Geometry is one of the most important topics of CAT Quantitative aptitude section. Similar to every other chapter for QA, this one requires significant preparation. In CAT, questions-related to geometry are common and holds good weightage. So, with the significant number of questions from this chapter, geometry does require some extra attention.
It is important to take a systemic approach while preparing the CAT geometry questions. The subsections of geometry require different levels of attention and preparation. So, to help the candidates prepare for geometry effectively and ace CAT 2018 easily, the important geometry topics are mentioned here along with some effective preparation tips.
Important Geometry Topics:
- Triangles
Every year, 7-8 questions in the CAT exam come from geometry, out of which at least half come from this topic. Congruency and similarity of triangles are major topics to be covered alongside other theorems regarding triangles and their relations.
- Quadrilaterals
This topic requires the understanding of various theorems and their application to different four-sided closed figures (squares, parallelogram, trapezium and rhombus). While polygons are also part of the curriculum, the emphasis is not as high as others.
- Circles
Though the properties and theorems related to the circles are important to cover, it is important to place major emphasis on problems containing more than two geometrical figures including circle. In CAT exam, questions pertaining to incentres, excentres, circumcentres as well as cyclic quadrilaterals are quite common. Also, theorems pertaining to intersection and arcs and sectors have much higher chance of being on the question paper.
- Mensuration
It is another branch of geometry that requires you to memorize the formulas and theorems related to various geometrical shapes. For CAT preparation, importance should be given to solid figures more than plane figures. This section has a very high chance of having at least one question in the actual exam.
- Co-ordinate Geometry
This part of the CAT syllabus is quite unique as compared to other geometry subtopics. Solving the questions from co-ordinate geometry requires more of a visualized approach of different theorems learned. It is considered as one of the most complex sections among the entire geometry syllabus and, as such, requires extensive practice.
CAT Geometry Preparation Tips:
- Make a proper study plan:
Maintain a timeline and devise a study schedule to able to tackle this section efficiently.
- Take a selective approach:
Once you understand your strength and weakness, divide your efforts accordingly. However, it is also crucial you don’t neglect any portion of the CAT syllabus.
- Take sectional tests:
It is important to take as many CAT quantitative aptitude mock tests and chapter-wise geometry tests as possible alongside full-length CAT mock tests. Use these test to check your preparation level for this section. Also, analyze which subsection you’re lagging behind in.
While some Geometry questions can be easily be solved by observation, the rest require a clear understanding of the theorems and formulas involved. The geometry section usually has around 7-8 questions in CAT exam. If a candidate gets all of them right, he/ she can easily see an increase of 6-8 percentile in the final score.
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