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CAT Success : Expert Tips on Probability, Intro to Data Sufficiency, Synonyms & PYQs Discussion- Day 39
Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Sep 19, 2024 01:41 PM IST | #CAT
Hello CAT 2024 candidates, On November 24, the CAT exam 2024 for MBA admissions in 2025–2027 will take place. In this CAT 2024 60-day preparation guide series of Careers360, we will discuss the strategies on probability questions for day 39 that can help you prepare well and crack the CAT entrance test 2024.
This article includes probability questions and other difficult aptitude questions on probability, Data sufficiency questions for CAT and Synonyms for CAT Exam. CAT Preparation 2024 in 60 days
Part-1: Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam
Aspirants can also refer to the Permutation and Combination and Probability problems with solutions pdf.
CAT Exam Important Topic: Strategy to Prepare Probability Questions For CAT Exam, Permutation and Combination
Important Concept/Formula Used in CAT Probability Practice Questions
CAT Probability or Chance:
Probability is a quantitative measure of the chance of occurrence of a particular event.
PE=n(E)/n(S), n(E) = no of favourable events; n(S) = Sample Space.
Random Experiment probability problems
If all the possible outcomes of an experiment are known but the exact output cannot be predicted in advance.
Examples
(i) Tossing of a fair coin (Total Outcome 2)
(ii) Dice probability questions
Throwing an unbiased die (Total Outcome 6)
(iii) Cards game probability questions
Drawing a card from a pack of shuffled cards
A pack or deck of playing cards has 52 cards which are divided into four categories as given below
a. Spades (♠)
b. Clubs (♣)
c. Hearts (♥)
d. Diamonds (♦)
[13 Cards: 9 Number cards, 1 Ace, 1 Jack, 1 Queen and 1 King] in each type
Sample Space: Sample Space is the set of all possible outcomes of an experiment. It is denoted by S.
CAT 2024 College Predictor
Know Your Chances for getting Calls from IIMs & other Top MBA Colleges through CAT Percentile, based on your category, academic profile, work-ex & CAT result.
Use NowEvent: Any subset of a Sample Space is an event.
Equally Likely Events: Events are said to be equally likely if there is no preference for a particular event over the other.
Examples
(i) When a coin is tossed, Head (H) or Tail is equally likely to occur.
Mutually Exclusive Events: if the occurrence of one of the events excludes the occurrence of the other
Example
(i) Tossing of a coin: either Head or Tail.
(iii) Rolling of a die: Either odd or even.
Independent Events: The occurrence or non-occurrence of one event does not influence the occurrence or non-occurrence of the other.
Exhaustive Event is the total number of all possible outcomes of an experiment.
Examples
(i) When a coin is tossed, we get either Head or Tail. Hence there are 2 exhaustive events.
CAT Exam: Previous Year Cat Questions On Probability Permutations And Combinations
Q1. Difficult aptitude questions on probability
A coin of radius 3 cm is randomly dropped on a square floor full of square-shaped tiles of 10 cm each. What is the probability that the coin will land completely within a tile? In other words, the coin should not cross the edge of any tile.[XAT 2018]
0.91
0.5
0.49
0.36
0.16
Solution: (E)
The radius of the coin is 3 cm. Since the coin should not cross the edge, the centre of the coin should at least be 3 cm away from the edge of the tile.
If we left 3 cm from all the edges, then the centre can lie in a square of 4 x 4.
So, Probability = Area of square 4 x4/ Area of tile
= 16/100 =0.16.
Q2. A die is thrown three times and the sum of the three numbers is found to be 15. The probability that the first throw was a four is [IPMAT 2019]
1/6
¼
1/5
1/10
solution: [C]
We can get sum 15 if
Case 1: 6, 6, 3
Total outcome = 3!/2! = 3
Favourable outcome (getting 4 at first throw) = 0
Case 2: 6, 5, 4
Total outcomes = 3! = 6
Favourable outcome (getting 4 at first throw) = 2 (4, 5, 6 or 4, 6, 5)
Case 3: 5, 5, 5
Total outcome = 1
Favourable outcome (getting 4 at first throw) = 0
Probability = 2/10 = 1/5.
