If you are an FSc Pre-Medical, FA, or ICS student, chances are you dislike mathematics. When students look at the HEC LAT syllabus and see "Mathematics - 5 Marks," their first instinct is to say: "I'll just guess these five questions and focus on the rest."
This is a massive strategic error. The HEC does not test complex FSc-level math. They test everyday logic. By learning just four basic concepts, you can guarantee yourself 5 free marks in less than 30 seconds per question.
The 4 Core Concepts You Must Know
Do not waste your time reviewing geometry or complex algebraic equations. The HEC repeats questions from these four specific categories:
1 Percentages (%)
This is the most highly tested concept in LAT history. You will usually be asked to find a percentage of a whole number.
Example Question:
"What is 20% of 150?"
The Trick:
Multiply the numbers and divide by 100.
(20 × 150) / 100 = 3000 / 100 = 30.
2 Ratios & Proportions
Ratios show how much of one thing there is compared to another. They usually ask you to divide a total amount based on a ratio.
Example Question:
"Divide Rs. 500 between Ali and Bilal in the ratio 2:3. What is Ali's share?"
The Trick:
Add the ratio numbers (2 + 3 = 5). This is your "Total Parts".
Divide the total money by total parts (500 / 5 = 100 per part).
Multiply by Ali's ratio (100 × 2 = 200).
3 Age Problems
These look confusing but are solved with simple subtraction and addition.
Example Question:
"A father is 30 years older than his son. In 5 years, the father will be 45. How old is the son now?"
The Trick:
Work backwards. If the father is 45 in five years, he is 40 *now* (45 - 5 = 40).
Since he is 30 years older than his son, the son is currently 40 - 30 = 10 years old.
4 The BODMAS Rule
This stands for Brackets, Orders, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction. It is the order in which you must solve an equation.
Example Question:
"Solve: 10 + 10 × 0 + 10"
The Trick:
Do NOT read left to right. Apply BODMAS. Multiplication comes before Addition.
First, solve 10 × 0 = 0.
Now the equation is: 10 + 0 + 10 = 20.
No Calculators Allowed
Remember, the HEC does not allow calculators inside the exam hall. All calculations must be done manually on the rough space provided at the back of your question paper. Practice these tricks using a pen and paper at home.
Five marks can easily bridge the gap between a rejection letter and an admission letter to Punjab University.