Averages

This is certainly one of the most asked areas in CLAT and one should do this section thoroughly.
Suppose there is a question where the average weight of a class consisting of 20 students is 40
kilograms and if a teacher is added then the average increases by 2 kgs. Now such questions are
very easy but by using a short cut method, it turns out to be extremely easy.However, always
remember that the tricks are also steps in themselves, so practice a lot before you actually use
them, so that you improve your overall efficiency.

Now, in questions like this one, just multiply the new number. of people in class, i.e. 21 with old
average weight, i.e. 40. The product is 840. Then, multiply increase in average weight with new
no. of people in class, i.e. 21. Your equation should be like 21 X 2 = 42. Now add previous
product and this product, here is you answer, i.e. 840 + 42 = 882.

Ratio and Proportion

I When A : B = m : n, and B : C = p : q. Then A : B : C = mp : pn :nq.

Such questions are also widely asked in examinations like CLAT, so make sure that you don’t
mug up such rules but your mind should absorb and internalize such tricks.

II When A : B = m : n, B : C = p : q, and C : D = r : s. Then A : B : C : D = mpr: npr : nqr :

nqs.

Try to find a particular pattern being followed in both the tricks so that you don’t haveto
memorize the equation.

Explanation:     i)     A : B = 1 : 2

ii)    B : C = 3 : 4

iii)   C : D = 5 : 6

Then A : B : C : D = 1*3*5 : 2*3*5 : 2*4*5 : 2*4*6

And, A : B : C : D : = 15 : 30 : 40 : 48

III Suppose there are two containers and in one container, oil and water are in ratio p : q
and in other container oil and water are in ration r : s. Now if both the containers are
emptied in a third container then in third container the ratio between oil and water will be:

{ p/p+q  +  r/r+s} : {q/p+q + s/r+s}

Explanation: If there are two containers and in one container oil and water are in ration 1: 2, and
in second container oil and water are in ration 1: 3. Now both the containers are emptied in a
third container, then the ration of oil and water in the third container will be: 1/(1 + 2)   +1/(1 +
3)  : 2/(1 + 2)  +  3/(1 +3)

Now, it comes like 1/3 + 1/4 : 2/3 + 3/4

= 7/12 : 17/12

=7 : 17.

IV The shortcut under this head is very important as it saves a lot of time, and moreover
these type of questions are frequently asked in examinations like CLAT. Now, suppose that
in a container the ratio between oil and water is p : q and the quantity is x litres. And now
if you have to find the amount of water to be mixed so that the ratio becomes a : b, then it
can be solved by following method:

x(pb – qa)

a(p + q)

Explanation: In a container there is 40L  mixture of milk and water, which are in the ration 3:1.
How much water is to be mixed to make the ration 2:1.

Now: 40(3*1 – 2*1) =40(1) = 40 =  5L

2(1 + 3)               4*2        8

I will reiterate the same thing again that these formulae are not for mugging up but these need to
be practised enough number of types so that you know the basic funda working behind it and
moreover if you are still not able to absorb it you want to cram then first of all change the each
formulae in such a way that each formula has different set of alphabets used in it otherwise the
pressure of CLAT will make you to mess it up. Now, good luck to all of you and we will try to
come up with new time saving tricks so that you people have better chances of making it
through.