Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year to all the readers of this blog...Wishing you all a year full of luv, joy & prosperity... 
Welcome 2012!!!!
Thanks to all the Good People like you who made '2011' so much beautiful for me!
May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions do! ;)

Quantitative Aptitude Challenge-1- Solution


Quantitative Aptitude Challenge Solution (Difficulty was Moderate):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q1. Sum of the ages of a boy and his father is 70 years. Before 20 years Father's age was 14 times the age of the boy. What was the age of father at the time of birth of the child?
Options:
1) 25
2) 26
3) 27
4) 28

Answer: 26
Detailed Explanation:
Let present age of father and the son are x and y then according to the given condition x+y = 70 
before 20 years  (x-20) = 14(y-20) 
so 70-y-20 = 14(y-20) 
or 50-y = 14y-280
or 15y = 330
or y = 22 and x = 48
so at the time of birth of child, age of father = 48-22 = 26


Q2. What will be the probability that k1*k2*k3 is an even number, if k1, k2, k3 
are 3 positive integers taken randomly. 
Options. 
1) 1/3
2) 1/8
3) 2/3
4) 7/8

Answer : 7/8
Detailed Explanation:
Each of the three numbers could either be even or odd. 
Total number of combinations of such numbers = 2^3 = 8
There is only one comination where multiple of 3 numbers would be odd is when K1, K2 and K3 all are Odd numbers.
For rest all 7 combinations the multiple of 3 number would always be even.
Hence probability = 7/8. 
Key Learning: 
When any number is multiplied by an even number, the result is always a even number.


Q3.What is the sum of all the four digit numbers formed using the digits 0, 1, 2 and 3. None of the two digits should be repeated.?
1) 36664
2) 34664
3) 37664
4) 38664

Answer: 38664
Detailed Explanation:
From these four digits '0' cannot be at first place to form four digit number 
So we have 1, 2, or 3 can be at thousand's place 
Keeping one digit at thousand place(example 1XXX or 2XXX or 3XXX ) we can have 6 different four digit number.For example if 1 is fixed at thousands place following 6 four digit numbers are possible = 1023, 1032,1203,1230,1302,1320 . Similarly for  2 and 3 fixed at thousand place.
So that means 1*1000*6 + 2*1000*6 + 3*1000* 6 = 36000

Now come to hundred's place we can have all four digit at this place , '0' will not contribute any thing to sum, so in all four digits number 1,2,3 will be at 4 times on same place which means: 100*4 + 200* 4 + 300 * 4= 2400

Now come to tenth's place ...similar as hundred 
So 10*4 + 20*4 + 30*4= 240

Similarly for unit place 
1*4 + 2*4 + 3*4= 24 
At last if you add whole the total sum of all possible four digit number formed is 38664
Key Learning:
1. While solving such questions, fix digits at each position and find out all combinations of numbers at other positions. 
2. To understand the logic above easily, you should try to solve & master a simpler question such as sum of all the three digit numbers formed by 1,2,3.
All possible 3 digit numbers are:
123,132,213,231,312,321. Now the slowest way to solve this question is to identiyf all such numbers and add all these numbers to get the answers :).
Smart way to solve this would be based on the fact that 123= 1*100+2*20+3*1
Step-1 :Fix nummbers at at each place (100th place, 10th place & unit place) one by one and then finding all different numbers which are possible.
Fixing a number at 100th place there are 2 different numbers which could be formed by arranging numbers at 10th & unti place. Similarly on fixing numbers at 10th place and unit place there are 2 different numbers which could be formed by arranging numbers at 100th & unit place and 100th & 10th place respectively. 
Step-2 :Find sum at each place of all digits (100th place, 10th place & unit place)
So for 100th place  = (1*100+2*100+3*100)*2 = 6*100*2 = 1200
Similarly for 10th place = (1*10+2*10+3*10)*2 = 6*10*2 = 120
Similarly for unit place = (1*1+2*1+3*1)*2 = 6*1*2 = 12
Step-3 : Do sum of all numbers = 1200 + 120 + 12 = 1332

  
Q4. There are 5 lines in a plane. Difference between maximum and minimum number of intersecting points. No two lines are parallel 
Options. 
1) 9
2) 8
3) 10
4) 11

Answer  9
Detailed Explanation:
For n non parallel lines, maximum number of intersection points = n*(n-1)/2
Here n=5
max points of intersection = 5*4/2=10
Minimum number of intersection pointts = 1 (all lines intersecting at common point)
Difference = 10-1=9
Key Learning: 
Maximum number of intersection points for n non parallel lines = n*(n-1)/2


Q5. How many words can be formed by using all the letters of the word MASTERCHEF at a time if you have to arrange these letters in the same manner as these letters are arrange in english alphabet?
(! represents factorial in options) 
Options:
1) 10!/2
2) 5!
3) 1!+0!
4) 0!

