Discrimination questions involving identifying shapes are common in SSC and railway exams. Understand important topics, formulas, tricks and books to prepare these logical reasoning questions.
Introduction to Discrimination Questions in Competitive Exams
Discrimination questions testing logical reasoning abilities are very common in competitive exams like SSC, railways, SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, etc. These questions involve identifying and counting shapes like squares, triangles and rectangles hidden within a larger image.
It is important to prepare discrimination topics beforehand through mock tests, notes and books. Having a good discrimination syllabus understanding and formulas will help maximize scores.
Key Topics and Shapes for Discrimination Questions
Important Details - Common discrimination shapes
| Shape | Sample Question Task |
|---|---|
| Square | Count total squares in an image |
| Triangle | Count specific triangles in an equilateral triangle |
| Rectangle | Count rectangles within a rectangle or square grid |
The three shapes above form the bulk of competitive exam discrimination questions. Other shapes may be included but focus should be on mastering squares, triangles and rectangles.
Tips and Tricks to Solve Discrimination Questions
Some useful tips and techniques to employ when solving these reasoning questions are:
Important Details - Discrimination question solving tricks
| Shape Type | Solving Methodology |
|---|---|
| Squares Grid | If grid dimensions are equal, square the numbers. If unequal, use manual formula |
| Rectangles | Multiply sum of rows and columns after numbering them |
| Other Shapes | Manually count in complex shapes |
Having these discrimination tricks handy through formula notes helps in quickly solving the actual exam questions. Manual counting works for shapes where standard formulas cannot be applied.
Recommended Books for Discrimination Question Preparation
Some good books to refer to for discrimination question practice are:
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
These books have chapter-wise coverage of all logical reasoning concepts including a variety of discrimination question exercises with solutions.
Solved Examples of Common Discrimination Questions
Let's take a look at some sample discrimination questions for squares, triangles and rectangles with solutions:
Squares Grid Example:
If a 6x6 grid is given, how many squares will be there? Solution: Number of rows = Number of columns = 6. So the total number of squares = 12 + 22 + 32 + 42 + 52 + 62 = 216
Triangle Example:
An equilateral triangle of side 10 units is given. How many triangles of side 2 units can be formed? Solution: Number of rows = Number of columns = 10. So by manual counting, number of 2 unit triangles = 55.
Rectangle Grid Example:
A 4x5 rectangle grid is given. How many smaller rectangles can be extracted out of it? Solution: Sum of rows = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 10. Sum of columns = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15. So total rectangles = 10 x 15 = 150.
Conclusion
In summary, mastering discrimination shapes, formulas and strategies is key to scoring full marks in this logical reasoning section. Adequate practice from recommended books is advised.
FAQ:
Q1: How are discrimination questions useful in competitive exams?
A1: Discrimination questions test a candidate's logical reasoning ability. Performing well in this section can significantly improve overall score and ranking.
Q2: What are the main shapes covered in discrimination questions?
A2: The most common shapes are squares, rectangles and triangles. Questions involve counting these shapes embedded within a bigger image.
Q3: What are some tips to solve discrimination questions quickly?
A3: Use formulas and manual counting as appropriate for different shapes. Make formula notes for quick reference during exams.
Q4: Which books are best for discrimination exam preparation?
A4: A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal and Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey are recommended.
Q5: How can mock tests help in discrimination question practice?
A5: Mock tests not only build speed and accuracy but also help in testing one's understanding of shapes and strategies.
Q6: Should one rely only on formulas or also use manual counting?
A6: Formulas should be applied wherever possible. But for complex shapes without defined rows/columns, manual counting is advised.
