Overview of GMAT Problem Solving

GMAT is one of the most popular exams conducted by GMAC to select candidates who want to pursue careers in the business management sector. Examiners maintain a certain difficulty level in GMAT questions to measure quantitative and analytic skills of the test takers. GMAT exam pattern comprises four sections – GMAT Quant, GMAT Verbal, GMAT IR and GMAT AWA. Most of the candidates find GMAT Quant daunting due to its analytical and logical approach. GMAT Quant section includes two sections- Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. 

GMAT Problem Solving: Overview

In GMAT Problem Solving section, examiners measure how well the candidates make analytical and logical approaches to solve numerical problems. In this section, candidates have to evaluate and interpret data from given graphical representation. In this section, mostly one finds out mathematical questions. Five answer choices are given for each GMAT Problem solving question. 

GMAT Quant: Problem Solving

Many test-takers believe that GMAT Quant should measure any kind of advanced math concepts. In GMAT Quant section, examiners measure basic math concepts like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. GMAT Quant section has 31 questions in total, therefore 15 or 16 questions will be there for problem-solving section. Rudimentary elements of basic math are measured in GMAT problem-solving section. In this section, it is also measured how well the test takers interpret data from graphical representation. 

GMAT Problem Solving: Important Topics

In this problem-solving section, as the basic math concepts are being measured. Important topics for GMAT Problem solving sections are given below 

How to Score well in GMAT Problem Solving

GMAT Quant section requires regular practice. Without regular effort, one can never score well in this section. In this part, basic math concepts are being measured in all aspects. Therefore one has to master this section with logical reasoning and analytical skills. Few preparation tips for GMAT are as following

1. Focus on fundamental math concepts like mean, median, mode. Memorize the conversion between fraction and percentage, total areas of different shapes. Without knowing the syllabus of GMAT problem solving, it will cost you a lot of time. 
2. Start using mental calculation rather than calculator. Candidates cannot use calculator in GMAT. During practice and mock tests, it is advisable to use rough papers for easy calculations. 
3. GMAT preparation requires online study materials. Without proper study materials, one cannot score well in the exam. With a little research, one can find out the best resources for GMAT. 
4. Use answer options to find out numerical value. In MCQ, options are always arranged in ascending order. As there are 5 MCQ choices, always start attempting the middle one. With the answer, test taker can decide which value to be taken. 
5. For Geometry questions always use data given with the figures for calculating the number. GMAT Geometry questions are designed in a way that the test takers cannot anticipate any data by looking at figures. 
6. Time management is the most important thing for better performance in GMAT Quant section. For better performance always put a timer on while practicing. It will help the test takers to calculate average time required for any problem. 
7. GMAT Experts suggest using flashcards to memorize formulas. For basic math, test takers have to memorize a lot of math concepts. It can only be possible with proper usage of flashcards. 

GMAT Quant requires clear fundamental math concepts for better performance. There are tricks that candidates will never understand only by practicing, one needs to internalize these quick methods for better scores in GMAT Quant section.