📊 Tables – Quick Study Guide
(For LIC / GIC Quantitative Aptitude)
1️⃣ Simple Explanation
In quantitative aptitude, a table is a structured grid of numbers arranged in rows and columns. Tables help you:
- Store data in an organized way.
- Compare values that belong to different categories.
- Find missing numbers by applying patterns or relationships.
- Solve problems that involve rates, percentages, ratios, or changes over time.
Think of a table as a compact “data story” that lets you answer questions quickly without lengthy calculations.
2️⃣ Key Points
| # | What to Look For | How It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Column & Row Headers | Identify the categories (e.g., months, products, people). | Clarifies what each number represents. |
| 2. Units & Scale | Note units (₹, % , km, etc.) and the scale (e.g., 1000s). | Prevents misinterpretation of magnitude. |
| 3. Patterns | Check for arithmetic progression, geometric progression, or linear trends. | Enables prediction of missing entries. |
| 4. Summaries | Total, average, min/max often appear at the bottom/right. | Quick check for sanity and cross‑validation. |
| 5. Ratio/Percentage | Many tables give “increase by X %” or “ratio a:b”. | Convert to fractions or decimal for calculations. |
| 6. Data Manipulation | Adding, multiplying, or comparing rows/columns. | Useful for “find the total, or which row has the largest value.” |
| 7. Filling Missing Values | Use given relationships (e.g., “row 3 = row 2 + 10%”). | Solve for unknowns. |
| 8. Cross‑Referencing | Compare two columns side‑by‑side. | Determine “best” or “worst” category. |
3️⃣ Worked Example
Problem (LIC‑style)
A life insurance company offers 3 plans for a 30‑year policy. The table shows the annual premium and the total benefit after 30 years.
| Plan | Annual Premium (₹) | 30‑Year Benefit (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 5,000 | 1,25,000 |
| B | 6,500 | 1,60,000 |
| C | 4,800 | ? |
Question: What is the 30‑year benefit for Plan C?
Step‑by‑Step
-
Look for a pattern
- Benefit ÷ Premium ≈ 25 for Plan A
- Benefit ÷ Premium ≈ 24.6 for Plan B
- The ratio is roughly 25 for all plans.
-
Assume a constant ratio
- Benefit ≈ 25 × Premium.
-
Compute for Plan C
- 25 × 4,800 = 1,20,000.
-
Check for consistency
- 1,20,000 ÷ 4,800 = 25 exactly.
- Fits the observed pattern.
Answer: 30‑Year Benefit for Plan C = ₹ 1,20,000.
Alternative Approach (Using Percentage)
If the table gave “Benefit = Premium × 250%” (i.e., 2.5 times), you’d do the same multiplication.
4️⃣ Quick Revision Summary
| Topic | What to Remember |
|---|---|
| What is a table? | Grid of numbers with row/column headers. |
| Why use tables? | Organises data, reveals patterns, simplifies calculations. |
| Key features | Headers, units, patterns, summaries, ratios. |
| Common operations | Adding rows/columns, finding averages, comparing values, filling blanks. |
| Typical LIC/GIC questions | Compare premiums vs. benefits, find missing values, compute ratios, identify best plan. |
| Strategy | 1️⃣ Read headers → 2️⃣ Spot pattern → 3️⃣ Apply formula → 4️⃣ Verify with totals/min/max. |
Quick Tips for Exam Day
| Tip | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Scan the entire table first | Get an overview before diving into numbers. |
| Use the “20‑second rule” | If a table has 4 columns, you can often answer in ~20 sec by eyeballing the ratio. |
| Check for “common factor” | Many tables use a common multiplier (e.g., 2, 3, 5). |
| Watch out for “percentage increase” | Convert % to decimal only when needed. |
| Double‑check units | A missing ₹ sign or % can change the answer drastically. |
End of notes.
Use these points to practice with sample tables from LIC/GIC past papers and strengthen your speed & accuracy!