QUICKER METHODS

Number System
(i)

Remainder Rule is applied to find the remainder for the

smaller division, when the same number is divided by the
two different divisors such that one divisor is a multiple of
the other divisor and also the remainder for the greater
divisor is known.
If the remainder for the greater divisor = r and the
smaller divisor = d, then the remainder rule states that,
when r > d the required remainder for the smaller divisor
will be the remainder found out by dividing the r by d,
and when r < d, then the required remainder is r itself.

(ii)

If two different numbers a and b, on being divided by the

same divisor leave remainders r1 and r2 respectively, then
their sum (a + b), if divided by the same divisor will leave
remainder R as given below:
R = (r1 + r2) Divisor
= (Sum of remainders) Divisor
Note: If R becomes negative in the above equation, then
the required re mainde r will be the sum of the
remainders. That is, the required remainder = sum
of remainders.

(iii) When two numbers after being divided by the same divisor
leave the same remainder, then the difference of those two
numbers must be exactly divisible by the same divisor.

(iv)

If a given number is divided successively by the different

factors of the divisor leaving remainders r 1 , r 2 and r 3
respectively, then the true remainder (ie remainder when
the number is divided by the divisor) can be obtained by
using the following formula:
True remainder = (First remainder) + (Second remainder
First divisor) + (Third remainder First divisor Second
divisor).

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(v)

When (x + 1)n is divided by x, then the remainder is always

1; where x and n are natural numbers.

(vi)

When (x 1)n is divided by x, then the remainder will be 1,

if n is an even natural number. But the remainder will be
(x 1), if n is an odd natural number.

(vii) The sum of the digits of two-digit number is S. If the digits

are reversed, the number is decreased by N, then the
number is as given below:

N
1

Number = 5 S +
9
2

S 2

Decrease 1
Decrease

= 5 Sum of digits
+ 2 Sum of digits

9
9

Note:
If after reversing the digits, the number is increased by N,
then the number is as given below:
N
N
1

S
Number = 5 S +

9
9
2

K KUNDAN
Decrease 1

= 5 Sum of digits
+ 2
9

Decrease 1

Sum of digits
+ 2
9

(viii) When the difference between two-digit number and the

number obtained by interchanging the digits is given, then
the difference of the two digits of the two-digit number is
as given below:

Difference in original and

int erchanged numbers
Difference of two digits =
9
Note: We cannot get the sum of two digits of the given
two-digit numbers.
(ix)

A number on being divided by d1 and d2 successively leaves

the remainders r1 and r2 respectively. If the number is divided

by d1 d2, then the remainder is given by (d1 r2 + r1).

(x)

When the sum of two-digit number and the number obtained

by interchanging the digits number is as given below:
Sum of two digits
=

Sum of original and int erchanged numbers

11

Highest Common Factor

(i)

To find the greatest number that will exactly divide x, y

and z.
Required number = HCF of x, y and z

(ii)

To find the greatest number that will divide x, y and z

leaving remainders a, b and c respectively.
Required number = HCF of (x a), (y b) and (z c)

(iii) To find the greatest number that will divide x, y and z

leaving the same remainder r in each case.
Required number = HCF of (x r), (y r) and (z r)
(iv) To find the greatest number that will divide x, y and z living
the same remainder in each case.
Required number = HCF of |(x y)|, |(y z)| and |(z x)|
(v)

To find the all possible numbers, when the product of two

numbers and their HCF are given, we follow the following
steps:
Step I:

Find the value of

Pr oduct
.
(HCF)2

Step II: Find the possible pairs of value got in step I.

Step III: Multiply the HCF with the pair of prime factors
obtained in step II.

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

Least Common Multiple

(i)

To find the least number which is exactly divisible by x, y

and z.
Required number = LCM of x, y and z

(ii) To find the least number which when divided by x, y and z

leaves the remainders a, b and c respectively. It is always
observed that, (x a) = (y b) = (z c) = K (say)
Required number = (LCM of x, y and z) K
(iii) To find the least number which, when divided by x, y and z
leaves the same remainder r in each case.
Required number = (LCM of x, y and z) + r
(iv) To find the n-digit greatest number which, when divided by
x, y and z,
(1) leaves no remainder (ie exactly divisible)
Following step-wise methods are adopted:
Step I: LCM of x, y and z = L
Step II: L) n-digit greatest number (
Remainder (R)
Step III: Required number = n-digit greatest number R
(2) leaves remainder K in each case
Following step-wise method is adopted:
Step I: LCM of x, y and z = L
Step II: L) n-digit greatest number (
Remainder (R)
Step III: Required number = (n-digit greatest number
R) + K

(v)

To find the n-digit smallest number which, when divided by

x, y and z.
(1) leaves no remainder (ie exactly divisible)
Following steps are followed:
Step I: LCM of x, y and z = L
Step II: L) n-digit smallest number (
Remainder (R)
Step III: The required number = n-digit smallest
number + (L R)
(2) leaves remainder K in each case.
First two steps are the same as in the case of (1).
Step III: Required number = n-digit smallest number
+ (L R) + K

(vi)

To find the least number which on being divided by x, y and

z leaves in each case a remiander R, but when divided by N
leaves no remainder, following step-wise methods are
adopted:
Step I: Find the LCM of x, y and z say (L).
Step II: Required number will be in the form of
(LK + R); where K is a positive integer.
Step III: N) L (Quotient (Q) (
Remainder (R0)
L = N Q + R0

Now, put the vaue of L into the expression obtained in

step II.
required number will be in the form of (N Q + R0) K + R
or, (N Q K) + (R0K + R)
Clearly, N Q K is always divisible by N.
Step IV: Now make (R0 K + R) divisible by N by putting
the least value of K. Say, 1, 2, 3, 4 ......
Now, put the value of K into the expression (LK + R) which
will be the required number.

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

Exponents and Surds

Laws of Integral Exponents
For all real numbers a and b, if m and n are positive integers, then
(i) am an = am+n
For example, 23 24 = 23+4 = 27 = 128
(ii) (am)n = amn
1
1
For example, [(2)2]3 = (2)23 = (2)6 =
=
(2)6
64
(iii) (ab)m = ambm
For example, (2 3)4 = 24 34 = 16 81 = 1296

a
(iv)
b

b

a

2 5
10
10
3 2
3
3
4

For example, 4
4
4
3

(v)

am
a m n
an
For example, 37 34= 374 = 33 =27
a m an

K KUNDAN
am
a m m a 0 1
am
For example, 75 75 = 755 = 70 =1

m
m
(vi) a a

an
a
(vii) n
b
b
4

24 16
2
For example, 4
3
3
81

Laws of Surds
(i)

For any positive integer n and a positive rational number

a,

(ii)

a
n

a.

If n is a positive integer and a, b are rational numbers,

then n a n b n ab .
(iii) If n is a positive integer and a, b are rational numbers,
n

then

a
.
b

(iv) If m and n are positive integers and a is a positive rational

number, then

a mn a n m a .
If m and n are positive integers and a is a positive rational
number, then
m n

(v)

n m

p m

n a p mn a pm

For example,
5 4

2
3

1
4 4

2
3

5 23 5 8

Average
(i)

If the average age of m boys is x and the average age of n

boys out of them (m boys) is y then the average age of the
rest of the boys is

(ii)

mx ny
; where m > n.
m n

If the average of n quantities is equal to x. When a quantity

is removed or added the average becomes y. Then the value
of removed or added quantity is [n (x y) + y].
In other words, it may be written as
value of new entrant (or removed quantity) = Number of old
members Increase in average + New average.

(iii) The average weight of n persons is increased by x kg when

some of them [n1, n2, ... n, where n1 + n2 + ... < n] who weigh
[y1 + y2 + ... where, y1 + y2 + ... = y kg] are replaced by the
same number of persons. Then the weight of the new persons
is (y + nx).
Weight of new persons = Weight of removed person + Numbers of persons Increase in average.
(iv) The average age of n persons is decreased by x years when
some of them [n1, n2 ... n; where n1 + n2 + ... <n] aged [y1 + y2
+ ... where, y1 + y2 + ... = y years] are replaced by the same
number of persons. Then the age of the new persons is
[y nx].

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

Age of new persons = Age of removed persons Number of
persons Decrease in average
(v)

The average of marks obtained by n candidates in a certain

examination is T. If the average marks of passed candidates is P and that of the failed candidates is F. Then the
number of candidates who passed the examination is

n T F

.
P F
Number of passed candidates
=

Total candidates (Total Average Failed Average)

Passed Average Failed Average

(vi) If the average of n results (where n is an odd number) is a

n 1
and the average of first
results is b and that of last
2
n 1
n 1
n 1
b c na .
2 is c, then 2 th result is 2

K KUNDAN

(vii) If the average of n results (where n is an odd number) is a

n 1
and the average of first
th result is b and that of
2

n 1
n 1
last
th results is c, the n
th results is
2
2

n 1
na 2 b c .

(viii)If a batsman in his nth innings makes a score of x, and

thereby increases his average by y, then the average after
n innings is [x y (n 1)].
(ix) If a cricketer has completed n innings and his average is x
runs,then the number of runs, he must make in his next
innings so as to raise his average to y are [n (y x) + y].
(x)

If average of n consecutive odd numbers is x, then the

difference between the smallest and the largest numbers is

given by 2(n 1).

Note: We see that the above formula is independent of x.
That means, this formula always holds good irrespective of
the value of x.
(xi) Average of first n multiple of a number x is

x (x n )
.
2

Percentage
(i)

If two values are respectively x% and y% more than a third

value, then the first is the

(ii)

100 x
100% of the second.
100 y

If two values are respectively x% and y% more than a third

value, then the second is the

100 y
100% of the first.
100 x

(iii) If two values are respectively x% and y% less than a third

value, then the second is the

100 y
100% of the first.
100 x

(iv) If two values are respectively x% and y% less than a third

value, then the first is the

(v)

100 x
100% of the second.
100 y

If A is x% of C and B is y% of C, then A is

x
100% of B.
y

(vi) x% of a quantity is taken by the first, y% of the remaining is

taken by the second and z% of the remaining is taken by
third person. Now, if Rs A is left in the fund, then there was
A 100 100 100
100 x 100 y 100 z in the beginning.

10

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(vii) If initial quantity is A and x% of the quantity is taken by
the first, y% of the remaining was taken by the second and
z% of the re maining is take n by third person; then

A 100 x 100 y 100 z

is left in the fund.
100 100 100

(viii) x% of a quantity is added. Again, y% of the increased quantity

is added. Again z% of the increased quantity is added.
Now, it becomes A, then the initial amount is given by

A 100 100 100

100 x 100 y 100 z .

(ix)

If initial quantity is A and x% of the initial quantity is added.

Again y% of the increased quantity is added. Again z% of
the increased quantity is added, then initial quantity
becomes

A 100 x 100 y 100 z

.
100 100 100

K KUNDAN
(x)

If the price of a commodity increases by r% , then the

re duction in consumption so as not to incre ase the
r

100 % .
expenditure is

100 r

(xi)

If the price of a commodity decreases by r%, then increase

in consumption so as not to decrease expenditure on this

r
item is 100 r 100 % .

(xii) If first value is r% more than the second value, then the

100 % less than the first value.

second is
100 r

(xiii) If the first value is r% less than the second value, then the

100 % more than the first value.

second value is
100 r

(xiv) If the value of a number is first increased by x% and later

decreased by x% , then net change is always a decrease
which is equal to x% of x or

(xv)

(xvi)

x2
.
100

If the value is first increased by x% and then decreased by

xy

y% , then there is x y
% increase or decrease,
100
according to the +ve or ve sign respectively.
If the value is increased successively by x% and x%, then

x2
the final increase is given by 2x
% .
100

(xvii)

If the value is increased successively by x% and y%, then

xy

%.
the final increase is given by x y
100

(x viii) If the value is decreased successively by x% and y%, then

xy

the final decrease is given by x y

100

(xix)

If the value is decreased successively by x% and x%, then

x2
the final decrease is given by 2x
% .
100

(xx)

(a) If the one factor is decreased by x% and the other

factor is increased by y%.
(b) or, if the one factor is increased by x% and the other
factor is decreased by y% , then the effect on the
product = Increase % value Decrease % value
Increase % value Decrease % value

and the value

100
is increased or decreased according to the +ve or ve
sign obtained.
Note: The above written formula is the general form

12

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

of both the cases.
For Case (a) it becomes: y x

yx
100

xy
100
Thus, we see that it is more easy to remember the general
formula which works in both the cases equally.
Whereas for Case (b) it becomes: x y

(xxi)

The pass marks in an examination is x%. If a candidate

who secures y marks fails by z marks, then the maximum
100 y z
marks is given by
.
x

(xxii)

A candidate scoring x% in an examination fails by a marks,

while another candidate who scores y% marks gets b
marks more than the minimum required pass marks.
Then the maximum marks for that examination are
100 a b
M
.
yx

K KUNDAN
(xxiii)

In measuring the sides of a rectangle, one side is taken

x% in excess and the other y% in deficit. The error per
cent in are a calculated from the measureme nt is
xy
x y
in excess or deficit, according to the +ve
100
or ve sign. In another form this may be written as %
error = % excess % deficit

(xx iv)

% excess % deficit
100

If one of the sides of a rectangle is increased by x% and

the other is increased by y%, then the per cent value by

xy

which area changes is given by x y

% increase
100

.
(xxv)

If one of the sides of a rectangle is decreased by x% and

the other is decreased by y% then the per cent value by

xy

which area changes is given by x y

% decrease.
100

(xx vi)

In an examination x% failed in English and y% failed in

maths. If z% of students failed in both the subjects, the
percentage of students who passed in both the subjects
is 100 x y z .

(xxvii) A man spends x% of his income. His income is increased

by y% and his expenditure also increases by z%, then
the percentage increase in his savings is given by

100y xz
100 x % .

(x xviii) A solution of salt and water contains x% salt by weight.

Of it A kg water evaporates and the solution now
contains y% of salt. The original quantity of solution is

y
kg. In other words, it may be rewritten
given by A
y x
as the original quantity of solution = Quantity of

Final % of salt
evaporated water
.
% Diff. of salt
(xxix)

When a certain quantity of goods B is added to change

the percentage of goods A in a mixture of A and B, then
the quantity of B to be added is

Previous % value of A

Changed % value of A Mixture Quantity Mixture Quantity

(xxx)

If the original price of a commodity is Rs X and new price

of the commodity is Rs Y, then the decrease or increase
in consumption so as not to increase or decrease the
Y X

100 % ,
expenditure respectively is
Y

Difference in price

100 % .
ie
New price

(xxxi) To split a number N into two parts such that one part is
p% of the other. The two split parts are

100
N and
100 p

14

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

p
N .
100 p

(xxxii) If X litres of oil was poured into a tank and it was still x%
empty, then the quantity of oil that must be poured into

X x
the tank in order to fill it to the brim is
litres.
100 x

(xxx iii)If X litres of oil was poured into a tank and it was still x%

X 100
empty, then the capacity of the tank is
litres
100 x
.
(xxx iv) If a number is successively increased by x%, y% and z%,
then single equivalent increase in that number will be

xy yz zx xyz

%
x y z
1002 .
100

(xxxv) A person spends x% of his monthly income on item A

and y% of the remaining on the item B. He saves the
remaining amount. If the savings amount is Rs S, then

S (100)2

(a) the monthly income of person = Rs

(100 x )(100 y )
(b) the monthly amount spent on the item
S x 100
A = Rs (100 x )(100 y )
(c) the monthly amount spent on the item

y S
B = Rs

(100 y )
Note: Here S = Savings per month.
(xxx vi) When the price of an item was increased by x%, a family
re duce d its consumption in such a way that the
expenditure on the item was only y% more than before.
If W kg were consumed per month before, then the new

 100 y
monthly consumption is given by
W kg.
100 x

(xxx vii)If the price of an item is increased by x% and a housewife

reduced the consumption of that item by x%, then her
2

x
expenditure on that item decreases by %. Or, in
10
words it can be written as the following:
Per cent Expenditue Change
2

Common increase or decrease

=
%.

10
Note: Here -ve sign shows the decrease in expenditure,
ie in the above case there is always decrease in
the expenditure.

Ratio and Proportion

K KUNDAN
(i)

If two numbers are in the ratio of a : b and the sum of

ax
these numbers is x, then these numbers will be
and
a b
bx
respectively.
a b

(ii)

To find the number of coins.

Amount in rupees

Number of each type of coins =

(iii)

To find the strength to milk strength of milk in the mixture

=

(iv)

Value of coins in rupees

Quantity of Milk
Total Quantity of Mixture

The contents of two vessels containing water and milk are

in the ratio x1 : y1 and x 2 : y2 are mixed in the ratio x : y.
The resulting mixture will have water and milk in the ratio
of xx1 x 2 y2 yx 2 x1 y1 : xy1 x 2 y 2 yy2 x1 y1

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Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(v)

If two numbers are in the ratio of a : b and the difference

between these numbers is x, then these numbers will be
ax
bx
(a)
and
respectively. (where, a > b)
a b
a b
ax
bx
(b)
and
respectively (where a < b)
b a
b a

(vi)

If three numbers are in the ratio of a : b : c and the sum of

the se numbe rs is x, the n the se numbe rs will be
ax
bx
cx
,
and
respectively.
a b c a b c
a b c

(vii)

If the ratio between the first and the second quantities is

a : b and the ratio between the second and the third
quantities is c : d, then the ratio among first, second and
third quantities is given by ac : bc : bd. The above ratio can
be represented diagrammatically as

(viii) If the ratio between the first and the second quantities is
a : b; the ratio between the second and the third quantities
is c : d and the ratio between the third and the fourth
quantities is e : f then the ratio among the first, second,
third and fourth quantities is given by

(ix)

If in x litres mixture of milk and water, the ratio of milk

and water is a : b, the quantity of water to be added in
order to make this ratio c : d is

(x)

x ad bc
c a b .

