One complaint of some folks studying for the GMAT is: “I know a good deal of math. I could do most of the math problems on the GMAT if I had enough time, but I often don’t see the quick ways to do these problems. How do I see the shortcuts?” This post is an [...]
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Simplifying Math with Substitution on the GMAT
This post discusses a strategy for simplifying complex mathematical expression on the GMAT Quantitative section. Consider the following very challenging Data Sufficiency question. 1. What is the value of x? Take a moment to wrestle with this before reading this article, in which we will explain how to approach this. Complex Equations on the GMAT [...]
When to Guess on the GMAT?
When should I just guess and move on? This has to be one of the most common questions my students pose when preparing for the GMAT and learning how you should study for GMAT math. Because the test can’t tell the difference between a guessed correct answer and well worked out correct answer, it’s important [...]
Mathematical Thinking on the GMAT
What does the GMAT Quantitative section test? Math, of course. As tautological as that may seem, there is a very subtle point here. What exactly is math? Mathematics Strange as it may seem, there is no generally accepted formal definition of the word mathematics. Most of the dictionary definitions, for example, cover the more [...]
GMAT Probability and Counting Techniques
This is the third in a series of probability articles for the GMAT Quantitative Section. In the first, I discussed the “AND” and “OR” rules for probability. In the second, I discussed the “complement rule” and how to use this to solve “at least” problems in probability. For a warm-up, here are some challenging GMAT [...]
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 [...]
Doubling and Halving Trick for GMAT Math
Learn one of the handiest tricks for math without a calculator! Without a calculator, what is 1. 35 x 12? 2. 150 x 36? 3. 125 x 84? On the GMAT, you don’t get a calculator. With the doubling and halving trick, all of these become much easier. Thinking about multiplication Every positive [...]
GMAT Plugging In Strategy: Always Start with Answer Choice C
Learn this powerful math trick for GMAT Problem Solving questions. First, try these two practice GMAT Quantitative section Problem Solving questions. 1) Bert left the house with N dollars. He spent 1/4 of this at the hardware store, then $7 at the dry cleaners, and then half of what was left at the grocery store. [...]
GMAT Sets: Double Matrix Method
Learn this powerful method for unlocking devilishly complicated problems about sets. Practice questions First, try these challenging 700-level practice questions. 1) At Veridux Corporation, there are 250 employees. Of these, 90 are female, and the rest are males. There are a total of 40 managers, and the rest of the employees are associates. If [...]
Exponent Powers on the GMAT
Learn the powerful shortcuts through these problems! Practice Questions Before reading this post, try these three related practice questions. 1) Is a positive? Statement #1: > a Statement #2:> a 2) Is a positive? Statement #1: > a Statement #2: < a 3) Is a positive? Statement #1: < a Statement #2: < a [...]
