NUMBER SYSTEM

Every placement test on quantitative aptitude will contain atleast 30% questions on number systems and number series. Aptitude questions on number system form the backbone for placement preparation. You can score easily on quantitative aptitude section if you understand the basics of number system. Since the questions on number systems are simple, importance lies in acquiring the right skills to tackle these problems with speed. Practicing problems on numbers systems not only helps in improving your speed but also provides a strong base for solving other quantitative aptitude sections like HCF and LCM, averages, percentages, time and speed, pipes and cisterns etc as well. In this tutorial let's look at how to solve number system problems easily and quickly.

Numbers are fun to learn. If you learn the concepts thoroughly you will find that solving aptitude questions on number system is a cake walk for you. There are lot of concepts involved and hence even a simple question might look a bit too complex or trickier to solve.

We at shortcut2aptitude will provide you with right tools to tackle quantitative tests on number system. Below is the list of important formulas on number system and tips to help you understand and prepare for the quantitative aptitude questions on number system.

Important Formulas of Number System

Formulas of Number Series

1. 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + … + n = n(n + 1)/2
2. (1² + 2² + 3² + ..... + n²) = n ( n + 1 ) (2n + 1) / 6
3. (1³ + 2³ + 3³ + ..... + n³) = (n(n + 1)/ 2)²
4. Sum of first n odd numbers = n²
5. Sum of first n even numbers = n (n + 1)

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Mathematical Formulas

1. (a + b)(a - b) = (a² - b²)
2. (a + b)² = (a² + b² + 2ab)
3. (a - b)² = (a² + b² - 2ab)
4. (a + b + c)² = a² + b² + c² + 2(ab + bc + ca)
5. (a³ + b³) = (a + b)(a² - ab + b²)
6. (a³ - b³) = (a - b)(a² + ab + b²)
7. (a³ + b³ + c³ - 3abc) = (a + b + c)(a² + b² + c² - ab - bc - ac)
8. When a + b + c = 0, then a³ + b³ + c³ = 3abc
9. (a + b)ⁿ = aⁿ + (ⁿC₁)a^n-1b + (ⁿC₂)a^n-2b² + … + (ⁿC_n-1)ab^n-1 + bⁿ

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Shortcuts for number divisibility check

1. A number is divisible by 2, if its unit's digit is any of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8.
2. A number is divisible by 3, if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
3. A number is divisible by 4, if the number formed by the last two digits is divisible by 4.
4. A number is divisible by 5, if its unit's digit is either 0 or 5.
5. A number is divisible by 6, if it is divisible by both 2 and 3.
6. A number is divisible by 8, if the number formed by the last three digits of the given number is divisible by 8.
7. A number is divisible by 9, if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
8. A number is divisible by 10, if it ends with 0.
9. A number is divisible by 11, if the difference of the sum of its digits at odd places and the sum of its digits at even places, is either 0 or a number divisible by 11.
10. A number is divisible by 12, if it is divisible by both 4 and 3.
11. A number is divisible by 14, if it is divisible by 2 as well as 7.
12. Two numbers are said to be co-primes if their H.C.F. is 1. To find if a number, say y is divisible by x, find m and n such that m * n = x and m and n are co-prime numbers. If y is divisible by both m and n then it is divisible by x.

Frequently Asked Questions on Number System

• Given a number x, you will be asked to find the largest n digit number divisible by x.
• You will be given with a set of numbers (n1, n2, n3...) and asked to find how many of those numbers are divisible by a specified number x.
• Given a number series, find the sum of n terms, find n^th term etc.
• Find product of two numbers when their sum/difference and sum of their squares is given.
• Find the number when divisibility of its digits with certain numbers is given.
• Find the smallest n digit number divisible by x.
• Which of the given numbers are prime numbers.
• Number x when divided by y gives remainder r, what will be the remainder when x² is divided by y.
• Given relationship between the digits of number, find the number.
• Find result of operations (additions, subtractions, multiplications, divisions etc) on given integers. These integers can be large and the question may look difficult and time consuming. But mostly the question will map onto one of the known algebraic equations given in this first tab.