy, fast
and accurate way
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 × 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒

𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑 =
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒
| 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 = 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑

● While converting the speed in m/s to km/hr, multiply

it by ( ) ⇒ 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h

18
5

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● While converting km/hr into m/sec, we multiply by

( )5
18

● If the ratio of the speeds of A and B is a : b, then

➔ The ratio of the times taken to cover the same
distance is 1/a : 1/b or b : a.
➔ The ratio of distance travelled in equal time
intervals is a : b ,
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑑
Average Speed =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑇𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑛
➔ If a part of a journey is travelled at speed 𝑆1 𝑘𝑚/ℎ𝑟
in 𝑇 hours and remaining part at speed 𝑆 𝑘𝑚/ℎ𝑟
1 2
in 𝑇 hours then,
2
Total distance travelled = 𝑆 𝑇 + 𝑆 𝑇 𝑘𝑚
1 1 2 2

𝑆1𝑇1+𝑆2𝑇2
Average Speed = 𝑇1+𝑇2
km/hr

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● If 𝐷1 𝑘𝑚 is travelled at speed 𝑆1 𝑘𝑚/ℎ𝑟, and 𝐷2 𝑘𝑚
is travelled at speed 𝑆 𝑘𝑚/ℎ𝑟 then,
2
𝐷1+𝐷2
Average Speed = 𝐷1 𝐷2 𝑘𝑚/ℎ𝑟
𝑆1
+ 𝑆2

● In a journey travelled with different speeds, if the

distance covered in each stage is constant, the
average speed is the harmonic mean of the different
speeds.
● Suppose a man covers a certain distance at x km/hr
and an equal distance at y km/hr. Then the average
2𝑥𝑦
speed during the whole journey is
𝑥+𝑦
𝑘𝑚/ℎ𝑟
● In a journey travelled with different speeds, if the
time travelled in each stage is constant, the average
speed is the arithmetic mean of the different speeds.
● If a man travelled for a certain distance at x km/hr
and for equal amount of time at the speed of y km/hr

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 then the average speed during the whole journey is
𝑥+𝑦
km/hr
2

Constant Distance
Let the distance travelled in each part of the journey be

𝑑1, 𝑑2 & 𝑑3 and so on till 𝑑𝑛 and the speeds in each part

be 𝑠1, 𝑠2, 𝑠3 and so on till 𝑠𝑛

If 𝑑1 = 𝑑2 = 𝑑3 =......... = 𝑑𝑛 = 𝑑, then the average

speed is the harmonic mean of the speeds 𝑠1, 𝑠2, 𝑠3 and

so on till 𝑠 .
𝑛

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 Constant Time
Let the distance travelled in each part of the journey be
𝑑1, 𝑑2 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑑3 and so on till 𝑑𝑛 and the time taken for each

part be 𝑡1, 𝑡2, 𝑡3 and so on till 𝑡𝑛.

If 𝑡1 = 𝑡2 = 𝑡3 =......... = 𝑡𝑛 = 𝑡, then the average speed is the

arithmetic mean of the speeds 𝑠1, 𝑠2, 𝑠3 and so on till 𝑠𝑛.

Clocks
➔ Calculating the angle/position of the hands
0
● Speed of hour hand = 0. 5 per minute
0
● Speed of minute hand = 6 per minute
0
● Relative speed of two hands = 5. 5 per minute
● The angle (in degrees) between hour hand and
minute hand at time H: M can be represented
11 0
as: θ = || 2 𝑀 − 30𝐻||

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➔ In a 12-hour period:

● The hour hand and the minute hand meet 11

times

0
● A 180 angle is formed between the two hands
11 times

0
● A 90 angle is formed between the two hands
22 times

➔ In a well-functioning clock, both hands meet

720
after every Mins.
11

➔ It is because the relative speed of the minute hand

11
with respect to the hour hand = degrees per
2
minute.

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 Erroneous Clocks
➔ An erroneous clock is a clock which loses or gains
time at a constant rate.
➔ In case of an erroneous clock losing/gaining ‘x’
sec per minute,
● It will lose/gain ‘x’ minutes per hour.
● It will show the correct time after every
‘720/x’ hours.
● The clock will show the same time again after
‘y’ hours where:
720
y= if the clock gains time.
60+𝑥

720
y= if the clock loses time.
60−𝑥

● If the clock is set right at ‘Q’ AM/PM. Then the

time ‘T’ shown by the clock after ‘h’ hours
pass on a correct clock would be:

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 T = 𝑄 + (ℎ × 𝑥) if the clock gains time.

T = 𝑄 − (ℎ × 𝑥) if the clock loses time.’

● If the clock is set right at ‘Q’ AM/PM. If ‘h’ hours pass

on the erroneous clock, then the actual time ‘T’
shown by a correct clock would be:
T=Q+y ; y(in hours)

60ℎ
= 60+𝑥
if the clock gains time

60ℎ
= 60−𝑥
if the clock loses time.

Circular Tracks
If two people are running on a circular track with
speeds in ratio a:b where a and b are co-prime, then

➔ They will meet at 𝑎 + 𝑏 distinct points if they are

running in opposite directions.

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➔ They will meet at |𝑎 − 𝑏| distinct points if they
are running in same direction
● If two people are running on a circular track having
perimeter ‘l’, with speeds ‘m’ and ‘n’,
𝐼
The time for their first meeting =
(𝑚 +𝑛)

(when they are running in opposite directions)

𝐼
The time for their first meeting =
|(𝑚 −𝑛)|

(when they are running in the same direction)

● If a person P starts from A and heads towards B and
another person Q starts from B and heads towards A
and they meet after a time 't' then,

t= (𝑥 × 𝑦)
where x = time taken (after meeting) by P to reach B
and y = time taken (after meeting) by Q to reach A.

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● A and B started at a time towards each other. After
crossing each other, they took 𝑇1ℎ𝑟𝑠, 𝑇2ℎ𝑟𝑠

respectively to reach their destinations. If they

travel at constant speed 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 respectively all

𝑆1 𝑇2
over the journey, then
𝑆2
= 𝑇1

Trains
Two trains of length 𝐿1 and 𝐿2 travelling at speeds 𝑆1

and 𝑆2 cross each other in a time

𝐿1 + 𝐿2
=𝑆 + 𝑆2
(If they are going in opposite directions)
1

𝐿1 + 𝐿2
= (If they are going in the same directions)
|𝑆1 − 𝑆2|

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 Time & Work
⟹ If X can do a work in ‘n’ days, the fraction of work X
1
does in a day is
𝑛
⟹ If X can do work in ‘x’ days, and Y can do work in ‘y’
days, then the number of days taken by both of them
𝑥×𝑦
together is
𝑥+𝑦
⟹ If 𝑀1 men work for 𝐻1 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 per day and worked for

𝐷1days and completed 𝑊1 work, and if 𝑀2 men work for

𝐻2 hours per day and worked for 𝐷2 days and

𝑀1𝐻1𝐷1 𝑀2𝐻2𝐷2
completed 𝑊2 work, then
𝑊1
= 𝑊2

Boats & Streams

⟹ If the speed of water is 'W' and speed of a boat in
still water is ‘B’
⟹ Speed of the boat (downstream) is B+W

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⟹ Speed of the boat (upstream) is B-W

The direction along the stream is called downstream.

And, the direction against the stream is called
upstream.
⟹ If the speed of the boat downstream is x km/hr and
the speed of the boat upstream is y km/hr, then
𝑥+𝑦
⟹ Speed of the boat in still water = km/hr
2
𝑥−𝑦
⟹ Rate of stream = km/hr
2
⟹ While converting the speed in m/s to km/hr,

multiply it by ( ) ⟹ 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h

18
5

⟹ While converting km/hr into m/sec,

we multiply by ( )5
18

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 Pipes & Cisterns
⟹ Inlet Pipe : A pipe which is used to fill the tank is

known as Inlet Pipe.

⟹ Outlet Pipe : A pipe which can empty the tank is

known as outlet pipe.
● If a pipe can fill a tank in ‘x’ hours then the part
1
filled per hour =
𝑥

● If a pipe can empty a tank in ‘y’ hours, then the

1
part emptied per hour =
𝑦

● If a pipe A can fill a tank in ‘x’ hours and pipe can

empty a tank in ‘y’ hours, if they are both active at
the same time, then
1 1
The part filled per hour =
𝑥
− 𝑦
(𝐼𝑓 𝑦 > 𝑥)
1 1
The part emptied per hour =
𝑦
− 𝑥
(𝐼𝑓 𝑥 > 𝑦)

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 Some Tips and Tricks
● Some of the questions may consume a lot of time.
While solving, write down the equations without any
errors once you fully understand the given problem.
The few extra seconds can help you avoid silly
mistakes.
● Check if the units of distance, speed and time match
up. If you see yourself adding a unit of distance like
m to a unit of speed m/s, you would realise you have
possibly missed a term.
● Choose to apply the concept of relative speed
wherever possible since it can greatly reduce the
complexity of the problem.
● In time and work, while working with equations,
ensure that you convert all terms to consistent units
like man-hours.

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CAT Linear Equations Formulas
● Linear equations is one of the foundation topics in the
Quant section on the CAT.
● Hence, concepts from this topic are useful in solving
questions from a range of different topics.
● A linear equation is an equation which gives a straight
line when plotted on a graph.
● Linear equations can be of one variable or two variable
or three variable.
● Generally, the number of equations needed to solve the
given problem is equal to the number of variables
● Let a, b, c and d are constants and x, y and z are
variables. A general form of single variable linear
equation is a𝑥 + b = 0.
● A general form of two variable linear equations is
a𝑥+b𝑦 = c.
● A general form of three variable linear equations is
a𝑥+b𝑦+c𝑧 = d.

