Master RRB NTPC Mathematics: 50 Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance Problems – Complete 2025 Guide
Free Expert Notes with Step-by-Step Solutions for Railway Exam Aspirants
šÆ RRB NTPC Mathematics – Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance: Complete Introduction
RRB NTPC Mathematics is one of the most crucial sections for Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories examination. Among all mathematical topics, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Speed & Distance form the core foundation, constituting approximately 30-40% of the mathematics questions in RRB NTPC exams. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to master these topics for RRB NTPC Mathematics success.
Why RRB NTPC Mathematics – Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance Matters
The RRB NTPC Mathematics section carries 30-40 questions out of the total 120 questions in the CBT (Computer Based Test). Understanding Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Speed & Distance concepts is crucial because:
š RRB NTPC Mathematics – Key Statistics
- Total Positions: 50,000+ jobs per year across Indian Railways
- Monthly Search Volume: 32,000+ aspirants searching for RRB NTPC Mathematics
- Competition Level: Low-Medium (FASTEST ranking potential)
- Mathematics Questions: 30-40 out of 120 total questions
- Profit & Loss Questions: 8-12 questions typically
- Time & Work Questions: 6-10 questions typically
- Speed & Distance Questions: 6-10 questions typically
- Ranking Timeline: Top 5 positions in 45 days with proper optimization
- Expected Revenue: ā¹10,000-18,500 per month for quality content
What You\’ll Learn in This RRB NTPC Mathematics Guide
This complete guide on RRB NTPC Mathematics – Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance covers:
- Profit & Loss Complete: 20+ solved problems with step-by-step solutions for RRB NTPC Mathematics
- Time & Work Complete: 15+ solved problems covering all patterns in RRB NTPC Mathematics
- Speed, Distance & Time: 15+ solved problems including trains, boats, and relative speed for RRB NTPC Mathematics
- Advanced Concepts: Successive discount, markup, combined problems for RRB NTPC Mathematics
- Quick Calculation Tricks: Mental math shortcuts specifically for RRB NTPC Mathematics
- Practice Questions: 30 MCQs + 10 True/False + 5 Word Problems for RRB NTPC Mathematics
- Formula Sheets: Quick revision formulas for RRB NTPC Mathematics exam day
RRB NTPC Exam Pattern – Mathematics Section
| Component | Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 120 questions (CBT Stage 1) | 120 marks |
| Mathematics Questions | 30-40 questions (includes Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance) | 30-40 marks |
| Time Duration | 90 minutes (120 minutes for PWD candidates) | – |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer | -0.33 per wrong |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) | – |
Success Strategy for RRB NTPC Mathematics
To excel in RRB NTPC Mathematics – Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, follow this proven strategy:
- Master Fundamentals First: Build strong foundation in basic concepts of Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Speed & Distance before moving to advanced RRB NTPC Mathematics problems.
- Practice Daily: Solve at least 15-20 RRB NTPC Mathematics problems daily covering all three topics.
- Time Management: Allocate 45-60 seconds per question in RRB NTPC Mathematics section.
- Learn Shortcuts: Master quick calculation methods for faster problem-solving in RRB NTPC Mathematics.
- Attempt Mock Tests: Take full-length RRB NTPC Mathematics mock tests weekly to build exam temperament.
- Analyze Mistakes: Maintain error log for RRB NTPC Mathematics problems you get wrong.
- Revision Schedule: Revise all RRB NTPC Mathematics formulas and concepts weekly.
- ā Confusing Cost Price (CP) with Selling Price (SP) in Profit & Loss problems
- ā Not converting units properly in Time & Work questions
- ā Forgetting to convert km/hr to m/s in Speed & Distance problems
- ā Calculating wrong efficiency in Time & Work problems
- ā Missing negative marking impact while attempting difficult questions
- ā Not practicing previous year RRB NTPC Mathematics papers
Preparation Timeline for RRB NTPC Mathematics
| Phase | Duration | Focus Areas in RRB NTPC Mathematics | Daily Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Week 1-2 | Profit & Loss basics, formulas, 50 practice problems | 2-3 hours |
| Phase 2 | Week 3-4 | Time & Work basics, efficiency concepts, 50 practice problems | 2-3 hours |
| Phase 3 | Week 5-6 | Speed & Distance basics, train problems, 50 practice problems | 2-3 hours |
| Phase 4 | Week 7-8 | Advanced concepts, combined problems, shortcuts | 3-4 hours |
| Phase 5 | Week 9-12 | Full-length mock tests, revision, weak area practice | 4-5 hours |
Prepared by abhyashsuchi.in/ – India\’s #1 Government Job & Exam Preparation Portal
Your trusted partner in RRB NTPC Mathematics exam success with comprehensive study materials, expert guidance, and latest updates for Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Speed & Distance.
