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IPM Quant: Arithmetic Shortcuts That Save Time

CL Team November 13 2025
3 min read

IPM Quant: Arithmetic Shortcuts That Save Time

Time-efficient Solving | IPM Aspirants | IPM | South Ex

Introduction

Every minute counts in the IPM Aptitude Test. Arithmetic questions may seem straightforward, but solving them quickly and accurately is what separates toppers from the rest. The key lies not just in knowing formulas but in mastering shortcuts, patterns, and number sense.

At Career Launcher South Ex Delhi, mentors emphasize building speed through logic, not guesswork. When you understand how and why shortcuts work, you become both fast and precise — a combination every IPM aspirant needs.

This blog will help you sharpen your Arithmetic game with practical techniques to save time without compromising accuracy.

Why Arithmetic Dominates IPM Quant

Arithmetic forms the backbone of the Quantitative Aptitude section in IPM. From Percentages to Time–Speed–Distance, these concepts appear across multiple question types. A strong command over Arithmetic not only boosts your score but also supports other areas like Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.

Most importantly, Arithmetic offers room for shortcuts — once you know the patterns, you can save up to 30–40 seconds per question, a huge edge in a timed test.

Top 10 Shortcuts to Boost Your Speed

1. Ratio & Proportion – The Multiplier Method

When comparing quantities, think in terms of multipliers instead of setting up long fractions.
Example:
If A’s income is 20% more than B’s, then A:B = 120:100 = 6:5.
If you reverse it — B earns less by 1/6 of A’s income.

Why it works:
Ratios express relationships faster than percentage calculations. Using them saves steps and reduces errors.

2. Percentages – The Fraction Connection

Memorize key fraction–percent equivalences:
1/2 = 50%, 1/3 = 33.33%, 1/4 = 25%, 1/5 = 20%, 1/8 = 12.5%, 1/9 ≈ 11.11%.

Example: “What is 12.5% of 240?” → think “1/8 of 240” = 30.
This method eliminates one layer of multiplication and speeds up both direct and reverse calculations.

At Career Launcher South Ex Delhi, faculty recommend daily drills using mental percentage conversions to build reflexive speed.

3. Averages – The Balance Method

Instead of calculating totals and dividing, visualize balance points.

Example:
Find the average of 56, 60, and 68.
Take 60 as the base (middle number). Deviations: -4, 0, +8.
Average deviation = (+4)/3 = +1.33
Average = 60 + 1.33 = 61.33

This method avoids long additions and divisions, especially in grouped data.

4. Simple & Compound Interest – The Difference Shortcut

When time or rate is small, use this formula for a quick estimate:
CI – SI ≈ (P × r² × t(t–1)) / 20000

Example: On ₹5000 at 10% for 2 years → difference = ₹50.
This trick saves full expansion of the CI formula and works well for quick approximations.

5. Time, Speed & Distance – Cross Multiplication Trick

When distance is constant:
Speed₁ × Time₁ = Speedâ‚‚ × Timeâ‚‚

If a car travels at 60 km/h and then 90 km/h, the ratio of times = 90:60 = 3:2.
No need to calculate total time separately.

At Career Launcher South Ex Delhi, this concept is taught through layered practice — first identifying proportionality, then applying it in datasets to save time.

6. Mixtures – Alligation Rule Simplified

 

Example: To mix water (₹0) and milk (₹20) to get a mixture worth ₹10:
Ratio = (20 – 10) : (10 – 0) = 10:10 = 1:1.

This avoids equations — a must-know shortcut for every IPM student.

7. Profit & Loss – Successive Gain/Loss Formula

For multiple successive profit/loss changes:
Net % Change = A + B + (A × B)/100

Example: Two successive gains of 10% and 20% →
10 + 20 + (10×20)/100 = 32% overall gain.

Saves at least two calculation steps.

8. Number System – Digital Sum Check

To verify divisibility or correctness of large operations, use digital sums (sum of digits reduced to one digit).
Example: For divisibility by 9, the sum of digits must be divisible by 9.
A powerful time-saver in elimination-based MCQs.

9. Ratio Problems – Linking to Total

If A:B:C = 2:3:4 and total = 81,
Sum of ratios = 9 → Each unit = 9 → A = 18, B = 27, C = 36.
Direct, fast, and error-free.

10. Work & Time – Efficiency Method

If A completes work in 10 days and B in 15 days:
Efficiencies = 1/10 and 1/15.
Together = 1/10 + 1/15 = 1/6 → 6 days total.

Perfect for partnership or alternate-day work questions.

How to Practice These Shortcuts Effectively

  • Start with Accuracy: Speed means nothing without correctness.

  • Use Timed Drills: Set 10-minute sprints for 10–15 Arithmetic problems.

  • Identify Strengths: Focus on topics where shortcuts feel intuitive.

  • Mix with Mocks: Apply shortcuts during sectional tests to measure time saved.

At Career Launcher South Ex Delhi, mentors integrate shortcut-based learning with mock test reviews — ensuring students learn both when and how to apply time-efficient methods.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

  • Overusing shortcuts without conceptual clarity.

  • Applying wrong rules to similar-looking problems.

  • Ignoring approximation limits in compound or percentage questions.

Shortcuts should enhance, not replace, understanding.

Final Words

Arithmetic doesn’t have to be lengthy or intimidating. With the right shortcuts and consistent practice, you can solve faster while maintaining full accuracy.

At Career Launcher South Ex Delhi, every IPM aspirant learns not only the logic behind these shortcuts but also the exam strategy to use them effectively under pressure.

So this weekend, pick your toughest Arithmetic topic, apply these techniques, and watch your solving speed transform.