GMAT Quantitative Prep: Expert Tips to Master the Math Section

Hi Folks, This article is about how to increase your GMAT score effectively. In this, we will discuss expert tips that are important for GMAT quant preparation and for increasing your GMAT quant score. Increasing your quantitative score, requires focused strategy, regular practice, and regular assessment. This article helps you to understand GMAT Quant Tips and Tricks, and GMAT Math Tips and Tricks. GMAT Quant Prep Guide or GMAT math prep guide will help you to understand ‘How to study for GMAT Quant’.
If you are not so good at maths, then here we are for you to develop skills to solve for GMAT. The GMAT quant tests your logical and analytical skills. After reading this article and following the tips mentioned in this article, you will be able to crack GMAT Quant, just as many of us did despite being not so good in maths.

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This Story also Contains

1. Understanding the GMAT Quantitative Section
2. Essential GMAT Quantitative Preparation Strategies
3. Expert Tips for GMAT Quant Success
4. GMAT Quantitative Preparation Tips - Topic-Wise
5. Time-Saving Techniques and Shortcuts
6. Advanced Strategies for High Scorers
7. Additional Resources for GMAT Quant Prep
8. GMAT Quantitative General tips
9. GMAT Quant Preparation: Summary

If you are good with GMAT Quant but are not getting 51 in GMAT Quant, this article is for you as well.
In this article, we will give you an easy path to achieve what you want in quant.

Ask yourself:

• Are you very quick or confident while solving maths?
  If your answer is NO, then this article is for you.

• Do you know what you need to score well in GMAT Quant?
  If your answer is NO, then this article is for you.

• Do you know what is required to succeed in quant?
  If your answer is NO, then this article is for you. Even if your answer is Yes, this article will help you.

First, you need to know about the syllabus of GMAT Quant, the pattern of the exam, types of questions.
So, we will start with the understanding of the GMAT Quantitative section.

Understanding the GMAT Quantitative Section

The Quantitative section of the GMAT exam consists of 31 questions to be completed in 62 minutes. It measures the skills related to reasoning quantitatively, solving quantitative problems, and interpreting graphic data. This section involves problems related to arithmetic, elementary algebra, common geometry concepts etc.
Arithmetic Section: This section consists of problems related to numbers, fractions, percentages ratios etc.
Elementary Algebra: Polynomials, functions, Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Inequalities etc are under elementary algebra.
Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Areas related to circles, Quadrilateral, Polygons etc.
Statistics and Probability: Mean, Mode, Median, Probability, Conditional Probability.

• Overview of Question Types

QR (Quantitative Reasoning) section contains mainly Quant-based Problem-Solving questions and Data Sufficiency questions in MCQ format.

Problem-Solving Questions

Problem Solving questions comprise almost 50% of the questions in the Quantitative section of the GMAT. These questions are traditional, logical, and analytical questions with five multiple-choice in which you need to choose the correct answer.

Sample Question:

What is the least number that when divided by 44 leaves a remainder 31, when divided by 56 leaves a remainder 43, and when divided by 32 leaves a remainder 19?

1. 2464

2. 2477

3. 2451

4. 616

5. 603

Solution:

Since the number N is divisible by 44 to leave a remainder 31, then N + (44 – 31) i.e. N + 31 is divisible by 44.
Similarly, N + 13 is also divisible by 32 and 56.
So, N + 13 = LCM (44, 32, 56) = 2464
So, N = 2451
Option C is the correct answer.

Data Sufficiency Questions:

Data Sufficiency questions test your skills of interpreting the information to know whether how accurately you can answer the given question using the given information. Without actually solving the problem.
You will be given two statements with data in them. Using your knowledge of maths concepts like arithmetic, algebra, and/or geometry and the provided data, you need to determine if you can answer the given question.

Sample Question:

The cost of a certain phone call was 0.75 for the first 3 minutes and 0.20 for each additional minute after the first 3 minutes. Did the phone call last longer than 15 minutes?

(1) The cost of the phone call was less than 4.16

(2) the cost of the phone call was greater than 3.35

• Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient.

• Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.

• BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.

• EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.

• Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.

Solution:

Cost of call for 15 minutes = 0.75 + 12 (0.20) = 3.15 the cost of a call should be greater than 3.15, but according to the statement (1) cost can be any value less than 4.16. So, we are not sure if the call is longer than 15 minutes. So, Statement (1) alone is not sufficient to answer the question. but according to statement (2) cost can be any value greater than 3.35 which is greater than $3.15. So, a call is always longer than 15 minutes. So, statement (2) alone is sufficient to answer the question.
Hence the correct answer should be ‘’Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient.’’