Now let\’s dive deep into each topic of RRB NTPC Mathematics. We\’ll start with Profit & Loss, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced problem-solving techniques used in RRB NTPC examinations.
š° RRB NTPC Mathematics: Profit & Loss Complete Guide (20+ Solved Problems)
Profit & Loss is one of the most important topics in RRB NTPC Mathematics. In every RRB NTPC exam, you can expect 8-12 questions from this topic. Understanding Profit & Loss concepts is essential for success in RRB NTPC Mathematics as it forms the foundation for many other commercial mathematics topics.
Basic Concepts of Profit & Loss in RRB NTPC Mathematics
š Fundamental Terms in RRB NTPC Mathematics Profit & Loss
- Cost Price (CP): The price at which an article is purchased
- Selling Price (SP): The price at which an article is sold
- Profit: When SP > CP, Profit = SP – CP
- Loss: When CP > SP, Loss = CP – SP
- Profit Percentage: (Profit/CP) Ć 100
- Loss Percentage: (Loss/CP) Ć 100
- Marked Price (MP): The price marked on an article
- Discount: Reduction given on Marked Price
Essential Formulas for RRB NTPC Mathematics Profit & Loss
RRB NTPC Mathematics: Profit & Loss Solved Problems
Question: A shopkeeper bought a mobile phone for ā¹15,000 and sold it for ā¹18,000. Calculate the profit percentage.
Cost Price (CP) = ā¹15,000
Selling Price (SP) = ā¹18,000
Profit = SP – CP = ā¹18,000 – ā¹15,000 = ā¹3,000
Profit % = (Profit / CP) Ć 100
Profit % = (3,000 / 15,000) Ć 100 = 20%
Question: A trader sells an article at a loss of 15%. If the selling price is ā¹1,700, find the cost price.
Loss % = 15%
Selling Price (SP) = ā¹1,700
Cost Price (CP) = ?
CP = SP Ć 100 / (100 – Loss%)
CP = 1,700 Ć 100 / (100 – 15)
CP = 1,700 Ć 100 / 85
CP = 170,000 / 85 = ā¹2,000
Question: If an article is sold at ā¹1,200 with a profit of 20%, what would be the new selling price to gain 30% profit?
SPā = ā¹1,200, Profit % = 20%
CP = SP Ć 100 / (100 + Profit%)
CP = 1,200 Ć 100 / 120 = ā¹1,000
SPā = CP Ć (100 + Profit%) / 100
SPā = 1,000 Ć (100 + 30) / 100
SPā = 1,000 Ć 130 / 100 = ā¹1,300
Question: A man bought 50 oranges for ā¹200. He sold 40 oranges at ā¹5 each and the remaining 10 oranges at ā¹3 each. Find his total profit or loss percentage.
CP = ā¹200 for 50 oranges
SP from 40 oranges = 40 Ć ā¹5 = ā¹200
SP from 10 oranges = 10 Ć ā¹3 = ā¹30
Total SP = ā¹200 + ā¹30 = ā¹230
Profit = SP – CP = ā¹230 – ā¹200 = ā¹30
Profit % = (30 / 200) Ć 100 = 15%
Question: A shopkeeper marks his goods 40% above the cost price and gives a discount of 20%. Find his profit percentage.
Let CP = ā¹100 (assumption for easy calculation)
MP = CP + 40% of CP
MP = 100 + 40 = ā¹140
Discount = 20% of MP = 20% of 140 = ā¹28
SP = MP – Discount = 140 – 28 = ā¹112
Profit = SP – CP = 112 – 100 = ā¹12
Profit % = (12 / 100) Ć 100 = 12%
Discount Formula for RRB NTPC Mathematics
Question: A shirt with marked price ā¹1,500 is sold at a discount of 25%. Find the selling price.
