As discussed in the About GMAT Exam article, GMAT Quantitative (aka Quant/Math) section consists of two types of questions: Problem Solving (PS) and Data Sufficiency (DS). In general, most test takers are familiar with the multiple choice format of the PS questions. However, when starting the GMAT Prep, GMAT aspirants find the DS questions tougher to get used to. Either way, the GMAT Quant section is considered tough even though the concepts and topics involved in the GMAT Quant Topics in the GMAT syllabus are not beyond the secondary school math.
It is important to realize that contributes to tougher feel of the GMAT Quant section is that the GMAT questions often blend multiple topics into one question. While Secondary School exams had the problems on topics separated out, having multiple concepts applied in one question is indeed tougher. Hence, let us take a look at all the topics that are in syllabus for GMAT Math.
Below, we have divided the GMAT Math topics by three categories:
Note: Math topics such as Trigonometry, Calculus and Complex numbers are currently not in scope of the GMAT Math Syllabus. However, for solving a triangle related problem you may use any tool at your disposal including Trigonometry. Similarly you can use any advanced mathematics tool at your disposal to solve a particular problem.
Arithmetic
| Arithmetic Topics | GMAT Quant Topics |
|---|---|
| Number Theory | Integers and number properties |
| Fractions, Percentage and Decimals | |
| Multiples and Factors | |
| Exponents and Radicals | |
| Remainders and Divisors | |
| Ratio and Proportion | |
| Permutations & Combinations | |
| Probability | |
| Absolute Values | How to solve GMAT Modulus / Absolute Value questions & math practice questions |
| Set Theory | |
| Mixtures & Alligations | How to Solve GMAT Mixtures & Allegations problems |
| Statistics | Most important GMAT Statistics Tutorials & Practice Questions |
| Pipes & Cisterns | |
| Speed, Time & Distance | |
| Simple and Compound Interest |
All things considered, Arithmetic makes for the most complex GMAT questions on GMAT Math section. Obviously, Probability and Permutations & Combinations topics are well known to be very complex. However, even simple topics such as integers are full of tricks and concepts that need to be mastered for a good GMAT score.
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Algebra
| Algebra |
|---|
| Monomials & Polynomials |
| Functions |
| Equations |
| Quadratic Equations |
| Inequalities |
| Progressions |
As a matter of fact, Equations and Inequalities seem to be the most popular in GMAT Quant among the Algebra topics. If you are strapped for time during your preparation, you may focus on these topics (amongst the algebra topics) to get the most out of your time. At GMAT By Examples, we have FREE comprehensive guides for the following topics:
- GMAT Inequalities
- GMAT Equations (coming soon)
Geometry
| Geometry | Learn more |
|---|---|
| Lines and Angles | |
| Triangles | GMAT Triangles Properties & Theorems: 23+ Theorems on GMAT Triangles in GMAT Quant syllabus |
| Quadrilaterals | |
| Circles | GMAT Circles Properties & Theorems: 31+ Theorems on GMAT Circles in-scope for GMAT Quant Preparation |
| Solid Geometry – Cubes, Cylinders, Pyramids etc. | A Framework to solve all the “Fitting one container into another” type of GMAT Quant Questions |
| Coordinate Geometry | |
Please note that, Geometry is a long topic and the problems usually range from basic to medium complexity. However, you may come across some really tough Geometry problems in your exam. Hence, to save time and not get stuck in Geometry questions, we recommend that you prepare well by remembering as many geometry properties as you can.
For more information on the GMAT syllabus, please visit mba.com.