Mathematics is a crucial part of MAT exam, and comprises 40 questions out of the total 200. Its questions are based on the fundamental concepts and formulated in a way to check your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Besides, mathematics topics are also prove helpful for data analysis and sufficiency questions.
In this article, we will discuss the Quant (Mathematical Skills) section of MAT.
In MAT Quant section, a majority of the questions appear from areas like Simple Equations, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Partnership, Time & Distance, Boats & Streams, Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns, Simple Interest & Compound Interest, Geometry & Mensuration, Trigonometry, Heights & Distance, Permutations & Combinations and Probability. There are also a few questions from Venn diagram and Averages also. Thus, it is advised that you should revise the basics of these areas thoroughly.
Previous years MAT Questions
Q. "A sum was put at simple interest at a certain rate for 3 years. Had it been put at 1% higher rate, it would have fetched Rs. 5,100 more. What is the sum?" This question can be easily solved if the basic concept of simple interest is clear.
NOTE: The level of difficulty of Quant section varies generally from easy to moderate barring a few tough questions from P & C and some calculation intensive questions from Arithmetic (which may be avoided if time is running out). In other major competitive exams, most of the questions are based on indirect application of concepts but in MAT, the questions are direct in nature. Let us have a look at one more question:
Q. "Two pipes P and Q can fill a cistern in 3 and 6 minutes respectively, while an empty pipe R can empty the cistern in 4 minutes. All the three pipes are opened together and after 2 minutes, pipe R is closed. Find when the tank will be full". This, as you can see is a manageable question from the area of Pipes & Cisterns.
NOTE:The questions asked in Quant section involve only the basic concepts of the concerned topic and for those of you who have done adequate practice, you will find these questions quite doable. The success in this section depends on your basic conceptual and calculation skills. While all areas of Quantitative Ability need to be covered, a careful study of the previous years' papers reveals that some topics are more important than others. Thus, it is recommended that you cover the entire syllabus, with special focus on the areas mentioned above.
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