Advice on Probability

Question

Hello Everyone,

I have my test on Feb 3. In the recent practice tests I gave, I scored moderately in the Quant section (MGMAT 46, GMAT Prep 47).

I was never comfortable with probability and hence did not spend much time studying this topic. Also, one of the users of this forum mentioned that questions on probability are very rear on the ream exam. However, while I was giving the practice tests, I came across few questions on probability. I am not sure whether to bank on the perception that probability of probability is less. Do you guys think its worth spending time studying probability or should i just let it go.

Also, I would like to be advised on what books I should refer to fine tune my quant skills. I have exhausted all the 5 MGMAT books.

I would appreciate your suggestions in this regard.

Thanks.

rustypolymath · Answer

Hi bchavali! We have recently developed new books at the MBA Center, but at the moment they are unfortunately only available to our students.

If you live in Europe we can certainly help out, but either way I do think you need to get some advice. Probability is often one of the last things people are thoroughly comfortable with. It isn't that common on the GMAT, but you are astute to assume you will get 1 or 2 probability questions, especially with your score as high as it is! Again, I suggest getting some help from a coach. But if you can't, 47 is still a very good quant score... not as much room to manoeuver, maybe, as you'd like (you DEFINITELY don't want to go too far below that), but it's nothing to be ashamed of, either.

Bunuel · Answer

For theory check Probability chapter of Math Book: math-probability-87244.html Also try some questions on probability to practice: DS: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=33 PS: search.php?search_id=tag&tag_id=54 Hard questions on combinations and probability with detailed solutions: hardest-area-questions-probability-and-combinations-101361.html In addition, note that usually the GMAT combination/probability questions are fairly straightforward and as practice shows you won't encounter more than 2-3 questions from this field. So, time left is quite enough to grasp the concept of it and be able to solve common probability questions on the actual test. Hope ti helps.

KarishmaB · Answer

GMAT is a well balanced test and hence you shouldn't see more than 2-3 Permutations, combinations and probability questions. Also, 1 or 2 of the questions you get on these topics will be relatively straight forward even if you are doing well overall since even simple questions from these topics are considered 'unsettling'. As Bunuel suggested, I think you should go through the basics of these topics. You will sail through one question but might get stuck on the other (which doesn't really matter in the overall scheme).
You can check out the Veritas Combinatorics and Probability book which discusses the theory of these topics in detail. Also, for higher level Quant questions, you can check out Advanced Word Problems book of Veritas though I wonder if you have enough time left to get the book and then go through it.

bchavali · Answer

Thank you rustypolymath, bunuel and karishma.

StrangeWind · Answer

Thanks for sharing

FuzzyBuzzard · Answer

On a similar topic: While taking an exam from "CATprep", I encountered a probability question which later was titled as "Hypergeometric distribution" question. So far I didn't had similar questions and I'm nor familiar with the formula. To your knowledge, is this topic something worth paying attention to? I even find it hard to find questions on this topic...
I also have the exam on the beginning of February.

Thank you!

KarishmaB · Answer

Ignore hypergeometric distribution. It will not be asked on GMAT. The concepts tested on GMAT are very basic. The way they are tested tricks you.

bumpbot · Answer

Automated notice from GMAT Club BumpBot: 

A member just gave Kudos to this thread, showing it’s still useful. I’ve bumped it to the top so more people can benefit. Feel free to add your own questions or solutions.

 This post was generated automatically.

Advice on Probability

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards