Solving Complex Simplification Questions in Record Time

In competitive examinations for banks and government services, the Simplification and Approximation topic is where candidates earn or lose their precious time. Candidates need to work on 5 to 10 complicated numeric expressions within severe time constraints. Though most candidates can solve these expressions in the end, the use of a normal arithmetic approach will consume all your available time.

To solve complex simplification questions within a minimum period of time, you have to stop looking at them as tedious computations and should rather treat them as pattern identification questions. Some students lack the right direction while they prepare for their examinations. If you want proper guidance, then you can opt for the best bank PO coaching. 

Solving Complex Simplification Questions in Record Time 

Read the following pointers to learn about solving complex simplification questions in record time:

Strict Implementation of VBODMAS Rule

The single largest reason why one fails to answer a simplification question correctly, or gets trapped in a rechecking cycle, is due to breaching the basic order of operations. Competitive exams today intentionally come up with questions that use both brackets and various arithmetic operations to confuse students and make them commit mistakes of operating out of order.

Always implement the VBODMAS rule strictly left to right:

• V (Vinculum/Bar): Start by solving those expressions with a bar line (x).

• B (Brackets): Work out the expressions within round brackets ( ), followed by square brackets [ ].

• O (Of): Perform 'Of' (multiplication) before normal division/multiplication.

• D/M (Division/Multiplication): Complete the operations of division/multiplication left to right.

• A/S (Addition/Subtraction): Lastly, perform additions/subtractions.

Implementing this order will help avoid silly mistakes and save you precious seconds of re-checking your calculations.

Quick Ways of Validation: Digital Root and Unit Digit Techniques

During a multiple-choice examination, it is very rare for you to work out the exact value from scratch. You should apply techniques of validation to quickly rule out the incorrect choices.

Digital Root (Digit Sum) Technique

The digital root of a number refers to a single-digit figure found after continuous addition of all digits in the number (considering 9 as well as those digits that add up to 9 as zero).

For instance, if the digital root of an involved calculation is 5, then the right answer option will definitely have a digital root of 5 too. This technique allows you to avoid lengthy calculations involving multi-digit multiplication and addition within seconds.

Last Digit (Unit Digit) Technique

If the answer choices show unique ending figures, then concentrate only on the unit digits of the figures in the question using basic mathematics.

Leverage Algebraic Identities and Underlying Structure Patterns

The exam questioner often hides a tough arithmetic problem in a seemingly easy algebraic formula. If there is a square of a large number, subtraction of a heavy power, multiplication of decimal values which seem to be very close, then there will be a hidden algebraic formula:

• Difference of Squares: Problems like 78^2 - 22^2 don’t require calculating squares of both numbers. Use formula a^2 - b^2 = (a+b)(a-b) and simplify the equation as follows: (78 + 22)(78 - 22) = 100 times 56 = 5600 within 2 seconds.

• Cubics and Quadratics: Observe if there are recurring values like (a+b)^2, (a-b)^2$, or frac{a^3 + b^3}{a^2 - ab + b^2} = a + b. It reduces all complicated calculations into simple single-digit calculations.

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Conclusion

With the strict application of the VBODMAS order of operations, making use of quick digital roots and unit digits reduction, discovering algebraic identities concealed behind them, and using base-10 deviation techniques, you make the problem that seems like a mountain of calculation into an exercise in quick logical reductions. By no longer calculating each number starting from scratch but rather applying these clever tricks, you overcome exam fear, save your time budget, and make the simplification part the quickest and most reliable path to scoring high marks on exam day.