Answer 0!
Detailed Explanation:
Only 1 method is possible on the basis of conditions(letters are arranged in english alphabet) given this word is ACEEFHMRST
Key Learning: 
Remember 0!=1


Q6. 1,4,9,16,......
sum of this sequence upto 20 terms will be 
Options. 
1) 1980
2) 2050
3) 2870
4) 2980

Answer: 2870
Detailed Explanation:
= 1^2+2^2+3^2+4^2+..............
= sum of squares of first 20 integers
according Sum of squares of first n integers = (n*(n+1)*(2n+1))/6
On putting n = 20, answer will be obtained
Key Learning:
Sum of the first n integers = n(n+1)/2
Sum of squares of first n integers = (n*(n+1)*(2n+1))/6
Sum of cubes of first n integers = (n(n+1)/2)^2
Sum of cubes = (sum of integers)^2
1³ + 2³ + 3³ + ... + n³ = ( 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n )² = (n(n+1)/2)^2


=> Back to Questions Quantitative Aptitude Challenge-1 - Test your Quantitative Aptitude for MBA Aspirants

Quantitative Aptitude Challenge-1 - Test your Quantitative Aptitude for MBA aspirants

Quantitative Aptitude Challenge(Expected time to solve these 6 Question is 9 Mins.):
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Q1. Sum of the ages of a boy and his father is 70 years. Before 20 years Father's 
age was 14 times the age of the boy. What was the age of father at the time of 
birth of the child?
Options:
1) 25
2) 26
3) 27
4) 28

Read answers with detailed steps to solve these questions in less time.

Q2. What will be the probability that k1*k2*k3 is an even number, if k1, k2, k3
are 3 positive integers taken randomly.
Options.
1) 1/3
2) 1/8
3) 2/3
4) 7/8

Read answers with detailed steps to solve these questions in less time.

Q3.What is the sum of all the four digit numbers formed using the digits 0, 1, 2
and 3. None of the two digits should be repeated.?
1) 36664
2) 34664
3) 37664
4) 38664

Read answers with detailed steps to solve these questions in less time.

Q4. There are 5 lines in a plane. Difference between maximum and minimum number of intersecting points. No two lines are parallel
Options.
1) 9
2) 8
3) 10
4) 11

Read answers with detailed steps to solve these questions in less time.

Q5. How many words can be formed by using all the letters of the word MASTERCHEF at a time if you have to arrange these letters in the same manner as these letters are arranged in english alphabet?
(! represents factorial in options)
Options:
1) 10!/2
2) 5!
3) 1!+0!
4) 0!
Read answers with detailed steps to solve these questions in less time.

Q6. 1,4,9,16,......
sum of this sequence upto 20 terms will be
Options.
1) 1980
2) 2050
3) 2870
4) 2980
Read answers with detailed steps to solve these questions in less time.

Basics of Logical Reasoning Ebook

Basics of Logical Reasoning Ebook
Logical thinking is the process in which one uses reasoning consistently to come to a conclusion. Problems or situations that involve logical thinking call for structure, for relationships between facts, and for chains of reasoning. Logical reasoning is very important in practical life for a making a conclusion or even a decision. 
Logical reasoning is part of most of the MBA exams, this makes it very important for all MBA aspirants.
Below 4+1 pages covers basics of Logical Reasoning:


Ebook on Tables(Logical Reasoning)


Download Book1: A Logical-Reasoning Endeavor

Download Book2: Tabular Reasoning

Mastering Critical Reasoning for MBA Exams-Critical Reasoning User Manual

Mastering Critical Reasoning for MBA Exams-Critical Reasoning User Manual
Critical Reasoning is a way of deciding whether a claim is true, false; sometimes true, or partly true. Critical Reasoning is an important component of most professions. It is a part of most of the MBA exams due to which it is increasingly significant for all MBA aspirants. 
Below ebook contains detailed insight into Critical Reasoning, over 600 pages of detailed study on Critical reasoning for MBA aspirants :




Download Mastering Cortical Reasoning Book for MBA Exams

Basics of Critical Reasoning - Strategy for Critical Reasoning

Basics of Critical Reasoning - Strategy for Critical Reasoning
Critical Reasoning is a way of deciding whether a claim is true, false; sometimes true, or partly true. Critical Reasoning is an important component of most professions. It is a part of most of the MBA exams due to which it is increasingly significant for all MBA aspirants. 
Below are 50 slides taking you through basics of the Critical Reasoning:


Download Strategy for Critical Reasoning Book for MBA Exams

XAT 2012 Test Format - The New Structure of XAT test

Source: economictimes.com
After CAT, XAT is the most awaited Bschool entrance exam - its scores are accepted by more than a 100 institutes in the country. XLRI School of Business & Human Resources, Jamshedpur, which conducts XAT in January every year, plans to restructure the exam next month. 


