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Here, we provide Topic-wise Shortcuts & Tricks for General Aptitude section of GATE 2019.

1. Shortcuts for Data Interpretation

These are one of the most scoring set of questions.

Trick 1: Use Visual Approximation for Elimination

For questions based on Line Graphs and Bar Graphs, you can rely on visual clues and eliminate a
few options based on visual clues. This would help you to arrive at correct solutions without
putting in much effort and at a faster pace.

Trick 2: Interpret the Data before Commencing Calculation & Catch Hold of
the Correct Data
Prior to Commencing calculation, make sure to read and interpret each and every statement very
cautiously and avoid spending time on unnecessary calculations.

Also, ensure to copy numbers correctly onto the sheet while solving the questions.

2. Tricks for Problem on Ages

If the Present Age of P is x years

n years ago, Age of P would be (x - n) years

n years hence, Age of P would be (x + n) years
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3. Shortcuts for Profit & Loss

Important Formulae

S.P. – C.P.
Profit

C.P. – S.P.
Loss

[(SP - CP)/CP] x 100

Profit%

[(CP - SP)/CP] x 100

Loss%

C.P. x [(100 + profit%)/100]

S.P.

C.P. x [(100 - loss%)/100]

S.P.

Trick 1: In case most of the information is given in the form of percentages, start by assuming
C.P. = 100

Trick 2: Do not get confused between Marked Price and Selling Price. Discount is generally
given on the Marked Price. Therefore, in this case, Marked Price will be higher than the final
Selling Price.
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4. Shortcuts for Pipes & Cisterns

Trick

If Pipe A can fill a tank in x hours

Pipe B can fill a tank in y hours
Time Taken by both the Pipes to
xy/(x+y)
Fill the Tank Together

5. Tricks for Speed, Distance and Time

Speed = Distance/ Time

Trick 1
Unit of Speed is Km/hr or m/s

If an object travels a certain distance with ‘m’ Km/hr and

again travels the same distance with ‘n’ Km/hr,
Trick 2

Average Speed for the Entire Journey = 2mn/(m + n)

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6. Shortcuts for Boats & Streams

Trick

If the Speed of Stream is ‘m’ Km/hr and Speed of Boat in Still

Water is ‘n’ Km/hr,

Then

Speed of Boat Upstream = (n - m) Km/hr

Speed of Boat Downstream = (m + n) Km/hr

7. Tricks for Mixture & Alligation

When two different commodities are mixed in a way such that

one is cheaper than the other,

= Quantity of cheaper / Quantity of costlier

Trick
= (C.P of Costlier - Mean price) / ( Mean Price - C.P of cheaper)
 Contact: 8445784799, 7983183318
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Email: DeshDeepak@ChemistryABC.com

8. Tricks for Quadratic Equations

The Standard form of a Quadratic Equation is

ax2 + bx + c = 0

Majority of questions are usually based on finding the Relationship between the roots of two
equations:

Sum of Roots = -b/a

Trick
Product of Roots = c/a

9. Tricks for Approximation

Trick 1: Always solve the Simplification Questions using the BODMAS rule

Trick 2

You must Round off Decimal numbers to the nearest Whole numbers in order to
obtain approximate value of the equation.
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10. Tricks for Simple & Compound Interest

Formula to Compute the Simple Interest

Trick 1
S.I. = PTR/100

If Rate of Interest is R1, R2, R3 in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year
respectively, then,

Trick 2
Amount after 3 years =

A = P (1 +R1/100) (1 + R2/100) (1 + R3/100)

11. Shortcuts for Time & Work

If P can complete a piece of work in X days and Q can complete a piece of work in Y days,
Then

Work Done by P & Q together in 1 day = (1/X + 1/Y)

Trick 1

Number of Days P and Q together take to complete the work

Trick 2

= XY/(X + Y)
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12. Shortcuts for Number Series

The only difficulty which is being encountered in solving these questions is identifying the
pattern.Practicing 40-50 questions on this topic would provide you awareness of 90% of
the patterns.

Compute the differences between Immediate or Alternate numbers and

Trick 1
analyze the Pattern in their Differences
Trick 2 Analyze the sequence for Prime Number Series
Trick 3 Analyze the Sequence for Geometric Series, Perfect Squares/Cubes

General Shortcuts

• Learn Tables and Squares up to 20, Cubes up to 10 and fractions up to 1/20 in order to
speed up your calculations in the exam.
• Work on Speed and Accuracy by attempting Online Mock Test Series.

We are sure that the Valuable Tips listed above would surely help you to boost your score in
General Aptitude section of GATE 2019.