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 Equations with two variables:
Consider two equations a𝑥+b𝑦 = c and m𝑥+n𝑦 = p.
Each of these equations represent two lines on the x-y

coordinate plane. The solution of these equations is

the point of intersection.

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
➔ If
𝑚
= 𝑛
≠ 𝑝
then the slope of the two

equations is equal and so they are parallel to each

other. Hence, no point of intersection occurs.
Therefore no solution.
𝑎 𝑏
➔ If
𝑚
≠ 𝑛
then the slope is different and so they

intersect each other at a single point. Hence, it has a

single solution.
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
➔ If
𝑚
= 𝑛
= 𝑝
then the two lines are the

same and they have infinite points common to each

other. So, infinite solutions occur.

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General Procedure to solve linear equations:

➔ Aggregate the constant terms and variable terms for

equations with more than one variable, eliminate
variables by substituting equations in their place.
➔ Hence, for two equations with two variables x and y,
express y in terms of x and substitute this in the other
equation.

➔ For Example: let x+y = 14 and x+4y = 26 then x = 14-y

(from equation 1) substituting this in equation 2, we get
14-y+4y = 26. Hence, y = 4 and x = 10.
➔ For equations of the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 = 𝑐 and

𝑚𝑥 + 𝑛𝑦 = 𝑝, find the LCM of b and n.

Multiply each equation with a constant to make the y
term coefficient equal to the LCM. Then subtract
equation 2 from equation 1.

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➔ Ex: Let 2x+3y = 13 and 3x+4y = 18 are the given

equations (1) and (2).

⇒ LCM of 3 and 4 is 12.

⇒ Multiplying (1) by 4 and (2) by 3, we get 8x+12y = 52

and 9x+12y = 54.

⇒ (2) - (1) gives x=2, y=3

➔ If the system of equations has n variables with n-1

equations then the solution is indeterminate.

➔ If system of equations has n variables with n-1

equations with some additional conditions

(for eg. the variables are integers), then the solution

may be determinate.

➔ If a system of equations has n variables with n-1

equations then some combination of variables may be
determinable.

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➔ For example, if 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 𝑑 and

𝑚𝑥 + 𝑛𝑦 + 𝑝𝑧 = 𝑞, if a, b, c are in Arithmetic
progression and m, n and p are in AP then the sum
x+y+z is determinable.

Equations with three variables:

➔ Let the equations be 𝑎 𝑥 + 𝑏 𝑦 + 𝑐 𝑧 = 𝑑 ,
1 1 1 1

𝑎2𝑥 + 𝑏2𝑦 + 𝑐2𝑧 = 𝑑2 and𝑎3𝑥 + 𝑏3𝑦 + 𝑐3𝑧 = 𝑑3.

➔ Here we define the following matrices.

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➔ If Determinant of D ≠ 0, then the equations have a
unique solution.
➔ If Determinant of D = 0, and at least one but not all of
the determinants 𝐷 , 𝐷 or 𝐷 is zero, then no
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧

solution exists.
➔ If Determinant of 𝐷 = 0, and all the three of the

determinants 𝐷 , 𝐷 and 𝐷 are zero, then there are

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧

infinitely many solutions.

➔ Determinant can be calculated by
D = 𝑎 (𝑏 𝑐 − 𝑐 𝑏 ) − 𝑏 (𝑎 𝑐 − 𝑐 𝑎 ) + 𝑐 (𝑎 𝑏 − 𝑏 𝑎 )
1 2 3 2 3 1 2 3 2 3 1 2 3 2 3

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 CAT Quadratic Equations
Formulas
● Quadratic Equations is also an important topic For
CAT Exam.
● The theory involved in this topic is very simple and
students should be comfortable with some basic
formulas and concepts.
● The techniques like option elimination, value
assumption can help to solve questions from this
topic quickly.
● This pdf covers all the important formulas and
concepts related to Quadratic Equations.
● General Quadratic equation will be in the form of
2
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0
● The values of ‘x’ satisfying the equation are called
roots of the equation.

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 2
−𝑏 ± 𝑏 −4𝑎𝑐
● The value of roots, p and q =
2𝑎
● The above formula is known as the Shreedhara
Acharya's Formula, after the ancient Indian
Mathematician who derived it.

−𝑏
● Sum of the roots = p+q =
𝑎
𝑐
● Product of the roots = p × q =
𝑎
● If 'c' and 'a' are equal then the roots are reciprocal to

each other.

● If b = 0, then the roots are equal and are opposite in

sign.
2
Let D denote the discriminant, D = 𝑏 − 4𝑎𝑐.
Depending on the sign and value of D, nature of the
roots would be as follows:
● D < 0 and |D| is not a perfect square:

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 Roots will be in the form of ‘p+iq’ and ‘p-iq’ where p
and q are the real and imaginary parts of the complex
roots. p is rational and q is irrational.
● D < 0 and |D| is a perfect square:
Roots will be in the form of p+iq and p-iq where p
and q are both rational.

● D=0 ⇒ Roots are real and equal 𝑥 = { −𝑏

2𝑎 }
● D > 0 and D is not a perfect square:

Roots are conjugate surds of the form 𝑝 + 𝑞 and

𝑝− 𝑞
● D > 0 and D is a perfect square: Roots are real,
rational and unequal

➔ Signs of the roots:

Let P be product of roots and S be their sum
● P > 0, S > 0 : Both roots are positive
● P > 0, S < 0 : Both roots are negative

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● P < 0, S > 0 : Numerical smaller root is negative and
the other root is positive
● P < 0, S < 0 : Numerical larger root is negative and the
other root is positive
2
Minimum and maximum values 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0
2
● If a > 0: minimum value =
4𝑎𝑐−𝑏
and occurs at
4𝑎
−𝑏
𝑥= 2𝑎
2
4𝑎𝑐−𝑏
● If a < 0: maximum value = and occurs at
4𝑎
−𝑏
𝑥 = 2𝑎
𝑛 𝑛−1
If 𝐴𝑛𝑋 + 𝐴𝑛−1𝑋 +.... + 𝐴1𝑋 + 𝐴0, then
(−1)𝐴𝑛−1
● Sum of the roots =
𝐴𝑛
𝐴𝑛−2
● Sum of roots taken two at a time =
𝐴𝑛
(−1)𝐴𝑛−3
● Sum of roots taken three at a time =
𝐴𝑛

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 𝑛
[(−1) 𝐴0]
and so on Product of the roots =
𝐴𝑛

Finding a Quadratic Equation:

● If roots are given:
2
(𝑥 − 𝑎)(𝑥 − 𝑏) = 0 ⇒ 𝑥 − (𝑎 + 𝑏)𝑥 + 𝑎𝑏 = 0
● If sum s and product p of roots are given:
2
𝑥 − 𝑠𝑥 + 𝑝 = 0
● If roots are reciprocals of roots of equation
2
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0, then equation is
2
𝑐𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑎 = 0
2
● If roots are k more than roots of 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0
2
then equation is 𝑎(𝑥 − 𝑘) + 𝑏(𝑥 − 𝑘) + 𝑐 = 0
2
● If roots are k times roots of 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 = 0 then
2
equation is 𝑎(𝑥/𝑘) + 𝑏(𝑥/𝑘) + 𝑐 = 0

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● Descartes Rules: A polynomial equation with n sign
changes can have a maximum of n positive roots. To
find the maximum possible number of negative
roots, find the number of positive roots of f(-x).
● An equation where the highest power is odd must
have at least one real root.

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 CAT Inequalities Formulas
● The topic Inequalities is one of the few sections in
the quantitative part which can throw up tricky
questions. The questions are often asked in
conjunction with other sections like ratio and
proportion, progressions etc.

● The theory involved in Inequalities is limited and

therefore, students should be comfortable with
learning the basics, which involves operations such
as addition, multiplication and changing of signs of
the inequalities.

● The scope for making an error is high in this section

as a minor mistake in calculation (like forgetting the
sign) can lead to a completely different answer.

● The modulus of x, |x| equals the maximum of x and

–x is –|x| ≤ x ≤ |x|

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● For any two real numbers 'a' and 'b’,

➔ a > b => -a < -b

➔ |a| + |b| ≥ |a + b|

➔ |a| - |b| ≤ |a - b|

➔ |a . b| = |a| |b|

➔ |a| > |b| ⇒ a > b (if both are +ve)

⇒ a < b (if both are -ve)

● For any three real numbers X, Y and Z;

if X > Y then X+Z > Y+Z

● If X > Y and
1. Z is positive, then XZ > YZ
2. Z is negative, then XZ < YZ
1 1
3. If X and Y are of the same sign, 𝑋 < 𝑌

1 1
4. If X and Y are of different signs, 𝑋 > 𝑌

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 1
● For any positive real number, 𝑥+ 𝑥
≥2
● For any real number x >1,
1 𝑥
2 < ⎡1 + ⎤ < 2. 8
⎣ 𝑥⎦

As x increases, the function tends to an irrational

number called 'e' which is approx. equal to 2.718

● If |x| ≤ k then the value of x lies between –k and k,

or –k ≤ x ≤ k
● If |x| ≥ k then x ≥ k or x ≤ -k
2
● If 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 < 0 then (x-m)(x-n) < 0, and
if n > m, then m < x < n
2
● If 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 > 0 then (x-m)(x-n) > 0 and
if m < n, then x < m and x > n
2
● If 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 > 0 but m = n, then the value of x
exists for all values, except x is equal to m,

i.e., x < m and x > m but x ≠ m

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 CAT Progressions & Series
Formulas
● Progressions and Series is one of the important
topics for CAT and a significant number of questions
appear in the examination from this section every
year. Some of the questions from this section can be
very tough and time consuming while the others can
be very easy.
● The trick to ace this section is to quickly figure out
whether a question is solvable or not and not waste
time on very difficult questions.
● Some of the questions in this section can be
answered by ruling out wrong choices among the
options available. This method will both save time
and improve accuracy.

