Number System

In the CAT exam, the Number System questions focus on testing an aspirant’s grasp of the fundamental properties of numbers and their applications. Topics typically include divisibility rules, prime factorization, greatest common divisors (GCD), least common multiples (LCM), remainders, cyclicity, and modular arithmetic.

Number System questions are often straightforward yet require a deep understanding to solve them efficiently. For instance, problems involving finding remainders using concepts like the Chinese Remainder Theorem or Fermat’s Little Theorem can be tricky but manageable with proper preparation. Similarly, understanding the patterns in the units and tens digits of powers of numbers can simplify otherwise complex calculations.

The Number System also serves as a base for more advanced topics in the Quantitative Ability section, such as Algebra and Arithmetic. Many questions combine these topics, requiring a strong foundational knowledge of the Number System. For example, solving equations with integer constraints or working with sequences often involves number theory concepts.

To excel, aspirants should focus on conceptual clarity, practice varied problems, and learn time-saving tricks, such as using divisibility rules or recognizing number patterns. Mastery of the Number System not only enhances your CAT preparation but also provides essential tools for solving problems across mathematical disciplines.