In the world of competitive exams in India, mastering the Number System is more than just a mathematical requirement—it's a smart strategy. Whether you’re preparing for SSC, Bank, UPSC, Railways, CAT, or any State-level exam, questions from the number system form a crucial part of the Quantitative Aptitude section. Understanding this fundamental topic can significantly boost your overall score and confidence.
What is the Number System?
The number system refers to a system of representing numbers in various forms such as: • Natural Numbers • Whole Numbers • Integers • Rational and Irrational Numbers • Real Numbers • Prime Numbers • Decimal and Binary Numbers This topic covers the building blocks of arithmetic and provides the base for solving more complex problems.
Why is the Number System Important in Competitive Exams?
1. High Frequency in Exams Every year, competitive exams include 2–5 questions directly from the number system. These are considered scoring questions if you understand the concepts well. 2. Helps in Solving Other Topics Many topics like LCM & HCF, Simplification, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, and Number Series are based on the understanding of number systems. 3. Time-Saving If you're well-versed in number properties and shortcuts, you can solve these problems quickly, saving time for tougher questions. 4. Foundation for Logical and Analytical Thinking Learning number systems develops logical reasoning, which is useful not just in math but also in reasoning ability sections of the exams.
Common Number System Topics in Exams
• Divisibility rules • LCM and HCF • Factors and multiples • Remainders • Number series • Digital roots and cyclicity • Prime numbers and co-primes • Even and odd numbers
Best Preparation Methods for Number System Topics
Learn and revise basic formulas regularly Practice with previous year question papers Use shortcuts and tricks for faster calculations Focus on concept clarity instead of just memorization Take mock tests and analyze mistakes
Best Books to Prepare Number System for Competitive Exams
• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal • Fast Track Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma • NCERT Mathematics (Class 6–10) for strong basics
Make Number System Your Strength
The number system is not just a chapter—it's a gateway to scoring high in Quantitative Aptitude. Ignoring it means missing out on easy marks. Start early, practice daily, and strengthen your basics to crack the number system section in any competitive exam in India.