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As part of the ongoing 60-day CAT preparation guide by Careers360, Day 51 focuses on crucial topics like Sequence and Series, Picking Up Coins, and Critical Reasoning. These areas play a significant role in your overall performance. For those aiming for MBA admission from 2025-27, mastering such topics is essential. Critical Reasoning helps strengthen logical thinking, a key skill for the exam. The CAT preparation 2025 in 60 days, the plan is equally effective for CAT 2025 aspirants. Sequence and Series, in particular, includes three key question types and carries notable weightage in the exam. Aspirants should thoroughly practice these concepts. You can also download the Arithmetic Sequence Questions and Answers PDF to aid your preparation.
For the CAT exam registration 2025, candidates should keep ready the scanned copies of a passport size photograph, signature, and category certificates, along with all educational details and work experience.
To solve sequence and series questions in CAT 2025, focus on arithmetic and geometric progressions, nth term formulas, and sum of terms. Mastering these core concepts helps improve speed and accuracy in the Quant section.
Concepts and Formulas used in sequence and series problems and solutions are given below:
nth term of A.P. given by an = a+ (n-1)d
Sum of n terms of an AP
Sn = n/2 {2a + (n-1) d} or n/2 {first term + last term}
Arithmetic mean is (a+ an)/2.
Here, a is the first term, d (=a2- a1) is a common difference and n is the number of terms in AP.
nth term of the G.P. is an = ar(n-1)
Sum of n terms of a GP
Sn = a{(1- rn)/(1-r)}
sum of an infinite G.P. is given by
S = a/1-r
Geometric Mean of a & b is (ab)1/2.
Here, a is the first term, r (=a2/a1) is the common ratio and n are numbers of terms in GP.
Harmonic Progression (HP)
If a, b, c are in AP, then 1/a, 1/b, 1/c are in HP.
Solve HP with the help of AP.
Q1. Sequence and Series Questions for CAT Exam are given below:
Three positive integers x, y and z are in arithmetic progression. If y − x > 2 and xyz = 5(x + y + z), then z − x equals [CAT 2021, slot 2]
8
10
14
12
Sequence and series questions and answers are given below:
Solution: [3]
If x, y and z are in AP, then
y- x = z- y > 2 (Given)
So, y > x +2 and z > y+ 2; z > x+ 4
Also, x+ z = 2y
It is given that
xyz = 5(x + y + z)
⇒ xyz = 5(3y)
⇒ xz = 15 and z > x+ 4
If z = 15, x = 1 (z > x+ 4, true)
If z = 5, x =3 (z > x+ 4, false)
Therefore z =15 and x= 1 will be taken and the difference is 14.
Q2. Sequence and Series Questions for CAT are given below:
For a sequence of real numbers x1, x2, ..., xn, if x1 - x2 + x3 - ... + (-1)n + 1xn = n2 + 2n for all natural numbers n, then the sum x49 + x50 equals [CAT 2021, Slot 2]
2
-2
200
-200
CAT questions on sequence and series are given below:
Answer: [2]
Sn = if x1 - x2+ x3 - ... + (-1)n + 1xn = n2 + 2n
If n = 50; S50 = 502+ 2 x 50 = 2600 = x1 - x2 + x3 - ... + x49 -x50
S49 = 492+ 2 x 49 = 2499 = x1 - x2 + x3 - ... + x49
So, S50 = S49 - x50
⇒ x50 = S49 - S50 = 2499 – 2600 = -101
S48 = 482+ 2 x 48 = 2400
Similarly, x49 = S49 – S48 = 2499 – 2400 = 99
So, x49 + x50 = -101 + 99 = -2
Tricks and Tips for sequence and series questions for CAT
Find the tips and tricks of sequence and series questions for CAT exam below:
An AP of an odd number of terms is to be assumed as
…, a-2d, a-d, a, a+ d, a+ 2d, … [common difference ‘d’]
An AP of an even number of terms is to be assumed as
…, a-3d, a-d, a+ d, a+ 3d, … [common difference ‘2d’]
A GP of an odd number of terms is to be assumed as
…, a/r, a, ar, … [common ratio ‘r’]
GP of an even number of terms is to be assumed as
…, a/r3, a/r, ar, ar3, … [common ratio ‘r2’]
AM x HM = GM2
AM≥ GM≥ HM
Practice sequence and series previous year questions to get an idea of questions in CAT 2025.