• Skills Required

Whichever question type you are working on whether it is problem-solving or data sufficiency, it will require a basic knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and geometry.
These questions are written to analyse your logical thinking and critical thinking skills with a lesser focus on complex mathematical skills. Also, how effectively you do the calculations without using the calculator. We can summarise the skills required as follows:

1. Knowledge of concepts asked in GMAT quant.

2. Speed Maths or Vedic Maths (How quickly you do the correct calculations)

3. Logical Thinking

4. Critical Thinking

5. Reading Graphs

6. Knowledge of Fractions

7. Common Pitfalls and Challenges

There are many pitfalls and challenges faced by an aspirant during the exam. They make common mistakes again and again without understanding why these mistakes are happening again and how to overcome these mistakes. We are summarizing them here:

• Understanding of the pattern of questions

• Questions are taking much time to solve

• Not able to handle the pressure

• Time management

• Silly mistakes while doing basic arithmetic calculations

• Mixing of concepts

• Getting blank during an exam

• Fear of failure

We will discuss the solution to these and similar problems in later sections.

• Importance of Time Management

• What if you think, you can solve all the questions and solve only 20% of the questions despite you can solve more than 75% of the questions?

• Why this happened?

• Will you get selected with this number of questions?

Here, we need to understand the importance of time. Some questions take more time to solve, some questions take more time to think and then solve. If you wasted your time on one question in which you can solve 2 or 3 simpler problems, then you need to work on your time management skills.

This can be achieved by

• Taking more tests

• Planning while taking MOCK tests

• Make strategy

• Improve speed

• Allocation of time for each question

Essential GMAT Quantitative Preparation Strategies

Increasing your GMAT quantitative score requires focused strategy and practice. Here are some expert tips to help boost your quant score:

• Mastering the Fundamentals

You need to ensure a strong hold on basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry, and statistics. Review and practice fundamental principles regularly.
You should break up the syllabus while preparing. Here we are going to discuss the strategies to master the fundamentals.

Here are some strategies to master your fundamentals:

• Break down the syllabus into sub-sections i.e. Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Statistics, and Probability.

• Make flashcards for formulas, important concepts, and short tricks.

• Regularly take practice tests.

• Focus more on the concepts in which you are weak.

• Practice, practice, and more practice.

• Utilizing Practice Tests Effectively

Take practice tests regularly to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on areas where you need improvement and use practice problems to reinforce your skills. Also, focus on the areas in which you are taking more time than it has to be.

The practice exam is a diagnostic tool to focus your study time. When you take a practice exam, it is important to keep this in mind:

• You need to complete the practice test within the time limit.

• Don’t use a calculator while taking tests.

• You need to summarize the areas in which you are weak and the areas in which you are taking more time.

• Summarize the silly mistakes, you are making during the tests.

• Try to rectify the mistakes done previously while taking the next tests.

• Developing Efficient Problem-Solving Techniques

You need to learn and apply different problem-solving techniques.

• Break the large problem into smaller problems.

• Use short tricks.

• Solve through Options. (Eliminating wrong options)

• Analyzing the mistakes and avoiding the mistakes.

• Purchase high-quality GMAT prep books, or subscribe to online courses and practice exams.

Expert Tips for GMAT Quant Success

Scoring well in GMAT Quant depends on how you plan while attempting the test. Here are some tips for data-sufficiency questions and problem-solving questions.

• Tips for Data Sufficiency Questions

Key Concepts:

• You have to learn to recognize the different types of Data Sufficiency questions and approaches to solve them.

• Understand the information given in the question.

• Analyzing the statements.

Expert Tips:

• Solve the different questions on data sufficiency regularly to get familiar with different scenarios.

• Go through the options to eliminate inappropriate choices.

• You just need to check whether the statement is sufficient to answer or not. Do not waste much time in solving.

• Tips for Problem-Solving Questions

Key Concepts:

• Setting Up Equations and Estimate the solution

Expert Tips:

• Learn to transform word problems into mathematical equations.

• Use the approach of estimation to quickly eliminate inappropriate choices.

• Practice a wide range of questions to build flexibility, understand the complexity, and to adapt the different scenarios.

• Review your methods while taking practice tests and look for better approaches always.

GMAT Quantitative Preparation Tips - Topic-Wise

Here we will discuss the topic-wise tips:

Algebra

Key Concepts: Linear equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, and related word problems.
Expert Tips:

• Make important notes of key formulas and concepts and revise them regularly.

• Create flashcards.

• Do practice sets daily.

• Assign time to solve each question while practicing.

• Try to solve problems related to function graphically.

• Try to solve the word problems using options.

Arithmetic

Key Concepts: Fractions, Decimals, Percentages, Ratios and Proportions, Number system, HCF and LCM, Time, speed and distance, Time and Work etc.
Tips:

• Learn the conversion of percentages into fractions and vice versa. Apply them to solve the problems related to percentages.

• Learn different types of problems related to percentages i.e. basic percentages problems, problems related to percentage change, successive percentage change, election-based problems, expenditure-based problems etc.

• Work on basic arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) to increase speed and accuracy.

• Practice speed maths (Vedic maths) for faster calculations.

• Understand how to solve problems involving ratios and proportions using methods of by-parts.

• Understand the classification of numbers and divisibility rules. Also, practice different types of problems.

Geometry

Key Concepts:

• Understanding the different shapes.

• Properties of Triangles, Circle, Quadrilateral, Polygon etc.

