Lesson 4.4: Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Time & Work)
Arithmetic is an essential part of the Mathematics section for NDA, CDS, and AFCAT exams. It tests aspirants on numerical problem-solving, basic calculations, and logical reasoning.
1. Percentages
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Basics: Percent (%) = (Part/Whole) × 100
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Problems: Increase/decrease, discount, interest calculations
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Example:
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If 20% of 500 = ? → (20/100) × 500 = 100
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2. Profit & Loss
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Formulas:
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Profit = Selling Price (SP) – Cost Price (CP)
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Loss = Cost Price (CP) – Selling Price (SP)
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Profit% = (Profit/CP) × 100
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Loss% = (Loss/CP) × 100
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Example:
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CP = 400, SP = 500 → Profit = 100, Profit% = 25%
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3. Ratio & Proportion
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Basics: Ratio = a:b, Proportion = a:b = c:d
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Problems: Sharing, mixing, ingredients, age-related problems
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Example:
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Ratio of boys to girls in class = 3:2 → For 50 students, boys = (3/5)×50 = 30, girls = 20
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4. Time & Work
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Concepts: Work done = Rate × Time
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Problems: Work done by individuals or in groups, efficiency problems
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Example:
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A can complete a task in 10 days, B in 15 days. Work done together in 1 day = 1/10 + 1/15 = 1/6 → They complete work in 6 days
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Exam Tips
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Memorize basic formulas for percentages, profit-loss, ratio, and time & work.
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Practice daily 15–20 arithmetic problems to improve speed.
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Solve previous year NDA, CDS, AFCAT arithmetic questions.
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Focus on accuracy first, then speed.
