Algebra Questions for SSC GD
Do you dream of wearing the uniform of the BSF, CRPF, or CISF? The SSC GD Constable exam is your first step toward that dream. But it looks difficult for some students due to the math section. When you see x and y in a question, do you feel like skipping it? Here is the truth: Algebra in SSC GD is not rocket science. It is not the complex math you see in engineering. It is basic, formula-based math. If you remember just 3 or 4 simple formulas like (a+b)2, you can solve these questions in seconds. To make it easy for you, we have analyzed the exam papers from many past years. We have compiled the most repeated Algebra questions into a free PDF. You don’t need to hunt for them. Just download it below and start practicing today.
In the Elementary Mathematics section, Algebra might seem small, but it is a “Hidden Gem.”
You don’t need the whole book. Just focus on these three pillars:
Common Algebraic Formulas
1. Linear Equations:
A linear equation has the form ax+b=0, where a and b are constants. The solution is x =−b/a.
2. Quadratic Equations:
A quadratic equation is in the form ax2+bx+c=0. The solutions can be found using:
a. Factoring: (x−p)(x−q)=0⇒x=p or x = q.
b. Quadratic Formula:
c. Completing the square: A method of solving by manipulating the equation into a perfect square trinomial.
3. Exponent Rules:
a. Product of Powers: xm⋅xn=xm+n
b. Quotient of Powers: xm/xn=xm−n
c. Power of a Power: (xm)n=xm⋅n
d. Zero Exponent: x0=1
e. Negative Exponent: x−n=1/xn
4. Polynomials:
A polynomial is an expression involving sums and differences of terms that are products of variables raised to non-negative integer powers.
a. General form: P(x)=anxn+an−1xn−1+⋯+a1x+a0
b. Degree: The highest power of the variable x in the polynomial.
5. Factoring:
a. Common Factor: ax+ay=a(x+y)
b. Difference of Squares: a2−b2=(a−b)(a+b)
c. Perfect Square Trinomial: a2+2ab+b2=(a+b)2
d. Trinomial Factoring: ax2+bx+c=(px+q)(rx+s), if factors exist.
6. Exponential Growth and Decay:
a. Growth formula: A=P(1+r)t (where P is the initial amount, r is the growth rate, and t is time).
b. Decay formula: A=P(1−r)t (for decay).
7. Systems of Equations:
a. A system of two equations can be solved by substitution, elimination, or graphing.
Example: 2x+y=7 and x−y=3
b. Substitution: Solve one equation for one variable and substitute into the other equation.
c. Elimination: Add or subtract the equations to eliminate one variable.
8. Slope of a Line:
The slope of a line passing through points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by:
9. Slope-Intercept Form of a Line:
Equation of a line: y=mx+b, where m is the slope, and b is the y-intercept.
10. Distance Formula:
To find the distance between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2):
11. Midpoint Formula:
To find the midpoint between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2):
12. Logarithms:
a. logb(x)=y means by=x.
b. Logarithmic Properties:
We have prepared a comprehensive PDF containing exam-level questions. These are the exact types of questions you will face in the exam hall—simple, logical, and scoring. Download it, save it, and practice it to remove your fear of x and y.
Q1. If x + 1/x = 4, find the value of x^2 + 1/x^2.
(a) 14
(b) 16
(c) 12
(d) 18
Answer: (a) 14
Logic: Short trick: k^2 − 2. Here k = 4. So, 4^2 − 2 = 16 − 2 = 14.
Q2. Evaluate: 98 × 102 using algebraic identity.
(a) 9996
(b) 9984
(c) 9994
(d) 10004
Answer: (a) 9996
Logic: Write it as (100 − 2)(100 + 2). Using (a − b)(a + b) = a^2 − b^2.
So, 100^2 − 2^2 = 10000 − 4 = 9996.
Q3. If a + b = 5 and ab = 6, find the value of a^2 + b^2.
(a) 12
(b) 13
(c) 25
(d) 19
Answer: (b) 13
Logic: (a + b)^2 = a^2 + b^2 + 2ab
25 = a^2 + b^2 + 12
a^2 + b^2 = 13
Q4. If 2x + 3 = 9, find the value of 3x + 2.
(a) 11
(b) 12
(c) 10
(d) 13
Answer: (a) 11
Logic: 2x = 6, so x = 3
3x + 2 = 9 + 2 = 11
Q5. Solve for x: x/3 + x/4 = 7.
(a) 10
(b) 11
(c) 12
(d) 14
Answer: (c) 12
Logic: LCM of 3 and 4 is 12
(4x + 3x)/12 = 7
7x = 84
x = 12
Q6. If a − b = 3 and a^2 − b^2 = 27, find the value of a + b.
(a) 6
(b) 9
(c) 12
(d) 8
Answer: (b) 9
Logic: a^2 − b^2 = (a − b)(a + b)
27 = 3(a + b)
a + b = 9
Q7. If x + 1/x = 2, find x^100 + 1/x^100.
(a) 0
(b) 1
(c) 2
(d) 100
Answer: (c) 2
Logic: x + 1/x = 2 implies x = 1
1^100 + 1/1^100 = 2
Q8. The roots of the equation x^2 − 5x + 6 = 0 are:
(a) 2, 3
(b) −2, −3
(c) 1, 6
(d) 2, −3
Answer: (a) 2, 3
Logic: Numbers that multiply to 6 and add to −5 are −2 and −3
Roots are x = 2 and x = 3
Q9. Simplify: (205)^2 − (195)^2
(a) 4000
(b) 2000
(c) 3000
(d) 400
Answer: (a) 4000
Logic: a^2 − b^2 = (a + b)(a − b)
(205 + 195)(205 − 195) = 400 × 10 = 4000
Q10. If 3x − y = 5 and x = 2, find y.
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 1
(d) 0
Answer: (c) 1
Logic: 3(2) − y = 5
6 − y = 5
y = 1
Don’t treat Algebra like a monster. It’s just a puzzle.
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No. The level is strictly 10th standard (Matriculation). The questions are direct applications of formulas.
You can consistently expect 2 to 3 questions in the Elementary Mathematics section.
It is one of the most famous questions in SSC exams. If you learn the short trick ($k^2-2$), you get free marks.
You can download the free, exam-level PDF by clicking the link provided in the middle of this blog post.
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