GMAT Quantitative Reasoning

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning: A Quick Guide

The GMAT exam is two hours and fifteen minutes long. Its important section, quantitative reasoning, requires candidates to attempt 21 GMAT quantitative questions in 45 minutes. Each sectional score ranges from 60 to 90.

The GMAT Exam Syllabus for Focus Edition in the quant sections mainly deals with Arithmetic and Algebra. The arithmetic part tests your accuracy with decimals, percentages, power and roots, and averages. While dealing with the topics in Algebra, you need to cover Algebraic expressions and equations, Permutation and Combination, basic statistics, and more.

What is GMAT Quantitative Reasoning?

As the name suggests, this section tests your ability to reason quantitatively. It evaluates how well you can analyze data and draw conclusions using logical thinking.

While the entire GMAT exam spans 2 hours and 15 minutes, aspirants have to answer all 21 GMAT quantitative questions related to problem-solving in a span of 45 minutes. You must know that all the calculations must be done manually, as you cannot use a calculator.

Problem-Solving GMAT Questions

Problem-Solving:

The GMAT questions measure your ability to use logical and analytical reasoning. Each question has 5 answer choices, with 1 correct answer and 4 incorrect ones. It is easy to fall prey to the wrong answers, so it is critical to read the question carefully before answering.

The test features high school-level questions, but they can be tricky. Adequate practice is important, as you might not have reviewed these concepts in years.

Use strategies like the process of elimination for problem-solving. If you’re stuck on a question, especially complex word problems, make a guess and move on. Don’t waste time on difficult questions that could affect your pacing for the entire section.

Problem-Solving GMAT Practice Questions

To excel in the GMAT, you’ll need to master problem-solving questions. Below are a couple of sample questions and answers to give you an idea of what you can expect on test day.

• Rates for having a manuscript typed at a certain typing service are $5 per page for the first time a page is typed and $3 per page each time a page is revised. If a certain manuscript has 100 pages, of which 40 were revised only once, 10 were revised twice, and the rest required no revisions, what was the total cost of having the manuscript typed?

1. $430
2. $620
3. $650
4. $680
5. $770

Ans. To calculate the total cost:

• 50 pages required no revision, cost = 50 * $5 = $250.
• 40 pages were revised once, cost = 40 * $5 + 40 * $3 = $200 + $120 = $320.
• 10 pages were revised twice, cost = 10 * $5 + 10 * $3 + 10 * $3 = $50 + $30 + $30 = $110.

Total cost = $250 + $320 + $110 = $680.

• A certain airline’s fleet consisted of 60 type A planes at the beginning of 1980. At the end of each year, starting with 1980, the airline retired 3 of the type A planes and acquired 4 new type B planes. How many years did it take before the number of type A planes left in the airline’s fleet was less than 50 percent of the fleet?

1. 6
2. 7
3. 8
4. 9
5. 10

Ans. At the start, there were 60 type A planes. Every year, 3 are retired, and 4 type B planes are added. We calculate how many years it takes for type A planes to be less than 50% of the fleet.

• Year 0: 60 A, 0 B (100% A).
• Year 1: 57 A, 4 B (93% A).
• Year 2: 54 A, 8 B (87% A).
• Year 3: 51 A, 12 B (81% A).
• Year 4: 48 A, 16 B (75% A).
• Year 5: 45 A, 20 B (69% A).
• Year 6: 42 A, 24 B (64% A).
• Year 7: 39 A, 28 B (58% A).
• Year 8: 36 A, 32 B (53% A).
• Year 9: 33 A, 36 B (47% A).

It takes 9 years.

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Syllabus: What Does it Cover?

Quantitative Reasoning includes questions on Problem Solving. You need to have a good grip on the following concepts:

• Algebra
• Statistics
• Fractions, percents, and ratios
• Story problems
• Number properties

You can have the best study preparation with GMAT quantitative books, workbooks, GMAT quantitative practice questions, and more offered by Manya – The Princeton Review. You can get assistance from professional mentors and coaching to support your career goals and crush the GMAT exams.

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Preparation Books

1. GMAT Official Guide

This guide from the makers of GMAT provides retired questions for hands-on practice. It includes 246 math and 356 verbal questions, along with a quantitative reference sheet and a Data Insights chapter.