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● There are many shortcuts which will be of vital
importance in answering this section.
There are 3 standard types of progressions
➔ Arithmetic Progression
➔ Geometric Progression
➔ Harmonic Progression

Arithmetic progression (A.P):

● If the sum or difference between any two consecutive
terms is constant then the terms are said to be in A.P
(Example: 2,5,8,11 or a, a+d, a+2d, a+3d…)
● If ‘a’ is the first term and ‘d’ is the common
difference then the general ‘n’ term is

𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑
● Sum of first ‘n’ terms in
𝑛
A.P = 2 [2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚−𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚
● Number of terms in A. P = 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒
+1

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● Sum of all terms of
𝑛
A. P = 2
[𝐹𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 + 𝐿𝑎𝑠𝑡 𝑇𝑒𝑟𝑚]
𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
● Arithmetic Mean (AM) of n terms =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
Properties of A.P:
● If a, b , c, d,…. are in A.P and ‘k’ is a constant then

● a-k, b-k, c-k,… will also be in A.P

● ak, bk, ck,…will also be in A.P

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
● , , will also be in A.P
𝑘 𝑘 𝑘
Geometric progression (G.P):
If in a succession of numbers the ratio of any term
and the previous term is constant then that number
is said to be in Geometric Progression.
2 3
● Ex : 1, 3, 9, 27 or a, ar, 𝑎𝑟 ,𝑎𝑟
𝑛−1
● The general expression of an G.P, 𝑇𝑛 = 𝑎𝑟

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 (where ‘a’ is the first terms and ‘r’ is the common ratio)

● Sum of ‘n’ terms in G.P,

𝑛 𝑛
𝑎(𝑟 −1) 𝑎(1−𝑟 )
Sn = 𝑟−1 (if r>1) or 1−𝑟 (if r<1)

● Sum of term of infinite series in G.P,

𝑎
𝑆∞ = 1−𝑟
(|𝑟| < 1)
● Geometric Mean (GM) of ‘n’ terms =
𝑛
𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
Properties of G.P:
● If a, b , c, d,…. are in G.P and ‘k’ is a constant then
➔ ak, bk, ck,…will also be in G.P

➔ a/k, b/k, c/k will also be in G.P

Harmonic progression (H.P):

● If a, b, c, d,.…..are unequal numbers then they are
1 1 1
said to be in H.P if , , ,……are in A.P
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐

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 1
● The ‘n’ term in H.P is
(𝑛𝑡ℎ 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝐴.𝑃)
Properties of H.P :
If a, b, c, d,…are in H.P, then a+d > b+c and ad > bc

Arithmetic Geometric Series:

● A series will be in arithmetic geometric series if each

of its terms is formed by the product of the

corresponding terms of an A.P and G.P.

● The general form of A.G.P series is 𝑎, (𝑎 + 𝑑)𝑟,

2
(𝑎 + 2𝑑)𝑟 ,....
● Sum of ‘n’ terms of A.G.P series
𝑛 𝑛−1
𝑎−[𝑎+(𝑛−1)𝑑]𝑟 𝑑𝑟(1−𝑟 )
𝑠𝑛 = 1−𝑟
+ 2 (𝑟 ≠ 1)
(1−𝑟)
𝑛
𝑠𝑛 = 2
[2𝑎 + (𝑛 − 1)𝑑]
● Sum of infinite terms of A.G.P series
𝑎 𝑑𝑟
𝑠∞ = 1−𝑟 + 2 (|𝑟| < 1)
(1−𝑟)

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● Relationship between A.M, G.M and H.M for two

numbers a and b,

G. M = (𝐴𝑀 × 𝐻𝑀) | A.M ≥ G.M ≥ H.M

Standard Series:
𝑛(𝑛+1)
● The sum of first ‘n’ natural numbers =
2

● The sum of squares of first ‘n’ natural numbers

𝑛(𝑛+1)(2𝑛+1)
= 6

● The sum of cubes of first ‘n’ natural numbers =

𝑛(𝑛+1) 2
{ 2 } 2
● The sum of first ‘n’ odd natural numbers = 𝑛

● The sum of first ‘n’ even natural numbers = 𝑛(𝑛 + 1)

● In any series, if the sum of first n terms is given by 𝑆𝑛,

𝑡ℎ
then the 𝑛 term 𝑇 = 𝑆𝑛 − 𝑆𝑛−1
𝑛

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 Arithmetic Mean:
𝑆𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
● The arithmetic mean =
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
● If two number A and B are in A.P then arithmetic
𝑎+𝑏
mean =
2
● Inserting ‘n’ means between two numbers a and b
the total terms will become n+2, a is the first term
and b is the last term.
𝑏−𝑎
● Then the common difference d =
𝑛+1
● The last term b = a+(n+1)d

● The final series is a, a+d, a+2d….

Geometric Mean:
● If a, b, c,… n terms are in G.P then
𝑛
G.M = 𝑎 × 𝑏 × 𝑐 ×........ 𝑛 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
● If two numbers a, b are in G.P then their G.M =

𝑎×𝑏

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● Inserting ‘n’ means between two quantities a and b
with common ratio ‘r’
● Then the number of terms are n+2 and a,b are the
first and last terms
𝑛+1
𝑛+1 𝑏 𝑏
𝑟 = 𝑎
(OR) 𝑟 = 𝑎
2
● The final series is 𝑎, 𝑎𝑟, 𝑎𝑟
Harmonic Mean:
● If a, b, c, d,.. are the given numbers in H.P then the
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠
Harmonic mean of ‘n’ terms = 1 1 1
𝑎
+ 𝑏 + 𝑐 +.......

● If two numbers a and b are in H.P then the Harmonic

2𝑎𝑏
Mean =
𝑎+𝑏
● Relationship between AM, GM and HM for two
numbers a and b,

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 𝑎+𝑏
● A.M=
2

● G.M= 𝑎 ×𝑏
2𝑎𝑏
● H.M=
𝑎+𝑏

● G.M= 𝐴𝑀 × 𝐻𝑀
● A.M ≥ G.M ≥ H.M

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 CAT Logarithms, Surds &
Indices Formulas
● “Logarithms, Surds and Indices” is one of the easiest
topics in the quantitative section of the CAT exam.
● Although the number of formulas is high, the basic
concepts are very simple to understand and apply.
● There are no shortcuts to remember and the scope of
the questions that can be asked is very limited.
● The accuracy of answering questions from this
section is very high and good students tend to score
very well here.

● If X,Y > 0 and m,n are rational numbers then

𝑚 𝑛 𝑚+𝑛
➔ 𝑋 ×𝑋 =𝑋
0
➔ 𝑋 =1

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 𝑚
𝑋 𝑚−𝑛
➔ 𝑛 =𝑋
𝑋
𝑚 𝑛 𝑚𝑛
➔ ( )
𝑋 =𝑋
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
➔ 𝑋 × 𝑌 = (𝑋 × 𝑌)
𝑋 𝑚
𝑚
➔
𝑋
𝑌
𝑚 = ( ) 𝑌

−𝑚 1
➔ 𝑋 = 𝑚
𝑋

● If X and Y are positive real numbers and a,b are

rational numbers
𝑋 −𝑎 𝑌 𝑎
➔ ( ) ( )
𝑌
= 𝑋
1/𝑎 𝑎
➔ 𝑋 = 𝑋
𝑎/𝑏 𝑏 𝑎
➔ 𝑋 = 𝑋
𝑎 𝑎 𝑎
➔ 𝑋 × 𝑌 = 𝑋𝑌

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 𝑎
𝑋 𝑎 𝑋
➔ 𝑎 = 𝑌
𝑌
1
➔ = 𝑁 + 1+ 𝑁
𝑁+1− 𝑁

● Surds is an irrational number involving a root.

3 5
Ex: 5, 7, 2
● Like surds are two surds having the same number
under radical sign.
● Like surds can be added or subtracted.

6 2+ 3 2= 9 2

● If 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 𝑐 + 𝑑 , then a = c and b = d.
● The conjugate of 𝑎 + 𝑏 is 𝑎 − 𝑏

● 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎..... ∞ = a

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 1−⎡⎢ 𝑥 ⎤⎥
1
⎣ ⎦
2
● 𝑎 𝑎 𝑎..... 𝑥 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑠 = 𝑎

● To find 𝑥 + 𝑦, 𝑥 + 𝑦 should be written in

the form of 𝑚 + 𝑛 + 2 𝑚𝑛 where 𝑥 = 𝑚 + 𝑛

and 4𝑚𝑛 = 𝑦 and 𝑥+ 𝑦=± ( 𝑚 + 𝑛)

𝑥
● If N =𝑎 then, x is defined as the logarithm of N to

base or 𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑁 a logarithm of a negative

number or zero is not defined

● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎1 = 0

● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑥𝑦 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑥 + 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑦

𝑐
● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑏 = 𝑐 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑏

● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑎 = 1

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 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑦 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑥
● 𝑋 =𝑌
𝑛 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑏
● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 𝑏 = 𝑛

1
● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑥 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑥𝑎

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑥
● 𝑏 = 𝑥
𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑐𝑏
● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑏 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑐𝑎

● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑏 * 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑏𝑎 = 1

● 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 ( ) = 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑋 − 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑌

𝑋
𝑌 𝑎 𝑎

● If 0 < a < 1, then 𝑙𝑜𝑔 𝑥 < 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑦(𝑖𝑓 𝑥 > 𝑦)

𝑎

● If a > 1 then 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑥 > 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎𝑦 (if x>y)

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 CAT Geometry Formulas
● Geometry is one of the hardest sections to crack without
preparation and one of the easiest with preparation.
● With so many formulas to learn and remember, this
section is going to take a lot of time to master.

● Remember, read a formula, try to visualise the formula

and solve as many questions related to the formula as
you can.
● Knowing a formula and knowing when to apply it are
two different abilities.
● The first will come through reading the formulae list
and theory but the latter can come only through solving
many different problems.
● So in this document we are going to provide an
exhaustive list of formulas and tips for making the
geometry section a lot easier.
● Try to remember all of them and don’t forget to share.

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 Quadrants

Quadrant I X is Positive Y is Positive

Quadrant II X is Negative Y is Positive
Quadrant III X is Negative Y is Negative
Quadrant IV X is Positive Y is Negative

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 Lines and Angles
Collinear points:
Three or more points lying on the single straight line.
In this diagram the three points A,B and C are collinear

Concurrent lines:
If three or more lines lying in the same plane intersect
at a single point then those lines are called concurrent
lines.
The three lines X, Y and Z are concurrent lines here.

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● The distance between two points with coordinates

2 2
(𝑋1,𝑌1), (𝑋2,𝑌2) is given by D = (𝑋2 − 𝑋1) + (𝑌2 − 𝑌1)

𝑦2−𝑦1
● Slope, m=
𝑥2−𝑥1
(If 𝑥2=𝑥1 then the lines are perpendicular
to each other)

● Mid point between two points A(𝑥1,𝑦1) and

B (𝑥
2
, 𝑦2) is ( 𝑥1+𝑥2
2
,
𝑦1+𝑦2
2 )
● When two lines are parallel, their slopes are equal

i.e. 𝑚1= 𝑚2
● When two lines are perpendicular, product of their

slopes = -1 i.e, 𝑚
1
∗𝑚2 = −1
● If two intersecting lines have slopes m1 and m2 then
the angle between two lines will be
𝑚1−𝑚2
tan θ = (where θ is the angle between the
1+𝑚1𝑚2
lines)

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● The length of the perpendicular from a point(𝑋 , 𝑌 )
1 1
𝐴𝑋1+ 𝐵𝑌1+ 𝐶
on the line AX+BY+C = 0 is 𝑃 =
2 2
𝐴 +𝐵
● The distance between two parallel lines
𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶1 = 0 and 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶2 = 0 is

| 𝐶1−𝐶2 |
D=| |
| 𝐴 +𝐵 |
2 2

● Coordinates of a point P that divides the line joining

A (𝑥1,𝑦1) and B (𝑥2,𝑦2) internally in the ratio

l:m : ( 𝑙𝑥2+ 𝑚𝑥1

𝑙+𝑚
,
𝑙𝑦2+ 𝑚𝑦1
𝑙+𝑚 )
● Coordinates of a point P that divides the line joining
A (𝑥1,𝑦1) and B (𝑥2,𝑦2) externally in the ratio

l:m :( 𝑙𝑥2− 𝑚𝑥1

𝑙−𝑚
,
𝑙𝑦2− 𝑚𝑦1
𝑙−𝑚 )

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● For a triangle ABC, A (𝑥1,𝑦1) and B (𝑥2,𝑦2), C (𝑥3,𝑦3):

(𝑥1+ 𝑥2+ 𝑥3) (𝑦1+ 𝑦2+ 𝑦3)

Centroid = ( 3
, 3 )
( ) (𝑎𝑦1+ 𝑏𝑦2+ 𝑐𝑦3)
● Incentre = ( 𝑎𝑥1+ 𝑏𝑥2+ 𝑐𝑥3
3
, 3 );

where a, b and c are the lengths of the BC, AC and AB

respectively.

Equations of a lines
General equation of a line 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
Slope intercept form
(𝑐 𝑖𝑠 𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡)
Point-slope form 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1)

𝑥 𝑦
Intercept form
𝑎
+ 𝑏
=1
𝑦−𝑦1 𝑥−𝑥1
Two point form
𝑦2−𝑦1
= 𝑥2−𝑥1

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General Equation Of a Circle
➔ The general equation of a circle is
2 2
𝑥 + 𝑦 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0
● Centre of the circle is (-g,-f)
2 2
● Radius of the circle = 𝑔 +𝑓 − 𝑐
● If the origin is the centre of the circle then
2 2 2
equation of the circle is 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 𝑟
➔ When two angles A and B are complementary,
sum of A and B is 90°
➔ When two angles A and B are supplementary,
sum of A and B is 180°
➔ When two lines intersect, opposite angles are equal.
Adjacent angles are supplementary
➔ When any number of lines intersect at a point, the
sum of all the angles formed = 360°

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➔ Consider parallel lines AB, CD and EF as shown in the
figure.

➔ XY and MN are known as transversals

➔ ∠XPQ = ∠PRS = ∠RTU as corresponding angles are
equal
➔ Interior angles on the side of the transversal are
supplementary. i.e. ∠PQS + ∠QSR = 180°
➔ Exterior angles on the same side of the transversal are
supplementary. i.e.
➔ ∠MQB + ∠DSU = 180°

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➔ Two transversals are cut by three parallel lines in the
𝑃𝑅 𝑄𝑆
same ratio i.e.
𝑅𝑇
= 𝑆𝑈

Equations of a lines
General equation of a
𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 = 𝐶
line

𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐
Slope intercept form
(𝑐 𝑖𝑠 𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑝𝑡)

Point-slope form 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 𝑥1)

𝑥 𝑦
Intercept form
𝑎
+ 𝑏
=1
𝑦−𝑦1 𝑥−𝑥1
Two point form
𝑦2−𝑦1
= 𝑥2−𝑥1

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 Triangles
⇒ Sum of all angles in a triangle is 180°

⇒An angle less than 90° is called an acute angle.

An angle greater than 90° is called an obtuse angle.

⇒ A triangle with all sides unequal is called a scalene

triangle

⇒ A triangle with two sides equal is called an isosceles

triangle. The two angles of an isosceles triangle that are

not contained between the equal sides are equal.

⇒ A triangle with all sides equal is called an equilateral

triangle. All angles of an equilateral triangle equal 60°.

⇒ If in a triangle all of its angles are less than 90° than

that triangle is called an acute angled triangle

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⇒ A triangle with one of its angles equal to 90° than
that triangle is called a Right angled triangle.

⇒ A triangle with one of its angles greater than 90°

than that triangle is called an Obtuse angled triangle.

⇒ If one side of a triangle is produced then that exterior

angle formed is equal to the sum of opposite remote

interior angles

⇒ A line joining the mid point

of a side with the opposite

vertex is called a median.

(Here D is the midpoint of the

AC side or AD = DC). BD is the

median of this triangle ABC.

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⇒ A perpendicular drawn from a vertex to the opposite
side is called the altitude

⇒ A line that bisects and also makes right angle with

the same side of the triangle is called perpendicular

bisector

⇒ A line that divides the angle at one of the vertices

into two parts is called angular bisector

⇒ All points on an angular bisector are equidistant

from both arms of the angle.

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⇒ All points on a perpendicular bisector of a line are
equidistant from both ends of the line.

⇒ In an equilateral triangle, the perpendicular bisector,

median, angle bisector and altitude (drawn from a

vertex to a side) coincide.

⇒ The point of intersection of the three altitudes is the

Orthocentre.

⇒ The point of intersection of the three medians is the

centroid.

⇒ The three perpendicular bisectors of a triangle meet

at a point called the Circumcentre. A circle drawn from

this point with the circumradius would pass through all

the vertices of the triangle.

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⇒ The three angle bisectors of a triangle meet at a point
called the incentre of a triangle. The incentre is

equidistant from the three sides and a circle drawn from

this point with the inradius would touch all the sides of

the triangle.

⇒ Sum of any two sides of a triangle is always greater

than its third side.

⇒ Difference of any two sides of a triangle is always

lesser than it’s third side

Pythagoras theorem:
In a right angled triangle ABC
2 2 2
where ∠B= 90°, 𝐴𝐶 = 𝐴𝐵 + 𝐵𝐶

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Apollonius theorem:
In a triangle ABC, if AD is the median to side BC then by
Apollonius theorem,
2 2 2 2
2(𝐴𝐷 + 𝐵𝐷 ) = 𝐴𝐶 + 𝐴𝐵

Mid Point Theorem :

The line joining the midpoint of any two sides in a
triangle is parallel to the third side and is half the
length of the third side. If X is the midpoint of CA and
Y is the midpoint of CB. Then XY will be parallel to AB
1
and XY = 2
* AB

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Basic proportionality theorem :
If a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle and
it intersects the other two sides at two distinct
points then it divides the two sides in the ratio of
respective sides. If in a triangle ABC, D and E are the
points lying on AC and BC respectively and DE is
parallel to AB then AD/DC = BE/EC

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Interior Angular Bisector theorem :
In a triangle the angular bisector of an angle divides the
side opposite to the angle, in the ratio of the remaining
two sides. In a triangle ABC if AD is the angle bisector of
angle A then AD divides the side BC in the same ratio as
the other two sides of the triangle.
i.e. BD/ CD= AB/AC.

