SIMPLIFICATION
Overview of Simplification Simplification is a core topic in quantitative aptitude for competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services (Prelims), SSC CGL, and Banking (IBPS, SBI PO/Clerk). It tests your ability to quickly and accurately solve mathematical expressions using arithmetic operations, BODMAS, fractions, decimals, surds, indices, and approximation techniques 1 2 5 . Key Concepts and Shortcuts 1. BODMAS Rule Order: Brackets, Orders (powers/roots), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction Always solve expressions in this order to avoid mistakes. 2. Operations with Fractions and Decimals Convert all numbers to a common format (either all fractions or all decimals) before performing operations. For division by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal. 3. Surds and Indices Rationalize denominators when surds are present. Apply index laws: a m × a n = a m + n a m × a n = a m + n , ( a m ) n = a m n ( a m ) n = a mn , a 0 = 1 a 0 = 1 9 . 4. Divisibility Rules ...