Simplification Tricks for IBPS RRB PO and Clerk Exam 2025

Simplification is one of the highest-scoring topics in the IBPS RRB PO and Clerk exams. Candidates who master simplification can attempt a large number of questions in a very short time, significantly boosting their overall score. With the IBPS RRB PO and Clerk Exams 2025 approaching, it is crucial to adopt smart techniques to solve simplification questions quickly and accurately. In this article, we bring you the best simplification tricks, shortcuts, and preparation tips to help you maximize your performance in the Quantitative Aptitude section.

Simplification for IBPS RRB PO and Clerk Exam 2025

Simplification questions generally appear in the Preliminary exams and sometimes in the Mains as part of the Data Interpretation sets. These questions are designed to test candidates’ speed and accuracy in basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, and percentage calculations. Since these are basic yet highly scoring, mastering simplification can be a game-changer for the selection.

Simplification Tricks for IBPS RRB PO and Clerk Exam 2025

Simplification can be your golden ticket to clearing the cut-off in the IBPS RRB PO and Clerk Prelims 2025. By applying the right tricks and consistent practice, you can easily attempt 20-25 questions in this section within minutes. Focus on accuracy along with speed, because negative marking can affect your final score.

1. Approximation Method: When you see large or complicated numbers, round them off to the nearest tens, hundreds, or thousands to make the calculation faster.
Example: Solve: 498 × 51
Approximate it to: 500 × 50 = 25000.
Now adjust the slight difference accordingly for accurate results.

2. Use of BODMAS Rule: Always follow the BODMAS sequence (Brackets, Orders, Division and Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction) strictly while solving any simplification question. Misplacing the order often leads to incorrect answers.

3. Learn Shortcut Squares and Cubes: Memorise minimum squares up to 30 and cubes up to 20. This will help in faster calculation during simplification involving square roots and cube roots.
Example: √729 = 27 (because 27² = 729)

4. Digit Summation or Digital Root: Sometimes, to verify the answer, the candidate can use digit summation. Add the digits of the number repeatedly until you get a single-digit number. It can quickly indicate whether your final answer might be correct.

5. Use of Fractions in Place of Decimals: Convert decimals into fractions for easier calculations.
Example: 0.25 = ¼, 0.5 = ½, 0.75 = ¾.

6. Learn Common Algebraic Identities: The algebraic identities help simplify lengthy expressions much faster. For Example:

(a+b)² = a² + 2ab + b²

(a-b)² = a² – 2ab + b²

(a+b)(a-b) = a² – b²

Key Preparation Tips for Simplification

• Daily Practice: Set a target to practice at least 30-40 simplification questions daily.
• Mock Tests: Attempt sectional and full-length mock tests regularly to track your speed and accuracy.
• Time Management: During practice sessions, use a stopwatch to challenge yourself to solve questions faster.
• Identify Shortcuts: While practising, consciously look for alternative, faster methods of calculation.
• Analyze Mistakes: Carefully review wrong answers to understand where you went wrong and how you could have simplified the problem better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving Simplification

Being cautious about the common mistakes can help maintain both speed and precision during the exam.

• Skipping the BODMAS order.
• Ignoring rounding off during approximation.
• Calculation errors due to hurried addition or subtraction.
• Not double-checking the units (especially when decimals are involved).