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Exterior Angular Bisector theorem :
The angular bisector of the exterior angle of a triangle
divides the opposite side externally in the ratio of the
sides containing the angle. In a triangle ABC, if CE is the
angular bisector of exterior angle BCD of a triangle,
then AE/BE = AC/BC

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Cyclic Quadrilateral :
If a quadrilateral has all its
vertices on the circle and its
opposite angles are
supplementary
0
(here x+y =180 ) then that
quadrilateral is called cyclic
quadrilateral.
● In a cyclic quadrilateral the
opposite angles are
supplementary
● Area of a cyclic quadrilateral is

A = (𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐)(𝑠 − 𝑑)

(𝑎+𝑏+𝑐+𝑑)
where s = 2
● Exterior angle is equal to its remote interior
opposite angle. (here ∠CBX = ∠ADC)

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● If x is the side of an equilateral triangle then the

3
Altitude (h) =
2
𝑥

3 2
Area =
4
𝑥

1
Inradius = *h
3

2
Circumradius = *h
3

𝑎 2 2
● Area of an Isosceles triangle = 4𝑐 − 𝑎
4

(where a, b and c are the length of the sides of BC, AC

and AB respectively and b = c)

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Similar triangles :
If two triangles are similar then their corresponding
angles are equal and the corresponding sides will be in
proportion.

For any two similar triangles :

● Ratio of sides = Ratio of medians = Ratio of heights
= Ratio of circumradii = Ratio of Angular bisectors
● Ratio of areas = Ratio of the square of the sides.
Tests of similarity : (AA / SSS / SAS)

Congruent triangles:
If two triangles are congruent then their corresponding
angles and their corresponding sides are equal.
Tests of congruence : (SSS / SAS / AAS / ASA)

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Area of a triangle:
(𝑎+𝑏+𝑐)
● A = 𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐) where s =
2

1
● A=
2
* 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 * 𝑎𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑑𝑒

1
● A=
2
* 𝑎𝑏 * 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝐶
(C is the angle formed between sides a and b)

𝑎𝑏𝑐
● A= where R is the circumradius
4𝑅

● A = r * s where r is the inradius and s is the semi

perimeter. (where a, b and c are the lengths of the sides

BC, AC and AB)

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Special triangles :
0 0 0
30 , 60 , 90

0 0 0
45 , 45 , 90

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● Consider the triangle ABC with incentre I, and the
incircle touching the triangle at P, Q, R as shown in
the diagram. As tangents drawn from a point are
equal, AP=AQ, CP=CR and BQ=BR.

● In an equilateral triangle, the centroid divides the

median in the ratio 2:1. As the median is also the
perpendicular bisector, angle bisector, G is also the
circumcentre and incentre.
● If a is the side of an equilateral triangle,
circumradius =a/√3 and inradius = a/(2√3 )

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 Circles
● The angle subtended by a diameter of circle on the circle
0
= 90
● Angles subtended by an equal chord are equal. Also,

angles subtended in the major segment are half the

angle formed by the chord at the center

● Equal chords of a circle are equidistant from the center

● The radius from the center to the point where a tangent
touches a circle is perpendicular to the tangent
● Tangents drawn from the same point to a circle are
equal in length
● A perpendicular drawn from the centre to any chord,
bisects the chord
θ 2
Area of sector OAXC =
360
* π𝑟

θ 2 1 2
Area of minor segment AXC =
360
π𝑟 - 2 𝑟 𝑆𝑖𝑛θ

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Inscribed angle Theorem :

2∠ACB = ∠AOB

The angle inscribed by the two points lying on the

circle, at the centre of the circle, is twice the angle
inscribed at any point on the circle by the same points.

Angles subtended by the same

segment on the circle will be equal.
So, here angles a and b will be
equal.

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● The angle made by a chord
with a tangent to one of the
ends of the chord is equal to
the angle subtended by the
chord in the other segment.
As shown in the figure,
∠ACB = ∠BAT.
Consider a circle as shown in the image. Here,
2
𝐴𝑃 * 𝐴𝑄 = 𝐴𝑆 * 𝐴𝑈 = 𝐴𝑇

Two tangents drawn to a circle from an external

common point will be equal in length. So here AZ = AT

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Direct common tangent :
In this figure PQ and RS are the direct common tangents
and let AB (Distance between the two centers) = D,
2 2 2 2
𝑃𝑄 =𝑅𝑆 = 𝐷 -(𝑟1 − 𝑟2)

Transverse common tangent :

In this figure PQ and RS are the transverse common

tangents and let AB (Distance between the two centers)
2 2 2 2
= D, 𝑃𝑄 = 𝑅𝑆 = 𝐷 − (𝑟1 + 𝑟2)

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 Polygons and Quadrilaterals:
● If all sides and all angles are equal, then the polygon is
a regular polygon
𝑛(𝑛−3)
● A regular polygon of n sides has 2
diagonals
● In a regular polygon of n sides, each exterior angle is
360
𝑛
degrees.
● Sum of measure of all the interior angles of a regular
polygon is 180 (n-2) degrees (where n is the number of
sides of the polygon)
● Sum of measure of all the exterior angles of regular
polygon is 360 degrees
⇒ ABCDEF is a regular hexagon with each side equal
to ‘x’ then
0
● Each interior angle = 120
0
● Each exterior angle = 60
0
● Sum of all the exterior angles = 360
0
● Sum of all the interior angles = 720
3 3 2
● Area = 2 𝑎

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Areas of different Geometrical Figures:
1
Triangles × 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
2

Rectangle 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ

1
Trapezoid × 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑠 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
2

Parallelogram 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Circle 2
π × 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠

1
Rhombus × 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑠
2

2 1 2
Square 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙
2
1
Kite × 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑠
2

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Solids: Volume of different solids

Cube 3
𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒
Cuboid 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ × 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Prism 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Cylinder 2
π𝑟 ℎ; 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑟 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠

Pyramid 1
× 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
3

Cone 1 2
3
× π𝑟 × ℎ

1 2 2
× πℎ(𝑅 + 𝑅𝑟 + 𝑟 )
Cone Frustum 3
(If R is the base radius, r is the upper surface radius
and h is the height of the frustum)

4 3
Sphere π𝑟
3

2 3
Hemi-sphere π𝑟
3

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Solids: Total Surface area of different solids:

Prism
(2 × 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎) +
(𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡)

Cube 2
6 × 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒
Cuboid 2(𝑙ℎ + 𝑏ℎ + 𝑙𝑏)

Cylinder 2
2π𝑟ℎ + 2π𝑟
1
× 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 ×
Pyramid 2
𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 + 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒

Cone
π𝑟 (𝑙 + 𝑟)
(l is the slant height)

2 2
π(𝑅 + 𝑟 + 𝑅𝑙 + 𝑟𝑙)
Cone Frustum (R & r are the radii of the base faces and l is the
slant height)

Sphere 2
4π𝑟
Hemi-sphere 2
3π𝑟

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Lateral/Curved surface area:

Prism 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 × ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Cube 2
4 × 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ

Cuboid
2 (𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ × 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑡ℎ)
× ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Cylinder 2π𝑟ℎ

1
Pyramid 2
× 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 ×
𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡

Cone
π𝑟𝑙
(l is the slant height)

π(𝑅 + 𝑟)𝐿
Cone Frustum (R and r are the radii of the base faces,
l is the slant height)

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● The angle subtended by a diameter of circle on the

circle = 90 degrees

● Angles subtended by equal chords are equal. Also,

angles subtended in the major segment are half the

angle formed by the chord at the center

● The radius from the center to the point where a

tangent touches a circle is perpendicular to the

tangent.

● Tangents drawn from the same point to a circle are

equal in length.

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 CAT Set Theory And Venn
Diagrams Formulas
● It's one of the easiest topics of CAT. Most of the
formulae in this section can be deduced logically with
little effort.
● The difficult part of the problem is translating the
sentences into areas of the Venn diagram. While
solving, pay careful attention to phrases like ‘and, or,
not, only, in’ as these generally signify the
relationship.
● Set is defined as a collection of well-defined objects.
Ex. Set of whole numbers.
● Every object is called an element of the set.
● The number of elements in the set is called cardinal
number.

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 Types of Sets
➔ Null Sets:
A set with zero or no elements is called a Null set.
It is denoted by { } or Ø. Null set cardinal number is 0.
➔ Singleton Sets:
Sets with only one element in them are called
singleton sets. Ex. {2}, {a}, {0}
➔ Finite and Infinite Sets:
A set having a finite number of elements is called a
finite set. A set having infinite or uncountable
elements in it is called an infinite set.
➔ Universal Sets:
A set which contains all the elements of all the sets
and all the other sets in it, is called a universal set.
➔ Subsets:
A set is said to be a subset of another set if all the
elements contained in it are also part of another set.

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 Ex. If A = {1,2}, B = {1,2,3,4} then, Set “A” is said to
be a subset of set B.
➔ Equal Sets:
Two sets are said to be equal sets when they contain
the same elements Ex. A = {a,b,c} and B = {a,b,c}
then A and B are called equal sets.
➔ Disjoint Sets:
When two sets have no elements in common then
the two sets are called disjoint sets.
Ex. A = {1,2,3} and B = {6,8,9} then A and B are
disjoint sets.
➔ Power Sets:
➔ A power set is defined as the collection of all the
subsets of a set and is denoted by P(A)
➔ If A = {a,b} then P(A) = { { }, {a}, {b}, {a,b} }
➔ For a set having n elements, the number of subsets
𝑛
are 2

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➔ Properties of Sets:

➔ The null set is a subset of all sets

➔ Every set is subset of itself

➔ A ∪ (B ∪ C) = (A ∪ B) ∪ C

➔ A ∩ (B ∩ C) = (A ∩ B) ∩ C

➔ A ∪ (B∩C) = (A ∪ B) ∩ (A ∪ C)

➔ A ∩ (B ∪ C) = (A ∩ B) ∪ (A ∩ C)

➔A∪Ø=A

➔ Venn Diagrams:

A Venn diagram is a figure to represent various sets

and their relationship.

