Tips and Tricks for Data Caselets | Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI) - CAT PDF Download

Introduction

Data caselet questions are a prominent feature of the CAT exam's data interpretation section, requiring candidates to analyze information presented in the form of paragraphs. This guide provides insights into effectively tackling these questions, including tips, examples, and fundamental principles.

Understanding Data Caselets

A Data Caselet is a narrative presenting facts without the aid of tables or graphs. Candidates must carefully read and organize the information before answering the associated questions, making it crucial to practice various caselet-based questions.

Tips for Success

• Create a Table: Constructing tables after thoroughly analyzing the data is essential. Notations and note-taking while reading the caselet can facilitate the organization and interpretation of information.

• Careful Reading: Precision is key. Reading caselets attentively is crucial to avoid errors. Ensuring uniformity in units is vital, and any discrepancies should be addressed through unit conversion.

• Grasp the Fundamentals: A solid foundation in basic arithmetic is indispensable. Proficiency in unit conversion, percentages, profit and loss, and interest calculations is necessary for effectively solving data caselet questions.

• Shortcuts and Approximations: Employing shortcuts and approximations can enhance speed in answering questions. Seeking the closest value among options can save valuable time during the exam.

• Regular Practice: While these questions may seem straightforward, practice remains key. Regularly engaging with fundamental mathematical concepts and example questions builds confidence and proficiency in handling CAT data caselet questions.

Example: Let's explore a caselet to illustrate how to apply these strategies in a practical context.

By following these strategies, candidates can navigate CAT data caselet questions with confidence and precision, significantly improving their performance in the quantitative section of the exam.

Mr. Shyam wishes to purchase a watch that costs Rs. 40,500. The watch is also available for Rs. 20,000 down payment and Rs. 1400 monthly instalments for two years or Rs. 16,000 down payment and Rs. 1100 monthly instalments for three years. Mr. Shyam only has Rs. 10,000 on him. He wants to borrow the rest of the down payment money from a private company. The terms of that private company are as follows:

The rate of interest on a loan of Rs. 5000 for a period of 12 months is 20%. Interest will be calculated on the entire amount for the entire year. Because 5000 is the principal amount + 1000 is the interest rate, the borrower must pay Rs. 500 every month for a period of 12 months.

If you borrow more than Rs. 9,000 for a year, the rate of interest is 25% and is calculated exactly as shown above.

Case:

1. Assume Mr. Shyam is willing to pay either of the down payments; which of the two instalment plans is the preferable option? (Assume that Mr. Shyam will pay the instalments out of his own pocket and that he will not gain any interest on his savings.) Assume that, rather than borrowing the remaining funds for the down payment, he saves the remainder before closing.
2. 1100 per year for three years B. 1400 per year for two years

A or B C Insufficient data

Ans: We must evaluate the two downpayments provided in the question and determine which is superior. One downpayment option is 1400 for two years, and the other is 1100 for three years.
The total cost of the first downpayment will be Rs. 53600 (20000 + 16800 + 16800).
The total cost of the second down payment will be Rs. 55600, which is 16000 + 13200 + 13200 + 13200.
Mr. Shyam will be better off paying the first down payment because he will not be charged interest. As a result, B is the correct response. 
Practice Questions

Q1: If the output is successful, there is no loss (units)
(a) 7
(b) 8
(c) 9
(d) 10
Ans: (d)
Sol: The income for 50 units can be calculated as 750, hence the SP per unit is 750/50 = Rs. 15. Variable cost per unit is 500/50 = Rs. 10. Each unit earns an additional Rs. 5. The FC is Rs 50 for manufacturing less than 34 units. Producing 10 units results in no loss or profit.

Q2: If the output is less than 40, which of the following is the optimal number of units to make and sell to maximize profit?
(a) 30
(b) 35
(c) 32
(d) 38
Ans: (c)
Sol: The number of units produced is fewer than 40. Each unit gives an additional Rs. 5. After 34 units, the price increases by Rs. 40 (90 – 50). Only 8 extra units can produce the same profit as 34 units. The output is fewer than 40 units, and our answer is the maximum choice which is less than 34. Therefore, option 3 is the best choice.

Conclusion:
Effectively tackling caselets demands a thorough understanding of the passage's subject matter. Delve into the paragraph attentively and discern the requirements of the inquiry. In essence, be clear about what information is provided and what is being sought. When engaging with a caselet, make an effort to emphasize all the crucial elements.