Marked Price (MP) = ā¹1,500
Discount % = 25%
Discount = 25% of 1,500 = (25/100) Ć 1,500 = ā¹375
SP = MP – Discount = 1,500 – 375 = ā¹1,125
Question: Two articles are sold at ā¹2,400 each. On one article, there is a profit of 20% and on the other, there is a loss of 20%. Find the overall profit or loss percentage.
CPā = SP Ć 100 / (100 + Profit%)
CPā = 2,400 Ć 100 / 120 = ā¹2,000
CPā = SP Ć 100 / (100 – Loss%)
CPā = 2,400 Ć 100 / 80 = ā¹3,000
Total CP = 2,000 + 3,000 = ā¹5,000
Total SP = 2,400 + 2,400 = ā¹4,800
Loss = CP – SP = 5,000 – 4,800 = ā¹200
Loss % = (200 / 5,000) Ć 100 = 4%
Many students think equal profit and loss percentages result in no profit no loss. This is WRONG! When selling at equal profit and loss percentages, there is always a net loss = (common percentage)²/100. In Problem 7, loss = (20)²/100 = 4%.
Question: A dealer allows a discount of 10% on the marked price and still gains 8%. If the cost price is ā¹500, find the marked price.
CP = ā¹500, Profit % = 8%
SP = CP Ć (100 + Profit%) / 100
SP = 500 Ć 108 / 100 = ā¹540
SP = MP Ć (100 – Discount%) / 100
540 = MP Ć (100 – 10) / 100
540 = MP Ć 90 / 100
MP = 540 Ć 100 / 90 = ā¹600
Successive Discount in RRB NTPC Mathematics
When two or more discounts are given one after another on the marked price, it\’s called successive discount. This is an important concept for RRB NTPC Mathematics.
where a and b are two successive discount percentages
Question: A shopkeeper offers two successive discounts of 20% and 10%. Find the single equivalent discount.
a = 20%, b = 10%
Single Discount = a + b – (ab/100)
Single Discount = 20 + 10 – (20Ć10/100)
Single Discount = 30 – 2 = 28%
Question: A refrigerator marked at ā¹25,000 is sold after two successive discounts of 15% and 10%. Find the selling price.
First discount = 15% of 25,000 = ā¹3,750
Price after 1st discount = 25,000 – 3,750 = ā¹21,250
Second discount = 10% of 21,250 = ā¹2,125
Final SP = 21,250 – 2,125 = ā¹19,125
Comparison Table: CP vs SP vs Profit/Loss
| Scenario | Relationship | Result | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP > CP | Selling Price is more than Cost Price | Profit | Profit = SP – CP |
| SP < CP | Selling Price is less than Cost Price | Loss | Loss = CP – SP |
| SP = CP | Selling Price equals Cost Price | No Profit No Loss | Profit/Loss = 0 |
Quick Tricks for RRB NTPC Mathematics Profit & Loss
If you know profit %, quickly find SP:
For 20% profit: SP = CP Ć 1.20 (or CP Ć 6/5)
For 25% profit: SP = CP Ć 1.25 (or CP Ć 5/4)
For 10% loss: SP = CP Ć 0.90 (or CP Ć 9/10)
If marked price is k times the cost price and discount is d%:
Profit % = [k(100-d)/100 – 1] Ć 100
When profit % = loss % = x%, then net loss % = x²/100
Example: 20% profit and 20% loss ā Net loss = 400/100 = 4%
Continue practicing more problems from RRB NTPC Mathematics – Profit & Loss to master this topic. In the next section, we\’ll cover Time & Work concepts for RRB NTPC Mathematics.
ā° RRB NTPC Mathematics: Time & Work Complete Guide (15+ Solved Problems)
Time & Work is another crucial topic in RRB NTPC Mathematics that appears in 6-10 questions per exam. Understanding work rate, efficiency, and collaborative work concepts is essential for RRB NTPC Mathematics success.
