GMAT prep tips: Quantitative section

Table of Contents

The Quantitative section of the GMAT Test measures basic mathematical skills. It tests a candidate’s understanding of elementary concepts in mathematics learned at school and the ability to reason quantitatively. The section involves solving quantitative problems, reasoning using quantitative techniques, and interpreting graphic data.

The Quantitative section measures a candidate’s ability to analyze the data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. Although one needs to have good mathematical skills to solve the questions in the Quants section, however, the mathematics that one needs is taught in secondary school. In this article, we have given GMAT Quantitative tips, so, you can prepare better for the quants section.

Test Section Duration: 75 minutes

Format: 37 questions

Tests: Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency

The Quantitative section consists of two question types.

Problem Solving Problem solving questions are standard 5-choice multiple-choice questions.
Data sufficiency questions consist of a question followed by two statements.

Your job is to decide whether the information in the statements is sufficient to answer the question. These questions require much less calculation than standard problem-solving.

Skills Measured in the GMAT Quantitative Section

Ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data
Understanding problems involving arithmetic, elementary algebra, and common geometry concepts
Evaluation of the amount of information needed to solve quantitative problems
Analyzing a quantitative problem
Recognizing which information is relevant
To be able to determine at what point there is sufficient information to solve a problem

Tips for Problem Solving Questions

Problem-solving questions test your ability to use logical and analytical reasoning to solve quantitative problems. Candidates need to solve the problem and mark the answer from the given choices.

Increase speed: Keep on checking the screen-timer during the test. Do not waste too much time on a problem you are not able to solve and move to the next question. Try to finish the complete section.
Read every question carefully: Read every question carefully to understand the given data and what is being asked. read every sentence carefully and translate the data into equations to solve the problem.
Use the erasable board: Use the erasable noteboard given at the test center. Solving the questions in writing may help you in getting the right answers and avoid mistakes.
Take a glance at the answer choices: Before giving the answer go through the options given for the answer. Else, you may spend time on getting an answer that is not given in the choices.
Do not focus on one question for too long: If a question is taking too much time then move to the next one. Check out the choices and eliminate the ones you think are wrong and select the best option and move to the next question.

Tips for Data Sufficiency Questions

Data Sufficiency tests your ability to analyze a quantitative problem, recognize which data is relevant, and also determine at what point is there enough data to solve the given problem.

Check whether the problem allows a range of values or only one value: You only have to determine whether you have enough data or not.
Avoid unwarranted assumptions based on geometric figures: It is not necessary that figures be drawn to scale.

Math Skills Required to solve GMAT Quant Section

One needs to have basic mathematical skills to solve the Quantitative Reasoning Section of the GMAT exam. Some of the areas where you need to focus and increase your Maths knowledge are

Arithmetic – basic arithmetic including fractions, statistics, integers, and probability, and powers and roots
Algebra – how to solve different types of equations and topics like variables and functions
Geometry – properties of geometric objects, including triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, solids, and cylinders
Word problems – geometric principles to solve problems, blending arithmetic, and algebraic

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GMAT quantitative section tricks

Know math formulas before you take the GMAT.
Take advantage of your scrap paper. Use it to draw pictures, work out formulas, and cross out wrong answer choices.
Since you will not need the keyboard for the Quantitative section, move it aside to give you more desk room for writing on your scrap paper.
Advanced topics such as trigonometry and calculus are not tested on the GMAT. To score well, you only need to be familiar with school-level arithmetic, geometry, and algebra.

Do not rely on your visual judgment to answer geometry questions. One common mistake is to assume that 2 lines must form a right angle, when this is not stated anywhere in the text.
Spend at least 30 seconds reviewing the diagrams. Many facts can be drawn from the illustrations.
Similarly, spend 30 seconds reviewing the graphs and tables. Graph problems are supposed to test your ability to interpret and use graphs and tables and don’t require hard calculations.
However, you can rely on visual estimates for bar graphs and line charts. The test writers will not use visual tricks on these questions.
Learn how to work backwards. If you are completely stuck on a question, you can select an answer choice and work backwards to see if it makes sense.
Don’t rush through the easy questions and make careless mistakes.
Eliminate answer choices that don’t make sense.