Percentage
The heart of Arithmetic. Master Standard Reciprocals (1/n), the AB Rule, and Successive Change methods to solve questions mentally.
Expert Answer & Key Takeaways
The heart of Arithmetic. Master Standard Reciprocals (1/n), the AB Rule, and Successive Change methods to solve questions mentally.
1. Standard Reciprocals (The Speed Hack)
Memorize these to avoid division during exams.
- 1/2 = 50%
- 1/3 = 33.33%
- 1/4 = 25%
- 1/5 = 20%
- 1/6 = 16.66%
- 1/7 = 14.28%
- 1/8 = 12.5%
- 1/9 = 11.11%
- 1/10 = 10%
- 1/11 = 09.09%
- 1/12 = 8.33%
- 1/15 = 6.66%
- 1/16 = 6.25%
- 3/8 = 37.5%, 5/8 = 62.5%
Example:
Q: Calculate 14.28% of 49.
Solution: We know .
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2. The AB Rule (Constant Product)
If , then if A increases by , B must decrease by .
Rule: If A increases by 1n, B must decrease by 1n+1 to keep product constant.
Rule: If A increases by 1n, B must decrease by 1n+1 to keep product constant.
- Sugar Price Example: Price . Consumption must .
Example:
Q: Price of oil increases by 20% (1/5). How much should consumption reduce to keep expense same?
Solution: Increase = 15.
Decrease = 15+1 = 16.
16 = 16.66%.
Decrease = 15+1 = 16.
16 = 16.66%.
3. Successive Percentage Change
When a value changes by and then by .
- Formula: Net Change = .
- Tip: Use this for Compound Interest (2 years) and Area questions (Length/Breadth change).
- For 3 Changes: Apply formula on first two, then result with third.
Example:
Q: Salary increased by 10% then 20%. Net change?
Solution: .
4. Population/Machine Value Formula
For continuous growth/depreciation.
- After n years:
- Short Trick: Use Ratio Method. If 10% increase (1/10), ratio moves . For 2 years, i.e., .
Example:
Q: Population 1000 increases by 10% for 2 years.
Solution: Ratio . 2 Years .
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5. Venn Diagrams (Set Theory)
Use for 'Both', 'Either', 'Neither' questions.
- Formula: .
- Visualization: Draw two overlapping circles. Middle part is 'Both'. Total area must be 100% (or Total - None).
Example:
Q: 60% pass Math, 50% pass English, 20% pass both. Failed in both?
Solution: Pass = .
Fail = .
Fail = .
6. Election Problems (Voting)
Core logic: Total Votes = Valid + Invalid. Winner - Loser = Majority.
- Valid Votes: Total - Invalid.
- Winner's Share: Usually % of Valid Votes (read carefully).
Example:
Q: Winner gets 60% votes and wins by 2000 votes. Total votes?
Solution: Winner 60%, Loser 40%. Diff = 20%.
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7. Examination Cases (Marks)
Passing Marks are constant.
- Concept: If Student A fails by marks and Student B passes by marks, difference in % = difference in marks ().
Example:
Q: A gets 30% and fails by 10. B gets 40% and passes by 10. Max marks?
Solution: Diff in %: 10%. Diff in marks: .
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8. Income Tax & Commission
Inverse relation between Net Income and Tax Rate.
- Rule: If Tax Rate increases by and Net Income decreases by , then .
- Rate = .
Example:
Q: Tax , Net Income . Find Tax Rate.
Solution: Total Income change proportional. Tax = 1/20.
Rate = .
Rate = .
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