CAT 2024 Quant Slot 1: Solution Guide
For Indian Students Preparing for MBA entrance
1. Understanding the Slot Structure
CAT 2024’s Quantitative Ability (QA) section includes 22 questions across two slots (Slot 1 and Slot 2). Slot 1 typically focuses on data interpretation, algebra, and arithmetic. Indian aspirants often find questions on number systems, profit/loss, and ratios challenging. Below are solved examples for common question types.
2. Sample Questions & Solutions
Question 1: Number System
“A number when divided by 5 leaves a remainder of 3, and when divided by 7 leaves a remainder of 4. What is the remainder when this number is divided by 35?”
Solution:
Let the number be ( N ).
( N = 5k + 3 )
( N = 7m + 4 )
Equating:
( 5k + 3 = 7m + 4 )
( 5k - 7m = 1 )
Solve using the Extended Euclidean Algorithm:
( 7 = 1 \times 5 + 2 )
( 5 = 2 \times 2 + 1 )
Back-substitute: ( 1 = 5 - 2 \times 2 = 5 - 2 \times (7 - 5) = 3 \times 5 - 2 \times 7 )
Thus, ( k = 3 ), ( m = 2 ).
( N = 5 \times 3 + 3 = 18 ).
When divided by 35, remainder = 18.
Question 2: Profit, Loss, and Ratios
“A shopkeeper sells two watches for ₹12,000 each. On one, he gains 20%, and on the other, he loses 20%. What is his overall profit/loss percentage?”
Solution:
Cost Price (CP) of first watch: ( \frac{12000}{1.2} = ₹10,000 )
CP of second watch: ( \frac{12000}{0.8} = ₹15,000 )
Total CP = ( 10,000 + 15,000 = ₹25,000 )
Total SP = ( 2 \times 12,000 = ₹24,000 )
Loss = ( 25,000 - 24,000 = ₹1,000 )
Loss% = ( \frac{1000}{25000} \times 100 = 4% ).
Answer: 4% loss
Question 3: Data Interpretation (DI)
Table below shows monthly sales (in ₹) of two products (A and B) over 6 months. Calculate the average monthly sales of Product B.
Month
Product A
Product B
Jan
25,000
40,000
Feb
30,000
35,000
Mar
35,000
50,000
Apr
40,000
45,000
May
45,000
60,000
Jun
50,000
55,000
Solution:
Total sales of B = ( 40,000 + 35,000 + 50,000 + 45,000 + 60,000 + 55,000 = ₹285,000 )
Average = ( \frac{285,000}{6} = ₹47,500 ).
Answer: ₹47,500
3. Key Tips for CAT QA Slot 1
Number Systems: Master modular arithmetic and LCM/HCF shortcuts.
Profit/Loss: Always calculate CP first before determining profit/loss percentages.
DI: Focus on cumulative totals and averages to save time.
4. Practice Resources
Previous CAT papers (2018–2023) for slot-wise pattern analysis.
mocks by TCS, GMATPrep, and mocksbyshashank.
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