Number series hold a very crucial role in bank exams and are a part of the Quantitative Aptitude section. Mastering number series can help you advance in rank and get you to the position you desire. However, no need to fret! With these tips and tricks, you will be able to answer the number series in Bank exams confidently. The Entri App will help you during all phases of preparation. It is your ideal companion while preparing for competitive exams. Download today and open up the path to your dream job. It has tons of Mock tests and Quizzes to attempt.
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Tips and Tricks for Number Series
I am going to present a few tips and tricks that can help you in the bank exams. Number Series usually appear for 3-5 marks. Although, it may seem insignificant, you must remember that the exam is out of 100 marks and you get only 60 minutes to answer the questions. These tips and tricks will improve your speed and accuracy.
What are Number Series?
The arrangement of numbers in a certain order, and in which some numbers are placed wrongly in the series while some numbers are missing is called a number series. By employing a number of methods and mathematical functions, candidates have to find out the missing number. It is important to know what they are and what it can entail before answering the paper.
Know the Basics
You cannot master an art if you do not know the basic. Without a sound foundation, a building cannot stand strong. Therefore, you must know the basics and fundamentals in Number Series. You must know to multiply, divide, add and subtract at sight. Writing it down only takes up time. For small numbers, try to do it in your head but for relatively large numbers, write it down to prevent any miscalculations and mistakes. Also, it is crucial that you know tables up to 25, Squares up to 25 and Cubes up to 25. Going to the exam without this in memory can end up wasting precious time.
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Analyse the Question
If you have practiced plenty of mocks and quizzes, a glance at the question will be enough to help you identify what sort of number series it is. If you’re a really dedicated student, then you might also know the missing number immediately. But it’s not everyone cup of tea. Firstly, you should analyse the questions. Identify how many missing number exist and where they are located on the series. Completing a basic checklist should give you plenty of insight into the questions and what the pattern might be.
Identify the Pattern
Provided that you have come to the exam prepared, you should be able to identify the pattern within 20 seconds of reading it. A veteran of the Number Series would be able to do all this in their head and also tell the missing number. But, such people are very rare and would have practiced for years. If it’s a relatively popular pattern that has appeared in previous papers and mocks, then you can immediately guess the missing number. This is why mock tests are important. Click here to find out more on how they can improve your score in exams. Example: 1, 4, 9, 16, ? ; Looking at this pattern, even a beginner could figure it out. The numbers are squares in succession, you should be able to immediately recognize the missing number which is 25. Up ahead are more number series tricks for bank exams.
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Memorize a few Important Patterns/Series
A person who practices mocks frequently will be able to recognize pattern immediately. But there are a few very important patterns that everyone must be aware of. Since there are 3-5 questions in number series, you can expect one of them to be a common number series. You will be able to save time for other sections if you are able to answer the series quickly. Some common series include squares, cubes, squares + 1, etc. You can find out more on the types of series in the next segment.
Types of series
There can be 2 types of series namely Missing Number Series and Wrong Number Series. In the Wrong Number series, you will need to find the odd one out. These 2 types are further divided into Single stage difference, Double stage difference, Square Series, Cubic Series, Square/Cubic with Arithmetic, Multiplication/Division series and Mix type series. Be fully prepared for questions that pertain to these series. You can use the Entri App to gain access to tons of practice questions. Read on to find out more about the tricks that will help you master number series in Bank Exams.
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Calculate the rate of Increase/Decrease
If you look at the question and do not spot a difference, write it down. Even after that if you’re unable to spot the difference then try finding the difference between numbers. Note down the difference. You may notice that the difference gradually increases, decreases or remains constant. If it remains constant, it’s easy to find the next number. Just add the difference to the number before the missing. number. For increasing and decreasing differences, try to find a pattern in the. Chances are that the differences have a pattern you recognize. Then, it is easy to deduce the missing number or identify the odd number. Example: 1, 1, 2, 4, 7, 11, 16, ? ; In this series, the numbers themselves don’t exhibit a pattern but if you subtract them and find the differences, you’ll notice that the differences ascend. 0, 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, so the next number to be added should be 6. Therefore, 16+6=22 which is the missing number.
Check If series is alternating
If you cannot find a pattern at first sight, then write it down. But, if you still don’t notice it, then compare the differences. If that doesn’t work, chances are that it is an alternating pattern. This implies that it isn’t a continuous pattern. Rather, it is a pattern where one in every two or two in every four numbers are of a different series altogether. For Example: 1,1,4,8,9,27; in this pattern, every alternating number is a cube. 1(1 squared), 1(1 cube), 4(2 squared), 8(2 cube) and so on. The alternating usually has its own pattern. It can appear twice every four numbers, etc.
Practice, Practice and Practice
Practice makes perfect. If you practice number series regularly, you will be able to notice patterns immediately. The best way to pick up on popular patterns is by attempting mock tests which you can get aplenty on the Entri App. Practice quizzes and attempt as many questions as you can. It will not only make you faster and more accurate, but also boosts your confidence. Refer the next section for a few practice questions.
Practice Questions with Solutions
Q 1. 2, 10, 50, ?, 1250, 6250
- 125
- 450
- 100
- 250
- 150
Answer: (4) 250
Solution:
2×5 = 10
10×5 = 50
50×5 = 250
250×5 = 1250
1250×5 = 6250
Q 2. 5, 5, 7.5, ?, 37.5, 112.5
- 10.5
- 12
- 15
- 15.5
- 17
Answer: (3) 15
Solution:
5×1 = 5
5×1.5 = 7.5
7.5×2 = 15
15×2.5 = 37.5
37.5×3 = 112.5
Q 3. 15, 19, 28, ?, 69, 105
- 44
- 46
- 45
- 47
- 48
Answer: (1) 44
Solution:
15 + 22 = 19
19 + 32 = 28
28 + 42 = 44
44 + 52 = 69
69 + 62 = 105
Practice Questions without Explanations
Q 1: 21, 23, 27, 33, ?
A) 37 B) 41 C) 43 D) 49 E) 54
Sol: (B)
Q 2: 68, 67, 64, 59, ?
A) 52 B) 53 C) 54 D) 56 E) 58
Sol: (A)
Q 3: 6, 11, 21, 36, 56, ?
A) 42 B) 51 C) 81 D) 91 E) 98
Sol: (C)
Q 4: 8, 14, 26, 44, 68, ?
A) 71 B) 78 C) 84 D) 98 E) 102
Sol: (D)
Q 5: 31, 13, 45, 54, ?, 63
A) 36 B) 54 C) 61 D) 58 E) 49
Sol: (A)
Q 6: 8, 27, 64, ?
A) 216 B) 224 C) 64 D) 125 E) 123
Sol: (D)
Conclusion
With these number series tricks for bank exams, you will be able to answer the questions without consuming a lot of time. This will help you devote time to the more complex sections. But even this can become tough if you don’t practice regularly. So, practice as much as you can. The Entri App is with you every step of the way. Download it today, there is no better time than now to prepare. This will help you outshine your competitors and get a high rank. Good Luck.
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