Tricks and Tips of CAT permutations and combinations, probability
Learn Algebra of Events
(i) A ∪ B is the event that either A or B or Both occur. (i.e., at least one of A or B occurs)
(ii) A ∩ B is the event that both A and B occur
(iii) is the event that A does not occur
(iv) is the event that none of A and B occurs
P(S) = 1
0 ≤ P (E) ≤ 1
P(ϕ) = 0 (∵ Probability of occurrence of an impossible event = 0)
Let x outcomes be favourable to E and y outcomes are not favourable to E, then
Odds in favour of E are x:y, i.e.,x/y and
Odds against E are y:x, i.e.y/x
PE=x/x+y
PE'=y/x+y
Learn Conditional Probability.
Binomial Distribution:”
P (r successes in n trials) =
If n fair coins are tossed,
The Total number of outcomes in the sample space = 2n
The probability of getting exactly the r-number of heads when n coins are tossed =
Practice sample papers and questions based on previous years CAT Questions.
Solve Questions from easy to moderate levels and after that try hard questions.
CAT entrance exam: Prerequisite to probability questions
Know this before probability permutations and combinations
Factorial
Basics of Set Theory
CAT study material: References to Study (Theory)
For probability problems and concepts
NCERT Class 11 Maths
Mission CAT (YouTube, Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99zr_7OogIM)
CAT study material: References to Practice probability questions
How to prepare quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma.
CAT Funda (CAT PYQs; YouTube:://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTqInfzG5yw)
CAT probability questions with solutions pdf.
Part-2: CAT 2024 Preparation Tips: CAT DILR tips (Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation)
CAT 2024 Syllabus Topic: Strategy to prepare “Data Sufficiency in LR (Part-1)” for CAT
CAT Exam: About Topic/ Formulas
While the genre of Data Sufficiency is unique, the structure is not – all Data Sufficiency questions are structured the same, with three key elements:
The question stem: may or may not contain important facts
The statements: always two statements
The answer choices: always the same.
Sample Question based on PYQs on Data Questions for CAT/ MBA Entrance Exam:
Q1. In a particular school, sixty students were athletes. Ten among them were also among the top academic performers. How many top academic performers were in the school?
I. Sixty per cent of the top academic performers were not athletes.
II. All the top academic performers were not necessarily athletes. [CAT 2007]
Statement I alone is sufficient to answer this question but statement II is not sufficient to answer this question.
Statement II alone is sufficient to answer this question but statement I is not sufficient to answer this question.
None is sufficient to answer this question.
Both statements together are sufficient to answer this question.
Solution: [A]
Statement I: 40% of top academic performers are athletes = 10.
Statement II: does not provide any relevant information.
So the answer is (1).
Tips and Tricks for CAT 2024
Ask yourself the following questions (starting with the statement (1):
Is the information in the statement (1) alone enough to answer the question?
Is the information in a statement (2) alone enough to answer the question?
Can an answer be given if with the information from statements (1) and (2) both?
A statement is sufficient when it guarantees exactly one (and only one) answer to the question.
You do not have sufficient information if more than one answer is possible
Do not solve the question after the moment you know the unique answer can be found thereafter.
If the answer from one statement alone and by combining both statements can be found out then the answer will be from one statement alone.
Stick to the basics.
CAT entrance exam: Prerequisite
Direction Sense, Ranking , Coding-Decoding, Inequality , Cubes, and various other basic topics of Logical Reasoning .
References to CAT Study (Theory)
LRDI byNikhil K. Sinha
(YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fw6oK3aWuXw)
CAT References to Study (Practice)
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R S Agrawal.
MBA Entrance Previous years Papers and Sample Papers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blkzss4S0-0
Part-3: CAT Exam Preparation 2024: CAT exam tips for VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension/Synonyms for MBA entrance )
Sample Questions:
Directions: Choose a similar word from the given options for highlighted phrase/word.
