Title: CAT 2023 Quants Slot 3: Step-by-Step Solutions & Strategies for Indian MBA aspirants
Introduction
CAT 2023 Quantitative Ability (QA) Section in Slot 3 likely includes 20-24 questions testing logical reasoning, data interpretation, and mathematical skills. Below is a general framework for tackling such questions, along with an example problem (in English) and its solution. Since specific 2023 questions aren’t publicly available, this guide focuses on patterns and high-yield strategies.
Key CAT Quant Trends (2023 Slot 3)
Data Interpretation (DI):
Focus on dynamic charts (e.g., 3D cubes, multi-line graphs).
Example: A question comparing quarterly sales across industries with a twist (e.g., % change from YoY).
Logical Reasoning:
puzzles involving seating arrangements, blood relations, or logical sequences.
Example: A 5-person team selection problem with constraints (e.g., "A must be included if B is excluded").
Advanced Math:
Algebra (quadratic equations, inequalities), Number Systems, and Probability.
Example: A problem combining modular arithmetic with combinatorics.
Example Problem & Solution
Question (DI):
“A company’s revenue (in ₹ crores) for 4 quarters is shown in a 2×2 grid. Q4 revenue was 20% higher than Q1. If the median revenue across all four quarters is ₹150 crores, what is the maximum possible revenue in Q3?”
Solution:
Parse the Data:
Grid:
| Quarter | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---------|----|----|----|----|
| Revenue | a | b | c | d |
Given: ( d = 1.2a ), Median = ₹150 cr.
Median Logic:
Arrange revenues in order: ( \text{sorted} = [x, 150, y] ) (since median is the 2nd value in 4 terms).
For maximum ( c ), set ( c = y ) and ensure ( x \leq 150 \leq y ).
Constraints:
( d = 1.2a ) → ( a = d/1.2 ).
Total revenue ( a + b + c + d = \text{Total} ).
Maximize Q3 (c):
To maximize ( c ), minimize ( a, b, d ).
Set ( a = d/1.2 ), ( b = 150 ), ( d = 150 ) (since median is 150).
Then ( a = 150/1.2 = 125 ).
Total = ( 125 + 150 + c + 180 = 455 + c ).
To keep median at 150, ( c ) must be ≥150. Hence, max ( c = \text{Total} - 125 - 150 - 180 ).
Answer:
If Total revenue is fixed (e.g., ₹600 cr), ( c = 600 - 455 = 145 ). But since median is 150, adjust to ( c = 150 ).
Final Answer: ₹150 crores (if Total allows) or higher depending on Total.

CAT 2023 Quant Tips
Time Management:
Skip brute-force questions; aim for ≥90% accuracy.
DI Shortcuts:
Use options (if provided) and approximate calculations.
Algebra Hacks:
For quadratic equations: Check discriminant first.
For probability: List all cases systematically.
Practice资源推荐
Mock Tests: CAT 2023 Full-Length Mocks (from Toppers like Time, IMS).
YouTube: CAT Quant channels (e.g., “Cracku” for DI strategies).
Books: Target CAT 2023 by Arun Shukla (focus on Slot-specific problems).
Let me know if you need further clarification on a specific topic! 🎯
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