Quadratic equations play a vital role in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section. Understanding the basics helps in solving problems quickly and accurately. Here are the key concepts every aspirant should master:
1. Standard Form:
A quadratic equation is written as ax² + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are real numbers, and a ≠ 0.
2. Discriminant (D):
The discriminant D = b² - 4ac helps determine the nature of roots—real and distinct, real and equal, or complex.
3. Nature of Roots:
If D > 0: Two real and distinct roots
If D = 0: Two real and equal roots
If D < 0: Complex conjugate roots
4. Methods to Solve:
Factorisation: Split the middle term and rewrite the equation as a product of two simpler expressions. This method works best when the roots are integers.
Quadratic Formula: Plug the values into the formula x = (-b ± √D) / 2a to find the roots. It's reliable for all types of quadratics.
Completing the Square: Rewrite the equation into a perfect square form and then solve. This method helps when the other two aren’t easy to apply.
5. Sum and Product of Roots:
In any quadratic equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0, the sum and product of the roots follow these simple formulas:
Sum of roots = -b/a
Product of roots = c/a
These shortcuts save time, especially in MCQs where you don’t need to find the exact roots.
Example:
Take the equation 2x² - 5x + 3 = 0
Here, a = 2, b = -5, and c = 3
Sum of roots = -(-5)/2 = 5/2
Product of roots = 3/2
You can now answer questions related to the relationship between roots without solving the full equation.
CAT Study Material: References to Study (Theory) Sequence and Series for CAT
NCERT Mathematics Class 11.
How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma (7th Edition)
Mission CAT (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efy0XXnmIpE)
CAT Study Material: References to Practice CAT Sequence and Series questions
Study sources of Sequence and Series questions for CAT are given below:
Quantitative Aptitude by R S Agrawal.
Rodha: YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrbkOHqFQqA&list=PL2pKbEwLDvEOwgnhXiKM-I3plDVEQpdMQ
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKFwQG0TvKA&list=PL2pKbEwLDvEOwgnhXiKM-I3plDVEQpdMQ&index=2)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D84xjcyxrE&list=PL2pKbEwLDvEOwgnhXiKM-I3plDVEQpdMQ&index=3)
Practice Sample Papers on sequence and series questions
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR) is often considered the most unpredictable section in CAT. To prepare effectively, focus on understanding various puzzle types, data sets, and logic-based problems. Practice is key to solving diverse question sets regularly to improve pattern recognition and speed. Analyse CAT mock tests to identify weak areas. Build a strategy to manage time, select the right sets, and avoid lengthy traps.
CAT 2025 Syllabus Topic: Strategy to prepare “Picking of Coins” for CAT
Important Concept/Formula Used in questions on coins
These problems are basically a special type of D.I. problems which require a high level of understanding.
There are basically two types of scenarios in these Questions.
The first case is who picks last wins the game
The second case is who picks last loses the gam
For the first case, the person who picks last wins must left (MINIMUM PICK MAXIMUM PICK) *k coins on the table to ensure it wins.
In the second case, the person who picks last loses. So, the person who picks first must left(MINIMUM PICK MAXIMUM PICK) *k+ 1) coins on the table to ensure it’s winning.
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Q1. Two smart players A and B are playing a coin game in which they can pick up 1, 2, 3, or 4 coins. They have 78 coins and the player who picks the last coin will lose the game. A and B play alternately and A plays the first move. How many coins should A pick at first so his win is independent of the number of coins B picks in his first move?
[CAT PYQ]
Solution:
As the question explained, A is the first picker so he needs to maintain a such number of coins on the table that after his first pick his winning doesn't depend on the coins picked up by B.
So, in such cases, the trick is to maintain (multiple of a sum of minimum pick + maximum pick on the table)
So, the person who has the chance to pick first must pick as many numbers of coins so on the table the coins left on the table must be
(Multiple of the sum of minimum pick + maximum pick on the table)
So if this question the sum of minimum pick + maximum pick would be (1+4)k=5k
must leave on the table so the first person will pick 3 coins from the table and left 75 coins on the table for another person so he will ensure his win.