A mixture contains milk and water in the ratio a : b. If

x litres of water is added to the mixture, milk and water

become in the ratio a : c. Then the quantity of milk in the
mixture is given by

ax
and that of water is given by
c b

bx
.
c b

(xi)

If two quantities X and Y are in the ratio x : y. Then

X+Y:XY::x+y:xy

(xii)

In any two two-dimensional figure, if the corresponding

sides are in the ratio a : b, then their areas are in the ratio
a2 : b2.

(xiii) In any two 3-dimensional figures, if the corresponding sides

or other measuring lengths are in the ratio a : b, then their
volumes are in the ratio a3 : b3.
(xiv) The ratio between two numbers is a : b. If each number be
increased by x, the ratio becomes c : d. Then, the two
numbers are given as

xa c d
xb c d
and
; where
ad bc
ad bc

ca db
(xv)

The incomes of two persons are in the ratio a : b and their

expenditures are in the ratio c : d. If each of them saves
Rs X, then their incomes are given by

Xa d c
and
ad bc

Xb d c
.
ad bc

(xvi) The incomes of two persons are in the ratio a : b and their
expenditures are in the ratio c : d. If each of them saves
Rs X, then their expenditures are given by

Xd b a
.
ad bc

Xc b a
and
ad bc

18

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(xvii) Two candles of the same height are lighted at the same
time. The first is consumed in T1 hours and the second in
T2 hours. Assuming that each candle burns at a constant
rate, the time after which the ratio of first candle to second

T1T2 1
y

hours.
candle becomes x : y is given by x
T1 T2
y

Partnership
(i)

If investments are in the ratio of a : b : c and the timing of

their investments in the ratio of x : y : z then the ratio of
their profits are in the ratio of ax : by : cz.

(ii) If investments are in the ratio a : b : c and profits in the ratio

p : q : r, then the ratio of time =

p q r
: : .
a b c

(iii) Three partners invest their capitals in a business. If the

ratio of their periods of investments are t1 : t2 : t3 and their
profits are in the ratio of a : b : c, then the capitals will be in

a b c
the ratio of t : t : t .
1
2
3

Profit and Loss

(i)

If certain article is bought at the rate of A for a rupee, then

to gain x% , the article must be sold at the rate of

100

A for a rupee (Remember the rule of fraction).

100 x
(ii)

If a man purchases x items for Rs y and sells y items for

Rs x, then the profit or loss [depending upon the respective
(+ve) or (ve) sign in the final result] made by him is

 x 2 y2

100 % .

2
y

(iii) If a man purchases a items for Rs b and sells c items for

Rs d, then the gain or loss [depending upon the respective
(+ve) or (ve) sign in the final result] made by him is

ad bc

100 % .
bc

(iv)

Problems Based on Dishonest Dealer

% gain =

Error
100
True value Error

or, % gain =
(v)

True weight False weight

100
False weight

(a) When there are two successive profits of x% and y% ,

the n the re sultant profit pe r ce nt is give n by

xy

x y
.
100
(b) When there is a profit of x% and loss of y% in a
transaction, then the resultant profit or loss per cent is

xy

given by x y
according to the + ve and the -ve
100
signs respectively.
(c) When there are two successive loss of x% and y%, then

xy

the resultant loss per cent is given by x y

.
100

(vi)

If an article is sold at a profit of x% and if both the cost

price and selling price are Rs A less, the profit would be y%

x y A
more, then the cost price is
. In other words,
y

cost price =

Initial Profit %

Increase in profit % A
Increase in profit %

20

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(vii) If cost price of x articles is equal to the selling price of y
articles, then the profit percentage =

x y
100% .
y

(viii) (a) A person buys certain quantity of an article for Rs A. If

he sells mth part of the stock at a profit of x% and the
remaining nth part at y% profit, then the per cent profit

mx ny
in this transaction is
m n

First part % profit on first part Second part

% profit on sec ond part
or

Total of two parts

(b) If x part is sold at m% profit and the rest y part is sold

at n% loss and Rs P is earned as overall profit, then

P 100
the value of the total consignment is Rs
.
xm ny
(ix)

If a man buys two items A and B for Rs P and sells one item
A so as to lose x% and the other item B so as to gain y%,
and on the whole he neither gains nor loses, then

Py
and
(a) the cost of the item A is
x + y
Px
(b) the cost of the item B is
.
x + y
(x)

(a) By selling a certain item at the rate of X items a rupee,

a man loses x%. If he wants to gain y%, then the number

100 x
of items should be sold for a rupee is 100 y X .

(b) By selling an article for Rs A, a dealer makes a profit of

x%. If he wants to make profit of y%, then he should

y x
increase his selling price by Rs
A and the
100 x

 100 y

selling price is given by Rs

A .

100 x

(c) By selling an article for Rs A, a dealer makes a loss of

x%. If he wants to make a profit of y%, then he should

x y
A and the
increase his selling price by Rs
100 x
100 y
selling price is given by Rs
A .
100 x
(xi)

When each of the two commodities is sold at the same

price Rs A, and a profit of P% is made on the first and a loss
of L% is made on the second, then the percentage gain or
100 P L 2PL
loss is 100 P 100 L according to the +ve or ve sign.

Note: (a) In the special case when P = L we have

100 0 2P 2
p2

200
100
Since the sign is ve, there is always loss and the
value is given as

% value 2

.
100
(b) When each of the two commodities is sold at the
same price Rs A, and a profit of P% is made on the
first and a profit of L% is made on the second,

100 P L 2PL
then the percentage gain is 100 P 100 L .

(xii) If a merchant, by selling his goods, has a gain of x% of the

selling price, then his real gain per cent on the cost price is

100 x 100 % .
Note: Real profit per cent is always calculated on cost price
and real profit per cent is always more than the %
profit on selling price.
(xiii) If a merchant, by selling his goods, has a loss of x%, of the
selling price, then his real loss per cent on the cost price is

22

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

x

100 x 100 %.
(xiv) If an item is bought at the rate of X items for a rupee, then
the number of items sold for a rupee in order to gain x% is

100
X 100 x .

Discount
(i)

If a tradesman marks his goods at x% above his cost price

and allows purchasers a discount of y% for cash, then there

xy

is x y
% profit or loss according to +ve or ve sign
100
respectively.

x2
. ve sign
100
indicates that there will be always loss.

Note: When x = y, then formula becomes

(ii)

A person marks his goods x% above the cost price but allows
y% discount for cash payment. If he sells the article for

100 100
.
Rs X, then the cost price is X
100 x 100 y

(iii) If a trader buys an article at x% discount on its original

price and sells it at y% increase on the price he buys it,
then the percentage of profit he makes on the original price
xy

is y x
.
100

(iv)

A dealer buys an item at x% discount on its original price. If

he sells it at a y% increase on the original price, then the
yx
per cent profit he gets is
100 .
100 x

(v)

A businessman marks an article at Rs A and allows x%

discount (on the marked price). He gains y% . If the cost
price of the article is Rs B, then the selling price of the
article can be calculatd from the equation given below
A 100 x B 100 y

= selling price.
100
100

(vi)

If a person buys an article with x per cent discount on the

marked price and sells the article with y per cent profit on
the marked price, then his per cent profit on the price he

x y
buys the article is given by
100 per cent.
100 x
(vii) A person sells articles at Rs A each after giving x% discount
on marked price. Had he not given the discount, he would
have earned a profit of y% on the cost price. Then the cost

1002 A
price of each article is given by Rs 100 x 100 y .

(viii) A certain company declares x per cent discount for wholesale

buyers. If a person buys articles from the company for Rs A
after getting discount. He fixed up the selling price of the
articles in such a way that he earned a profit y% on original
company price. Then the total selling price is given by

100 y
Rs A
.
100 x

(ix)

A shopkeeper sold an article for Rs A after giving x% discount

on the labelled price and made y% profit on the cost price.
Had he not given the discount, the percentage profit would

x y

100 per cent.

have been
100 x

(x)

(a) Equivalent discount of two successive discounts x% and

xy

y% = x y
%.
100
(b) Equivalent discount of three successive discounts x% ,

xy yz zx
xyz

%.
y% and z% = x y z

100
(100)2

24

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

Simple Interest
(i)

If a person deposits Rs x1 in a bank at r1% per annum and

Rs x2 in another bank at r2% per annum, then the rate of

x1r1 x 2r2
interest for the whole sum is x x .
2
1

(ii)

If the simple interest on a sum of money is

1
n

of the

principal, and the number of years is equal to the rate per

1
cent per annum, then the rate per cent is 100 n %.

(iii)

If the simple interest on certain sum P is I and the

number of years is equal to the rate per cent per annum,

100 I
.
then the rate per cent or time is given by
P

(iv)

The annual payment that will discharge a debt of Rs A due

in t years at the rate of inte re st r% per annum is

100 A

rt
t

100t
.
2

(v)

If a sum of money becomes x times in t years at SI, the

rate of interest is given by

(vi)

100 x 1
%.
t

A certain sum is invested for certain time. It amounts to

Rs A1 at r1% per annum. But when invested at r 2% per
annum, it amounts to Rs A 2, then the time is given by

A1 A2

100 years.
A2r1 A1r2

(vii)

A certain sum is invested for certain time. It amounts to

Rs A 1 at r1% per annum. But when invested at r2% per

annum, it amounts to Rs A2, then the sum is given by Rs

A 2r1 A1r2

.
r1 r2

(viii) A sum was put at SI at a ce rtain rate for t ye ars.

