Quantitative Reasoning Skills tested on the GMAT
The Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT tests your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills using mathematical expressions. The good news is that you will not be tested on calculus, geometry, or trigonometry, rather, you are expected to have a firm grasp on number properties, basic arithmetic, and algebraic concepts. You are not allowed to use a calculator on the exam, so it is imperative that you make sure to review these concepts and feel comfortable performing all of them on paper.
These are the math topics you will want to review before exam day:
Arithmetic
Arithmetic encompasses the simplest math skills you will need to know, but do not neglect brushing up on these skills! While addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are simple concepts, it's likely you're out of practice at doing these things without a calculator. You'll want to do at least a few long division problems to jog your memory as well as review basic multiplication tables. Remember, timing is important, so you want to be able to accurately perform the simple tasks quickly.
You will also want to review working with and/or calculating:
- Decimals, even/odd numbers, fractions, ratios, and how these can be interchanged
- Percentages (including percent change)
- Basic statistics, including mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviations
- Sequences and Sets
- Probability and Permutation and Combination
Finally, review mathematical vocabulary, including absolute values, prime number, multiples/factors, integer, LCM/HCF, units digit, tens digit, hundreds digit, absolute value, exponents and roots, inequalities, and functions.
Algebra
The algebra you'll be expected to use on the GMAT is fairly basic, and is something you likely covered in high school. That said, it's possible it's been a few years since you've encountered some of these problems. When we talk about algebraic expressions, we are simply talking about mathematical expressions that contain numbers, operations, and at least one variable.
Examples: x + 7 = 16, 4x=12, 40/x=10
As you review, you need to be sure you are able to isolate variables to solve for them, and feel comfortable with expressions, both linear and quadratic equations, working with inequalities, and solving both algebraic and graphic functions.
Word Problems
Once you've reviewed the above concepts, you'll need to be able to translate word problems into mathematical expressions. You will not simply be presented with a series of equations to solve in the Quantitative section of the GMAT. Instead, a large percentage of the questions will be word problems. You will have to read the narrative question and understand what is being asked and how to translate the narration into a mathematical expression. At that point, your refreshed math skills will come in handy as you finish the calculation.
You should be prepared to encounter many real-life problems dealing with topics such as average, speed/time/distance, simple and compound interest, rate and measurement, work and combined work, and discounts and/or profits.