It will move from being a formula-based approach to a commonsensical one. XLRI also plans to reduce the XAT score cut-offs for interviews. The institute's admission chairperson and faculty member Soumendra Nath Bagchi spoke to Writankar Mukherjee on all this and more. 



THE NEW STRUCTURE 

Apart from being extremely doable, this year's XAT stresses more on a commonsensical approach rather than a pure formula-based one. The restructuring has been done to ensure a level-playing field, not only for non-engineers, but also for steady performers. 



THE REASON 

In the existing format, a majority of the tougher questions remain unanswered. It did not solve the purpose of testing students. Students who answered just a few questions have been getting admission into different institutes, which might not be the kind of students the institute is looking for. Hence, to have a higher attempt rate, we are going in for a reduced difficulty level. However, there will be uniqueness and surprises in the pattern of questions. 



Further, we have been observing that engineers and candidates from a science background, who end up as high scorers in XAT, often do so by virtue of their quantitative orientation during graduation, and may not score high in group discussions and personal interviews. After all, around 85% of the applicants are from an engineering background. 



NEW CUT-OFF 

XLRI has decided to reduce cut-offs from the the 90s to the 80s to attract a good mix of students. We experimented with reduced percentile cut-offs for calling candidates to the group discussion and personal interview last year. Its success in getting a diverse pool of applicants, in terms of geography and work experience, has been encouraging. 



NO DIGITAL EDGE YET 

XLRI plans to continue with the paper-pen format. We believe that for students choosing to study in XLRI, this is the best format for holding the exam. The paper based exam allows us to audit the question paper, individual questions or answer sheets at any time we want. XAT allows an equal-playing field for people who are not familiar with computer usage and those who are. 



Candidates come from diverse educational and financial backgrounds. XLRI believes that one's familiarity with a computer can make a significant impact on candidates' response to questions. Moreover, systems-related problems such as slow computer terminals are eliminated to a large extent.



Tags: XAT 2012 Test Format - The New Structure of XAT test 

How to improve Reading Comprehension (RC) - Tackling RC more efficiently

General Strategies for RC-How to improve Reading Comprehension                                             Courtesy: Stephen Bolton

Learn How to improve Reading Comprehension (RC) - Tackling RC more efficiently by Stephen Bolton:
          

Quantitative Aptitude Flashcard - Maths Shortcuts for MBA Exams

Free Study Materials - Quantitative Aptitude Flashcard - Maths Shortcuts for MBA Exams 

All about CMAT

AICTE in its mission to reduce the burden of students in attending to multiple examinations launches the first national level Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)-2012 for facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all management programs approved by AICTE for year 2012-13. The initiative has been taken to address the issue of physical, mental and financial stress being imposed on the students through number of entrance examinations being followed by the institutions for admission into all management Programmes in AICTE approved institutions based on the relevant judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.


Below are important links related with CMAT 2012:

CMAT Press release

AICTE in its mission to reduce the burden of students in attending to multiple examinations launches the first national level Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)-2012 for facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all management programs approved by AICTE for year 2012-13. The initiative has been taken to address the issue of physical, mental and financial stress being imposed on the students through number of entrance examinations being followed by the institutions for admission into all management Programmes in AICTE approved institutions based on the relevant judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
Below is the press release:

Important Dates for CMAT 2012


Important Dates for CMAT 2012:
Event
Start Date
End Date
CMAT 2012 Online Registration Dates
From 9th December2011 
Till 9th January 2012 
CMAT 2012 Admit Card Download Period
 30-Jan-2012 
20-Feb-2012
CMAT 2012 Exam Dates
XAT 2012 Test Window
20-Feb-2012
28-Feb-2012
CMAT Test Result
CMAT 2012 Exam Result
11-Mar-2012
-

CMAT Test Cities - Test Cities for CMAT

Test Cities for CMAT exams are listed below:

CMAT Application Process - How to apply for CMAT

CMAT Exam Pattern -CMAT Test Pattern






CMAT 2012 Common Questions - FAQ

Common Questions related with CMAT 2012 - FAQ CMAT 2012
FORMAT OF CMAT 
Q. Is CMAT going to be conducted ONLINE?
A. CMAT will be a computer-based test (CBT). A candidate will read the questions on a computer terminal and choose an answer by clicking on the correct option. 