Had it be en put at x% highe r rate , it would have
A 100
fetched Rs A more, then the sum is Rs
or
t x

More Interest 100

.
Time More Rate
(ix)

If a certain sum of money amounts to Rs A1 in t1 years and

A 2t1 A1t 2
to Rs A2 in t2 years, then the sum is given by t t
.

1
2
(x)

The simple interest on a sum of money will be Rs x after t

years. If in the next t years principal becomes n times,
then the total interest at the end of the 2tth year is given
by Rs [(n + 1) x].

(xi)

The simple interest on a sum of money will be Rs x after

t1 years. If in the next t2 years principal becomes n times,
then the total interest at the end of (t1+ t2)th year is given

t
by Rs x 1 2 n .
t1
(xii)

A sum of Rs X is lent out in n parts in such a way that

the interest on first part at r1% for t1 years, the interest
on second part at r2% for t2 years the interest on third part
at r 3 % for t3 years, and so on, are equal, the ratio
in which the sum was divided in n parts is given by

1
1
1
1
:
:
: ....
r1t1 r2t 2 r3t 3
rn tn .
(xiii) If a sum of money becomes n times at the simple interest
rate of r% per annum, then it will become m times at the

26

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

m 1

simple interest rate of

r per cent.
n 1

(xiv)

When different amounts mature to the same amount

at simple rate of inte rest, the ratio of the amounts
invested are in inverse ratio of (100 + time rate).
That is, the ratio in which the amounts are invested is

1
1
1
1
:
:
: .... :
100 r1t1 100 r2t 2 100 r3t 3
100 rn tn .

(xv)

There is a direct relationship between the principal and

the amount and is given by sum =

(xvi)

100 Amount
.
100 rt

A person lent a certain sum of money at r% simple interest

and in t years the interest amounted to Rs A less than

100 A
the sum lent, then the sum lent is given by Rs
100 rt

(xvii) If a sum of money becomes n times in t years at a simple

interest, then the time in which it will amount to m times

m 1
itself is given by
t years.
n 1

(x viii) If the simple interest on Rs P1 is less than the interest on

Rs P2 at r% simple interest by Rs A, then the time is

A 100
given by r P P years.

1
2

(xix)

Two equal amounts of money are deposited at r1% and r2%

for t1 and t2 years respectively. If the difference between

I d 100
their interests is Id then the sum = r t r t .
1 1
2 2

(xx)

If the diffe re nce be twe e n the inte re st re ce ive d

from two different banks on RsX for t years is Rs Id,
then the difference between their rates is given by

I d 100
X t per cent.

(xxi)

If a sum amounts to Rs A1 in t1 years and Rs A2 in t2 years

at simple rate of inte re st, the n rate pe r annum

100 A2 A1

A1t2 A2t1

1
1
(xxii) A person invested n of his capital at x1%, n at x2% and
1
2
1
the remainder n at x3%. If his annual income is Rs A,
3

A 100
.
the capital is given by Rs
x1 x 2 x 3
n1 n 2 n 3
(xxiii) The time in which a sum of money becomes n times
itse lf at r% pe r annum simple interest is given by

n 1

100 years.
r

Compound Interest
(i)

A sum of money, placed at compound interest, becomes n

times in t years and m times in x years. We calculate the

value of x from the equation given below: n 1 t m1 x .

(ii) If the compound inte re st on a ce rtain sum for
2 ye ars is Rs C and simple inte re st is Rs S, the n

28

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

2 C S

100 %
the rate of inte re st pe r annum is
S

2 Difference 100
or
per cent.
SI
(iii) When difference between the compound interest and simple
interest on a certain sum of money for 2 years at r% rate is
Rs x, then the sum is given by
2

Sum =

x 100
Difference 100 100
100
x
=
r
Rate Rate
r2

(iv) If the difference between CI and SI on a certain sum for 3

3

Difference 100
.
years at r% is Rs x, then the sum will be
r 2 300 r
(v) If an amount of money grows upto Rs A1 in n years and upto
Rs A2 in (n + 1) years on compound interest, then the rate

A2 A1 100
or
per cent is given by
A1

Difference of amount after n years and (n 1) years 100

.
Amount after n years
(vi) If the compound rate of inte re st for the first t 1
years is r % , for the next t years is r % , for the next t3
ye ars is r 3 % , ... and the last t n ye ars is r n % , t he n
compound interest on Rs x for (t1 + t2 + t3 .....tn ) years is
t
t
t

r 2
r1 1
r n

1 2 .... 1 n x .
x 1

100 100
100

(vii)If a sum of money, say Rs x, is divided among n parts in

such a manner that when placed at compound interest,
amount obtained in each case remains equal while the
rate of interest on each part is r1, r2, r3 , ..., rn respectively
and time period for each part is t1 , t2, t3, ..., tn respectively,
then the divided parts of the sum will in the ratio of

1
t

r1 1

100

1
r2

100

t2

1
r3

100

t3

: ... :

1
t

rn n .

100

Mixture and Alligation

(i) The proportion in which rice at Rs x per kg must be mixed
with rice at Rs y per kg, so that the mixture be worth Rs z a

y z
kg, is given by
.
z x
(ii) A mixture of a certain quantity of milk with l litres of water
is worth Rs x per litre. If pure milk be worth Rs y per litre,

x
then the quantity of milk is given by l
litres.
y x
(iii)n gm of sugar solution has x% sugar in it. The quantity of
sugar should be added to make it y% in the solution is given

yx
by n
gm.
100 y

K KUNDAN
required % value
Solution
present % value
or Quantity of sugar added =
100 required % value

(iv) In a group, the re are some 4-le gge d cre ature s

and some 2-le gge d cre ature s. If he ads are counte d,
the re are x and if le ggs are c ounte d the re are y,
the n the numbe r of 4-le gge d cre ature s are give n by

y 2x
Total legs 2 Total heads

or
and the number
2
2
of

2-le gge d

cre ature s

are

give n

by

4x y
2

or

4 Total heads Total legs

.
2
(v) If x glasse s of e qual size are filled with a mixture of
spirit and water. The ratio of spirit and water in each
glass are as follows: a1 : b1, a 2 : b2 , ... a x : bx . If the contents of

30

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

all the x glasses are emptied into a single vessel, then
proportion of spirit and wate r in it is give n by

a1
a2
ax
a b a b ... a b :
1
1
2
2
x
x
b1
b2
bx
a b a b ... a b
1
1
2
2
x
x
(vi) If x glasses of different sizes, say S1 , S2, S3, ... Sx, are filled
with a mixture of spirit and water. The ratio of spirit and
water in each glass are as follows, a1 : b1, a2 : b2, a3 : b3, ....,
ax : bx. If the contents of all the glasses are emptied into a
single vessel, then proportion of spirit and water in it is given
by

a1S1
aS
aS
aS
2 2 3 3 ... x x :

a x bx
a1 b1 a 2 b2 a 3 b3
b1S1
bS
bS
bS
2 2 3 3 ... x x

a x bx
a1 b1 a 2 b2 a 3 b3

K KUNDAN
Time and Work
(i)

If M1 persons can do W1 works in D1 days and M2 persons

can do W2 works in D2 days, then we have a very general
formula in the relationship of M1D1W2 = M2D2W1.

(ii)

If M1 persons can do W1 works in D1 days working T1 hours

a day and M2 persons can do W2 works in D2 days working
T2 hours a day, then we have a very general formula in the
relationship of M1 D1 T1 W2 = M2 D2 T2 W1.

(iii)

If A and B can do a piece of work in x days, B and C in y

days, C and A in z days, then (A + B + C) working together

2xyz
will do the same work in
days .
xy yz xz

2xyz
Let
be r, then
xy yz xz
A

yr
alone will do the same work in
days or
y r

2xyz
xy yz zx days,
zr
B alone will do the same work in
days or
z r

2xyz
yz zx xy days and
xr
C alone will do the same work in
days or
x r

2xyz
xz xy yz days.

(iv)

If A can do a piece of work in x days and B can do it in y

days, then A and B working together will do the same work

xy
in
days.
x y
(v)

If A, B and C can do a work in x, y and z days respectively,

then all of them working together can finish the work in

xyz
xy yz xz days.
(vi)

If A and B together can do a piece of work in x days and A

alone can do it in y days, then B alone can do the work in
xy
days.
yx

(vii)

If x1 men or y1 women can reap a field in D days, then x2

32

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

D x1y1
men and y2 women take to reap it x y x y days.
1 2
2 1

(viii) If a1 men and b1 boys can do a piece of work in x days and

a2 men and b2 boys can do it in y days, then the following

yb2 xb1
relationship is obtained: 1 man = xa ya boys..
2
1

(ix)

A certain number of men can do a work in D days. If there

were x men less it could be finished in d days more,

x D d
then the number of men originally are
.
d

(x)

If x1 men or x2 women or x3 boys can do a work in D days,

then the number of days in which 1 man, 1 woman and 1
boy do the same work is given by the following formula:

D x1 x 2 x 3
Number of required days =
days.
x1x 2 x1x3 x 2 x 3
(xi)

A certain number of men can do a work in D days. If there

were x men more it could be finished in d days less,

x D d
then the number of men originally are
.
d

Or
Number of more workers Number of days
taken by the second group
Number of less days
(xii)

If A working alone takes x days more than A and B, and B

working alone takes y days more than A and B together,
then the number of days taken by A and B working together is given by xy days.