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I,II,III are the elements in only A, only B & only C resp.
IV – Elements which are in all of A, B and C.
V - Elements which are in A and B but not in C.
VI – Elements which are in A and C but not in B.
VII – Elements which are in B and C but not in A.
VIII – Elements which are not in either A or B or C.

➔ Union of sets is defined as the collection of elements

either in A or B or both. It is represented by the
symbol “U”. Intersection of set is the collection of
elements which are in both A and B.

➔ Let there are two sets A and B then,

n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A ∩ B)

➔ If there are 3 sets A, B and C then,

n(A ∪ B ∪ C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) - n(A∩B) - n(B∩C)

- n(C ∩ A) + n(A∩B∩C)

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➔ To maximise overlap,
➔ Union should be as small as possible
➔ Calculate the surplus = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) - n(A∪
B∪C)
➔ This can be attributed to n(A∩B∩C′), n(A∩B′∩C),
n(A′∩B∩C), n(A∩B∩C).
➔ To maximise the overlap, set the other three
terms to zero.

➔ To minimise overlap:
➔ Union should be as large as possible.
➔ Calculate the surplus =
n(A) + n(B) + n(C) - n(A∪B∪C).
➔ This can be attributed to n(A∩B∩C′), n(A∩B′∩C),
n(A′∩B∩C), n(A∩B∩C).
➔ To minimise the overlap, set the other three
terms to maximum possible.

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➔ Some other important properties
➔ A’ is called complement of set A, or A’ = U-A
➔ n(A-B) = n(A) - n(A∩B)
➔ A-B = A∩B’
➔ B-A = A’∩B
➔ (A-B) ∪ B = A ∪ B

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CAT Number System Formulas
● Number Systems is the most important topic in the
quantitative section.
● It is a very vast topic and a significant number of
questions appear in CAT every year from this
section.
● Learning simple tricks like divisibility rules, HCF
and LCM, prime number and remainder theorems
can help improve the score drastically.
● This PDF covers the best short cuts which makes this
topic easy and helps you perform better.

HCF & LCM

● HCF * LCM of two numbers = Product of two
numbers

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● The greatest number dividing a, b and c leaving
remainders of 𝑥1, 𝑥2 and 𝑥3 is the HCF of (𝑎 − 𝑥1),

(𝑏 − 𝑥2) and (𝑐 − 𝑥3)

● The greatest number dividing a, b and c (a<b<c)

leaving the same remainder each time is the HCF of
(c-b), (c-a), (b-a).
● If a number, N, is divisible by X and Y and
HCF(X,Y) = 1. Then, N is divisible by X × Y

Prime and Composite Numbers:

● Prime numbers are numbers with only two factors, 1

and the number itself.

● Composite numbers are numbers with more than 2

factors. Examples are 4, 6, 8, 9.

● 0 and 1 are neither composite nor prime.

● There are 25 prime numbers less than 100.

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 Properties of Prime numbers:
● To check if n is a prime number, list all prime factors

less than or equal to √n. If none of the prime factors

can divide n then n is a prime number.

𝑝−𝑎
● For any integer a and prime number p, 𝑎 is always

divisible by p

● All prime numbers greater than 2 and 3 can be

written in the form of 6k+1 or 6k-1

𝑏−1
● If a and b are coprime then 𝑎 mod b=1

Theorems on Prime numbers:

Fermat's Theorem:
● Remainder of a^(p-1) when divided by p is 1, where p
is a prime.

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 Wilson's Theorem:
● Remainder when (p-1)! is divided by p is (p-1) where
p is a prime

Remainder Theorem:
● If a, b, c are the prime factors of N such that
𝑝 𝑞 𝑟
N= 𝑎 *𝑏 * 𝑐 Then the number of numbers less than
N and co-prime to N is
1 1 1
ϕ(N)= N (1 - ) (1 - ) (1 - ).
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐

This function is known as the Euler's totient function.

Euler's theorem
● If M & N are coprime to each other than remainder
ϕ(𝑁)
when 𝑀 is divided by N is 1.
(Note: If N is prime, the Euler's Theorem becomes
the Fermat's Theorem.)

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 ⎤+⎡⎢ 2 ⎤⎥+⎡⎢ 3 ⎤⎥+…..
𝑚 𝑚 𝑚
● Highest power of n in m! is ⎡ 𝑛
⎣ ⎦ ⎣𝑛 ⎦ ⎣𝑛 ⎦
100 100
Ex: Highest power of 7 in 100! = ⎡ 7 ⎤+⎡ ⎤= 16
⎣ ⎦ ⎣ 49 ⎦

● To find the number of zeroes in n! find the highest

power of 5 in n!
● If all possible permutations of n distinct digits are
added together the sum = (n-1)! * (sum of n digits) *
(11111... n times)
𝑝 𝑞 𝑟
● If the number can be represented as N = 𝑎 ∗𝑏 ∗ 𝑐 . . .
then number of factors the is (p+1) * (q+1) * (r+1)
𝑝+1 𝑞+1 𝑟+1
𝑎 −1 𝑏 −1 𝑐 −1
● Sum of the factors =
𝑎−1
× 𝑏−1
× 𝑐−1

● If the number of factors are odd then N is a perfect

square.

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● If there are n factors, then the number of pairs of
𝑛
factors would be . If N is a perfect square then
2
(𝑛+1)
number of pairs (including the square root) is
2
𝑝 𝑞 𝑟
● If the number can be expressed as N = 2 ∗𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 . . .
where the power of 2 is p and a, b are prime numbers
● Then the number of even factors of
N = p (1+q) (1+r)......
● The number of odd factors of N = (1+q) (1+r)…
● Number of positive integral solutions of the equation
2 2
𝑥 − 𝑦 = 𝑘 is given by
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑘
● (If k is odd but not
2
a perfect square)

(𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑘)−1

● (If k is odd and
2
a perfect square)

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 𝑘
(𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 4
● (If k is even and
2
not a perfect square)

●
(𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑜𝑓 )−1 (If it is even
𝑘
4
2
and a perfect square)
𝑏
● Number of digits in 𝑎 = [ b 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑚(a) ] + 1 ;

where m is the base of the number and [.] denotes

greatest integer function.
● Even number which is not a multiple of 4, can never
be expressed as a difference of 2 perfect squares.
2
● Sum of first n odd numbers is 𝑛
● Sum of first n even numbers is n(n+1)
𝑎/2
● The product of the factors of N is given by 𝑁 ,
where a is the number of factors

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 2 2 2
● The last two digits of 𝑎 , (50 − 𝑎) , (50 + 𝑎) ,
2
(100 − 𝑎) . . . . . are the same.
10𝑛
● If the number is written as 2
When n is odd, the last 2 digits are 24.
When n is even, the last 2 digits are 76

Divisibility:
● Divisibility by 2: Last digit divisible by 2

● Divisibility by 4: Last two digits divisible by 4

● Divisibility by 8: Last three digits divisible by 8

● Divisibility by 16: Last four digit divisible by 16

● Divisibility by 3: Sum of digits divisible by 3

● Divisibility by 9: Sum of digits divisible by 9

● Divisibility by 27: Sum of blocks of 3 (taken right to

left) divisible by 27

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● Divisibility by 7: Remove the last digit, double it and
subtract it from the truncated original number.
Check if number is divisible by 7
● Divisibility by 11: (sum of odd digits) - (sum of even
digits) should be 0 or divisible by 11

Divisibility properties:
● For composite divisors, check if the number is
divisible by the factors individually. Hence to check if
a number is divisible by 6 it must be divisible by 2
and 3.
𝑛 𝑛
● The equation 𝑎 − 𝑏 is always divisible by a-b.
If n is even it is divisible by a+b. If n is odd it is not
divisible by a+b.
𝑛 𝑛
● The equation 𝑎 + 𝑏 , is divisible by a+b if n is odd.
If n is even it is not divisible by a+b.

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● Converting from decimal to base b. Let 𝑅 , 𝑅2 . . . be
1
the remainder left after repeatedly dividing the
number with b. Hence, the number in base b is given
by ... 𝑅2𝑅1 .
● Converting from base b to decimal - multiply each
digit of the number with a power of b starting with
0
the rightmost digit and 𝑏 .
● A decimal number is divisible by b-1 only if the sum
of the digits of the number when written in base b are
divisible by b-1.
Cyclicity
𝑛
To find the last digit of 𝑎 find the cyclicity of a.

