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Three Algebra Formulas Essential for the GMAT

First, a few practice problems. 1) The numbers a, b, and c are all positive.  If , then what is the value of ? Statement #1: a – b = 3 Statement #2: = 7 2) Given that (P + 2Q) is a positive number, what is the value of (P + 2Q)? Statement #1: [...]

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GMAT Math Equations

Here’s a brief rundown of important GMAT math equations to know.  This outline will follow the organization of the “Math Review” in the GMAT OG.   Arithmetic It’s not really an equation, but you should know how to add & subtract & multiply & divide fractions.   Percents are all over the GMAT, and you should [...]

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Pythagorean Triplets to Memorize for the GMAT

Learn the most common solutions to the Pythagorean Theorem There aren’t many numbers you need to memorize for success on the GMAT Quantitative section, but knowing a few key Pythagorean triplets will save you a ton of time.  First, try these GMAT practice question: remember: no calculator! 1) In right triangle ABC, BC = 48 [...]

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GMAT Coordinate Geometry: Distance Between Two Points

How do you find the distance between two points in the x-y plane?  First, try these practice questions. 1) What is the distance from (–7, 2) to (5, –3)? 10 11 12 13 14 2) Consider the three points in the x-y plane: P = (8, 4), Q = (6, 7), and R = (9, [...]

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GMAT Quant: Difference of Two Squares

You may remember this formula, one of the sleekest factoring tricks in all of algebra: This formula, called “the difference of two squares” formula, is a favorite of standardized test writers.  A simple enough pattern: see if you can detect where it shows up in the following challenging problems.   1)  = (A) (B) (C)  [...]

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Breakdown of GMAT Quant Concepts by Frequency

Magoosh’s very own Mike McGarry, GMAT/Math Teacher/Tutor/Foosball player extraordinaire, went through 5 different sets of Official GMAT Practice Material and tallied questions based on the subject material they tested to find the most common GMAT questions. Here are the samples of Official Material he used to figure out the GMAT Quant breakdown: 1.GMAT Official Guide [...]

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Isosceles Triangles on the GMAT

The GMAT quantitative section asks, among other things, about geometry. One of the GMAT’s favorite figures is the isosceles triangle.  An isosceles triangle is one that has two congruent sides.  Knowing simply that about a triangle has profound implications for answer GMAT Problem Solving & Data Sufficiency questions.   Euclid’s Remarkable Theorem Euclid first proved [...]

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Top 5 GMAT Math Formulas

These five GMAT formulas are five powerful tools to fuel your success on GMAT Math.  Find out how much each can help you!  Each of these come with a breakdown of each formula, followed by practice questions so that you can test yourself on how well you understand how to use them. Try each one [...]

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GMAT Permutations and Combinations

Permutations A permutation is a possible order in which to put a set of objects.  Suppose I had a shelf of 5 different books, and I wanted to know: in how many different orders can I put these 5 books?  Another way to say that is: 5 books have how many different permutations? In order [...]

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GMAT Distance and Work: Rate Formula

Formulas A rate is how fast something is growing, changing, or being performed.  The overarching rate formula is: Amount = Rate x Time   When the rate is a speed, this simplifies to the familiar formula: Distance = Speed x Time   In questions about speed, especially where an object travels at one speed for [...]

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