Simplification and Approximation are foundational topics in Quantitative Aptitude. Whether you’re appearing for SSC, Banking, or Railway exams, you will definitely come across 1–2 questions from this topic in almost every shift.
In this blog, we have provided details about the types of questions asked on Simplification and Approximation, along with short notes, formulas, time-saving tricks and tips, and previous year solved questions asked in various examinations.
What Is Simplification and Approximation in Quantitative Aptitude?
Simplification involves solving mathematical expressions accurately using arithmetic operations, while Approximation requires finding the nearest or estimated value of a given expression.
Why Is It Asked in Exams?
These questions test your speed and accuracy in basic operations — addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, and BODMAS rule. It’s a scoring topic that can save time in the exam.
Skills Required
- Speed Calculation
- Number Sense
- Decimal Handling
- Use of Approximate Values
- Application of BODMAS and estimation logic
Why Is Simplification and Approximation Important in Competitive Exams?
Questions from this section are generally easy and help in building speed and confidence at the beginning of the Quant paper.
| Exam | No. of Questions | Difficulty |
| SSC CGL / CHSL | 1–2 | Easy |
| IBPS PO / SBI PO | 1–2 | Moderate |
| RRB NTPC / Group D | 1 | Easy |
| State PSC / Police | 1–2 | Moderate |
Simplification and Approximation Quantitative Aptitude Short Notes
To score well, candidates should revise the following concepts:
| Term | Explanation |
| BODMAS Rule | Order: Brackets, Orders (powers/roots), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction |
| Vinculum | A bar used to group numbers in a complex expression |
| Estimation | Rounding off values to nearest tens, hundreds, etc., for faster calculation |
| Approximate Equality | Use of ≈ symbol when exact values are not required |
| Surds and Decimals | Knowledge of √2 ≈ 1.41, √3 ≈ 1.73, etc., helps in quick estimates |
Concepts Used in Simplification and Approximation Questions
Concepts commonly used in Simplification and Approximation questions are as follows:
| Concept | Explanation |
| Use of BODMAS | Always follow this rule in multi-operation expressions |
| Rounding Rules | Round up ≥ .5, down < .5 for faster approximation |
| Multiplication Tricks | Break numbers: 98×97 = (100−2)(100−3) = 100² − (2+3)×100 + 6 |
| Common Approximations | √2 ≈ 1.41, √3 ≈ 1.73, π ≈ 3.14, 22/7, e ≈ 2.71 |
| Estimation Logic | Ignore decimal precision unless necessary |
| Square & Cube Shortcuts | 11² = 121, 12² = 144… up to 25² should be memorized |
What Are the Types of Simplification and Approximation Questions in Quantitative Aptitude?
Types of questions commonly asked in the exam are as follows:
- Direct Calculation: Use BODMAS to solve exact value
- Approximate Value: Choose the nearest answer from options
- Mixed Operation: Combine %, square roots, brackets, decimals
- Decimal/Surds Simplification: Deal with irrational or decimal expressions
- Missing Term Based: Use simplification to find a missing number
Simplification and Approximation Formulas for Quantitative Aptitude
Solving simplification questions with speed and accuracy requires not just formulas but intense practice too. The formulas that can be used in solving these types of questions are as follows:
- (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²
- (a − b)² = a² − 2ab + b²
- a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b)
- Vedic Math multiplication methods
- Convert % to fractions: 25% = 1/4, 50% = 1/2
- Round-off: 497 ≈ 500, 1023 ≈ 1000
Simplification and Approximation Tricks for SSC CGL and Other Exams
Tricks that are useful in solving Simplification and Approximation questions are as follows:
- Use BODMAS religiously never skip brackets
- Round-off decimals smartly don’t overcomplicate
- Break large numbers 98 × 97 = (100−2)(100−3)
- Convert % to fractions simplifies multiplication
- Eliminate wrong options smart guessing works
- Use approximation only when instructed or you may lose marks
- Memorize common squares and cubes
Solved Simplification and Approximation Questions from 2024–25 Exams
1. Asked in SSC CGL 2024 Tier 1 Shift 2 – Memory-Based
Q: 256 + 439 – 312 × 2 = ?
A: 71
Explanation:
312 × 2 = 624
256 + 439 = 695
695 − 624 = 71
2. From IBPS PO Prelims 2024
Q: Approximate value of √198 × 2.9 = ?
A: 41
Explanation:
√198 ≈ 14.07, 14 × 2.9 ≈ 40.6 ≈ 41
3. Asked in RRB NTPC 2024 Stage 1
Q: (12.8 + 7.2) × 5 = ?
A: 100
Explanation:
12.8 + 7.2 = 20
20 × 5 = 100
4. From Oliveboard Mock Test 2025
Q: (99² – 1) ÷ 10 = ?
A: 980
Explanation:
99² = 9801
9801 − 1 = 9800
9800 ÷ 10 = 980
Simplification and Approximation Concepts for Bank Exams
In Bank exams like IBPS or SBI, questions often combine multiple components percentages, approximations, decimals, and surds into a single complex expression. For example:
Q: Approximate value of (56.2% of 250) + √81 = ?
A:
56.2% of 250 = ~140
√81 = 9
Total ≈ 149
Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Simplification and Approximation
Common mistakes to avoid while solving these questions are as follows:
- Ignoring BODMAS order: Always follow correct sequence
- Over-approximation: Round-off smartly; don’t distort the value
- Incorrect square root estimations: Memorize common √ values
- Skipping intermediate steps: Leads to calculation errors
- Not verifying final step: Always double-check before marking the answer
FAQs
It defines the order: Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction.
Only if the question asks for approximate value or options are far apart.
Round decimals to nearest whole number and simplify mentally.
Break numbers using identities like (a + b)(a − b) or round-off method.
Yes, BODMAS should always be followed even in approximation.
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