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whatisthematrix
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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 09:46
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do i actually need to memorize this formula for the GMAT:



(The quadratic formula)

I learned this in high school and while I recognize it, I have not memorized or used it in quite some time...
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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 11:16
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Yes, you will need to find roots of equations on the GMAT... and you need a book or a course that would give you a refresher of a lot of other formulas and tricks but the bottom line, you do need to find roots for a number of questions and also indirectly - it won't hurt to be able to solve either using this formula or an alternative approach.



whatisthematrix
do i actually need to memorize this formula for the GMAT:



(The quadratic formula)

I learned this in high school and while I recognize it, I have not memorized or used it in quite some time...
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whatisthematrix
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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 11:33
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ok, thank you so much for the response
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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 11:56
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whatisthematrix
do i actually need to memorize this formula for the GMAT:



(The quadratic formula)

I learned this in high school and while I recognize it, I have not memorized or used it in quite some time...
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Hey - Unfortunately you will have to remember this formula. Just refer to some book and work on some basic 15-20 problems using this formula, such a practice will help you solidify what you have learnt
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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 12:20
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whatisthematrix
do i actually need to memorize this formula for the GMAT:



(The quadratic formula)

I learned this in high school and while I recognize it, I have not memorized or used it in quite some time...

Hey - Unfortunately you will have to remember this formula. Just refer to some book and work on some basic 15-20 problems using this formula, such a practice will help you solidify what you have learnt
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Under what "subcategory" of the practice question bank are quadratic questions located?
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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 16:05
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Hi whatisthematrix,

The answer to your immediate question is NO - you will not 'need' to know that formula to answer any Quant questions on the GMAT. Most GMAT questions are written so that they can be solved in more than one way - and the types of Quadratics that you will see on Test Day can all be solved with basic Arithmetic and a little logic/'brute force.' If you 'want' to use that formula, then you might find one or two instances in which you can - but if you are consistently choosing to take a more complex approach to solving questions, then that choice will almost certainly cost you time and points on the Official GMAT.

Approximately 2 weeks ago, we discussed having you take a practice CAT/mock. Have you taken any already (and if you did, then how did you score?)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 17:41
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Understood. I have already begun re-memorizing it.

Yes, I took a CAT here on GMATclub. Verbal came in at 99 percentile. No big problems there, but i will do some more practice anyways. And 10 years ago I got a 90 or 92 percentile on Verbal, so that checks out.

Quant is a whole different ballgame. I raced through it and guessed a lot, felt very intimidated and the score came back something like 10 percentile. However, I know this is not my actual current ability. 10 years ago i think i scored about a 70 percentile. Truth be told i am probably about a 50 percentile in reality. I have a decent foundation in math, just need to brush up on some formulas and grease the engine.

I am especially weak on Word problems (rate, speed, time). My head just can't grasp it. I need lots of practice. Also weak on the common pitfalls, probability, etc....

I am scheduled to take the exam in person first week of February so i have a month and a half to practice. I spent the last few weeks already brushing up on lots of math review

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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 17:51
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Good point rich. I stand corrected - you should be able to use the alternative approach to find the roots which is indeed easier. These questions fall under Algebra usually.

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Hi whatisthematrix,

The answer to your immediate question is NO - you will not 'need' to know that formula to answer any Quant questions on the GMAT. Most GMAT questions are written so that they can be solved in more than one way - and the types of Quadratics that you will see on Test Day can all be solved with basic Arithmetic and a little logic/'brute force.' If you 'want' to use that formula, then you might find one or two instances in which you can - but if you are consistently choosing to take a more complex approach to solving questions, then that choice will almost certainly cost you time and points on the Official GMAT.

Approximately 2 weeks ago, we discussed having you take a practice CAT/mock. Have you taken any already (and if you did, then how did you score?)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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Quadratic formula 16 Dec 2020, 20:34
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whatisthematrix
Understood. I have already begun re-memorizing it.

Yes, I took a CAT here on GMATclub. Verbal came in at 99 percentile. No big problems there, but i will do some more practice anyways. And 10 years ago I got a 90 or 92 percentile on Verbal, so that checks out.

Quant is a whole different ballgame. I raced through it and guessed a lot, felt very intimidated and the score came back something like 10 percentile. However, I know this is not my actual current ability. 10 years ago i think i scored about a 70 percentile. Truth be told i am probably about a 50 percentile in reality. I have a decent foundation in math, just need to brush up on some formulas and grease the engine.

I am especially weak on Word problems (rate, speed, time). My head just can't grasp it. I need lots of practice. Also weak on the common pitfalls, probability, etc....

I am scheduled to take the exam in person first week of February so i have a month and a half to practice. I spent the last few weeks already brushing up on lots of math review

Posted from my mobile device
Show more

As has been said, you do not need to have the quadric formula memorized for the GMAT. Also, since you seem to be struggling with quant, here is a helpful article to get you started:

How To Increase Your GMAT Quant Score

If you have any questions after reading the article, feel free to reach out.

Good luck!
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