You can master all of the concepts tested on the GMAT.
The quantitative section of the Graduate Management Admission Test can be tricky, especially for people who haven't seen a math textbook in years. The concepts tested on the GMAT are easy--even though their applications may be difficult. Here's a brief summary of what you'll need to know to ace GMAT math.
Quantitative Section Overview
The quantitative section of the GMAT contains 37 questions that must be answered in 75 minutes. There are two question types: problem solving and data sufficiency. All the questions deal with the same basic math concepts: arithmetic, algebra, geometry and word problems. Although the concepts are simple, higher-level GMAT questions apply these ideas in complicated ways that require well-developed understanding and excellent knowledge to solve.
Problem Solving
Most test takers are probably familiar with the type of question used in GMAT problem solving from past math classes or other standardized tests. These questions require the application of mathematical techniques to find a specific answer. Problem-solving questions include a math question and list five answer choices that contain numerical answers, equations or other concrete solutions to the problem.
Data Sufficiency
Data-sufficiency problems are a unique kind of GMAT problem that requires you to assess whether given information is sufficient to solve a certain problem. In data sufficiency, you will be given a short problem followed by two statements (called Statement 1 and Statement 2) containing additional information. You then must assess whether either statement alone is enough information to solve the problem, whether both are needed together or whether neither is enough to solve the problem. The five answer choices are always the same:
A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.
B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.
C) BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.
Arithmetic
Arithmetic topics begin with basic mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), which will play an integral part in most GMAT quantitative questions. Number theory addresses the basic properties of numbers, including prime/non-prime (and prime factorization) and even/odd. Many problems require conversion of percentages, fractions and decimals and test the test taker's knowledge of how these three notations relate to each other. Exponents and square roots appear frequently as well. Probability addresses the likelihood of a specific outcome given a set of circumstances. Combinations and permutations are frequently required in probability problems involving the selection of members from large groups.
Algebra
Algebra problems often apply the concepts of arithmetic to abstract notations using variables (symbolized frequently by the letters x, y, z and others) instead of numbers. Equations involving variables are typically solved to express information in terms of one variable. Techniques to solve algebraic equations include factoring, working with monomials and polynomials and applying basic arithmetic techniques to variables. Many GMAT problems require the test taker to use algebra to set up problems and manipulate abstract information. Algebraic expressions may be used to describe ratios, proportions and inequalities. Coordinate graphs also fall under the heading of algebra.
Geometry
Geometry describes multidimensional shapes using line measurements, angle measurements and formulas. Triangles and circles are the shapes that appear most frequently on the GMAT. Test takers must know formulas to find area, circumference, side length, diameter and more. Many GMAT problems involve multiple kinds of shapes and will require the test taker to find lengths and angle measurements with limited information.
Word Problems
Word problems require you to know a specific formula or information set. Examples of word problem topics include rate, motion, work, interest, percentage change and mixture problems. To solve a word problem, you must understand the concepts involved (such as speed, distance and time in motion problems) and how they relate to one another, typically by memorizing specific equations.
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