Q1. Public policy in regard to food in main economies around the world has not provided adequate incentive, and the response to emergencies like accidents is equally sad.
Acceleration
Surplus
Baiting
Encouragement
Ans: D
Explanation: The context of the sentence refers to Encouragement. Hence option D is correct.
Q2. We today can see a swing away from these stereotypes, or have they established a stranglehold on our perceptions.
Asphyxiation
Containment
Prohibiting entry
Overwhelming control
Ans: D
Explanation: Asphyxiation- it happens when someone is literally strangled. And here the context is different.
Containment: it cannot be established and hence can be eliminated.
It does not seem appropriate here.
Prohibiting entry is for physical context and not for abstract. Hence can be eliminated.
Overwhelming control is a perfect fit here. Hence option D is correct.
CAT Exam Important Topic: CAT preparation strategy on “ English Synonyms for CAT (Part-1)”.
One needs to be careful about the context.
Every word in the English language has a lot of different meanings.
To learn synonyms one can create word families
Beautiful- Gorgeous, Dazzling, Splendid, Magnificent
Important- necessary, vital, critical, Indispensable
One can also take reference from root words.
One can learn synonyms by logically associating a word with a sentence or a situation.
One needs to carefully observe the sentence's meaning as a whole.
Another method is to eliminate the other options.
Practise more and more exercises.
Prerequisite to CAT Exam Preparation
Vocabulary
Parts of Speech
References to Study (Theory)
Wren and Martin
Made Word Power Easy
CATking.in (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXw3syyd_Ak)
CAT preparation: References to Study (Practice)
Big Book of Synonyms and Antonyms – English (Maple Press)
CAT Previous years Papers and other MBA Entrance Exams.
CATKing.in (YouTube; Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXw3syyd_Ak&t=6s )
We will be back with Day 40 tomorrow. Do practice and be focused.
Thank you! All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many questions come from probability in CAT?
On average, in the quantitative aptitude section of the CAT exam, you might expect to see around 2 to 4 questions related to probability. This is a rough estimate based on historical data up until 2024.
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Questions related to CAT
Have a question related to CAT ?
Hello,
Here are important points regarding your query :-
- Opportunity for candidates: IIM Kashipur might be inviting candidates for further consideration, regardless of initial CAT scores.
- Broadening applicant pool: They may aim to review diverse profiles beyond just percentile.
- Different criteria: Other factors like academic performance, work experience, and diversity may contribute to the decision.
- Possibility of screening: The email could be a formality, and actual shortlisting will depend on various selection criteria.
- No guarantee of shortlist: The invitation doesn’t ensure selection; many institutes offer preliminary applications before filtering through comprehensive evaluations.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 13 January,2025
Hi,
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your CAT 2024 percentile some of the colleges in which you have chances to get a seat includes:
- ISBR Business School
- SOIL Institute of Management
- Birla Institute of Management Technology
- GD Goenka University
- The ICFAI University
- Great Lake Institute of Management
- Jaipur National University
You can predict more colleges using the CLAT 2024 college predictor tool .
Hope this information will help you
Devraj 12 January,2025
Hello Greetings
With a CAT 2024 percentile of 68.28%, you may face a challenging time getting into IIT Delhi, as their cutoffs are typically higher. However, being an SC female student, you may be eligible for relaxation in the cutoff criteria .
To give you a better idea, here are some general CAT cutoff percentiles for IITs and other top B-schools:
- *IIT Delhi*: Typically above 90 percentile for general category students.
- *Newer IIMs*: Such as IIM Vishakapatnam, IIM Shillong, and IIM Udaipur, may have lower cutoffs, around 80-90 percentile.
- *Other top B-schools*: Like IMT Ghaziabad, XIM Bhubaneswar, and TAPMI, may also consider students with lower percentiles.