(xiii) If A and B can do a work in x and y days respectively and A

leaves the work after doing for a days, then B does the

x a y
remaining work in
days.
x

(xiv)

If A and B can do a work in x and y days respectively, and

B leaves the work after doing for a days, then A does the

y a x
remaining work in
days.
y

(xv)

A and B can do a piece of work in x and y days respectively

and both of them starts the work together. If B leaves the
work a days before the completion of work, then the total

y a x
time in which the whole work is completed

x y
days.
(xvi)

A and B can do a piece of work in x and y days respectively

and both of them starts the work together. If A leaves the
work a days before the completion of the work, then the

K KUNDAN
total time in which the whole work is completed

x a y
x y

days.

(xvii) A can do a piece of work in x days. If A does the work only

for a days and the remaining work is done by B in b days,

xb
the B alone can do the work in
days.
x a

(x viii) A and B can do a piece of work in x and y days respectively.

Both starts the work together. But due to some problems
A leaves the work after some time, and B does the remaining work in a days, then the time after which A leaves

y a x
the work is given by
days.
x y
(xix)

A completes a work in x days. B completes the same work

in y days. A started working alone and after a days B

34

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

joined him. Then the time in which they will take together

x a y
to complete the remaining work is given by
.
x y

Work and Wages

(i) A can do a work in x days and B can do the same work in y
days. If the contract for the work is Rs X and both of them
work toge hter, the n the share of A and B is give n by

y and
x respectively.
Rs
x y

x y

(ii) A, B and C can do a work in x, y and z days respectively. If

doing that work together they get an amount of Rs X, then the

Xyz
Xxz
Share of A = Rs
, Share of B = Rs
xy xz yz
xy xz yz

K KUNDAN

Xxy
and Share of C = Rs
and ratio of their shares is
xy xz yz

given by A : B : C = yz : xz : xy

(iii) A, B and C contract a work for Rs X. If together A and B are

supposed to do

x
of the work, then the share of C is given by
y

x
Rs X 1 .
y

Pipes and Cisterns

(i)

If a pipe can fill a tank in x hours and another pipe can

empty the full tank in y hours, then the net part filled in 1

1 1
hour, when both the pipes are opened .
x y

time (T) taken to fill the tank, when both the pipes are

opened =

xy
yx

Note: If T is (+ve), then cistern gets filled up and if T is (-ve),

then cistern gets emptied.
(ii)

If a pipe fills a tank in x hours and another fills the same

tank in y hours, but a third one empties the full tank in z
hours, and all of them are opened together, the net part

1 1 1
filled in 1 hour
x y z

xyz

time taken to fill the tank yz xz xy hours.

(iii) Two pipes A and B can fill a tank in x minutes and y minutes
respectively. If both the pipes are opened simultaneously,
then the time after which pipe B should be closed, so that

t
the tank is full in t minutes, is y 1 minutes.
x

K KUNDAN

(iv) Two pipes P and Q will fill a cistern in x hours and y hours
respectively. If both pipes are opened together, then the
time after which the first pipe must be turned off, so that

t
the cistern may be just filled in t hours, is x 1 y hours.

(v)

A cistern is normally filled in x hours but takes t hours

longer to fill because of a leak in its bottom. If the cistern is

x x t
hours.
full, the leak will empty it in
t

Time and Distance

(i)

If a certain distance is covered at x km/hr and the same

distance is covered at y km/hr, then the average speed
2xy
during the whole journey is
km/hr.
x y

(ii)

A person is walking at a speed of x km/hr. After every

36

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

kilometre, if he takes rest for t hours, then the time he will
y

take to cover a distance of y km is y 1 t hour. Or,

x

in other words, required time =

Distance to be covered
+
Speed

Number of rest Time for each rest

(iii) A person covers a certain distance between two points.

Having an average speed of x km/hr, he is late by x1 hours.
However, with a speed of y km/hr he reaches his destination
y1 hours earlier. The distance between the two points is

xy x1 y1
given by y x
km. Or, Required distance =

Product of two speeds

Difference between arrival times
Difference of two speeds

(iv)

A person goes to a destination at a speed of x km/hr and

returns to his place at a speed of y km/hr. If he takes
T hours in all, the distance betwe e n his place and

K KUNDAN
xy

T km. In other words,

destination is
x y

Required distance =

Total time taken

(v)

Product of the two speeds

Addition of the two speeds

If a person does a journey in T hours and the first half at

S1 km/hr and the second half at S2 km/hr, then the distance
=

2 Time S1 S2
S1 S2

Where, S1 = Speed during first half and

S2 = Speed during second half of journey

(vi)

a
of the usual speed,
b
the n the change in time take n to cove r the same
If the new speed of a person is

distance is 1 usual time or, usual time is given by

a

Change in time

hours.

(vii) If two persons A and B start from a place walking at x km/hr

and y km/hr respectively, at the end of t hours, when they
are moving in same direction and x < y, they will be
(y x)t km apart.
(viii) If two persons A and B start from a place walking at x km/hr
and y km/hr respectively, at the end of t hours, when they
are moving in opposite directions, they will be (x + y) t km
apart.
(ix)

If two runners A and B cover the same distance at the rate

of x km/hr and y km/hr respectively, then the distance

K KUNDAN

xy

t
travelled, when A takes t hours longer than B, is
y x

km. Or
Multiplication of speeds
Difference in time to
Distance =
Difference of Speeds
cover the distance

(x)

A person takes x hours to walk to a certain place and ride

back. However, he could have gained t hours, if he had
covered both ways by riding, then the time taken by him to
walk both ways is (x + t) hours.
Or,
Both ways walking = One way walking and one way riding
time + gain in time

(xi)

A man takes x hours to walk to a certain place and ride

back. However, if he walks both ways he needs t hours more,
then the time taken by him to ride both ways is (x t) hours.

38

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(xii) A person A leaves a point P and reaches Q in x hours. If
another person B leaves the point Q, t hours later than A
and reaches the point P in y hours, then the time in which

x
A meets to B is (y + t) x y hours.

(xiii) A person A leaves a point P and reaches Q in x hours. If

another person B leaves the point Q, t hours earlier than A
and reaches the point P in y hours, then the time in which

x
A meets to B is (y t) x y hours.

(xiv) Speed and time taken are inversely proportional.

Therefore, S1T1 = S2T2 = S3T3 .....
Where, S1, S2, S3 ... are the speeds and T1, T2, T3 .... are the
time taken to travel the same distance.
(xv) A thief is spotted by a policeman from a distance of d km.
When the policeman starts the chase, the thief also starts
running. Assuming the speed of the thief x kilometres an
hour, and that of the policeman y kilometres an hour, then

x
the thief will run before he is overtaken = d
km.
y x
Or,
The distance covered by the thief before he gets caught

Lead of distance
Speed of thief
Relative speed

Trains
(i)

Two trains are moving in the same direction at x km/hr and

y km/hr (where x > y). If the faster train crosses a man in
the slower train in t seconds, then the length of the faster
5

train is given by x y t metres.

18

(ii)

Two trains are moving in opposite directions at x km/hr

and y km/hr (where x > y), if the faster train crosses a man
in the slower train in t seconds, then the length of the
5

faster train is given by x y t metres.

18

(iii)

A train running at x km/hr takes t1 seconds to pass a

platform. Next it takes t2 seconds to pass a man walking at
y km/hr in the opposite direction, then the length of the
5

train is x y t 2 metres and that of the platform is

18

5
x t1 t 2 yt 2 metres.
18
(iv)

A train running at x km/hr takes t1 seconds to pass

a platform. Ne xt it take s t 2 se conds to pass a man
walking at y km/hr in the same direction, then the length
5

of the train is x y t 2 me tre s and that of the

18

5
x t1 t 2 yt 2 metres.
platform is
18

(v)

L metres long train crosses a bridge of length L metres in

T seconds. Time taken by the train to cross a platform of L2

L L2
metres is given by
T seconds.
L L1
(vi)

If L metres long train crosses a bridge or a platform of length

L1 metres in T seconds, then the time taken by train to

L T
cross a pole is given by
seconds.
L L1
(vii) Two trains start at the same time from A and B and proceed
towards each other at the rate of x km/hr and y km/hr
respectively. When they meet it is found that one train has
travelled d km more than the other. Then the distance

x y
between A and B is
d km. Or
x y

40

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

Distance = Difference in distance

Sum of speeds
.
Difference in speeds

(viii) A train passe s by a stationary man standing on

the platform or a pole in t1 se conds and passes by
the platform completely in t2 seconds. If the length
of the platform is p me tre s, the n the le ngth of

t1 p
the train is t t
2 1

me tre s and the spe e d of the

p
train is t t m/sec. Or Length of the train
2 1

Length of the platform

Difference in time

Time taken to cross a

stationary pole or man

and

Length of the platform

speed of the train =
.
Difference in time

(ix)

