Simplification & Approximation for Government Exams

Of all the important topics in the quantitative aptitude section for various Government exams, the simplification and approximation questions are one of the most frequently asked questions. 

Aspirants who are preparing for the upcoming Government exams must know that the simplification/ approximation questions are the one where marks can be scored easily without ant errors if solved carefully and efficiently.

The weightage of questions asked from this topic mostly varies between 3-5 questions and this topic is generally included in the initial phases of the examination.

Candidates willing to know about the other topics included in the quantitative aptitude section and the exams in which this section is included can visit the linked article. 

In this article, we shall discuss in detail the concept of approximation and simplification and how to solve questions based on this topic. For the reference of candidates, we have also given some sample questions to make the topic more understandable.

Apart from the approximation/ simplification questions, candidates can also check the below-mentioned links to ace the numerical ability section for the various competitive exams:

Simplification & Approximation Questions PDF:-Download PDF Here

Simplification & Approximation – Concept

The simplification and approximation topic is one of the easiest in the numerical ability section and only efficient calculation can help a candidate solve questions from this section easily.

The main idea behind asking questions from the approximation and simplification topic is to test the ability of a candidate to work with numbers and basic calculations. 

Questions are made to confuse the candidates with long decimal numbers and calculations which may seem complicated but this topic is one where a candidate can score most without making errors. 

The simplification questions can be asked in two ways:

• Missing numbers – An equation can be given in the paper and candidates need to fill the blank in that equation, given either in LHS (Left-hand side) or RHS (Right-hand side). For example, 252 – _____ + 100 = 5 × 45 + 275. Candidates need to fill the blank
• Simplifying the equation –  The second way in which the simplification questions may be asked is the direct way of giving an equation and solving it to find the answer. For example: 252 – 225 + 100 = ?. In such questions, candidates have to answer what comes in place of the question mark (?)

Interested candidates can check the 10 simple maths tricks and shortcuts to ace the quantitative aptitude section at the linked article.

To check the detailed section-wise syllabus for the various Government exams, aspirants can visit the below-mentioned links:

Tips & Tricks to Solve Simplification/ Approximation Questions

To ensure that the candidate does not lose marks in this topic, there are some basic tips and tricks which may be used to solve the approximation and simplification questions. Refer to the tips given below:

• Always solve the Approximation or simplification questions following the BODMAS rule. 
• Numbers which are given in a decimal format, use a rounded-off value for those numbers. For example, 45.62 can be taken as 46, 22.10 can be taken as 22, etc. 
• Learning tables till at least 20 can be of great help for the candidates and help them save some time
• Remember the basic important formulas which can be used in such question:
  • (a+b)² = a² + b² + 2ab
  • (a-b)² = a² + b² – 2ab
  • a² – b² = (a+b) (a-b)
  • a³ + b³ = (a+b) (a² – ab + b²)
  • (a+b)³ = a³ + b³ + 3ab (a+b)
  • (a-b)³ = a³ – b³ – 3ab (a-b)
• Do not overcomplicate the questions and make sure that long calculations need to be skipped in order to solve the equations within the shorter time period

The image given below shows what is the BODMAS rule as mentioned in the first point of tips:

The tips mentioned above will help candidates prepare well for the upcoming Bank, SSC, RRB, Insurance and other Government sector exams. 

Given below is a list of few other preparation articles based on the other sections of the syllabus for your reference:

Simplification/ Approximation – Sample Questions

Aspirants who are preparing for the upcoming recruitment for various competitive exams must know that the competition is very tough and the number of vacancies released is only a handful. Thus, more a candidate practises, more are the chances of his/her qualifying the exam.

Given below are a few sample questions which may help you understand the concept even better and also to help candidates learn the correct approach to answer such questions.

Q 1. 98/3 % of 769.002 + 24% of 160.89 – 67.9900=?

1. 220
2. 224
3. 225
4. 226
5. 227

Answer: (4) 226

Solution:

Divide the question into parts,

(98/3 % of 769.002) + (24% of 160.89) – 67.9900

⇒ 98/3 % of 769.002 = 33% × 769 = 254.77 = 255 —– (1)

⇒ 24% of 160.89 = 24% × 161 = 38.64 = 39 —– (2)

Finally, 

255 + 39 – 68 = 294 – 68 = 226

Q 2. What shall come in place of question mark (?)

794.89 ÷ 15.001+ 767.99 ÷ 12.001 – 1273.012 ÷ 18.9968=?

1. 42
2. 35
3. 50
4. 55
5. 47

Answer: (3) 50

Solution:

As per BODMAS,

The division needs to be done first.

794.89 ÷ 15.001 = 795 ÷ 15 = 53

767.99 ÷ 12.001 = 768 ÷ 12 = 64

1273.012 ÷ 18.9968 = 1273 ÷ 19 = 67

So, 53 + 64 – 67 = 117 – 67 = 50

Q 3. Find an approximate value of what should come in place of question mark (?)

39.012 × 14.98 – 28.013 × 9.999 = (20 + ?) × 5.23

1. 45
2. 42
3. 41
4. 43
5. 46

Answer: (3) 41

Solution:

As per BODMAS, we first multiply,

39.012 × 14.98 = 39 × 15 = 585

28.013 × 9.999 = 28 × 10 = 280

So, 585 – 280 = (20 + x) × 5.23

⇒ 585 – 280 = 100 + 5x

⇒ 305 – 100 = 5x

⇒ 205 = 5x

⇒ x = 41

Q 4. {40.09% of ( ⅖) + 59.89% of (1/5)} × 1000 + ? = 1

1. 278
2. -278
3. 279
4. -279
5. -280

Answer: (4) 1279

Solution:

40.09% of ( ⅖) = 40% × ⅖ = 0.16

59.89% of (1/5) = 60% × ⅕ = 0.12

⇒ (0.16+0.12) × 1000 + ? = 1

⇒ 0.28 × 1000 + ? = 1 

⇒ 280 +? = 1

⇒ ? = -279

Apart from the sample questions given above, there are other approximations and simplification questions which have been given in the PDF below. Candidates can download the question PDF to get more solved example.

Simplification & Approximation Questions PDF:-Download PDF Here

Aspirants can also check the links given below to prepare themselves for the upcoming competitive exams:

Candidates willing to know more about the upcoming Government sector exams can turn to BYJU’S for exam information and also get the related preparation tips, study material and assistance here.