It's essential to note that CAT cutoffs can vary from year to year, and other factors like your academic background, work experience, and performance in the personal interview (PI) and written ability test (WAT) also play a significant role in the admission process.
To explore more options and predict your chances of getting into various colleges, you can use online CAT college predictor tools .
Have a great day
Sakshi Badoni 09 January,2025
Hello Greetings
Considering your 82.58 percentile in CAT and 22 months of industry experience in IT and Financial analysis, you have several options for General Management PGDM or PGPM programs.
*Decent Colleges Accepting Low CAT Percentile:*
- _SPJIMR_: Offers PGDM and PGPM programs, accepting CAT scores, with a minimum eligibility criterion of 50% aggregate in graduation ¹ ².
- _SOIL_: Provides PGPM and PGDM programs, considering CAT scores, with a focus on experiential learning ³.
- Other institutes like _IMT Ghaziabad_, _XIMB_, and _IRMA_ might also accept candidates with lower CAT percentiles, but this may vary depending on the program and intake.
*Key Factors to Consider:*
- _Work Experience_: With 22 months of experience, you might be eligible for PGPM programs, which typically require more work experience than PGDM programs ¹.
- _Career Gap_: Explain your career gap effectively in your application, highlighting any relevant activities or skills gained during that period.
- _Profile-Based Selection_: Some institutes consider profiles, including work experience, academic background, and extracurricular activities, in addition to CAT scores ¹.
*Next Steps:*
1. Research the institutes mentioned above and their programs.
2. Review the eligibility criteria, admission process, and fees for each program.
3. Prepare your application, ensuring you effectively communicate your strengths, work experience, and career goals.
4. Be prepared for interviews, focusing on your profile, experience, and motivation for pursuing a PGDM or PGPM program.
Remember, a lower CAT percentile doesn't necessarily limit your options. Focus on showcasing your strengths, experience, and fit with the program to increase your chances of admission.
Have a great day
Sakshi Badoni 09 January,2025
Hi Gaurav,
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level management entrance exam conducted annually in India for admission into MBA/PGDM programs at prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools.
For registering for CAT 2025, you can follow the given steps:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to https://iimcat.ac.in .
- Register: Provide your name, email, date of birth, and mobile number. Receive a User ID and Password via email/SMS.
- Log In: Use the credentials to log in to the application portal.
- Fill the Form: Enter personal, academic, and work details. Choose IIM programs and exam city preferences.
- Upload Documents: Upload a passport-sized photo, signature, and relevant certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD if applicable).
- Pay Fee: Pay 2,400 (General/EWS/OBC) or 1,200 (SC/ST/PwD) online.
- Submit and Save: Complete the form and download a copy for future reference.
For more recent details, you can check out the given link.
Best wishes!
gitika yadav 05 January,2025
Popular CAT Questions
Directions for question :
M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in the months of January, May and September.
Each new group of Management Trainees (MT) have to go through a four month rigorous training schedule, after which they have to pass through a test consisting of a written assessment and a case-analysis. The top hundred ranked Management Trainees (MT) based on the performance in the test are confirmed as Management Executives (ME). The rest are given the opportunity of undergoing the training for four months one more time along with the next batch of Management Trainees (MT) and then passing through the subsequent test consisting of the written assessment and case-analysis. The Management Trainee (MT) who fails to get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the second time is fired.
The scatter-graph below depicts the number of Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte taking the tests from January 2020 till May 2022, and the vis-à-vis hired Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte who were fired :
It is also known that for the month of September 2019 at Deloitte, 96 hired Management Trainees (MT) failed to be confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the first time, and that 36 hired Management Trainees (MT) were fired.
Question :
In which test did the minimum number of Management Trainees (MT) get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) in the second attempt ?
Option: 1
September 2020
Option: 2
May 2021
Option: 3
January 2021
Option: 4
January 2022
Directions for question:
The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :
Question:
What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in 2020 over 2016 ?
Option: 1 None
Option: 2 None
Option: 3 None
Option: 4 None
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