MATHEMATICAL

OPERATION

1.

 Mathematical Operation

INTRODUCTION
Mathematical operation is an important concept
of reasoning that is usually asked in various
competitive exams. This topic is asked to test Rack your Brain
the analytical abilities of the candidates. It shows
how good one is at observing things and then If x stands for addition, < for
implying it to solve the questions. subtraction, + stands for division,
> for multiplication, - stands for
Properties of Basic Mathematical Operations equal to, ÷ for greater than and =
stands for less than. Then stage
Some mathematical operations have properties
which of the following is true
that make them easier to work with and can save
your time. (1) 3 × < 4 ÷ 16 > 2 + 4

There are four basic properties of real numbers (2) 5 > 2 + 2 = 10 < 4 × 2
namely; commutative, associative, distributive (3) 3 × 4 > 2 – 9 ÷ 3 < 3
and identity. However, these properties only apply (4) 5 × 3 < 7 ÷ 8 + 4 ÷ 1
to the operations of addition and multiplication.
That means subtraction and division do not have
these properties built in.

I. Commutative Property:

For addition:

The sum of two or more real numbers is always the same regardless of the
order in which they are added. In other words, real numbers can be added
in any order because the sum remains the same.

Illustration 1:

(a) a + b = b + a
(b) 2 + 7 = 7 + 2
(c) –5 + 3 = 3 + (–5)
(d) 1 + 3 + 5 = 5 + 3 + 1
Mathematical Operation

For multiplication:

The product of two or more real numbers is not affected by the order
in which they are being multiplied. In other words, real numbers can be
multiplied in any order because the product remains the same.

2.
 Illustration 2:

(a) a × b = b × a
(b) 4 × 2 = 2 × 4
(c) (6) × (–1) = (–1) × (6) Previous Year Question
(d) n × (–7) = (–7) × n
If AB + C = D, find A and C given
that when B = 6, D = 30 and when
II. Associative Property: B = 8, D = 36.

For addition: (1) A = 2, C = 6

(2) A = 3, C = 12
The sum of two or more real numbers is always
(3) A = 6, C = 3
the same regardless of how you group them.
While adding real numbers, any change in their (4) A = 4, C = 3
grouping does not affect the sum.

Illustration 3:

(a) (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)
(b) (5 + 2) + 1 = 5 + (2 + 1)
(c) (–1 + 5) + 1 = –1 + (5 + 1)

For multiplication:

The product of two or more real numbers is always the same regardless of
how you group them. While multiplying real numbers, any change in their
grouping does not affect the product.

Illustration 4:

(a) (a × b) c = a (b × c)
Mathematical Operation

(b) (2 × 3) × 4 = 2 × (3 × 4)
(c) (–1 × 2) × (–3) = –1 × (2 × –3)

3.
 III. Identity Property:

For addition:

Any real number added to zero (0) is equal to the number itself. Zero is the
additive identity since a + 0 = a or 0 + a = a. All must see that it works both
ways.

Illustration 5:

(a) 15 + 0 = 15 or 0 + 15 = 15
(b) (–1) + 0 = –1 or 0 + (–1) = –1

For multiplication:

Any real number multiplied by one (1) is equal to the number itself. The
number one is the multiplicative identity since 9 × 1 = 9 or 1 × 9 = 9. All must
see that it works both ways.

Illustration 6:

(a) 7 × 1 = 7 or 1×7=7
(b) –5 × 1 = –5 or 1 × –5 = –5 Rack your Brain

The following symbols have been

IV. Distributive Property of Multiplication over used
Addition:
× stands for equal to
+ stands for not greater than
Multiplying factor to a group of real numbers that
are being added together is equal to the sum of < stands for not equal to
the products of the factor and each being added > stands for less than
in the parenthesis. – stands for greater than
= stands for not less than
In other words, adding two or more real numbers
If m × n × r, then it is not possible
Mathematical Operation

and multiplying them to an outside number is

that:
the same as multiplying the outside number to
(1) m + n – r
every number inside the parenthesis, then adding
(2) m = n + r
their products.
(3) m + n + r
(4) m = n = r

4.
 Illustration 7:

(a) a(b + c) = ab + ac
(b) 3(4 + 5) = 3(4) + 3(5)
3(9) = 12 + 15
= 27 [True]
(c) –2 [(–1) + 5] = (–2) (–1) + (–2) (5)
–2 (4) = 2 + (–10)
–8 = –8 [True]

Refer below the summary of properties of real numbers as discussed above.

