Simplification and Approximation in Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most scoring topics in competitive exams such as SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, and State government tests. Almost every exam includes 3–5 questions from this chapter because it tests your calculation speed and basic mathematical understanding. Many students think simplification is difficult because of long expressions, but in reality, it is one of the easiest chapters once you understand the rules and practice regularly. Approximation questions are even simpler—they are designed to save time by estimating values instead of finding exact answers.
Simplification and Approximation in Quantitative Aptitude – Complete GuideAt Informosio, we focus on building strong basics. In this guide, you’ll learn Simplification and Approximation in Quantitative Aptitude with clear explanations, examples, shortcuts, and preparation strategies.
What Is Simplification?
Simplification means solving mathematical expressions by following a fixed order of operations called BODMAS.
BODMAS stands for:
- B – Brackets
- O – Of
- D – Division
- M – Multiplication
- A – Addition
- S – Subtraction
You must always follow this order while solving questions.
Example:
8 + 2 × 5
First multiply:
2 × 5 = 10
Then add:
8 + 10 = 18
Correct answer = 18
If you add first, you’ll get the wrong result. This is why BODMAS is very important.
What Is Approximation?
Approximation means rounding numbers to the nearest value to get a quick estimate instead of an exact answer.
Approximation is mainly used in Banking exams where speed matters more than accuracy.
Example:
498 ≈ 500
203 ≈ 200
Instead of solving long calculations, you estimate values and choose the closest option.
Approximation saves a lot of time during exams.
Types of Simplification Questions
Most simplification questions fall into these categories:
Basic Arithmetic Expressions
Example:
36 ÷ 6 + 4 × 3
Solve step by step using BODMAS.
Fractions and Decimals
Example:
(1/2 + 3/4) × 8
Convert to common denominator first.
Squares and Cubes
Common values you should memorize:
- 15² = 225
- 20² = 400
- 25² = 625
- 10³ = 1000
These help solve questions faster.
Percentage Conversions
Useful conversions:
- 50% = 1/2
- 25% = 1/4
- 75% = 3/4
- 20% = 1/5
These shortcuts reduce calculation time.
Important Simplification Formulas
You will frequently use these identities:
- (a + b)² = a² + b² + 2ab
- (a − b)² = a² + b² − 2ab
- a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b)
Example:
(20 + 5)²
= 25²
= 625
Knowing formulas makes simplification easy.
Approximation Shortcuts
Here are common approximation techniques:
Round to Nearest 10 or 100
487 ≈ 500
112 ≈ 100
Ignore Small Values
If one number is very small compared to others, you can ignore it for estimation.
Compare Options
Sometimes you don’t even need to calculate—just see which option is closest.
This technique is widely used in Banking exams.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Avoid these mistakes while practicing Simplification and Approximation in Quantitative Aptitude:
- Ignoring BODMAS rule
- Rounding too early in approximation
- Making careless calculation errors
- Forgetting square and cube values
- Panicking when expressions look long
Accuracy comes with practice.
How to Prepare Simplification and Approximation
Follow this simple plan:
- Learn BODMAS clearly
- Memorize square and cube values
- Practice 10–15 questions daily
- Use shortcuts for fractions and percentages
- Analyze mistakes
- Attempt mock tests regularly
Divide the topic into small parts and complete one section at a time.
⭐ Practice Strategy
To master this chapter, include:
✅ Topic-wise MCQs
✅ Previous Year Questions
✅ Daily practice sets
✅ Sectional mock tests
Regular practice improves speed and confidence.
Why This Topic Is Important
Simplification and Approximation in Quantitative Aptitude builds calculation speed, which helps in other chapters like Data Interpretation and Profit & Loss.
Since these questions are direct, they help you score quickly in exams.
Strong basics here give you an advantage in time management.
🧠 Smart Tips for Students
- Revise formulas weekly
- Learn fraction–percentage shortcuts
- Practice mental calculations
- Use approximation wisely
- Stay calm during long expressions
Consistency is more important than long study hours.
Final Preparation Strategy
Simplification and Approximation may look challenging at first, but with regular practice and proper shortcuts, it becomes one of the easiest scoring topics.
Explore more preparation guides on Informosio, including Quantitative Aptitude, Number System, Reasoning Ability, English Language, and General Knowledge.
Bookmark this page and use it as your complete Simplification and Approximation in Quantitative Aptitude reference on Informosio. Practice daily, improve your speed, and stay consistent—success will follow.
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