GMAT Math Problem Solving

GMAT problem solving questions are designed more to test your understanding of underlying mathematical concepts than to test your ability to actually carry out quantitative procedures accurately

GMAT problem-solving questions appear in the 75-minute quantitative section. Within the section they are not grouped all together. Instead, they are interspersed with the data sufficiency questions.

Here are some tips that can help you answer GMAT problem-solving questions.

Read the question carefully: Some GMAT problems are fairly simple, but others are more complex, particularly practical word problems and more difficult geometry problems. The more complex the question, the easier it is to misread and set off down a wrong track.
Break down complex questions: Some practical word problems are fairly complex, and it is easy to get lost. You'll fare better if you break the solution process into separate steps.
Eliminate choices that are completely off the radar screen. The answer choices are generally arranged in a logical order. In addition, the wrong choices are not just picked at random. They are usually written to correspond to possible mistakes (misreading, etc.)
Before solving the problem, check the answers: As you tackle each problem, start by looking at the answer choices. That way you'll know what form your own solution should take. For example, are the choices all in miles per hour? If so, that's the form your answer must take.

Related Topics

GMAT Math Arithmetic | GMAT Math Algebra | GMAT Math Geometry | GMAT Math Data Sufficiency | GMAT Math Problem Solving