Basic Number Properties

I. Commutative Property

For addition a+b=b+a

For multiplication a×b=b×a

II. Associative Property

For addition (a + b) + c = a + (b + c)

For multiplication (a × b) × c = a × (b × c)

III. Identity Property

For addition a+0=a or 0+a=a

For multiplication a×1=a or 1×a=a

IV. Distributive Property a × (b + c) = (a × b) + (a x c)

Why Subtraction and Division are not Commutative

Some of the aspirants have wondered why the operations of subtraction
Mathematical Operation

and division are not included in the above discussion. The best way to
explain this is to show some examples of why these two operations fail at
meeting the requirements of being commutative.
Assuming that commutative property works with subtraction and division,
it means that changing the order doesn’t affect the outcome or result.

5.
 Commutative Property for Subtraction

Does the property a – b = b – a hold? Previous Year Question

(a) 8 – 3 = 3 – 8 In the following question, different

5 ≠ –5 [False] letters stand for various symbols
as indicated below:
(b) –3 – (–8) = –8 – (–3)
  R : Addition
–3 + 8 = –8 + 3
   S : Subtraction
5 ≠ –5 [False]
   T : Multiplication
Since, getting different values when swapping    U : Division
numbers during subtraction, implies that    V : Equal to
the commutative property does not apply to    W : Greater than
subtraction.    X : Less than
Out of the four alternatives given,
Commutative Property for Division only one is correct according to
Does the property a ÷ b = b ÷ a hold? the above letter symbols. Identify
the correct one.
(a) 8 ÷ 4 = 4 ÷ 8
(1) 16T2R4U6X8
2 ≠ 0.5 [False]
(2) 16U2R456WB
(b) 2 ÷ (–6) = –6 ÷ 2 (3) 16R254V6RB
–0.33 ≠ –3 [False] (4) 16T2U4V6RB

Just like in subtraction, changing the order of the numbers in division gives
different answers. Therefore, the commutative property does not apply to
division.

Why Subtraction and Division are not Associative

Assuming that associative property works, with subtraction and division, it
means that changing the order doesn’t affect the
outcome or result.

Associative Property of Subtraction:

Rack your Brain

Does the property (a – b) – c = a – (b – c) hold? If ÷ means –, + means ÷, × means +

(a) (18 – 6) – 2 = 18 – (6 – 2) 24 + 3 ÷ 2 × 4
and – means ×, then
Mathematical Operation

(12) – 2 = 18 – (4) 3 ÷ 3× 4 + 2
(1) 5
10 ≠ 14 [False]
(2) 4
(b) [(–3) – (5)] – (–2) = (–3) – [(5) – (–2)]
(3) 6
(–8) + (2) = (–3) – (7)
–6 ≠ –10 [False] (4) 3

6.
 Those examples clearly show that changing the group of numbers in
subtraction yields different answers. Thus, the associative property is not a
property of subtraction.
Rack your Brain
Associative Property for Division:
Find out the sign to be interchanged
Does the property (a ÷ b) ÷ c = a ÷ (b ÷ c) hold? for making the questions correct 10
(a) (20 ÷ 5) ÷ 2 = 20 ÷ (5 ÷ 2) + 10 ÷ 10 – 10 × 10 = 10.
(4) ÷ 2 = 20 ÷ (2.5) (1) + and –
2 ≠ 8 [False] (2) ÷ and ×
(3) + and ÷
So, the associative property is not a property of
(4) + and ×
division.

Types of question asked

Different types of questions asked in this chapter are as follows:
y Symbol substitution
y Balancing the equation
y Interchange of signs and numbers
y Trick Based Mathematical Operations

CAT Mantra

Note: For every type of Mathematical operation question, everyone

must know only one rule. i.e.

BODMAS
It is “Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition and subtraction.
It means one must solve any equation in the BODMAS order.
First, open the brackets, then solve the power or roots, then perform
division followed by multiplication, addition and subtraction.
Mathematical Operation

7.
 Type 1 - Symbol Substitution

In these types of questions, a candidate is provided with the substitutes

for various mathematical symbols, followed by a question involving the
calculation of an expression or choosing the correct/incorrect equation.
The candidate is required to put the real signs in the given equation and
then solve accordingly.

