Quantitative Aptitude – Tables
Target Exam: Chandigarh Police Constable (CPC)
Time‑Saving Tool: Tables – the quickest way to answer arithmetic, percentage, ratio, and word‑problem questions without long pen‑and‑paper calculations.
1. Simple Explanation
A table is a pre‑computed list of values (multiplication, division, percentage, etc.) that you can reference instantly.
- Why use it?
- Cuts down calculation time.
- Reduces errors – you look up, you don’t compute.
- Handy for quick mental checks of answers.
Tip: Keep a thin, well‑organized set of tables (or a single sheet) in your study kit. On exam day, you can scribble a quick table in the margin or use a small reference sheet.
2. Key Points
| Table Type | What it Provides | Typical Usage | How to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiplication Table | Product of two numbers | Find a × b quickly |
Look at row a, column b |
| Division Table | Result of dividing two numbers | Find a ÷ b |
Look at row a, column b |
| Addition/Subtraction Table | Sum or difference of two numbers | Quick check of arithmetic | Look up the sum/difference |
| Percentage Table | n% of a number |
Compute percentages, growth, tax | Find n in the table, read off the result |
| Ratio / Proportion Table | a:b ratio results |
Convert ratios, find parts | Compute a/b or b/a |
| Growth / Decay Table | Compound interest, depreciation | Find value after t years |
Look up rate and period |
| Tiered/Step‑wise Table | Values over ranges (e.g., tax slabs, commission) | Determine tiered payment | Find slab, multiply by rate |
| Time–Distance Table | speed × time (or vice versa) |
Travel problems | Look up speed, time to get distance |
Common Formatting Tricks
| Trick | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Numbering rows/columns | Quick reference (e.g., row 12, column 4) |
Using symbols (×, ÷, %, @) |
Saves space |
| Color‑coding (green for multiplication, red for division) | Visual separation |
| Compact layout | Fits more data on a single sheet |
3. Worked Example
Problem:
A shop sells a mobile for ₹12,000. The shopkeeper offers a 25% discount and then adds a 5% tax on the discounted price. What is the final price?
Step‑by‑Step Using Tables
| Step | Operation | Table Used | Lookup / Computation | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Compute 25% of 12,000 | Percentage Table | 25% of 12,000 = 12,000 × 0.25 |
₹3,000 |
| 2 | Discounted price | 12,000 – 3,000 | ₹9,000 | |
| 3 | Compute 5% of 9,000 | Percentage Table | 5% of 9,000 = 9,000 × 0.05 |
₹450 |
| 4 | Final price | 9,000 + 450 | ₹9,450 |
Answer: ₹9,450
Why tables helped:
- In step 1 and step 3, we didn’t multiply each time; we simply looked up the column
25%or5%in the percentage table for the specific amount.
4. Quick Revision Summary
- Keep a compact, well‑labeled table set (multiplication, division, percentage) in your notes.
- Use the table for any quick check – whether it’s verifying a mental calculation or solving a problem that would otherwise take several steps.
- Remember the key table types:
- Multiplication / Division (rows × columns)
- Percentage (values × percentage)
- Ratio & Proportion (a:b → a/b or b/a)
- Growth & Decay (interest, depreciation)
- Tiered/Step‑wise (slabs, commissions)
- Time–Distance (speed × time)
- Practice filling tables for numbers you use most: 1–12, 5–20, 10–100, 1–20 % increments.
- During exams, if you have a table, double‑check your answer instantly – it saves time and boosts confidence.
Final Tip: The more you practice looking up values, the faster you’ll become at reading tables – a critical skill for the CPC quantitative section. Happy studying!