Two trains of the same length but with different speeds

pass a static pole in t1 seconds and t2 seconds respectively.
They are moving in the same direction. The time they will

K KUNDAN
2t1t 2
take to cross each other is given by t t seconds.
2 1

(x)

Two trains of the same length but with different speeds

pass a static pole in t1 seconds and t2 seconds respectively.
They are moving in the opposite directions. The time they

2t1t 2
will take to cross each other is given by t t seconds.
1 2

(xi)

Two trains of the length l1 and l2 m respectively with different

speeds pass a static pole in t1 seconds and t2 seconds
respectively. When they are moving in the same direction,

l1 l 2 t1t 2
they will cross each other in t l t l seconds.
21 12

(xii) Two trains of the length l1 m and l2 m respectively with

different speeds pass a static pole in t1 seconds and t2

seconds respectively. When they are moving in the opposite

l1 l 2 t1t 2
direction they will cross each other in t l t l seconds.
21 12
(xiii) Two trains of length l 1 m and l 2 m respectively run on
paralle l line s of rails. Whe n running in the same
dire ction the faste r train passe s the slowe r one
in t1 seconds, but when they are running in opposite
dire ctions with the same spe e ds as e arlie r, the y
pass each other in t2 seconds. Then the speed of each train
is give n as the following. Spe e d of the faste r

l1 l 2 t1 t 2
train = 2 t t m/sec and the speed of the slower
12
l1 l 2 t1 t 2
train = 2 t t m/sec. Thus a general formula
12
for the speed is given as Average length of two trains

1
1

Opposite direction's time Same direction's time

(xiv) If a train crosses L m and L m long bridge or platform or
tunnel in T seconds and T seconds respectively, then the

L1T2 L2T1
length of the train is T T m and the speed of the

1
2
L1 L 2
train is T T m/sec.
1
2
(xv)

A goods train and a passenger train are running on parallel

tracks in the same or in the opposite direction. The driver
of the goods train observes that the passenger train coming
from behind overtakes and crosses his train completely in
T1 seconds. Whereas a passenger on the passenger train
marks that he crosses the goods train in T2 seconds. If the
speeds of the trains be in the ratio of a : b, then the ratio of

T2
their lengths is given by T T .
1
2
(xvi) Two trains A and B start from P and Q towards Q and P
respectively. After passing each other they take T1 hours
and T2 hours to reach Q and P respectively. If the train

42

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

from P is moving x km/hr, then the speed of the other train

T1
is x T km/hr.

Or

Speed of the first train

Time taken by first train after meeting

Time taken by sec ond train after meeting

Boats and Streams

(i)

If x km be the rate of stream and a man takes n times as

long to row up as to row down the river, then the rate of the

n 1
man in still water is given by x
km/hr.
n 1
(ii) If the speed of the boat in still water is x km/hr and the rate
of current is y km/hr, then the distance travelled downstream
in T hours is (x + y)T km, ie Distance travelled downstream
= Downstream Rate Time. And the distance travelled
upstream in T hours is (x y)T km, ie Distance travelled
upstream = Upstream Rate Time.
(iii) A man can row x km/hr in still waters. If in a stream which
is flowing at y km/hr, it takes him z hours to row to a place
and back, the distance between the two places is

z x2 y2

2x

.
(iv) A man rows a certain distance downstream in x hours and
returns the same distance in y hours. If the stream flows at
the rate of z km/hr, then the speed of the man in still water
is given by

z x y
km/hr. Or, Speed in still water
yx

Rate of stream Sum of upstream and downstream time

=
km/hr
Difference of upstream and downstream time

.
(v) If a man can row at a speed of x km/hr in still water to a
certain upstream point and back to the starting point in a
river which flows at y km/hr, then the averge speed for total

 x y x y
journey (up + down) is given by
km/hr.
x

Plane Mensuration
(1) To find the area of an equilateral triangle if its height is
given.
Area of the equilateral triangle =

Height 2
3

(2) To find the area of a rectangle when its perimeter and diagonal are given.

Perimeter 2 Diagonal 2

sq units.
Area of a rectangle =
8
2

(3) To find the perimeter of a square if its diagonal is given.

Perimeter of the square = 2 2 Diagonal

K KUNDAN

(4) If the diagonal of a square becomes x times, then the area

of the square becomes x2 times.
(5) If the ratio of the areas of square A and square B is a : b,
then
(i) the ratio of their sides = a : b ,
(ii) the ratio of their perimeters = a : b and
(iii)the ratio of their diagonals = a : b .
(6) If the perimeter of a square is equal to the perimeter of a
r

circle, then the side of the square is and radius of

2
2x
the circle is
. Where, x is the side of the square and r

is the radius of the circle.
(7) To find the area of a parallelogram, if the lengths of the two
adjacent sides and the length of the diagonal connecting
the ends of the two sides are given. (see the figure).

44

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

Where, a and b are the two adjacent sides and D is the

diagonal connecting the ends of the two sides.
Are a of a paralle logram = 2 s s a s b s D
S=

and

a b D
2

(8) In a parallelogram, the sum of the squares of the diagonals

= 2 (the sum of the squares of the two adjacent sides) Or,

D12 D22 2 a 2 b 2
Where, D 1 and D 2 are the diagonals and a and b are the
adjacent sides.
(9) To find the sides of a parallelogram if the distance between
its opposite sides and the area of the parallelogram is given.

Here, ABCD is a parallelogram, h1 and h2 are the distance

between opposite sides, l and b are the sides of the
parallelogram. A is area of the parallelogram.
A = lh1 bh2

l = h1 and b = h2
(10) To find the area of a trapezium, when the lengths of parallel
sides and non-parallel sides are given.
a b
s s k s c s d where,
Area of a trapezium =
k
k = (a b), ie the difference between the parallel sides and c
and d are the two non-parallel sides of the trapezium. And

k c d
.
2
(11) To find the perpendicular distance between the two parallel
sides of the trapezium.
s

2
s s k s c s d where,
k
k = (a b), ie the difference between the parallel sides and
c and d are the two non-parallel sides of the trapezium.

Perpendicular distance =

And s =

k c d
2

(12) There are two concentric circles of radii R and r respectively.

Now consider the following cases.
Case I: If larger circle makes n revolutions to cover a
certain distance, then the smaller circle makes n
revolutions to cover the same distance.

R
Case II: If smaller circle makes n revolutions to cover
r
a certain distance, then the larger circle makes

r
n revolutions to cover the same distance.
R

(13) Length of a carpet d m wide, required to cover the floor of a

xy
room which is x m long and y m broad is given by
m.
d
Or Length required =

Length of room Breadth of room

Width of carpet

(14) A d m wide carpet is used to cover the floor of a room

which is x m long and y m broad. If the carpet is available
at Rs A per metre, then the total amount required to

xy

cover the floor of the room is given by Rs A

. Or
d
Amount required

length of room breadth of room

= Rs Rate per metre

width of carpet

46

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

Note: Length of the carpet =

xy
or,
d

length of room breadth of room

width of carpet
(15) Number of tiles, each measuring d1 m d2 m, required to
pave a rectangular courtyard x m long and y m wide are

x y
given by d d .
1
2
Or
Number of tiles required =

length breadth of courtyard

length breadth of each tile

(16) Certain number of tiles, each measuring d1 m d2 m, are

required to pave a rectangular courtyard x m long and y m
wide. If the tiles are available at Rs A per piece, then the

x y
amount needs to be spent is given by Rs A d d .

1
2
Or, Amount required

K KUNDAN
= price per tile

length breadth of courtyard

length breadth of each tile

(17) A room x m long and y m broad is to be paved with

square tiles of equal sizes. The largest possible tile so
that the tiles exactly fit is given by HCF of length and
breadth of the room and the number of tiles required are

x y

2 .
HCF of x and y
(18) If a square hall x metres long is surrounded by a verandah
(on the outside of the square hall) d metres wide, then the
area of the verandah is given by 4d(x + d) sq metres.
(19) If a square plot is x m long. It has a gravel path d m wide all
round it on the inside, then the area of the path is given by
4d(x d) sq m.
(20) If a rectangular hall x m long and y m broad, is surrounded

by a verandah (on the outside of the rectangular hall) d m

wide , the n the are a of the ve randah is give n by
2d[(x + y) + 2d] m2. Or
Area of verandah = 2(width of verandah) [length + breadth
of room + 2 (width of verandah)]
(21) If a rectangular plot is x m by y m. It has a gravel path d
m wide all round it on the inside, then the area of the path
is given by 2d(x + y 2d) sq m.
(22) A rectangular garden is x metres long and y metres broad.
It is to be provided with pavements d metres wide all round
it both on its outside as well as inside. Then the total area
of the pavement is given by 4d(x + y) sq m.
(23) A square garden is x metres long. It is to be provided with
pavements d metres wide all round it both on its outside
as well as inside. Then the total area of the pavement is
given by (8dx) sq metres.
(24) An oblong piece of ground measures x m by y m. From the
centre of each side a path d m wide goes across to the
centre of the opposite side.
I.