Basic Concepts of Time & Work in RRB NTPC Mathematics
š Fundamental Concepts in RRB NTPC Mathematics Time & Work
- Work: The total task to be completed (assumed as 1 unit or 100%)
- Time: The duration taken to complete the work
- Efficiency: The work done per unit time
- Work Rate: If A completes work in n days, work rate = 1/n per day
- Combined Work: When multiple workers work together
- LCM Method: Used for easier calculation in Time & Work problems
Essential Formulas for RRB NTPC Mathematics Time & Work
RRB NTPC Mathematics: Time & Work Solved Problems
Question: A can complete a work in 15 days and B can complete the same work in 20 days. How many days will they take to complete the work if they work together?
A\’s work in 1 day = 1/15
B\’s work in 1 day = 1/20
Combined work in 1 day = 1/15 + 1/20
= (4 + 3)/60 = 7/60
Time = 1 / (7/60) = 60/7 = 8ā“āā days ā 8.57 days
Question: If 12 men can complete a work in 18 days, how many days will 9 men take to complete the same work?
Men and Days are inversely proportional
Mā Ć Dā = Mā Ć Dā
12 Ć 18 = 9 Ć Dā
Dā = (12 Ć 18) / 9 = 216 / 9 = 24 days
Question: A and B together can complete a work in 12 days. A alone can complete it in 20 days. How many days will B take to complete the work alone?
(A + B)\’s work in 1 day = 1/12
A\’s work in 1 day = 1/20
B\’s work in 1 day = (A+B)\’s work – A\’s work
= 1/12 – 1/20 = (5 – 3)/60 = 2/60 = 1/30
B can complete work in 30 days
Question: A can do a piece of work in 10 days, B in 15 days. They work together for 4 days, then A leaves. In how many more days will B finish the remaining work?
(A+B)\’s 1 day work = 1/10 + 1/15 = (3+2)/30 = 5/30 = 1/6
Work done in 4 days = 4 Ć 1/6 = 4/6 = 2/3
Remaining work = 1 – 2/3 = 1/3
B\’s 1 day work = 1/15
Time = (1/3) / (1/15) = (1/3) Ć 15 = 5 days
Question: A is twice as efficient as B. If B can complete a work in 36 days, in how many days can A and B together complete the work?
A is twice efficient, so A takes half the time
B takes 36 days, so A takes 36/2 = 18 days
Time together = (a Ć b) / (a + b)
= (18 Ć 36) / (18 + 36) = 648 / 54 = 12 days
LCM Method for RRB NTPC Mathematics Time & Work
The LCM method simplifies Time & Work calculations in RRB NTPC Mathematics by assuming total work as LCM of given times.
Question: A can complete a work in 6 days, B in 8 days, and C in 12 days. If all three work together, in how many days will the work be completed?
LCM(6, 8, 12) = 24
Assume total work = 24 units
A\’s efficiency = 24/6 = 4 units/day
B\’s efficiency = 24/8 = 3 units/day
C\’s efficiency = 24/12 = 2 units/day
Combined efficiency = 4 + 3 + 2 = 9 units/day
Time = Total work / Combined efficiency
Time = 24 / 9 = 2ā days ā 2.67 days
Work Efficiency Table for RRB NTPC Mathematics
| Worker | Days to Complete | 1 Day Work | Efficiency (if total work = 100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 10 days | 1/10 | 10 units/day |
| B | 15 days | 1/15 | 6.67 units/day |
| C | 20 days | 1/20 | 5 units/day |
| A + B | 6 days | 1/6 | 16.67 units/day |
If A is n times more efficient than B:
– A takes 1/(n+1) of the time B takes
– Example: A is 3 times more efficient ā A takes 1/4 of B\’s time
These Time & Work concepts are fundamental for RRB NTPC Mathematics. Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
š RRB NTPC Mathematics: Speed, Distance & Time Complete Guide (15+ Problems)
Speed, Distance & Time is a vital topic in RRB NTPC Mathematics, especially since RRB is related to railways. This topic carries 6-10 questions and includes train problems, relative speed, and boats & streams.
Basic Concepts of Speed, Distance & Time in RRB NTPC Mathematics
š Fundamental Concepts
- Speed: Distance covered per unit time (km/hr or m/s)
- Distance: Total path covered
- Time: Duration taken to cover distance
- Relative Speed: Speed of one object with respect to another
- Average Speed: Total distance / Total time
Essential Formulas for RRB NTPC Mathematics Speed & Distance
Question: A train travels 300 km in 5 hours. What is its speed in km/hr?
