The single most-tested topic on the GMAT Quantitative Section is something called “Number Properties.” In a way, this statement, while absolutely true, is a bit deceptive. It’s like saying the biggest category at a particular zoo is mammals: even if that is completely true, that statement alone doesn’t give us a particular clear idea of [...]
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GMAT Math: One is NOT a Prime Number
Fact: according to all mathematical definitions, the number 1 is not a prime number Primes One definition of a prime number is: any number that has only two positive integer factors —- itself and 1. The following are valid prime numbers. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29 …. It is [...]
Number Sense for the GMAT
First, a practice problem. Remember, no calculator. I. II. III. 1) Rank those three in order from smallest to biggest. I, II, III I, III, II II, I, III II, III, I III, I, II Number sense Many GMAT Quantitative Problems, like the foregoing one, test number sense. What is number sense? Number [...]
GMAT Math: The Many Meaning of Minus
First of all, for warm-up, a practice Data Sufficiency question. The symbol What does this symbol mean in math? Technically, this symbol, typographically a dash, has three different meanings in mathematics, viz.: a) a subtraction sign b) a negative sign c) an opposite sign The subtraction sign When the dash appears between two terms [...]
GMAT Math: Possibilities for Variables
How do we know what the possible values for a variable on the GMAT are? First of all, consider this DS problem 1) Is P > Q? Statement #1: P = 5*Q Statement #2: P = Q + R For folks who are not as comfortable with math, or are a bit rusty with math, [...]
GMAT Factorials
Learn how to simplify these seemingly devilishly complicated GMAT Quant problems! First, consider these problems 3) Consider these three quantities Rank these three quantities from least to greatest. I, II, III I, III, II II, I, III II, III, I III, I, II These are challenging problems, especially the third one! With a few simple [...]
Function Notation on the GMAT
Consider these two practice GMAT Quantitative problems: 1) Given f(x) = 3x – 5, for what value of x does 2*[f(x)] – 1 = f(3x – 6) 0 4 6 7 13 –2 5/3 1 2 8 If you find these questions completely incomprehensible, then you have found the right blog post. Function notation [...]
Simplifying Radical Expressions on the GMAT
Practice questions Let’s start out with a couple practice questions. 2) What is the length of the diagonal of a square with area 48? The geometry of those questions is not too difficult, but the trick is how to handle those radicals. If that befuddles you, this is just the post for you. Distributing [...]
Adding and Subtracting Powers on the GMAT
First, consider this practice problem: If this problem makes your head spin, you have found the right blog article! Operations with powers There are legitimate laws of exponents for multiplying and dividing powers. For example: Multiplying powers means add the exponents and dividing powers means subtract the exponents. For more on this, see this [...]
GMAT Quant: Roots
Master these seemingly intimidating mathematical symbols! Practice Questions First, try these practice questions. 1) The numbers a, b, and c are all non-zero integers. Is a > 0? Statement #1: Statement #2: 2) The numbers a, b, and c are all non-zero integers. Is a > 0? Statement #1: Statement #2: Square [...]