Q2. An old woman had the following assets: [CAT 2017]
Rs. 70 lakh in bank deposits
1 house worth Rs. 50 lakh
3 flats, each worth Rs. 30 lakh
a certain number of gold coins, each worth Rs. 1 lakh
She wanted to distribute her assets among her three children; Neeta, Seeta and Geeta. The house, any of the flats or any of the coins were not to be split. That is, the house went entirely to one child; a flat went to one child and similarly, a gold coin went to one child.
The value of the assets distributed among Neeta, Seeta and Geeta were in the ratio of 1:2:3, while the gold coins were distributed among them in the ratio of 2:3:4. One child got all three flats and she did not get the house. One child, other than Geeta, got Rs. 30 lakh in bank deposits.
How many gold coins did the old woman have?
72
90
180
216
Ans: [B]
Let the old woman have ‘x’ gold coins.
herefore, total asset base = Rs. 70 lakhs + Rs. 50 lakhs + Rs. 3 * 30 lakhs + x = Rs 210 lakhs + x
The assets were distributed in the ratio of 1:2:3. So, 210 +x should be multiple of 6.
Since there are “x” gold coins, then the total 210 + x is a multiple of 6.
210 is a multiple of 6. So, x is a multiple of 6.
Also, the gold coins were distributed in the ratio of 2:3:4. So, gold coins should be multiple of 9 also. Therefore, from the above two conclusions, we can say that gold coins are multiple of 18.
Therefore, x is a multiple of 18.
The total value of assets can be taken as 210 + 18k.
Dividing this in the ratio of 1:2:3 among Neeta, Seeta and Geeta.
Neeta = 1/6 x (210 + 18K) = 35 + 3k = 35 – k + 4k
Seeta gets = 2/6 x (210 + 18K) = 70 + 6k
Geeta gets = 3/6 x (210 + 18K) = 105 + 9k = 105+ k + 8k
Discuss for Geeta, the one only who can get three flats worth Rs 90 lakhs
Geeta will have a house of worth Rs 50 lakh, So, she cannot get Rs 30 lakh Cash.
Neeta will get 30 lakhs bank deposits, she will get (5+ 3k) gold coins.
Neeta got a total (35 – k) + 4k worth of assets. So, k = 5.
Neeta = 30 lakhs deposit and 20 gold coins
Seeta = One house + Rs. 20 lakh in bank deposits + 30 gold coins.
Geeta = 3 flats + Rs. 20 lakh in bank deposits + 40 gold coins.
Therefore, the total no. of gold coins = 20 + 30 + 40 = 90.
Tips/Tricks for CAT questions on coins
These are special types of problems, so these must be practised before exams.
All different types of cases needed to be covered by aspirants because every case required a unique approach to solve this question.
CAT entrance exam: Pre-requisite
Understanding of Division Process
Understanding of Linear Equations
References to CAT Study (Theory)
LRDI by Nishit K. Sinha
References to Study (Practice) problems on coins
MBA Entrance Previous years Papers and Sample Papers.
CAT Exam Important Topic: Strategy to Prepare “Statement and Arguments” (What is Critical Reasoning in CAT) for CAT-2025
Important Concept used in Statement and Arguments questions
Statement: A statement is defined as that which is
expressible by a sentence and is either true or false.
Argument: An argument is a dispute or debate. In logic, the term has a more technical meaning.
Practising CAT's previous years' questions on Statements and Arguments is essential for mastering this critical Logical Reasoning topic. These questions test your ability to evaluate the strength and relevance of arguments based on given statements. Analysing past questions helps you understand the logic pattern, common traps, and the examiner’s perspective. Regular practice enhances your reasoning skills, improves accuracy, and builds familiarity with the question style commonly seen in the CAT 2025 exam.
Q1. Statements and Arguments are given below:
Statement: Should military training be made compulsory in our country? [PYQ]
Arguments:
1. Yes, every child should go through this training
2. No, it is not compulsory in USA
If only argument I is strong.
If only argument II is strong.
If either I or II is strong.
If neither I nor II is strong.
If both I and II are strong.
Statements and Arguments questions with solutions are given below:
Ans. Option D
Explanation:
Argument 1: Not every child is strong enough physically. So, it is not a strong argument.
Argument 2: USA is a different country at different levels. Comparison is done here so it is also a weak argument.
Q2. Statements and Arguments (critical reasoning questions for CAT) are given below:
Statement: Should powerful nations attack relatively weaker nations which pose a probable danger to world peace? [IPMAT 2020]
Arguments:
Yes. War is justified for the noble purpose of peacekeeping.
