AFCAT Quantitative Aptitude – Tables
A quick, clear‑cut guide to all the “tables” you’ll encounter in the AFCAT exam.
1. What Are “Tables” in AFCAT?
In AFCAT, tables refer to pre‑computed lists of values that help you solve problems quickly.
Typical tables you’ll see in the exam:
| Table | Uses in Questions | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Multiplication Table (1‑10) | Multiply two numbers, find LCM, etc. | 7 × 8 = 56 |
| Square & Cube Table | Find squares/cubes, compare, estimate, etc. | 12² = 144 |
| Prime Numbers Table | Identify primes, prime factorisation, etc. | 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13 |
| Factorial Table (0–10!) | Work with permutations, combinations, etc. | 5! = 120 |
| Powers of 2, 5, 10 | Handle exponential, percentage, growth problems. | 2⁵ = 32 |
| Months’ Days Table | Calendar, date‑difference, vacation planning. | Jan – 31 days |
| Exchange Rate / Currency Table | Currency conversion, financial calculations. | 1 USD = 74.50 INR |
| Trigonometric Table (sin/cos values) | For geometry/trigonometry problems. | sin 30° = 0.5 |
Why tables matter:
They save time – no need to calculate from scratch.
They reduce errors – pre‑checked values.
They help with estimation – quick mental checks.
2. Key Points to Remember
| # | Point | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Know the limits: Most tables in AFCAT are limited to 1‑10, 1‑12, or 1‑20. | Avoid over‑extending the table. |
| 2 | Check for “at least”/“at most”: Tables help you determine bounds. | Quickly narrow down choices. |
| 3 | Use “look‑and‑say”: e.g., 7 × 8 is 8 × 7; use the row you remember. | Saves a lookup. |
| 4 | Cross‑reference: If you need 12², use 12 × 12 or 10² + 2×10 + 2². | Quick mental calculation. |
| 5 | Prime tables help with GCD/LCM: Factorisation is easier. | Speeds up number‑theory questions. |
| 6 | Factorial table is crucial for permutations/combinations. | Avoid recomputing large factorials. |
| 7 | Trigonometric tables – memorize sin/cos for multiples of 30°, 45°, 60°. | Cuts down time on geometry. |
3. How to Use Tables Effectively
- Locate the relevant table – skim the question to decide which table you need.
- Find the exact row/column – use the number you’re working with.
- Read off the value – double‑check if it seems plausible.
- Apply the value – plug it into the formula or comparison.
- Validate – use estimation or a quick mental check.
Tip: Keep a cheat sheet of the most common tables (e.g., 1‑10 multiplication, 1‑12 squares, primes up to 50) glued to the back of your notebook for quick reference during mock tests.
4. Worked Example
Question (AFCAT style)
“A machine fills 15 L of water in 3 min. How many liters will it fill in 7 min if the rate remains constant?”
Solution Using Tables
-
Identify the needed table:
- We have a rate (Liters per minute).
- Rate = 15 L / 3 min = 5 L/min.
- We need the product 5 L/min × 7 min.
-
Use the multiplication table (1‑10):
- 5 × 7 = 35.
- (If you didn’t have the table, you’d multiply 5 × 7 mentally: 5 × 7 = 5 × 5 + 5 × 2 = 25 +10 = 35.)
-
Answer: 35 L.
Why the table helped
- Quick lookup of 5 × 7 instead of carrying out a full multiplication.
- No chance of arithmetic error.
- Time saved for the next question.
5. Quick Revision Summary
| Concept | Remember |
|---|---|
| Multiplication Table | 1‑10 for all pairings; use symmetry. |
| Square & Cube Table | 1‑12 squares, 1‑10 cubes. |
| Prime Table | Up to 50; useful for GCD/LCM. |
| Factorial Table | 0!–10!; 10! = 3 628 800. |
| ** |