Simplification Questions with Solutions

Simplification questions ask you to evaluate an expression involving fractions, decimals, percentages, squares, square roots and brackets as quickly as possible. The key rule is BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction), which decides the order in which operations are carried out. These questions are usually the fastest marks in the quant section, but only if your calculation is quick and accurate. Knowing squares up to 30, cubes up to 15, common fraction-to-percentage conversions (such as 1/8 = 12.5%) and the approximation method lets you solve most questions in seconds. When answer options are far apart, rounding numbers sensibly is often faster than exact calculation. Use the questions below to practise BODMAS, fractions, surds and approximation. Each solution shows the step-by-step working along with the quickest way to reach the answer.