For Ex. if a=2, we see that

1
➔ 2 =2
2
➔ 2 =4
3
➔ 2 =8

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 4
➔ 2 = 16
5
➔ 2 = 32
𝑡ℎ
Hence, the last digit of 2 repeats after every 4 power.
Hence cyclicity of 2 = 4.
𝑛
Hence if we have to find the last digit of 𝑎 , The steps
are:
1. Find the cyclicity of a, say it is x.
2. Find the remainder when n is divided by x, say
remainder r
𝑟 𝑥
3. Find 𝑎 if r>0 and 𝑎 when r=0
2 2
● (𝑎 + 𝑏)(𝑎 − 𝑏) = 𝑎 − 𝑏 ( )
2
(2 2
● (𝑎 + 𝑏) = 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 2𝑎𝑏 )
2 2 2
● (𝑎 − 𝑏) = (𝑎 + 𝑏 − 2𝑎𝑏)
2 2 2
● (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐) = (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 2(𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏𝑐 + 𝑐𝑎))
3 3 2 2
● (𝑎 + 𝑏 ) = (𝑎 + 𝑏) (𝑎 − 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏 )

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 3 3 2 2
(
● 𝑎 −𝑏 ) ( )
= (𝑎 − 𝑏) 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑏
3 3 3
● (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 − 3𝑎𝑏𝑐)
2 2 2
= (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐) (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 − 𝑎𝑏 − 𝑏𝑐 − 𝑎𝑐)
3 3 3
● When a + b + c = 0, then 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 3𝑎𝑏𝑐

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 CAT Remainder Theorems
Formulas
Fermat's little Theorem:
➔ Fermat’s theorem is an important remainder
theorem which can be used to find the remainder
easily.
➔ Fermat’s theorem states that for any integer ‘a’ and
prime number ‘p’, ap -a is always divisible by ‘p’.
➔ Also, if a is not divisible by p, i.e, if a and p are
relatively prime, then a(p-1)mod p = 1 mod p. Which
means the remainder is 1.
➔ The second part of the theorem is very useful in
solving problems.
● Example: when 2256 is divided by 17, the remainder

would be____:

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 Here, 7 is a prime number and 2, 17 are relatively
prime.
Therefore, 216 mod 17 = 1.
2256 can be written as (216)16.
Since, 216 mod 17 = 1, (216)16 mod 17 = 1.
Thus, the remainder when 2256 is divided by 17 is 1.
● Example:
Find the remainder when 375 is divided by 37.
Here, 37 is a prime number. Hence, Fermat’s
theorem can be used. Also, 3 and 37 are relatively
prime.
Therefore, 336 mod 37 = 1
372 mod 37 = (336)2 mod 37 = 1
375 mod 37 = 372 . 33 mod 37 = 33 mod 37
27 mod 37 is equal to 27.
Hence, the remainder when 375 is divided by 37 is 27.

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Euler’s Totient:
➔ Euler's theorem is one of the most important
remainder theorems. It is imperative to know about
Euler's totient before we can use the theorem.
➔ Euler's totient is defined as the number of numbers
less than ‘n’ that are co-prime to it.
➔ It is usually denoted as ϕ(n).
➔ The formula to find Euler’s totient is

ϕ(𝑛) = 𝑛 * 1 − ( 1
𝑎 ) (
* 1−
1
𝑏 ) *….where a,b
are the prime factors of the numbers.
Eg: Find the number of numbers that are less than 30
and are co-prime to it.
30 can be written as 2*3*5.

ϕ(30)=30* ( )* ( )* ( )=
1
2
2
3
4
5
8
Therefore, 8 numbers less than 30 are co-prime to
it.

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 ϕ(𝑛)
➔ Euler's theorem states that a (mod n) = 1 (mod

n) if ‘a’ and ‘n’ are co-prime to each other.

So, if the given number ‘a’ and the divisor ‘n’ are
co-prime to each other, we can use Euler's theorem.
● Example 1:
What is the remainder when 2256 is divided by 15?
2 and 15 are co-prime to each other. Hence, Euler’s
theorem can be applied.
15 can be written as 5*3.

Euler's totient of 15 = 15* (1 − ) * (1 − )

1
3
1
5
2 4
= 15* * =8
3 5
Therefore, we have to try to express 256 as 8k +
something. 256 can be expressed as 8*32
ϕ(𝑛)
We know that, a (mod n) = 1 (mod n)
8*32
2 (mod 15) = 1 (mod 15).

Therefore, 1 is the right answer.

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● Example 2:
What are the last 2 digits of 72008 ?
Finding the last 2 digits is similar to finding the
remainder when the number is divided by 100.
100 and 7 are co-prime to each other. Hence, we can
use Euler’s theorem.
2 2
100 can be written as 2 * 5 .

Euler's totient of 100, ϕ(100)

= 100* (1 − ) * (1 − )
1
2
1
5

1 4
= 100* *
2 5

ϕ(100) = 40
72008 can be written as 72000 * 78

72000 can be written as 740*25 , Hence, 72000 will yield a

remainder of 1 when divided by 100

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 The problem is reduced to what will be the remainder

when 78 is divided by 100

We know that 74 = 2401

78 = 74 * 74 = 2401 * 2401

As we can clearly see, the last 2 digits will be 01.

Wilson’s Theorem:
➔ According to Wilson's theorem for prime number ‘p’,

[(p+1)!+1] is divisible by p.

➔ In other words, (p-1)! Leaves a remainder of (p-1)

when divided by p.

Thus, (p-1)! Mod p = p-1

For Example:

➔ 4! When divided by 5, we get 4 as remainder.

➔ 6! When divided by 7, we get 6 as remainder.

➔ 10! When divided by 11, we get 10 as a remainder.

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➔ If we extend Wilson’s theorem further, we get an

important corollary (p-2)! Mod p = 1

➔ As from the wilson’s theorem we have, (p-1)! Mod p

= (p-1)

➔ Thus, [(p-1)(p-2)!] mod p = (p-1)

➔ This will be equal to

[(p-1) mod p]*[(p-2)! Mod p] = (p-1)

➔ For any prime number ‘p’, we observe that (p-1) mod

p = (p-1)

➔ For e.g 6 mod 7 will be 6

Thus, (p-1)*[(p-2)! Mod p] = (p-1)

thus , for RHS to be equal to LHS,

(p-2)! Mod p = 1

Hence, 5! Mod 7 will be 1 and 51! Mod 53 will be 1

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● Examples:

● Q.1) What will be the remainder when 568! Is it

divided by 569?

Solution: According to Wilson’s theorem we have for

prime number ‘p’. (p-1)! Mod p = (p-1)

In this case 569 is a prime number.

Thus, 568! Mod 569 = 568

Hence, when 568! divided by 569 we get 568 as

remainder.

Answer: 568

● Q.2) What will be the remainder when 225! Is it

divided by 227?

Solution: We know that for the prime number ‘p’,

(p-2)! Mod p = 1.

In this case, 227 is a prime number.

Thus, 225! Mod 227 will be equal to 1.

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 In other words, when 225! divided by 227 we get the

remainder as 1.

Answer: 1

● Q.3) What will be the remainder when 15! is divided

by 19?

Solution: 19 is a prime number.

➔ From the corollary of Wilson’s theorem, for prime

number ‘p’.

(p-2)! mod p = 1

Thus, 17! mod 19 = 1

[17*16*15!] mod 19 = 1

[17 mod 19] * [16 mod 19] * [15! mod 19] = 1

[-2] * [-3]*[15! mod 19] = 1

[6 * 15!] mod 19 = 1

➔ Multiplying both sides by 3, we get

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 [18*15!] mod 19 = 3

[-1*15!] mod 19 = 3

➔ Multiplying both sides by -1, we get

15! mod 19 = -3

➔ Remainder of ‘-3’ when divided by 19 is the same as

the remainder of ‘16’ when divided by 19.

Thus 15! Mod 19 = 16

Answer: 16

● Q.4) What will be the remainder when (23!)2 is

divided by 47?
Solution: 47 is a prime number.
➔ From corollary of Wilson’s theorem, for prime
number ‘p’, (p-2) mod p = 1
Thus 45! mod 47 = 1
[45*44*43*.....*25*24*23!] mod 47 = 1
[(-2)*(-3)*(-4)*.....*(-22)*(-23)*23!] mod 47 = 1

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➔ We see that there are even numbers of terms from
‘-2’ to ‘-23’. Thus negative signs cancel off.
➔ We get [23!* 23!] mod 47 = 1
Thus, (23!)2 mod 47 = 1
➔ Hence, when (23!)2 is divided 47, we get 1 as a
remainder.
Answer: 1

Chinese Remainder Theorem:

● The Chinese remainder theorem is useful when the

divisor of any number is composite.

● Let M be a number which is divided by a divisor N.

The theorem states that if N is the divisor which can

be expressed as N = a*b where a and b are co-prime

● Then, M mod N = ar2x+br1y

Here r1 = M mod a

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 And r2 = M mod b
Here, ax + by = 1

● Example 1
● Find the remainder when 344237 is divided by 119
In the first look it looks difficult but if one knows the
chinese remainder theorem then the question can be
solved very easily.
● 119 = 17*7, so here a = 17 and b = 7
344237 mod 17 =4237 mod 17 = (4*16116) mod 17 = 4*1 =
4
Hence, we get r1=4
Now, 344237 mod 7 =1237 mod 7 = 1, Hence r2=1
We know that M mod N = ar2x +br1y
● Therefore, 344237 mod 119 = 17*1x + 7*4y = 17x + 28y
We know that 17x + 7y = 1
● We can see that x =5 and y = -12 satisfies the above
equation.

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 Hence, putting the values of x and y in equation 1, we
get 344237 mod 119 = 117 * 5 - 28 * 12 = 85-336 = -251
Converting this into positive remainder we get
357-251=106
● Hence, the required remainder is 106.

Example 2:
● Let’s consider another example to understand is
better find the remainder when 4952517 is divided by
78.
● In this question also, the divisor is 78 which can be
written as 13*6. So, we can use the Chinese
remainder theorem in this question as well.
Let’s take a = 13 and b = 6
So we can write 4952517 mod 78 = 13r2x+6r1y
➔ r1=4952517 mod 13 = 12517 mod 13 = 1
➔ r2=4952517 mod 6 = 32517 mod 6 = (22516 mod 2)*3 =

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 1 *3 = 3
➔ We also know that 13x +6y =1
x = 1 and y = -2 satisfies the above equation.
➔ Hence, we can obtain the remainder as
4952517 mod 78 = 13r2x +6r1y = 13*3*1 - 6*1-2
=39-12 = 27
Hence, the required answer is 27.

