Before we talk about how to master the Quantitative Reasoning section for GMAT prep let us have an understanding of what GMAT tests us on. GMAT is testing higher order reasoning skills using Quantitative and verbal reasoning as stated by GMAC (Graduate management admission council), the test creators. So, it is not a test that focuses too much on advanced subject knowledge of math or verbal but of reasoning-based application.

In order to score well on GMAT one should know the basic formulae and build up on their application rather than focusing on just learning too many formulae. In other words, to be comfortable with basic calculations and knowing the basic formulas both are important. Before moving onto the fundamental skills required for mastering the GMAT quantitative reasoning section, let’s first take a look at the GMAT exam structure.

GMAT Test Structure

As far as the sequence of the GMAT test is concerned, GMAT gives you the freedom to choose the sequence of the test.

  1. Reading / interpreting the GMAT question correctly

    Understanding of each and every word in the question is very critical in most of the questions. The first critical first step to get the right answer is to read and understand the question correctly. Each word present in the question stem has some importance / relevance. One could say not much is randomly stated. Therefore, adding or removing any word from otherwise identical questions may drastically change the interpretation and hence the solution.

    Each word present in the question stem usually is relevant (has some importance) and is required to understand the context of the questions. Nothing is random when it comes to quantitative reasoning in your GMAT prep. At times presence or absence of a single word in a question may alter the interpretation of the question and / completely / drastically / altogether change the solution. Rushing or skimming through the question should be avoided, instead one should develop active and focused reading. At times in order to save time students read the question very fast and end up reading it twice (or even thrice at times) eventually spending more time than required.

  2. Approach

    Follow an approach that is the most convenient on the D -day. At times a particular skill is tested on GMAT across multiple topics so it immensely helps to be present to the connecting thread in these questions. Mapping the question before delving into the solution is also very important. Connecting the dots while reading the question will always help to come up with smarter ways to solve the Question.

    So, it is important to understand the question and recognize the concept/s that is/are applicable. Also, have a roadmap of how you plan to proceed in the question before you start solving it.

    One should practice without pen and paper for easier questions, so that with time you would gradually develop the ability to process mentally for most of the questions. This mental processing would make a lot of difference in saving time in the data sufficiency questions.

    It is important to have a deep understanding of the concepts and their application in the GMAT questions. The more conceptual clarity you have the easier it becomes to address not only quantitative reasoning questions but also the Data Insights questions. You may understand this better with the help of an example question below:

    Question 1

    A room has to be painted. Worker starts painting and does of the work and then leaves. Next, worker starts and does of the remaining work and then leaves. Finally, worker starts and does of the remaining work and then leaves. What fraction of the room still needs to be painted?

    (A) 13⁄60
    (B) 2⁄5
    (C) 7⁄15
    (D) 3⁄5

    Question Answer

    The approach of simplifying the calculations by taking the product of denominators is not only restricted to the work time problems as above but will be very helpful in a broad spectrum of topics like equations, ratios, Venn diagrams, etc.

    As the focus is not on calculations so it is normally convenient to understand the questions and form the equations first and solving preferably at the final stages rather than doing calculations at every step. For example, in the concept of ratios at times the fraction can be simplified by cancelling the common factors / terms in numerator and denominator. Similarly in percentage change etc., …

  3. Reasoning

    It is important to develop reasoning skills. Your approach to the questions should be reasoning based. For example, in the work rate example taking the total work as product of denominators is reasoning based and not random. When we develop reasoning-based approaches then that approach is not specific or limited to questions but can be applied to multiple questions across different topics. While practicing it is not just about getting the right answers but also knowing the concepts and the reasoning used to solve the questions.

    The questions that each taker encounters on test are unique but typically similar reasoning skills required to solve multiple questions across different topics.

Guidelines to Follow During your GMAT Prep

After knowing the three fundamental skills to master GMAT quant section, here are a few guidelines or protocols one should keep in mind during your GMAT preparation.

  1. Right at the beginning of your GMAT prep, you should critically evaluate and analyze your preparation level.

  2. Have a clear understanding of your target GMAT score in mind

  3. Know well how much time and effort you can dedicate on a daily basis for your GMAT prep, especially preparation of the GMAT quantitative reasoning section.

  4. Attach milestones to your GMAT preparation phases and keep evaluating these critically.

  5. Try to maximize your score with a structured and disciplined prep.

  6. The ideal preparation time for a GMAT course is 90 days or 3 months. However, the prep time depends on the prep mode you have chosen and your actual preparation levels. Jamboree offers 4 different prep modes including:

  7. It is very important to set realistic and measurable goals. Once you are able to solve questions of a certain difficulty, try to raise the difficulty scale.
  8. Know your weak and strong areas so that you know what to focus on.
  9. Given the resources and time you have, prepare whatever best you can for GMAT. 
  10. Take the diagnostic test and GMAT sample test to know where you stand.

Know your initial GMAT prep level

FAQs

The GMAT quantitative section comprises 21 questions to be solved in under 45 minutes.

No, you will not be allowed to use calculators in your GMAT exam, thus it is advisable not to use calculators even in your GMAT preparation. Usually, when it comes to solving quant questions for GMAT basic calculations are required. However, any complex calculations are not tested or required. In GMAT prep it is recommended to start doing basic calculations mentally or manually on a sheet of paper.

Yes, you will have to remember all formulas, however to score well on the GMAT one should have a basic understanding of the formula and try to build up on their application rather than cramming all.

The ideal time for the GMAT exam preparation is around 3 months. However, the prep time depends on an individual’s learning ability and his/her initial preparation level.