Accept the challenge to master GMAT math.
Start the year off strong by diving in to your GMAT prep with vigor (or renewed vigor, as the case may be.) The math section is often the most feared, but the quantitative content on the GMAT is definable and conquerable. Brush up on the math skills that the exam tests and pair this knowledge with solid critical thinking to be successful.
Remember, the concepts presented here are the basics of what the GMAT test. For advanced concepts and questions, the test makers have unique ways of making these more difficult.
Math Skill #1 – Arithmetic
While arithmetic is foundational in grade school (and a great deal of review for many students), you must study the fundamentals as well as the more advanced concepts. The GMAT test your ability to:
· Manipulate fractions, decimals, and ratios (as well as the need to convert among the three)
· Understand the properties of individual numbers and the concept of real numbers
· Work with percentages
· Calculate and manipulate exponents and roots
· Understand and apply descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation)
· Understand and apply properties of sets (Venn diagrams)
· Know and apply various counting methods (including permutations and combinations)
· Understand, calculate, and analyze discrete probability
Several Quantitative questions you’ll encounter on GMAT test day will require application of more than one of these topics. In arithmetic, there are several concepts and equations you’ll have to memorize.
Math Skill #2 – Algebra
Generally, the algebra covered on the GMAT does not test you above high school Algebra. However, it has probably been several years since high hchool. These are the concepts you must review for the test:
· Manipulating algebraic expressions (isolating variables and solving for a variable)
· Solving equations (linear equations with one or more unknowns and quadratic equations)
· Solving and manipulating inequalities
· Applying and solving functions
Math Skill #3 – Geometry
On GMAT geometry, you will not have to build SIN or COS curves nor graph non-linear functions. GMAT geometry is limited to the following concepts:
· Properties of Triangles, Quadrilaterals, and Circles
· Properties of uniform solids (rectangles and cylinders)
· Properties of lines (intersecting, perpendicular, and parallel)
· Properties of angles (a skill that is also part of the lines and geometric shapes)
· Coordinate Geometry (very basic four quadrant graphing for the standard y=mx+b equation)
Math Skill #4 – ‘Real Life’ Issues
Since the GMAT isn’t a high school equivalency exam, the test makers added additional concepts that borrow heavily from the items above but add a real-life dimension to the concept. The GMAT requires that you know a few more equations and concepts. However, at the base level, this is just an additional application of the concepts above. These additional applications include the ability to calculate the following:
· Interest (both simple and compound)
· Discounts and/or Profits
· Work and Combined Work Problems
· Rate and Measurement Problems
While this list is comprehensive, it is, by itself, not sufficient. Since the GMAT doesn’t require a significant amount of outside knowledge, you’ll find these concepts presented in a manner that makes them far more difficult than they seem on paper. The only way to ensure you are prepared is to practice. Get started on the path to a great GMAT score with a free practice test.
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