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Ratio, Proportion and Variation — Revision Notes

XAT · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation

Free Ratio, Proportion and Variation revision notes for XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation 2026 — key concepts, formulas, and definitions for quick revision.

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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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Revision Notes — Ratio, Proportion and Variation

Key concepts, formulas, and definitions from Ratio, Proportion and Variation for XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation preparation.

Key Topics to Revise

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

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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 XAT?
Ratio, Proportion and Variation is an important chapter in XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation. 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 XAT?
Ratio, Proportion and Variation is a frequently tested chapter in XAT Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation. 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 XAT?
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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