2. GMAT Premium Prep

Ideal for beginners, this book offers strategies for tackling all question types. It includes online features like video tutorials, practice materials, and six full-length tests, making it a comprehensive prep tool.

3. GMAT Official Advanced Questions

Focused on higher difficulty questions, this book offers 150 quant and 150 verbal questions. Access through an online bank and Wiley app makes it essential for high scorers aiming to tackle rare concepts.

4. GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Reasoning

This book provides 150+ math questions not found in the Official Guide. With online tools for customized practice, it’s perfect for focused math prep with difficulty ranging from easy to hard.

5. GMAT Official Guide Verbal Reasoning

Containing over 200+ verbal questions and detailed explanations, this book is a go-to for focused verbal reasoning practice. It also offers online customization tools and flashcards for studying on the go.

6. GMAT Official Guide Data Insights Review

A must for the new Data Insights section, this book offers 200+ DI practice questions across various types. With customizable difficulty levels and mobile features, it’s great for preparing for this important part of the GMAT.

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Scoring Pattern 2024

The section on GMAT math questions is computer-adaptive. This means that the difficulty of each question changes based on how you answered the previous one. Simply put, the questions get harder as you answer correctly. Your final score depends on this—the more difficult questions you answer correctly, the higher your score can be.

GMAT Percentiles

Your GMAT percentile ranking shows how you compare to other test-takers over the last three years. For example, an 80th percentile ranking means you performed as well or better than 80% of test-takers. While your score stays the same, the percentile may change annually based on trends. The current average Quantitative score is 40.38, and a score of 40 places you at the 36th percentile due to higher competition in the Quant section.

For Indian B-schools, GMAT cutoff scores typically range from 650 to 700+, depending on the institution and program. Top schools like ISB, IIM Bangalore, and SPJIMR generally require higher GMAT scores, often in the 700 range for competitive programs.

Highlights of the Quant Section of GMAT

• of questions: 21
• Score Range: 60-90
• Score Intervals: 1
• Types of questions: Problem Solving
• Duration of the exam section: 45 minutes

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Prep Strategies

To obtain a high score in the exams, you must have:

• A strong foundation in mathematics. You must be familiar with the algebra and arithmetic concepts and rules.
• Ability to solve problems quickly, given that you will get only 45 minutes to answer 21 questions. Skim answer choices at the very beginning to deal with all those questions in the Quantitative section that need approximation. You need to have a proper idea of how close your approximation needs to be to avoid time wastage on laborious calculations.
• Dedication to practice again and again to be able to overcome your weak spots and get more confidence for your exams. Note down the areas where you are erring or lagging, and improve on them with each successive attempt. Have a personalized preparation plan.
• The ability to focus on simple as well as complex questions so that your score can get as high as possible. Use a whiteboard and solve problems in writing, to prevent errors.
• The ability to simplify your learning process is key. GMAT flashcards can help you learn in a more interactive and engaging way.
• Attentiveness to the information or data that is presented to you. Be attentive as possible to avoid misunderstanding the questions or erring while answering.
• The practicality is to stick firmly to what you have learned and avoid anything new or fancy. Follow a consistent and standard approach while answering your GMAT quantitative reasoning questions.
• The logical approach is to try to answer the maximum number of questions in a specific time period to avoid losing points. For unfamiliar questions, try answering based on guesswork. It might just work!

Which Areas Are Not Covered in GMAT Quantitative Questions?

The exam does not test aspirants in Calculus and Trigonometry. In a few questions, you may need to use Trigonometry formulas to obtain the results. However, you will only need to do this if you do not know some important concepts that are taught only in the US curriculum and not in other curriculums. Keep in mind that GMAT happens to be a US test. Thus, you need to be knowledgeable in the concepts that are part of the US test curriculum.

Bottom Line

Cracking the GMAT quantitative section is not that difficult. Follow the right study plan, study with complete dedication, and use the right preparation materials, such as the GMAT quantitative book and other credible resources recommended. With the right professional guidance by your side, you can pass your exam successfully and get set for a wonderful career in business ahead. Get started, and get going!