No. War/violence should never be resorted to.
If only 1 is implicit
If only 2 is implicit
If either assumption 1 or 2 is implicit
If neither assumption 1 nor 2 is implicit
Ans: [A]
Explanation:
If someone is dangerous to humankind, it should get eliminated by a stronger person. So, Argument I seem to be implicit.
Tips and Tricks for CAT questions on Statement and Arguments
The criterion of being either true or false is one thing that served to identify the informative use of language.
An argument is a set of at least two statements, one of which is the conclusion of the argument, and the rest of which are premises offered in support of the conclusion.
An argument will often contain indicator words that help identify the premises and conclusion.
Some conclusion indicators are:
So/, therefore,/consequently/ as a result/thus/hence/accordingly/it follows that
Some Premise indicators are:
Since/because/for/in light of/in view of/as shown by.
Identify strong arguments and weak arguments
Strong Arguments Includes:
Facts based on experience
Educational development
Universal truth etc
Weak Arguments Include:
over exaggeration
Involves Comparison
Half explained arguments
Contains words like Each, Nothing, Very, All, only etc
CAT 2025: Pre-requisite to Statement and Arguments
Knowledge of basic components of statements and arguments.
Sentence Structure.
References to Study (theory) what is critical reasoning in CAT
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | 9th Edition
Book by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
CareerRide (YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8FGPJzW140)
References to Study (Practice)Statement and Arguments questions
Verbal Reasoning by Disha Experts (kindle)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wiYAxzteI8
CAT 2025 eBooks by Careers360 are digital study guides that you can read anytime on your phone or laptop. They cover all key topics from Quant, VARC, and DILR and help to score high marks in the exam. These eBooks make focused preparation easier, smarter, and more flexible.
eBook Title | Download Links |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material | |
CAT 2025 Important Formulas | |
Past 10 years CAT Question Papers with Answers | |
CAT 2025 preparation tips with 30-day study material by Experts | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Study Material PDF - Geometry and Mensuration |
Practice and stay focused; Day 52 will be posted tomorrow.
Thank you! All the Best!
Sequences and Series test your pattern recognition and formula application. They often appear in CAT 2025 Quant with moderate to high difficulty.
In CAT 2025 LR, coin puzzles require a step-by-step approach. Use diagrams or tables to track coin flips or movements clearly.
Critical Reasoning helps assess your ability to evaluate arguments. In CAT 2025 VARC, it improves accuracy in reading comprehension and paragraph-based questions.
Yes, all three, Sequences and Series, Coin Puzzles, and Critical Reasoning, are commonly featured in past CAT papers and are expected in CAT 2025 as well.
Divide your prep time across all three topics daily. Start with concept clarity, then solve targeted CAT 2025-level practice sets to build speed and confidence.
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if your caste is listed under Central OBC and you come under the category of Non-Creamy Layer, then you shall be eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation in the CAT exam and IIM admissions, irrespective of its being categorized as OEC in Kerala. Remember to get a valid OBC-NCL certificate obtained as per the format prescribed by the Government of India.
Hey Vijay:)
Thanks for reaching out!
OEC,(Other Eligible Communities) is a state-specific reservation category used in Kerala,and it is not recognised as a separate category in central-level exams like the CAT.
For Central govt exams candidates must choose from the recognised categories: General,SC,ST,OBC-NCL,EWS or PwD.If your community is listed under OEC-SC or OEC-ST in Kerala,you should check whether it falls under SC or ST in the central list and apply accordingly.
Similarly,If your OEC community is in the central OBC list and you meet the non-creamy layer(NCL)rules,you can apply as OBC-NCL, otherwise you need to apply under the general category.
You can verify caste's status in the central list on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website.
Hope this clears your doubt!
You can easily get CAT previous year question papers online in PDF format, with solutions too. Websites like CollegeDunia, Careers360, SelfStudys, Cracku, and Aglasem have papers from CAT 2024, 2023, 2022… even back to the 1990s.
Hi dear candidate,
The score of your CAT exam is valid for one year from the date of exam.
For example: If your CAT exam was held on 24th November 2024 then your score is valid till 31st December 2025 meaning that you can take admission in the academic year 2025 - 27.
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