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Ratio, Proportion and Variation — Syllabus

CAT · Quantitative Aptitude

Free Ratio, Proportion and Variation syllabus for CAT Quantitative Aptitude 2026 — topics covered, weightage, and preparation priorities for this chapter.

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An illustration defining a ratio as a fraction x/y, labeling x as antecedent, y as consequent, and both as terms. It also visually distinguishes between homogeneous (unitless) and heterogeneous (with
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Ratio, Proportion and Variation — Syllabus & Topics

Topics covered in Ratio, Proportion and Variation for CAT Quantitative Aptitude.

Topics in Ratio, Proportion and Variation

1

Ratio - Fundamentals and Properties

  • A ratio is the quotient of two numbers, expressing how many times one number is compared to another
  • Ratio of x to y is written as x:y or x/y, where x is antecedent and y is consequent
  • Ratios can be expressed as decimals or percentages for easy comparison
2

Ratio Calculations and Comparison Methods

  • Four scenarios for ratio comparisons: both increase, both decrease, one increases-one decreases
  • Cross multiplication method: compare ad with bc for ratios a/b and c/d
  • Percentage value method: convert ratios to percentages for easy comparison
3

Proportion - Properties and Applications

  • When two ratios are equal, the four quantities are in proportion
  • In proportion a:b::c:d, product of extremes equals product of means (ad = bc)
  • Continued proportion: three quantities a,b,c where a:b = b:c
4

Variation - Direct and Inverse Relationships

  • Direct variation: A ∝ B means A = kB (constant ratio A/B)
  • Inverse variation: A ∝ 1/B means A = k/B (constant product A×B)
  • Joint variation: A varies jointly as B and C means A = kBC

Key Concepts

A ratio is the comparisonWhen two ratios are equalWhen variable A varies directly asWhen A varies inversely as BChain ratios allow connecting multiple quantities

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in Ratio, Proportion and Variation for CAT?
Ratio, Proportion and Variation is an important chapter in CAT Quantitative Aptitude. It covers key concepts and formulas that are frequently tested in the exam. Key topics include: Ratio - Fundamentals and Properties, Ratio Calculations and Comparison Methods, Proportion - Properties and Applications, Variation - Direct and Inverse Relationships.
How important is Ratio, Proportion and Variation for CAT?
Ratio, Proportion and Variation is a frequently tested chapter in CAT Quantitative Aptitude. Questions from this chapter appear regularly in previous year papers. There are 49 practice questions available for this chapter.
How to prepare Ratio, Proportion and Variation for CAT?
Start by understanding the core concepts, then solve practice questions. Focus on formulas and their applications. Use revision notes for quick review before the exam.

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