Illustration 8:

If ‘×’ means ‘–‘, ‘÷’ means ‘+’, ‘+’ means ‘×’, then 13 × 6 ÷ 3 + 8 is equal to?
(1) 33
(2) 32
(3) 30
(4) 31
Previous Year Question
Sol. (4)
a, b and c are the three digits of a
Explanation:
number abc. abc is a multiple of 3.
Change of symbols according to the question, Find (a + b + c).
= 13 – 6 + 3 × 8 = 13 – 6 + 24 = 31 A. a = 3, b = 4.
B. c is an odd number.
Type 2 - Balancing the equation
(1) 
If statement A ALONE is
In these types of questions, the sign in one of sufficient to answer the given
the alternatives is required to fill up the blank question, but statement B
spaces to balance the given equation. alone is not.
(2) 
If statement B ALONE is
sufficient to answer the given
Illustration 9: question, but statement A
alone is not
Choose the correct option to balance the (3) 
If both the statements
following equation. TOGETHER are sufficient to
24  8  4  8 = 18 answer the given question,
Mathematical Operation

but neither statement alone is

(1) +, ÷ and –
sufficient
(2) ÷, – and +
(4) 
If both the statements are
(3) –, – and – INDEPENDENTLY sufficient to
(4) ÷, + and – answer the given question

8.
Sol. (1)
Rack your Brain
Explanation:
If + is ×, – is +, × is ÷ and ÷ is –,
From option (1) then what is the value of given
24 + 8 ÷ 4 – 8 = 18 equation 21 ÷ 8 + 2 – 12 × 3 = ?
24 + 2 – 8 = 18 (1) 14
24 – 6 = 18
(2) 9
18 = 18 [True]
(3) 13.5
Type 3 - Interchange of sign and numbers (4) 11
In these types of questions, the given equation
becomes correct and fully balanced when either
two signs of the equation or both the numbers and the signs of the equation
are interchanged. The candidate is required to find the correct pair of signs
and numbers from the given options.

Illustration 10:

Choose the correct interchange option to make the given equation correct
'10 – 2 + 9 × 2 ÷ 4 = 19'
(1) ÷, +, × and –
(2) ÷, +, × and +
(3) ÷, ÷, ÷ and ×
(4) ×, ÷, × and ÷

Sol. (1)

Explanation:
Lets check the options one by one
From option (1)
Mathematical Operation

10 ÷ 2 + 9 × 2 – 4 = 19
5 + 18 – 4 = 19
19 = 19 [True]
As option (1) gives the correct answer.
Hence, there is no need to check the other options.

9.
 Type 4 - Trick Based Mathematical Operations

These questions are based on simple mathematical operations that do not

follow a universal rule. These questions can be based on several different
patterns.

Illustration 11:

If 9 × 5 × 2 = 529 and 4 × 7 × 2 = 724, then 3 × 9 × 8 = ?

(1) 938
(2) 839
(3) 983
(4) 893

Sol. (3)

Explanation:

  

       and

Previous Year Question

   If x : y = 2 : 3, then value of
(3x + 2y) : (2x + 5y) is:
Similarly, 12
(1) 
25
11
(2) 
Mathematical Operation

27
11
(3) 
   15
12
(4) 
19

10.
 Practice Exercise

EASY

1. 
The symbols hold specific meaning below:
“P # Q” means P is greater than Q.
“P @ Q” means P is equal to Q.
“P $ Q” means P is either greater or equal to Q.
“P % Q” means P is smaller than Q.
“P & Q” means P is either smaller or equal to Q.

Statement:
1. M#N
2. D @ N
3. E $ D

Conclusion:
1. M#E
2. N & E
(1) Only conclusion I follow
(2) Only conclusion 2 follows
(3) Both conclusions follow
(4) Neither conclusion 1 nor 2 follows

2. 
If ‘+’ means ‘–‘, ‘*’ means ‘÷’ and ‘÷’ means ‘×’, then what would be the value
of the given equation?
16 * 4 ÷ 2 + 2
(1) 4
(2) 6
(3) 8
(4) 10

3. 
If ‘@’ means ‘×’, ‘# means ‘÷’, ‘*’ means ‘+’ and ‘$’ means ‘–‘, then what
would be the value of the given equation?
5@2$4#2*8
(1) 11
Practice Exercise

(2) 13
(3) 14
(4) 16

11.
 4. 
If ‘<’ means ‘minus’, ‘>’ means ‘plus’, ‘=’ means ‘multiplied by’ and ‘*’ means
‘divided by’, then what would be the value of 27 > 54 * 9 < 7?
(1) 26
(2) 32
(3) 25
(4) None of these

If ‘÷’ means ‘+’, ‘–‘means ‘÷’, ‘×’ means ‘–’ and ‘+’ means ‘×’, then
5. 