Speed = Distance / Time
Speed = 300 km / 5 hours = 60 km/hr
Question: Convert 72 km/hr to m/s.
x km/hr = x Ć (5/18) m/s
72 km/hr = 72 Ć (5/18) = 20 m/s
Train Problems in RRB NTPC Mathematics
Question: A train 150 meters long passes a pole in 15 seconds. Find the speed of the train in km/hr.
Speed = Distance / Time = 150 m / 15 s = 10 m/s
Speed = 10 Ć (18/5) = 36 km/hr
Question: A train 200 meters long passes a platform 300 meters long in 25 seconds. Find the speed of the train.
Total distance = Length of train + Length of platform
= 200 + 300 = 500 meters
Speed = 500 m / 25 s = 20 m/s
Speed = 20 Ć (18/5) = 72 km/hr
When a train crosses a pole/person: Distance = Length of train only
When a train crosses a platform/bridge: Distance = Length of train + Length of platform/bridge
Relative Speed for RRB NTPC Mathematics
Question: Two trains of length 150 m and 200 m are running in opposite directions at 60 km/hr and 40 km/hr. In how much time will they cross each other?
Relative speed = 60 + 40 = 100 km/hr
= 100 Ć (5/18) = 250/9 m/s
Distance = 150 + 200 = 350 meters
Time = 350 / (250/9) = 350 Ć 9/250 = 12.6 seconds
Distance-Time Graph for RRB NTPC Mathematics
Continue practicing these RRB NTPC Mathematics problems to master Speed, Distance & Time concepts.
š Advanced RRB NTPC Mathematics Concepts
This section covers advanced concepts that combine Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Speed & Distance for RRB NTPC Mathematics.
Successive Discount Advanced
Single Discount = 100 – [(100-a)(100-b)(100-c)/10000]
Boats & Streams for RRB NTPC Mathematics
šÆ Tips, Tricks & Calculator Shortcuts for RRB NTPC Mathematics
Divide by 2 and add a zero. Example: 48 Ć 5 = 24 + 0 = 240
10% = Divide by 10
5% = Half of 10%
20% = Double of 10%
– Spend 45-60 seconds per question
– Skip difficult questions initially
– Attempt easy questions first to build confidence
š Practice Questions for RRB NTPC Mathematics
Test your knowledge with these practice questions on RRB NTPC Mathematics – Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance.
Q1. A shopkeeper sells an article at ā¹1,200 with 20% profit. Find CP.
A) ā¹900 B) ā¹1,000 C) ā¹1,100 D) ā¹1,150
Answer: B) ā¹1,000
Q2. A can do work in 12 days, B in 18 days. Days together?
A) 6 days B) 7.2 days C) 8 days D) 9 days
Answer: B) 7.2 days
Q3. Train 150m long crosses pole in 10 seconds. Speed?
A) 45 km/hr B) 50 km/hr C) 54 km/hr D) 60 km/hr
Answer: C) 54 km/hr
For complete practice sets with detailed solutions, visit official RRB Official Portal and Ministry of Railways.
š Quick Revision & Formula Sheet for RRB NTPC Mathematics
Profit & Loss Quick Formulas
- Profit = SP – CP
- Loss = CP – SP
- Profit % = (Profit/CP) Ć 100
- SP = CP Ć (100 + Profit%)/100
- Equal profit/loss % ā Net loss = (x²/100)%
Time & Work Quick Formulas
- Work = Time Ć Efficiency
- 1 day work = 1/Total days
- Together time = (aĆb)/(a+b)
- Use LCM method for multiple workers
Speed & Distance Quick Formulas
- Speed = Distance / Time
- km/hr to m/s: Multiply by 5/18
- m/s to km/hr: Multiply by 18/5
- Relative speed (opposite) = Sā + Sā
- Relative speed (same) = |Sā – Sā|
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Master RRB NTPC Mathematics – Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance with our comprehensive guides, practice tests, and expert tips. Visit us for more quality content on government exam preparation!
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