Q. How is the computer-based format different from the paper-based format?
A. The format of the test is more or less the same except that a candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer, instead of reading on a paper booklet and using a pencil to darken the ovals on an answer sheet. 


Q. Can I take the test from any computer?
A. No. A candidate will have to test on a pre-assigned workstation and will not have a choice to choose his or her workstation, in the testing venue TEST 


DURATION & PATTERN 
Q. How many sections are there in the test?
A. There will be four sections in the test. The sections are (a) Logical Reasoning b)Verbal Ability / Language Comprehension c)Numerical Ability + Data Interpretation d) General Awareness 


Q. How many questions are there in each of these sections?
A. There will be 25 questions in each section. 


Q. What is the duration of the test?
A. The duration of test will be 180 minutes 


Q. Can I move back nd forth between the four section
A. Yes 


Q. Will there be negative marking in CMAT exam?
A. Yes 


SCHEDULING & REGISTRATION 
Q. Who is eligible to take the test?
A. Graduates in any discipline or Final year students of Graduate Courses can apply for CMAT 


Q. Can I appear for CMAT for practice purpose, though I am aware that I am not eligible?
A. No 


Q. Is there any age restriction for appearing in CMAT?
A. No, there is no age restriction for appearing in CMAT. 


Q. What is the fee for the test?
A. The fee is Rs.1200 + Bank charges as applicable for General / OBC candidates. If you belong to the SC/ST/PD (Physically disabled) category then you need to pay a discounted fee of Rs.600 + Bank charges as applicable 


Q. Where do I pay my fees?
A. Candidates are required to pay registration fee either by Online (Credit / Debit cards / Net banking) or Depositing cash in any branch of State Bank of India. 


Q. When and how do I register for CMAT 2012 ?
A. Online registration for CMAT 2012 will begin on Friday, 9th December 2011 and end on Monday, 9 January 2012. Additional instructions for the online application and registration process are also available on the website www.aicte-cmat.in 


Q. Can I use my coaching institute’s or a friend’s email address when registering for CMAT?
A. No, you need to have a valid and unique email address of yourself which you will be using atleast for the next six months 


Q. Can I pay the fees through Bank Demand Draft or Cheque?
A. No. Fees can only be paid online or through cash deposit in any of the SBI bank branch. 


Q. When will CMAT be held and can I choose a test city?
A. CMAT will be held during the period Monday, 20 February 2012 – Tuesday, 28 February 2012. Yes, you can select up-to 3 cities giving order of preference towards your test city. The first choice of city will be given due consideration and weightage. However, actual allotment as per order of choice will be subject to availability of the slot in the particular city. 


Q. From where can I get the list of test cities?
A. A list of test cities will be available on the website www.aicte-cmat.in 


Q. When will I get my Admit Card?
A. You can PRINT your ADMIT CARD by going to website www.aicte-cmat.in from 30th Jan 2012 


Q. What details will be mentioned in the Admit Card?
A. The admit card will contain the name of the candidate, CMAT Roll number, test date, time, reporting time at the venue, venue name, venue address and instructions for the candidate. 


Q. Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy by mail?
A. No. Apart from ADMIT CARD available ONLINE on the website, The admit card will be sent to the email address provided by you. It is therefore, mandatory for you to have a valid email account throughout the selection process. Note: Admit Card is a mandatory requirement in order to take the test. You must bring a print out of your Admit Card to the test centre. 


Q. What are the different Time Slots of the Test?
A. A typical testing day for CMAT will have 2 exam sessions. Session timings are as follows: a. Session 1: Testing will begin at 9:30 AM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre no later than 8:00 AM for security checks, identity verification, and checking in. b. Session 2: Testing will begin at 2:30 PM. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre no later than 1:00 PM for security checks, identity verification, and checking in. 


Q. Can I appear for CMAT 2012 more than once during the 9-days testing window?
A. No. You can appear for CMAT 2012 only once. It will be deemed a fraudulent activity if one attempts to appear for CMAT 2012 more than once. Admit Cards and picture IDs of the candidates will be checked, and candidate pictures and biometric information will also be captured at the test centre. 