( 48 × 8) − 8 × 2 = ?
4 + 18 × 8 + 9 ÷ 1
(1) 1
(2) 0
(3) 3
(4) None of these

MODERATE

6. 

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Given interchanges:
7. 
Signs + and × and numbers 3 and 4, then which of the following equation
is correct?
(1) 4 × 3 + 12 = 24
(2) 4 × 3 + 12 = 40
(3) 4 × 3 + 12 = 51
(4) 4 × 3 + 12 = 32

8. 
If M denotes ‘÷’, N denotes ‘×’, R denotes ‘+’ and S denotes ‘–‘, then which
of the following statements is true?
2
(1) 32 R 8 M 16 S 4 = −
3
Practice Exercise

173
(2) 6 N 18 S 26 M 13 R 7 =
13
38
(3) 11 N 34 M 17 S 8 M 3 =
3
(4) 9 R 9 M 9 S 9 N 9 = –71
12.
9. 
Which one of the four interchanges in signs and numbers would make the
given equation correct?
3+5–2=4
(1) + and –, 2 and 5
(2) + and –, 2 and 3
(3) + and –, 3 and 5
(4) None of these

10. If A + B = 2C and C + D = 2A, then

(1) A + C = B + D
(2) A + C = 2D
(3) A + D = B + C
(4) A + C = 2B

DIFFICULT

11. 
Select the correct set of symbols which will fit in the given equation?
5 7 0 8 = 27
(1) ×, –, +
(2) ×, +, +
(3) +, ×, –
(4) ×, +, –

12. In the below question, different alphabets stand for various symbols as
indicated below. Identify the correct expression among the following?
Addition: O Subtraction: M Multiplication: A Division: Q
Equal to: X Greater than: Y Less than: Z
(1) 32 × 8 Q 2 A 3 Q 1 A 2
(2) 10 × 2 A 3 A 2 M 2 Q 1
(3) 2 Y 1 A 1 Q 1 O 1 A 1
(4) 16 Y 8 A 3 O 1 A 2 M 2

13. In a group of Tiger and Flamingo the number of legs is 9 more than thrice the
number of heads. What is the number of Tigers in the group while Flamingoes
are 23?
(1) 64
Practice Exercise

(2) 32
(3) 28
(4) 34

13.
 14. Find the quadratic equation whose roots are the reciprocals of the roots of
8x2 + 13x + 5 = 0 ?
(1) 5x2 + 13x – 8 = 0
(2) 8x2 – 13x + 5 = 0
(3) 5x2 – 8x + 13 = 0
(4) 5x2 + 13x + 8 = 0

15. If 2 + 4 = 9, 5 + 3 = 16, 9 + 11 = 100, then 13 + 15 = ?

(1) 196
(2) 169
(3) 64
(4) 121

ANSWER KEY

1. (2) 2. (2) 3. (4) 4. (1) 5. (3)

6. (3) 7. (3) 8. (4) 9. (3) 10. (1)

11. (4) 12. (2) 13. (2) 14. (4) 15. (1)

SOLUTIONS

Sol. 1 (2)

Explanation:

Let’s decode the statement with the help of instruction.

1. M # N indicates M > N
2. D @ N indicates D = N
3. E $ D indicates E > D
Now, join these statements with common terms will get,
M>N=D<E

Conclusion 1:
Practice Exercise

M # E indicates M > E
It is clearly seen that M is not necessarily greater than E
So, conclusion 1 does not follow

14.
Conclusion 2:
N & E indicates N < E
In the above equation, it is given that D < E and it is known that N = D
So, N < E follows.
So, conclusion 2 does follow.

Sol. 2 (2)

Explanation:

First, put symbols according to their correct meaning.

Now, the given equation becomes,
16
16 ÷ 4 × 2 – 2 = ×2–2 = 8–2 = 6
4

Sol. 3 (4)

Explanation:

First, put symbols according to their correct meaning,

Now, the given equation becomes,
4
5 × 2 – 4 ÷ 2 + 8 = 10 – + 8 = 10 – 2 + 8 = 8 + 8 = 16
2

Sol. 4 (1)

Explanation:

Using the correct symbols, the given expression will be:

= 27 + 54 ÷ 9 – 7 = 27 + 6 – 7 = 26

Sol. 5 (3)

Explanation:

Using the proper notation on the above equal

Practice Exercise

=
( 48 − 8) ÷ 8 =
−2 40 ÷ 8 − 2 5 − 2 3
= =
4 × 18 − 8 × 9 + 1 72 − 72 + 1 1 1

15.
 Sol. 6 (3)

Explanation:

According to the above notations/symbols

   

Required equation is = = 8 + 5 – 10 = 3

Sol. 7 (3)

Explanation:

On interchanging + and × and 3 and 4 in (1),

The equation will be,
3 + 4 × 12 = 24
3 + 48 = 24
51 ≠ 24 [False]
On interchanging + and × and 3 and 4 in (2),
The equation will be,
3 + 4 × 12 = 40
3 + 48 = 40
51 ≠ 40 [False]
On interchanging + and × 3 and 4 in (3).
The equation will be,
3 + 4 × 12 = 51
3 + 48 = 51
Practice Exercise

51 = 51 (True)
So, option (3) satisfied the condition. No need to check further.

16.
Sol. 8 (4)

Explanation:

Using the proper notations, let’s solve all the given options one by one.
2
(1) 32 + 8 ÷ 16 – 4 = −
3
1 2
32 + − 4 =−
2 3
64 + 1 − 8 2
= −
2 3
57 2
≠−
2 3

173
(2) 6 × 18 – 26 ÷ 13 + 7 =
13
26 173
108 − + 7=
13 13
173
108 – 2 + 7 =
13
173
113 ≠
13

38
(3) 11 × 34 ÷ 17 – 8 ÷ 3 =
3
34 8 38
11 × − =
17 3 3
8 38
22 − =
3 3
66 − 8 38
=
3 3
58 38
≠
3 3

(4) 9 + 9 ÷ 9 – 9 × 9 = –71
9
9 + − 81 = −71
9
Practice Exercise

9 + 1 – 81 = –71
–71 = –71
So, option (4) satisfies the condition

17.
 Sol. 9 (3)

Explanation:
By making the interchanges given in (1)
3 – 2 + 5 = 4 or 6 = 4, which is false
By making the interchanges given in (2)
2 – 5 + 3 = 4 or 0 = 4, which is false
By making the interchanges given in (3)
5–3+2=4
4 = 4, which is true
So, option (3) will satisfy the condition.

Sol. 10 (1)

Explanation:
Given, A + B = 2C ...(i)
C + D = 2A ...(ii)
Now, adding (i) and (ii),
A + B + C + D = 2C + 2A
⇒ B+D=A+C

Sol. 11 (4)

Explanation:
Here, put all the sets of symbols one by one in the given equation.
(1) 5 × 7 – 0 + 8 = 27
35 + 8 = 27
43 ≠ 27 [False]
(2) 5 × 7 + 0 + 8 = 27
35 + 8 = 27
43 ≠ 27 [False]
(3) 5 + 7 × 0 – 8 = 27
5 + 0 – 8 = 27
5 – 8 = 27
–3 ≠ 27 [False]
Practice Exercise

(4) 5 × 7 + 0 – 8 = 27
35 – 8 = 27
27 = 27 [True]

18.
Sol. 12 (2)

Explanation:
Using the proper notations.
Let solve each and every option one by one
(1) 32 = 8 ÷ 2 × 3 ÷ 1 × 2
32 = 4 × 3 × 2
32 ≠ 24 [False]
(2) 10 = 2 × 3 × 2 – 2 ÷ 1
10 = 12 – 2
10 = 10 [True]
(3) 2 > 1 × 1 ÷ 1 + 1 × 1
2>1+1
2 > 2 [False]
(4) 16 > 8 × 3 + 1 × 2 – 2
16 > 24 + 2 – 2
16 > 24 [False]
Only option (2) satisfies the condition

Sol. 13 (2)

Explanation:
Let’s take Tiger = x and
Flamingo = y
Now, the ratio will be
Tiger : Flamingo
x : y
Legs 4x : 2y
It is given that flamingo are 23
Tiger : Flamingo
x : 23
Legs 4x : 2 × 23 = 46
According to the question,
(4x + 46) – 3 (x + 23) = 9
Practice Exercise

4x + 46 – 3x – 69 = 9
x – 23 = 9
x = 32

19.
 Sol. 14 (4)

Explanation:

The quadratic equation whose roots are reciprocal of roots of 8x2 + 13x + 5 = 0
1
can be obtained by replacing x by .
x
 1  1  1
∴ 8     + 13   + 5 =
0
 x x x

5x2 + 13x + 8 = 0

Sol. 15 (1)

Explanation:
2
a +b
The rule is a + b =  
 2 
2
2 + 4
=
2 +4  =  9
 2 
2
 13 + 15 
∴ =
13 + 15  =  196
 2 
Practice Exercise

20.
MIND MAP

MIND MAP

21.