• Angle Properties

• Coordinate Geometry

Expert Tips:

• Draw diagrams while solving the geometry questions for better interpretation.

• Memorize the key properties and formulas of different geometrical shapes.

Statistics and Probability

Key Concepts:

• Mean, median, and mode.

• Range and Standard deviation.

• Probability: Practice basic probability concepts, mutually exclusive events, independent events, and conditional probability.

Expert Tips:

• Learn empirical formulas relating to the mean, mode, and median.

• Learn the basic terminology used in statistics like class interval, class size, lower limit and upper limit, cumulative frequency etc.

• Work with Data Sets and practice regularly.

• Use the basic concepts rather using probability formulas.

• Understand the concept of permutation and combination and apply them in probability.

Time-Saving Techniques and Shortcuts

Here are some techniques that can help you to save time during exams:

• You should allocate time for each question.

• Learn tables up to 30.

• Learn squares and cubes up to 25.

• Learn percentage to fraction conversions and vice versa.

• Do not waste much time on one question.

• Skip and Move: If you find any question which requires more time to understand then skip that question and move to the next question.

• Follow the clock: regularly check the time on your screen.

• Practice Time-Bound Exercises.

Also, you can refer to the following:

Advanced Strategies for High Scorers

GMAT quant questions vary in terms of complexity, and level of difficulty. To get a high score, you need to work on different areas.

• Analyzing Complex Problems

• You need to break a complex problem into simpler problems.

• Go through the previous year's questions to check the complexity and difficulty level asked.

• Practice regularly to solve complex problems. If you have not solved complex problems during practice, it will be difficult to solve them during your main exam.

• Complex problems may involve more than one concept. So, you need to identify the concepts which are needed to solve the question.

• Leveraging Alternative Solution Paths

A question always has an alternative solution. You should quest for more than one solution for a question during practice and should incorporate the best solution.
This can be done by practicing more and trying to solve different types of questions to broaden your thinking.

• Avoiding Common Mistakes

Common mistakes made during exams can be summarised as:

• Basic arithmetic calculations like addition, multiplication, subtraction etc.

• Wrong interpretation of the question.

• Wrong selection of correct choice.

• Understanding of complex choices.

You need to work on such common mistakes that can happen. So, taking diagnostic tests is the best way to overcome this problem.

Additional Resources for GMAT Quant Prep

• Recommended Study Materials

• Use the Official GMAT Guide and other materials published by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

• Practice with real GMAT questions to become familiar with the test’s format and difficulty.

• GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024, Focus Edition

• Kaplan Gmat 800.

• Online Courses and Tutoring Options

• You can subscribe to some free YouTube channels or you can purchase online courses to boost your preparation for GMAT.

• There are various online courses available for GMAT preparation such as Magoosh GMAT Prep, The Princeton Review, GMAT Official Prep by GMAC etc.

• The online mode of preparation allows you to study in a comfortable phase with no time constraints.

• Community and Forum Participation

There are several communities and forums for GMAT preparation for free. You can follow any of them to boost your preparation.
few of them are listed here:

• GMAT Club

• Manhattan Prep

• e-GMAT - Free Adaptive Mock Test

Also, read: Quantitative Reasoning and Data Insight for GMAT.

GMAT Quantitative General tips

There are some general expert tips to boost your preparation.

1. MAKE A STUDY PLAN:

• Prepare a structured daily study schedule that includes regular practice sessions, review your test results, and make a note of common mistakes you are making and plan to rectify them.

• Set small goals to achieve with a deadline and monitor them.

2. Best GMAT Quantitative Books:”

• Shortlist some books separately for theory and practice that suit you. Here are some suggestions
  GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024, Focus Edition

• GMAT Focus Edition Unofficial Quantitative Review 2023 by Career Launcher.

• Kaplan Gmat 800.

3. Identify Your Weaknesses:

You are the best trainer for yourself. Introspect yourself to identify your weaknesses and rectify them. The three words for it are ‘PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and MORE PRACTICE’.

4. Creating and Using GMAT Quant Flashcards

Create flashcards that contain important formulas, and important concepts and keep them with you always. Whenever you get the time, revise them so that you can remember all those concepts and formulas.

5. Theory, practice questions, Tests:

You can follow the basic steps given

• Start with the diagnostic test so that you can find the areas in which you need to improve.

• Create a study plan to learn the theory using official GMAT material or good books.

• Focus more on problem-solving and data sufficiency.

• Review the concepts and formulas.

• Take full-length practice tests.

6. Stay Healthy by taking proper rest, Exercises, yoga, and having a balanced diet.

GMAT Quant Preparation: Summary

In this article, we have discussed expert tips to boost your preparation for GMAT quant. By following these tips, you can enhance your performance in the GMAT Quantitative section. This score will enhance your overall score in GMAT which is important for your percentile and overall rank.
Also, we can summarize these tips as

• Creating a study plan.

• Use official GMAT Resources.

• Assess yourself regularly.

• Keep yourself in good health.

• Seek help from experts when needed.

• Be focused.

• Practice more.