Numerical Operations
What is Numerical Operations?
A type of logical reasoning problem where standard mathematical symbols or numbers are replaced by other symbols/numbers, and the candidate must solve the resulting expression by applying the new rules.
Key formula / rule: BODMAS/PEMDAS Rule
Key points
- To correctly interpret given rules for symbol/number substitution.
- To accurately apply the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule after transformation of symbols/numbers.
- To solve equations involving substituted symbols or interchanged numbers efficiently.
- To develop speed and accuracy in performing basic calculations under time constraints.
Common exam trap
Incorrectly substituting symbols or numbers as per the given rules.
Definitions
- Term
Numerical Operations (Reasoning)
- Meaning
A type of logical reasoning problem where standard mathematical symbols or numbers are replaced by other symbols/numbers, and the candidate must solve the resulting expression by applying the new rules.
- Term
BODMAS/PEMDAS
- Meaning
An acronym representing the universally accepted order of operations to be followed while solving mathematical expressions: Brackets, Orders (powers/roots), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction (BODMAS) or Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction (PEMDAS).
Learning objectives
To correctly interpret given rules for symbol/number substitution.
To accurately apply the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule after transformation of symbols/numbers.
To solve equations involving substituted symbols or interchanged numbers efficiently.
To develop speed and accuracy in performing basic calculations under time constraints.
Formulae
- Name
BODMAS/PEMDAS Rule
- Note
This rule dictates the correct order of operations to be followed when solving any mathematical expression.
- Expression
Brackets, Orders (Exponents/Roots), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction (or Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction)
Prerequisites
Basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
Understanding of the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule for order of operations.
Familiarity with standard mathematical symbols and their meanings.
Common mistakes
Incorrectly substituting symbols or numbers as per the given rules.
Ignoring or misapplying the BODMAS/PEMDAS rule, leading to incorrect order of operations.
Making calculation errors due to haste or lack of concentration.
Not re-checking the transformed equation before attempting to solve it.
Confusing the order of operations, especially when multiple operations are present.
Keywords
Numerical Operations
Mathematical Operations
Symbol Substitution
Number Interchange
BODMAS
PEMDAS
Reasoning
SSC CGL
Practice preview
Simplify: 18 - [6 - {4 - (8 - 6 - 3)}]…
medium
Find the next number in the series: 3, 7, 11, 15, ?…
easy
What is the result of 25.5 - 10.25 + 5.75?…
easy