Area of the path = d(x + y d)

= (width of path) (length + breadth of park width of

path)
II.

Area of the park minus the path = (x d) (y d)

= (length of park width of path)
(breadth of park width of the path)

(25) There is a square garden of side x metres. From the centre

of each side a path d metres wide goes across to the centre
of opposite side.
I.

Area of the path = d(2x d) sq metres.

II.
Area of the garden minus the path = (x d)2 sq
metres.
(26) To find the area of a rhombus if one side and one diagonal
are given.
Area of a rhombus = diagonl

side 2

diagonal

48

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(27) To find the other diagonal of a rhombus, if perimeter of
rhombus and one of its diagonals are given. Other diagonal
=2

side 2

diagonal
Perimeter
; where side =
4
2

(28) The radius of a circular wheel is r m. The number of

d
revolutions it will make in travelling d km is given by
.
2r
Or
Number of revolutions =

Distance
2r

(29) The circumference of a circular garden is c metres. Inside

the garden a road of d metres width runs round it. The
area of the ring-shaped road is given by d (c d) or d
(2r d) [ c = 2r], where r = radius of the circle.
Area of ring-shaped road = width of ring (circumference of
the circle width of ring). Or
width of ring (2 radius of the circle width of ring)

OAC is a circle of radius = r, there is pathway, inside the

circle of width = d.
(30) The circumference of a circular garden is c metres. Outside
the garden, a road of d m width runs round it. The area of
the ring-shaped road is given by d(c + d) sq metres. Or
d(2r + d) [ c = 2r] where r = radius of the circle
Area of ring-shaped road = width of ring (circumference +
width of ring)

OAC is a circle of radius = r, there is pathway, outside the

circle of width d.
(31) A circular garden has ring-shaped road around it both on its
inside and outside, each of width d units. If r is the radius
of the garden, then the total area of the path is (4dr) sq
units or 2Cd [where C = perimeter = 2r]
(32) To find the area of the shaded portion of the fo
llowing figure:

Area of the shaded portion ABCD =

r12 r22
360

(33) There is an equilateral triangle of which each side is x m.

With all the three corners as centres, circles are described
x
each of radius
m. The area common to all the circles and
2

1 2
1
x or
(radius)2 and the area of the
8
2
re maining portion (shaded portion) of the triangle is

the triangle is

2
radius or (0.162) (radius)2 or, (0.0405)x2.
2

(34) The diameter of a coin is x cm. If four of these coins be

placed on a table so that the rim of each touches that of the
other two, then the area of the unoccupied space between

50

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

4 2
3 2
x or (0.215)x2 sq cm and area of
them is
x or
4
14
1

x 2 sq cm.
each sector is given by

16

(35) If the length of a rectangle is increased by x% , then the

percentage decrease in width, to maintain the same area,

is given by
100 .
100 x

(36) If the length of a rectangle is increased by x% , then the

percentage decrease in width, to reduce the area by y%, is

x y
given by
100 .
100 x

(37) If the length of a rectangle is increased by x% , then the

percentage decrease in width, to increase the area by y%,

K KUNDAN
Difference in x and y
is given by
100 .
100 x

(38) If the length of a rectangle is decreased by x%, then the

percentage increase in width, to increase the area by y%, is

x y
given by
100 .
100 x

(39) If the length of a rectangle is decreased by x%, then the

percentage increase in width, to maintain the same area, is

given by
100 .
100 x

(40) If length and breadth of a rectangle is increased x and y per

xy

cent respectively, then area is increased by x y

% .
100
Note:

If any of the two measuring sides of rectangle is decreased

then put negative value for that in the given formula.
(41) If all the measuring sides of any two dimensional figure is

x2

changed by x%, then its area changes by 2x 100 % .

(42) If all the measuring sides of any two-dimensional figure are
changed (increased or decreased) by x% then its perimeter
also changes by the same, ie x%.
(43) If all sides of a quadrilateral are increased by x%, then its
corresponding diagonals also increased by x%.
(44) The area of the largest triangle inscribed in a semi-circle of
radius r is r2.
(45) The area of the largest circle that can be drawn in a square
of side x is

x
2

(46) To find the area of the quadrilateral when its any diagonal
and the perpendiculars drawn on this diagonal from other
two vertices are given.

1
any diagonal (sum of
2
perpendiculars drawn on diagonal from two vertices)

Area of the quadrilateral =

(47) The area of a circle circumscribing an equilateral triangle of

side x is

2
x . (See figure)
3

52

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(48) The area of a circle inscribed in an equilateral triangle of

side x is

2
x . (See figure)
12

(49) An equilateral triangle is circumscribed by a circle and

another circle is inscribed in that triangle, then the ratio of
the areas of the two circles is 4 : 1. (See figure)

(50) There is a relation between the number of sides and the

number of diagonals in a polygon. The relationship is given
below. Number of diagonals =

n n 3
; where, n = number
2

of sides in the polygon.

(51) The area of a rectangular plot is x times its breadth. If the

difference between the length and breadth is y metres,

then the breadth is given by (x y) metres.

Solid Mensuration
(1) To find volume of a cuboid if its area of base or top, area of
side face and area of other side face are given.
Volume of the cuboid =

A1 A2 A 3

area of base or top area of one face

area of the other face

Where, A1 = area of base or top,

A2 = area of one side face and
A3 = area of other side face.
(2) To find total surface area of a cuboid if the sum of all three
sides and diagonal are given. Total surface area
= (Sum of all three sides)2 (Diagonal)2

K KUNDAN

(3) To find number of bricks when the dimensions of brick and

wall are given.
Volume of wall
Required number of bricks =
Volume of one brick
(4) To find capacity, volume of material and weight of material
of a closed box, when external dimensions (ie length, breadth
and height) and thickness of material of which box is made,
are given.
(i) Capacity of box = (External length 2 thickness)
(External breadth 2 thickness) (External height
2 thickness)
(ii) Volume of material = External Volume Capacity
(iii) Weight of wood = Volume of wood Density of wood.
(5) To find the volume of a cube if the surface area of the cube
is given.

Surface area
Volume of cube =

54

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(6) To find the volume of rain water at a place if the annual
rainfall of that place is given.
Volume of rain water = Height (or level) of water (ie Annual
rainfall) Base area (ie area of the place)
(7) Total volume of a solid does not change even when its shape
changes.
Old volume = New volume
(8) To find the number of possible cubes when disintegration
of a cube into identical cubes.

Original length of side

Number of cubes =
New length of side

(9) A hollow cylindrical tube open at both ends is made of a

thick metal. If the internal diameter or radius and length of
the tube are given, then the volume of metal is given by [
height (2 Internal radius + thickness) thickness] cu
units.
Note: In the given formula, we can write 2 intenal radius
= internal diameter
(10) A hollow cylindrical tube open at both ends is made of a
thick metal. If the internal and external diameter or radius
of the tube are given, then the volume of metal is given by
2
2
height External radius Internal radius cu cm.

(11) A hollow cylindrical tube open at both ends is made of a

thick metal. If the external diameter or radius and length of
the tube are given, then the volume of metal is given by

height 2 outer radius thickness thickness cu

units.
Note: In the given formula, we can write 2 outer radius
= outer diameter.
(12) If a rectangular sheet is rolled into a cylinder so that
the one side becomes the height of the cylinder then
the volume of the cylinde r so forme d is give n by

height other side of the sheet

.
4
(13) If a sphere of certain diameter or radius is drawn into a
cylinder of certain diameter or radius, then the length or

4 (radius of sphere)3
height of the cylinder is given by

3 radius of cylinder

(14) If length, breadth and height of a cuboid is increased by x%,

y% and z% respectively, then its volume is increased by

xy xz yz
xyz

x y z
%
100
100 2 .

(15) If side of a cube is increased by x% , then its volume

3

3x 2
x3
1 100% .

% or 1

increases by 3x
2
100
100 100

(16) If side of a cube is increased by x%, then its surface area

x2
per cent.
increases by 2x

100
(17) If the radius (or diameter) of a sphere or a hemisphere
is change d by x% the n its vol ume change s by
3

3x 2
x3
1

3
x

1 100% .

2 % or
100
100 100

(18) If the radius (or diameter) of a sphere or a hemisphere is

changed by x% then its curved surface area changes by

x2
2x
per cent.
100

(19) If height of a right circular cylinder is changed by x% and

radius remains the same then its volume changes by x%.

