What if my Maths isn't good

Question

Hi All,

Over in the "Share you Experience" section, you always hear of people scoring in the high 40's, or other expressions like 'I was disappointed I didn't get 50 or 51"

I enjoy maths, but I can't seem to get it up to a respectable score.
I've been doing the OG's, but as I plough through them, I still stumble through a lot of them

I do have error log aswell. I know it sounds obvious, but if I'm having a problem with say, number theory, is the only way to go back to basics and learn the number theory fundamentals, and address the questions later.

I guess I've been trying to use the questions to learn the content.

Whats the best attack plan ?

Does anyone else have this problem ? I guess not, since I'm in a forum of maths 45ers and above.

u2lover · Answer

I think that the only way to deal with that is to go back to basics... until you have those straight you won't understand the problems...

I had this issue with number properties and I memorized the basics (2 is only prime even or if there is a even in multiplication the outcome will always be even... etc) now I can quickly find the answers, however consecutive numbers are sometimes tough for me... after you know the basics lay your hands on practicing and polishing the basics with problems

don't worry... you are not alone... I am struggling with pacing in math with scores in the mid- high 30es. I am not guru in math, :roll:

but I don't hate or afraid of it.

haas_mba07 · Answer

Would second U2's comments... it is easy to fall into the "I am afraid of _____" ... fill your favorite (or not) item.

 But, the key is to accept that you have some holes in the stuff you already know and focus yourself to work on the holes and fill them...  

Good luck/

rhyme · Answer

If you know where you are weak in math, consider buying the Manhattan math guides - they are not expensive and they start from the ground up - teach you the basics before you try to learn shortcuts or tips.

If not Manhattan, maybe someone else can suggest other resources -- but if you are like me ( I SUCK at math, seriously. Seriously suck.....) ... To put into perspective...

I scored a 33 in math on my second gmat. A fricking 33. The last time I took it I got a 45 (though on some practice exams I was pulling 47,48 - which would have been GREAT).

... If you are like me, manhattan will help a lot.

Gauss · Answer

UI agree is a matter of practice I also pulled out a 33 in my first GMAT attempt and consider that I am just graduating from Econ where the last exams that I had to take where Financial Math and Statistics,... gmat follows his own rules and logic and u should get in that mood, the key of success in this case is practice practice practice,.. if u have then any problem just start to add posts in this forum and we all will be glad to give a shot to solve the question trying to provide explanations....

wlee76 · Answer

Cheers everyone.
I'll take your comments onboard.

I guess there is no way to avoid learning the basics. I'm much more of a task/problem oriented person, so its much easier for me to just plough through problems rather than try to learn theory.

Its also comforting to know that I'm not the only person whose quant marks are in the 30's :oops:

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What if my Maths isn't good

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