Q. What are the timings to contact the helpline?
A. The FAQs, IVRS and online instructions are designed to enable self-service. You are requested to use these tools which can guide you through the entire process and help answer most of your queries. In case you are still facing issues, then CMAT Candidate Care Support is available by phone and email 24x7.
Helpline number: 022- 40369695
E-mail id:customercare@aicte-cmat.in
Phone support availability: 09th December 2011 – 11th April 2012, 24X7 Daily
Webmail support availability:
Webmail support will be available from 09th December 2011 to 11th April 2012. Queries, received by webmail, will be responded to within 2 business days. Do not send the same email multiple times, as it will delay the response process. 



Changing of preferred test city 
Q. Can I change my preferred test city after I have submitted my form?
A. No. No data can be changed once the form is finally submitted. 


Q. Can I cancel the test?
A. No. Under no circumstances will a cancellation/refund be allowed. 


Q. If I do not take my test, will I be eligible for a refund?
A. No. Your fees will not be refunded in case you do not appear for your test as per your scheduled location, date and time 


TESTING DAY 
Q. What is the duration and pattern of the test?
A. The total duration is 3 hours. CMAT is a multiple choice test, delivered in 4 sections, The actual test will contain 100 questions. For further details, refer to Test Duration & Pattern. 


Q. Do I have any breaks during the test?
A. No, you will not be given any breaks during the test.


Q. Will I be provided with any scratch paper for rough work and calculations during the test?
A. At the test centre, each candidate will be seated at a desk with a computer terminal and he/she will be provided with a scratch paper for calculations. Rough work cannot be done on any other paper/sheet, as nothing will be allowed inside the testing room. On completion of the test, candidates will have to hand back all the scratch paper to the Administrator. 


Q. What is the reporting time for the test?
A. One Hr and Thirty minutes prior to the test time. For the test beginning at 9.30 am, you must reach the test centre no later than 8:00 AM. Similarly for the test beginning at 2.30 pm, you must reach the test centre no later than 1:00 PM. 


Q. What are the identification documents required to be carried to the test centre?
A. Candidates will need to bring the following identification documents on the test day: a) CMAT 2012 Admit Card with recent passport sized photo pasted on it. b) At least one original (not photocopied / scanned copy) and valid (not expired) photo identification. The name on your photo identification must match your name as entered in the CMAT application. Acceptable forms of photo identification types are limited to Driver's license, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, UID card or a notarized Affidavit (in English) with Photo, Signature, Date of Birth and Residential Address. Photocopies of the original are not acceptable. Candidates will not be permitted to take the test if photo identification is not presented. c) Notarized copy of Xth Mark sheet or equivalent Important: Admit Card and one photo identification, mentioned above, are mandatory in order to take test. Note: You will have to store all other personal items at the test centre at your own risk. Please do not bring any other items to the test centre, as they are not permitted into the testing centre. 


Q. Does the name need to match with the names appearing on the identification documents?
A. Ans. Your name needs to be exactly identical to the name on your Xth Mark sheet or equivalent. Note: - If the name has been changed due to events such as marriage, you must show the relevant document mentioned below and submit a photocopy at the time of the test, interview and at the time of joining a programme. •Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Legal Name Change Document 


Q. What are the permitted materials I can bring with me to the test centre?
A. None. You will not be permitted to bring any personal items to the test centre, including but not limited to wrist-watch, cellphones, calculators, etc.


RESULTS 
Q. Will I get to see my scores on the test day?
A. No 


Q. Within how many days can I expect the results?
A. CMAT 2012 results are expected to be declared on 11 March 2012 on the website www.aicte-cmat.in 


OTHER INFORMATION 
Q. If I do not get my Admit Card, whom should I contact?
A. You need to login on the website www.aicte-cmat.in using your username & password and select “Admit Card” to print your Admit Card directly from the website. 


Q. Can I make any changes to my postal address after I have submitted my application form?
A. No, Once you submitted your application form, there is no way to change your information. 


PHYSICALLY DISABLED (PD) CANDIDATES 
Q. Who is eligible to take the test under the Physically Disabled category?
A. As per the “Persons with Disability Act, 1995”, candidate qualifies to be a Physically Disabled (PD) candidate if he/she suffers from any of the listed disabilities, to the extent of not less than 40% as certified by a medical authority. Following are the categories defined by AICTE for PD candidates: a.Visual impaired b.Physical handicapped c.Hearing Impairment d.Dumb 


Q. Which are the acceptable testing devices that I can use/bring to the test centre?
A.

Testing AssistanceApplicable forArranged by
Abacus (without calculator)Visually ImpairedCandidate
Hearing AidHearing ImpairmentCandidate
Wheel ChairPhysical handicappedCandidate
Scribe/ReaderVisually Impaired / Cerebral PalsyCandidate