56

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

(20) If radius of a right circular cylinder is changed by x% and
he ight re mains the same the volume change s by
2

x2
2x
% Or, 1 100 1 100% .
100

(21) If radius of a right circular cylinder is changed by x% and

he ight is change d by y% the n volume change s by

x 2 2xy
x 2y

2x y
% .
100
1002

(22) If height and radius of a right circular cylinder both changes

3x 2
x3

by x% then volume changes by 3x

% .
100 1002

(23) If the radius of a right circular cylinder is changed by x%

and height is changed by y% then curved surface area

xy

changes by x y
per cent.
100

K KUNDAN

(24) If height and radius of a right-circular cone both change by

3x 2
x3

x% then volume changes by 3x

% .
100 1002

(25) If the ratio of surface areas of the two spheres are given,
then the ratio of their volumes will be obtained from the
following result:
(Ratio of the surface areas)3 = (Ratio of volumes)2
(26) If the ratio of the radii of two spheres are given, then the
ratio of their surface areas will be obtained from the following
result:
(Ratio of radii)2 = Ratio of surface areas.
(27) If the ratio of the radii of two spheres are given, then the
ratio of their volumes will be obtained from the following

result:
(Ratio of radii)3 = Ratio of volumes
(28) If the ratio of the heights of two circular cylinders of equal
volume are given, then the ratio of their radii is given by the
following result:
Ratio of radii = inverse ratio of heights
(29) If the ratio of curved surface areas of two circular cylinders
of equal volume are given, then the ratio of their heights is
given by the following result:
Ratio of curved surface areas = ratio of heights .
(30) If the ratio of radii of two circular cylinders of equal volume
are given, then the ratio of their curved surface areas are
given by the following result:
Ratio of curved surface areas = inverse ratio of radii.
(31) If the ratio of heights of two circular cylinders of equal ra
dii are given then the ratio of their volumes are given by the following
result:
Ratio of volumes = Ratio of heights.
(32) If the ratio of heights of two circular cylinders of equal radii
are given then the ratio of their curved surface areas are
given by the following result:
Ratio of curved surface areas = Ratio of heights.
(33) If the ratio of volumes of two circular cylinders of equal
radii are given then the ratio of their curved surface areas
are given by the following result:
Ratio of volumes = Ratio of curved surface areas.
(34) If the ratio of radii of two circular cylinders of equal heights
are given, then the ratio of their volumes is given by the
following result:
Ratio of volumes = (Ratio of radii)2
(35) If the ratio of radii of two circular cylinders of equal heights

58

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

are given, then the ratio of their curved surface areas is
given by the following results:
Ratio of curved surface areas = ratio of radii
(36) If the ratio of curved surface areas of two circular cylinders
of equal heights are given, then the ratio of their volumes
is given by the following results:
Ratio of volumes = (Ratio of curved surface areas)2
(37) If the ratio of radii of two circular cylinders of equal curved
surface areas are given, then the ratio of volumes is
calculated from the following result:
Ratio of volumes = Ratio of radii
(38) If the ratio of heights of two circular cylinders of equal curved
surface areas are given, then the ratio of their volumes is
calculated from the following result:
Ratio of volumes = inverse ratio of heights.
(39) If the ratio of heights of two circular cylinders of equal curved
surface areas is given, then the ratio of their radii is given
by the following result:
Ratio of radii = Inverse ratio of heights.
(40) If the ratio of slant heights of two right circular cones of
equal curves surface areas is given, then the ratio of their
radii is given by the following result:
Ratio of radii = inverse ratio of slant heights.
(41) If the ratio of sides of two cubes is given, then the ratio of
their volumes is calculated from the following result:
Ratio of volumes = (Ratio of sides)3
(42) If the ratio of sides of two cubes is given, then the ratio of
their surface areas is given by the following result:
Ratio of surface areas = (Ratio of sides)2
(43) If the ratio of volumes of two cubes is given, then the ratio
of their surface areas is given from the following result:

(ratio of surface areas)3 = (ratio of volumes)2

(44) If the ratio of heights (not slant height) and the ratio of
diameters or radii of two right circular cones are given, then
the ratio of their volumes can be calculated by the given
formula:
Ratio of volumes = (Ratio of radii)2 (Ratio of heights)
(45) If the ratio of radii and the ratio of volumes of two right
circular cones are given, then the ratio of their heights can
be calculated by the following result:
Ratio of heights = (inverse ratio of radii)2 (ratio of volumes)
(46) If the ratio of volumes and the ratio of heights of two right
circular cones are given, then the ratio of their radii is given
by the following result:
ratio of radii =

ratio of

volumes inverse ratio of heights

(47) If the ratio of heights and the ratio of radii of two circular
cylinders are given, then the ratio of their curved surface
areas is given by (ratio of radii) (ratio of heights).
(48) If the ratio of radii and the ratio of curved surface areas of
two circular cylinders are given then the ratio of their
heights are given by (Ratio of curved surface areas) (Inverse
ratio of radii).
(49) If the ratio of heights and the ratio of curved surface areas
of two circular cylinders are given, then the ratio of their
radii is given by (Ratio of curved surface areas) (Inverse
ratio of heights)
(50) If a cylinder, a hemisphere and a cone stand on the same
base and have the same heights, then
(a) The ratio of their volumes = 3 : 2 : 1 and
(b) The ratio of their curve surface areas =

2 :

2 : 1.

(51) The ratio of the volumes of a cube to that of the sphere

60

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

which will fit inside the cube is (6 : ).
(52) If a cube of maximum volume (each corner touching the
surface from inside is cut from a sphere, then the ratio of
the volumes of the cube and the sphere is (2 :

3 ).

(53) The curved surface area of a sphere and that of a cylinder

which circumscribes the sphere is the same.

Problems Based on Ages

(i)

If t years earlier the fathers age was x times that of his son.
At present the fathers age is y times that of his son. Then
the present ages of the son and the father are

t x 1
x y

and

t x 1
respectively.
x y

K KUNDAN
(ii)

If the present age of the father is x times the age of his son. t
years hence, the fathers age becomes y times the age of his
son. Then the present ages of the father and his son are

y 1 t
y 1 t
x
and
years respectively.
x

y
x y

(iii) If t1 years earlier the age of the father was x times the
age of his son. t2 ye ars he nce , the age of the fathe r
becomes y time s the age of his son. The n the prese nt
ages of the son and the father are

t 2 y 1 t1 x 1
and
x y

t
t
Son's age
x + y 1 x 1 + 2 y 1 years respectively.

2
2
2

Note: When t1 = t2 = t, then the formulae become the following:

t x y 2
years and
(a) present age of the son =
x y

(b) present age of the father

t
Son's age
x y x y years
=
2
2

(iv) If t years earlier, the fathers age was x times that of his son.
At present the fathers age is y times that of his son. Then
the sum total of the age of the fathe r and the son is

t x 1

y 1 years.

x
y

(v)

If the present age of the father is x times that the age of his
son. t years hence, the fathers age becomes y times the age
of his son. Then the sum of the present ages of father and

t y 1

his son is x y x 1 years.

(vi)

If the sum of the present ages of A and B is x years. t years

ago, the age of A was y times the age of the B. Then the
present ages of A and B are as follows:

K KUNDAN
(a) Age of B =

x t y 1
y 1

(b) Age of A =

xy t y 1
y 1

(vii) If the sum of the present ages of A and B is x years. After

t years, the age of A will be y times that of B. Then the ages
of A and B are as given below:
(a) The age of A =

xy t y 1
y 1

(b) The age of B =

x t y 1
years.
y 1

and

(viii) If the ratio of the ages of A and B at present is a : b. After T

years the ratio will become c : d. Then the present ages of A
and B are as follows:
Age of A = a

T c d
T c d
=a
ad bc
difference of cross products

62

Magical Book on Arithmetical Formulae

Age of B = b

(ix)

(x)

T c d
T c d
=b
ad bc
difference of cross products

If the ratio of the ages of A and B at present is a : b. T years

earlier, the ratio was c : d. Then the present
(a) Age of A = a

T c d
T(c d)
=a
bc ad
difference of cross products

(b) Age of B = b

T c d
T(c d)
=b
bc ad
difference of cross products

If the ratio of the ages of A and B at present is a : b. After T

years the ratio will become c : d. Then the sum of present
ages of A and B is

T c d

T c d

a b or difference of cross products a + b .

ad bc
(xi)

If the product of the present ages of A and B is x years and

the ratio of the present ages of A and B is a : b. Then the
present

K KUNDAN
(a) Age of A = a

x
years and
ab

(b) Age of B = b

x
years
ab

(xii) If the ratio of the ages of A and B at present is a : b. T years

earlier, the ratio was c : d, then the sum of the present ages
of A and B is

T c d

T c d

or
a + b .
bc

ad
difference
of
cross
products

a + b

(xiii) If a mans age is x% of what it was t1 years ago, but y% of

what it will be after t2 years. Then his prese nt age is

xt1 yt 2

years.
x y

 x y
t years.
Note: If t1 = t2 = t, then formula will become
x y

(xiv) The ratio of As and Bs ages is a : b. If the difference between

the present ages of A and B t years hence is x then

t x
(a) the present age of A (younger) =
years
b
1
a

t x a
(b) the present age of B (older) = b
years and

1
a

(c) the sum of the present ages of A and B

=

t x
b

1
a

1 a years.

K KUNDAN

Note: He re A is always younge r than B and a : b i s

younger : older. Hence

(xv)

b
older

.
a younger

The difference of present ages of A and B is x years. If t

years back their ages were in the ratio a : b, then

x
(a) the age of A t
x years
a

x
(b) the age of B t
years and
a

x
(c) the total Age of A and B = 2 t
x years.
a

b
Note: Here A > B, ie A is older than B. Hence a > b