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Quantitative Aptitude›Ch 1: Arithmetic Foundations›Simplification and BODMAS

1.3

Simplification and BODMAS

5 min

Master computation speed with accurate BODMAS rules and approximation tricks.

1

Golden Rule of Calculation

Always evaluate expressions strictly following the BODMAS order to avoid calculation errors. Fraction, decimal, and approximation methods save crucial seconds in exam halls.

2

Exam Importance

  • Directly yields 5 to 7 questions in SSC and Railway exams.
  • Boosts overall speed for complex arithmetic problems.
  • Reduces negative marking through careful decimal handling.

Quick Memory Hooks

  • B-O-D-M-A-S: Bracket, Of, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction.
  • Vinculum bar (-) acts as the topmost bracket.
  • Approximate values to nearest integers before multiplying large numbers.
3

Standard Fraction to Decimal

FractionDecimalPercentage
1/20.550%
1/40.2525%
3/40.7575%
1/80.12512.5%
4

Visualizing Operations

B - Brackets

(Innermost first)

B - Brackets: Innermost first

Innermost first

Solve () before {} and [].

O - Of

(Means multiply)

O - Of: Means multiply

Means multiply

Evaluate 'Of' before division.

DM - Priority

(Left to right)

DM - Priority: Left to right

Left to right

Perform division and multiplication sequentially.

AS - Priority

(Final steps)

AS - Priority: Final steps

Final steps

Execute addition and subtraction last.

5

Common Exam Traps

Doing Addition before MultiplicationMultiplication before Addition

Always multiply before adding numbers.

Ignoring Bracket Sign insideDistribute negative signs properly

Watch out for minus signs outside brackets.

Wrong order in Left-to-Right DMStrict Left to Right evaluation

Evaluate division/multiplication strictly left to right.

6

Practice Quiz

Q1.Evaluate: 24 - 12 ÷ 4 × 2 + 6

Q2.Simplify: 50 - [20 + {10 - (5 - 2)}]

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