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 CAT Permutations &
Combinations Formulas
● Permutations & Combinations, and Probability are

key topics in CAT.

● You don't have to go too deep into these topics, but

ensure that you learn the basics well.

● So look through this formula list a few times and

understand the formulae.

● The best way to tackle this subject is by solving

questions. The more questions you solve, the better

you will get at this topic.
● Once you practise a good number of sums, you will

start to see that all of them are generally variations

of the same few themes that are listed in the formula
list.

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● In this slide, we will look at the important formulae

on P&C, and Probability.

➔ N! = N(N-1)(N-2)(N-3)....1
➔ 0! = 1! = 1
𝑛!
➔nCr= (𝑛−𝑟)! 𝑟!
𝑛!
➔nPr= (𝑛−𝑟)!

● Arrangement:
n items can be arranged in n! Ways
● Permutation:
A way of selecting and arranging r objects out of a
𝑛!
set of n objects,
n
Pr=
(𝑛−𝑟)!
● Combination:
➔ A way of selecting r objects out of n (arrangement
𝑛!
does not matter) Cr=
n
(𝑛−𝑟)! 𝑟!

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 ➔ Selecting r objects out of n is same as selecting

(n-r) objects out of n, Cr=nCn-r

n

➔ Total selections that can be made from ‘n’ distinct

𝑛
n 𝑛
items is given ∑ Ck = 2
𝑘=0
● Partitioning:
➔ Number of ways to partition n identical things in r
n+r-1
distinct slots is given by Cr-1
➔ Number of ways to partition n identical things in r
distinct slots so that each slot gets at least 1 is given
n-1
by Cr-1
➔ Number of ways to partition n distinct things in r
𝑛
distinct slots is given by 𝑟

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 ➔ Number of ways to partition n distinct things in r

(𝑛+𝑟−1)!
distinct slots where arrangement matters =
(𝑟−1)!

● Arrangement with repetitions :

➔ If x items out of n items are repeated, then the

𝑛!
number of ways of arranging these n items is
𝑥!
ways. If a items, b items and c items are repeated
𝑛!
within n items, they can be arranged in ways.
𝑎!𝑏!𝑐!
● Rank of a word :

➔ To get the rank of a word in the alphabetical list of all

permutations of the word, start with alphabetically
arranging the n letters. If there are x letters higher
than the first letter of the word, then there are at
least x*(n-1)! Words above our word.
➔ After removing the first affixed letter from the set if
there are y letters above the second letter then there
are y*(n-2)! words before your word and so on. So
rank of word = x*(n-1)! + y*(n-2)! + .. +1

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● Integral Solutions:
➔ Number of positive integral solutions to 𝑥1+ 𝑥2+ 𝑥3
s-1
+.....+ 𝑥𝑛=s where s ≥ 0 is Cn-1
➔ Number of non-negative integral solutions to 𝑥1+
n+s-1
𝑥2+ 𝑥3+.....+ 𝑥𝑛=s where s ≥ 0 is Cn-1
● Circular arrangement :
➔ Number of ways of arranging n items around a circle
are 1 for n = 1,2 and (n-1)! for n ≥ 3. If its a necklace
or bracelet that can be flipped over, the possibilities
(𝑛−1)!
are
2
● Derangements :
➔ If n distinct items are arranged, the number of
ways they can be arranged so that they do not
occupy their intended spot is

( )
𝑛
1 1 1 1 (−1)
D = n! 0! − 1!
+ 2!
− 3!
+..... + 𝑛!

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 Bayes Theorem (Conditional
Probability) for CAT
➔ Probability is a key topic in the CAT.
➔ Bayes Theorem (conditional probability) is not a very
important topic.
➔ You don't have to go too deep into this topic, but
ensure that you learn the basics well.
➔ So look through this formula list a few times and
understand the formulae.
➔ Bayes Theorem (Conditional Probability) for CAT:
➔ Conditional probability is used in case of events
which are not independent. In the discussion of
probabilities all events can be classified into 2
categories: Dependent and Independent.
➔ Independent events are those where the happening
of one event does not affect the happening of the

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 other. For example, if an unbiased coin is thrown ‘n’
times then the probability of heads turning up in any
of the attempts will be ½ . It will not be dependent
on the results of the previous outcomes.
➔ Dependent events, on the other hand, are the events
in which the outcome of the second event is
dependent on the second event is dependent on the
outcome of the first event.
➔ For example, if you have to draw two cards from a
desk one after the other, then the probability of the
second card being of a particular suit will depend on
which card was drawn in the first attempt.
➔ Let us first discuss the definition of conditional
probability.
➔ Let ‘A’ & ‘B’ be two events which are not independent
then the probability of occurrence of B given that A
𝑃(𝐴∩𝐵)
has already occurred is given by P(B|A)=
𝑃 (𝐴)

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➔ Here, 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) is nothing but the probability of
occurrence of both A & B. We often use Bayes

theorem to solve problems on conditional

probability.
𝑃(𝐴|𝐵)*𝑃(𝐵)
➔ P(B|A)=
𝑃 (𝐴)

➔ Here P(A|B) is the probability of occurrence of A

given that B has already occurred.

➔ P(A) is the probability of occurrence of A

➔ P(B) is the probability of occurrence of B

➔ Example 1:

➔ Let us try to understand the application of the

conditional probability and Bayes theorem with the
help of a few examples.
➔ Ravi draws two cards from a deck of 52 cards one

after another. If it is known that the first card was

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 king then what is the probability of the second card

being ‘spades’?

➔ Let us use the conditional probability concept which

we discussed above.
Let ‘A’ be the event of getting a king.
4 1
Then P(A) =
52
= 13

Let ‘B’ be the event of getting a spade.

13 1
Then P(B) =
52
= 4

Now we know that one of the spade cards is also a

king, Hence, the event P (A ∩ B) contains 1 element.
1
Thus, P (A ∩ B) =
52

Hence, by using the formula for conditional

1
𝑃 (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵) 1
probability, we get P (B|A) =
𝑃 (𝐴)
= 52
1 =4
13

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➔ Example 2:

➔ Let us consider another problem to get a better

understanding of conditional probability.

➔ Ram plays a game of Russian roulette. He loads 2

bullets in the adjacent slots of a six slot revolver. He

revolves the cylinder and then pulls the trigger.

Luckily, it is an empty slot. Ram has an option either

to pull the trigger again or to spin the cylinder first

and then pull the trigger. What must Ram choose to

maximise his chances of survival?

➔ Let us number the slots as 1,2, 3,4, 5 and 6. Let us

assume that slots 1 and 2 contain the bullets. The

various combinations when the trigger is pressed

continuously are (1,2), (2,3), (3,4), (4,5), (5,6) and

(6,1).

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 𝑃(𝐴 ∩ 𝐵)
➔ We know that P (B|A) =
𝑃 (𝐴)
➔ Here, P(A ∩ B) represents the probability in which
both A and B are empty slots and p(A) represents the
probability that A is an empty slot. Among the 6
combinations mentioned above, 3 combinations
((3,4), (4,5) and (5,6)) have both the slots empty.
3
Therefore, n(A ∩ B) = 3 and p(A ∩ B) = .
6

➔ P(A) represents the probability of the first slot being

empty. The empty slot can be one among 3, 4, 5 or 6.
4
Therefore, n(A) =4 and p(A ∩ B) = .
6

➔ If Ram prefers to spin the cylinder, he has P(A)

chances of survival (Choosing an empty slot among

the given slots).

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 4
➔ P(A) = = 66.66%. Hence, Ram must prefer to press
6

the trigger immediately without revolving the

cylinder as chances of survival will be more.
➔ Example 3:

➔ Let us now have a look at a very famous problem on

conditional probability. This is known as the Monty
Hall problem.
➔ There is a game show in which there are three doors.
There is a car behind one door and there is nothing
behind the other two doors.
➔ After you pick a door, the host opens one of the other
two doors and shows you that it is empty. Now, he
gives you two options — either stick with your initial
selection or switch to the other door. What is the
optimal strategy that should be followed? Will you
switch or remain with the same door?
(The host knows which door has a car behind it)

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➔ To find the optimal strategy let's compute the
probability of winning in both events.
Without the loss of generality, let’s assume that the
contestant has picked the door one.
Let W1, W2, W3 be = events that the car is behind
door 1, 2, 3 respectively. Hence, p(W1) = p(W2) =
1
p(W3) =
3
Let A,B and C be the events that the host opens doors
1, 2 and 3 respectively. Now, The probability that the
host opens the third door provided the car is in the
second door. p(C|W2) =1
➔ The probability that the host opens the third door
provided the car is in the third door is p(C|W3) =0
➔ The probability that the host opens the third door
provided the car is in the first door.
1
➔ P(c|W1) =
2
➔ Now let’s use Bayes theorem, chances of winning by
not switching

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 𝑃 (𝑊1|𝐶) =
𝑃 (𝐶|𝑊1) * 𝑃 (𝑊1)
=
( )*( )
1
2
1
3
=
1
𝑃 (𝐶) ( ) 1
2
3
➔ Chances of winning by switching

𝑃 (𝑊2|𝐶) =
𝑃 (𝐶|𝑊2) * 𝑃 (𝑊2)
=
1*( ) 1
3
=
2
𝑃 (𝐶) ( ) 1
2
3

➔ Therefore, it is always optimal to switch.

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