Example 1
Simplify: 29 × 8 − 6 × 2 + 36 ÷ 6
Answer: D) 226
BODMAS: 232 − 12 + 6 = 226.
Simplification questions for competitive exams: rules, worked examples and practice
Simplification questions test calculation speed and the order of operations (BODMAS: brackets, of, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction).
Key rules and formulas
- Do brackets first, then "of", then division and multiplication left to right, then addition and subtraction.
- Use identities: (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b², a² − b² = (a + b)(a − b).
- Multiply by 5 as × 10 ÷ 2; by 25 as × 100 ÷ 4.
- Check the last digit of each option to eliminate wrong ones quickly.
Common traps
- Doing addition before multiplication.
- Sign errors when subtracting a bracket.
Where Simplification is asked
- IBPS Clerk Prelims (Numerical Ability)
- IBPS PO Prelims (Quantitative Aptitude)
- RRB Group D (Mathematics)
- RRB NTPC CBT 1 (Mathematics)
- SBI Clerk Prelims (Numerical Ability)
- SBI PO Prelims (Quantitative Aptitude)
Worked examples
Example 2
Simplify: 20 × 6 − 8 × 5 + 36 ÷ 6
Answer: C) 86
BODMAS: 120 − 40 + 6 = 86.
Example 3
Simplify: 13 × 7 − 7 × 6 + 36 ÷ 6
Answer: B) 55
BODMAS: 91 − 42 + 6 = 55.
Frequently asked questions
What is Simplification in competitive exams?
Simplification questions test calculation speed and the order of operations (BODMAS: brackets, of, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction).
Which exams ask Simplification questions?
On MockBazaar, Simplification questions appear in IBPS Clerk Prelims, IBPS PO Prelims, RRB Group D, RRB NTPC CBT 1, SBI Clerk Prelims, SBI PO Prelims.
What is the most common mistake in Simplification?
Doing addition before multiplication.