In-Depth: Tables
CLAT Application & Relevance
Importance: VERY HIGH. Tables are one of the most common and versatile formats for presenting data in CLAT QT. They can contain a large amount of precise numerical information across multiple categories and time periods. While seemingly simple, accuracy is paramount, as misreading a single cell can lead to incorrect answers. Tables often serve as the base for Caselets.
How it's tested: Summation of values across rows/columns; calculation of averages; finding ratios; determining percentage increase/decrease; identifying maximum/minimum values; multi-dimensional analysis (e.g., comparing values across years and categories).
Section 1: Core Concepts & Interpretation
A table is a structured set of data, organized into rows and columns. Each row represents a record or an item, and each column represents a specific attribute or variable for those records.
Key Elements to Look For:
- Title: Provides a concise summary of the data presented in the table.
- Headers (Column & Row): Clearly define what each column and row represents. Pay close attention to units (e.g., thousands, millions, percentages, actual numbers).
- Body/Cells: Contains the actual data values. Ensure you are extracting data from the correct row and column intersection.
- Footnotes/Notes: Always read any accompanying notes below the table. They often contain crucial information, definitions, or caveats that affect calculations.
Strategic Approach to Tables:
- Scan First: Quickly read the title, column headers, and row headers to understand the overall context and what data is available. Don't read every number initially.
- Identify Question Needs: Read the questions first. This helps you identify which specific data points or calculations are required.
- Locate Data: Precisely locate the data points needed for each question. Be careful with large tables to avoid errors due to misreading rows/columns.
- Calculate Carefully: Perform calculations using the identified data. Double-check sums, averages, and percentages.
Section 2: Solved CLAT-Style Examples
Example 1: Analyzing and Comparing Data from a Single Table
Passage Context: A table shows the number of cases handled by five different legal departments of a large law firm over two financial years (FY).
| Department | FY 2022 (Cases) | FY 2023 (Cases) |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Law | 450 | 520 |
| Civil Litigation | 380 | 410 |
| Criminal Defense | 290 | 330 |
| Intellectual Property | 180 | 200 |
| Family Law | 150 | 170 |
Question A: "What is the total number of cases handled by the firm across all departments in FY 2023?"
Detailed Solution A:
1. Identify Relevant Column: Focus on the "FY 2023 (Cases)" column.
2. Sum the values:
Total FY 2023 Cases = 520 + 410 + 330 + 200 + 170 = 1630 cases.
Answer A: The total number of cases handled in FY 2023 is 1630.
Question B: "Which department showed the highest percentage increase in cases from FY 2022 to FY 2023?"
Detailed Solution B:
1. Calculate Percentage Increase for each department: ((FY 2023 - FY 2022) / FY 2022) * 100
- Corporate Law:
((520 - 450) / 450) * 100 = (70 / 450) * 100 ≈ 15.56% - Civil Litigation:
((410 - 380) / 380) * 100 = (30 / 380) * 100 ≈ 7.89% - Criminal Defense:
((330 - 290) / 290) * 100 = (40 / 290) * 100 ≈ 13.79% - Intellectual Property:
((200 - 180) / 180) * 100 = (20 / 180) * 100 ≈ 11.11% - Family Law:
((170 - 150) / 150) * 100 = (20 / 150) * 100 ≈ 13.33%
2. Compare Percentages: Corporate Law has the highest percentage increase (approx. 15.56%).
Answer B: The Corporate Law department showed the highest percentage increase.
Example 2: Ratio and Average from a Multi-Column Table
Passage Context: A table provides data on the number of male and female students enrolled in the LLB program across three different law colleges.
| College | Male Students | Female Students | Total Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 350 | 250 | 600 |
| B | 420 | 380 | 800 |
| C | 280 | 320 | 600 |
Question A: "What is the ratio of male students to female students across all three colleges combined?"
Detailed Solution A:
1. Calculate Total Male Students: 350 + 420 + 280 = 1050.
2. Calculate Total Female Students: 250 + 380 + 320 = 950.
3. Form the Ratio: Total Male : Total Female = 1050 : 950.
4. Simplify the Ratio: Divide both by 50. 1050/50 = 21, 950/50 = 19.
Ratio = 21 : 19.
Answer A: The ratio of male to female students across all three colleges combined is 21:19.
Question B: "What is the average number of total students per college?"
Detailed Solution B:
1. Identify Total Students per College: 600 (A), 800 (B), 600 (C).
2. Sum the Total Students: 600 + 800 + 600 = 2000.
3. Count the Number of Colleges: 3.
4. Calculate Average: Average = Sum / Count = 2000 / 3 ≈ 666.67.
Answer B: The average number of total students per college is approximately 666.67.