Simplification Questions with Answers

Simplification is a crucial topic when it comes to competitive exams IBPS PO, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, IBPS Clerk, RRB Assistant, RRB Scale 1, LIC Assistant, LIC AAO and other banking and insurance exams. Understanding this topic well is important because you will typically encounter around 5 easy simplification questions in the prelims of these exams. For those who want to take their simplification skills to the next level, Smartkeeda offers challenging simplification questions along with solutions. Additionally, you can attempt online questions on the website or download simplification questions PDFs for free and practice offline and further enhance your abilities in this area.

Introduction of Simplification Questions

Simplification is concept that involves making complex mathematical equations simpler and easier to compute or understand. Simplification typically requires the application of mathematical operations, rules, and principles to reduce a given mathematical expression to its simplest form. This topic basically tests your calculation skills. If you're confident in your ability to perform quick calculations and understand the basic rules for solving simplification questions, you can easily score five marks in just a matter of seconds. It's a low-hanging fruit in terms of scoring.
 

Types of Simplification Questions

In competitive exams, two common types of simplification questions are encountered:

1. Finding the Missing Number: In this type of simplification question, you will be presented with an equation in which one or more numbers or variables are missing. The task is to fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate numbers or values to make the equation true. These blanks can be on either the left-hand side or the right-hand side of the equation. You need to apply mathematical operations and principles to deduce the missing values and complete the equation.

For Example: 540 -? + 75 = 6 × 50 + 315

2. Direct Equation Solving: In this type of simplification question, you will be provided with a complete mathematical equation and will be required to solve this equation directly to obtain the result or simplify it to its simplest form using mathematical rules and operations. These questions may involve various mathematical concepts, such as arithmetic, algebra, or basic mathematical principles, and you need to apply the appropriate techniques to simplify the given equation.

For example: 456 + 187/3 – 259x2 =?

Mastering BODMAS/BIDMAS

BODMAS provides a systematic framework for solving simplification questions, ensuring that operations are carried out in a logical and consistent order. Mastering BODMAS is not just about following a rule but also about understanding the order of operations, which is a fundamental skill in solving simplification questions.

Breaking Down BODMAS: BODMAS is an abbreviation that represents a specific order of operations to be followed when solving mathematical expressions:

• Brackets (B): The first step is to evaluate any expressions within brackets. If there are multiple sets of brackets, start with the innermost and work outward.
• Orders (O): Next, calculate any values with indices or powers. This includes operations involving square roots, exponents, and other mathematical functions.
• Division (D): Perform division operations from left to right in the expression.
• Multiplication (M): Carry out multiplication operations from left to right in the expression.
• Addition (A): Add any remaining values together, proceeding from left to right.

Subtraction (S): Finally, subtract any remaining values from left to right.
 

The BODMAS Process: To illustrate how BODMAS works, let’s consider an example:
Expression: 4 + (5 × 3) – 2/2

Using BODMAS: