GMAT Arithmetic: Syllabus, Practice Questions & Study Resources

Almost set to ace your Arithmetic syllabus? Be it ratios, fractions, or nailing down number properties, you’ll need to grasp all essential arithmetic concepts for the Quantitative section. Arithmetic might seem basic, but the GMAT has a way of twisting simple concepts into tricky questions. That’s why we’ve packed this guide with all the core topics, practise questions, and smart strategies to give you a winning edge.

Key Highlights:

• The GMAT Arithmetic section includes a range of essential concepts such as fractions, ratios, and number properties, which form the foundation for quantitative questions.
• Approximately 10 to 15 questions in the GMAT's quantitative section specifically focus on arithmetic, contributing to about 30 to 40% of the overall score.
• The syllabus covers critical topics, including percentages, powers and roots, statistics, combinatorics, and discrete probability, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of arithmetic is essential.
• Authentic practice questions that reflect the actual GMAT exam pattern, help students become familiar with the types of problems they will encounter.
• Recommended resources, including GMAT prep books, are necessary for students to hone their arithmetic skills effectively as they prepare for the exam.

Brief Overview Of GMAT Arithmetic

The GMAT's data sufficiency and problem-solving sections examine a wide range of arithmetic concepts. As with all GMAT quantitative questions, test-takers must apply more than just basic arithmetic skills. The GMAT arithmetic syllabus includes various topics, such as arithmetic operations, number properties, fractions, ratios and proportions, percentages, powers and roots of numbers, statistics, combinatorics (counting methods), and discrete probability.

• The GMAT quantitative section includes 31 questions.
• A significant portion of the section is dedicated to arithmetic concepts.
• Approximately 10 to 15 questions focus specifically on arithmetic.
• Arithmetic questions cover topics like Arithmetic operations and Fractions.
• Arithmetic accounts for an estimated 30 to 40% of the quantitative section score.
• The total quantitative score ranges from 0 to 60.
• A solid understanding of arithmetic is essential for success, as it provides a foundation for more complex problem-solving on the GMAT.

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GMAT Arithmetic Syllabus

The GMAT Arithmetic syllabus has a variety of essential mathematical concepts that are crucial for success in the quantitative section. Below are the key topics covered in the syllabus, along with a brief description of each:

Arithmetic Operations

• Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division: Basic operations fundamental to all arithmetic questions.
• Order of Operations: Understanding the correct sequence for performing mathematical operations (PEMDAS/BODMAS).

Number Properties

• Even and Odd Numbers: Characteristics and rules for dealing with even and odd integers.
• Prime Numbers: Identification and properties of prime numbers.
• Consecutive Integers: Understanding sequences of consecutive numbers and their properties.
• Multiples and Factors: Concepts of finding multiples and factors of given numbers.

Fractions

• Addition and Subtraction of Fractions: Techniques for combining fractions with like and unlike denominators.
• Multiplication and Division of Fractions: Rules for operating with fractions.
• Mixed Numbers: Converting between mixed numbers and improper fractions.

Ratios and Proportions

• Understanding Ratios: Comparing two quantities and writing them as a ratio.
• Solving Proportion Problems: Techniques for solving problems involving proportional relationships.

Percentages

• Calculating Percentages: Finding percentages of numbers and solving percentage-related problems.
• Percentage Increase and Decrease: Understanding how to calculate increases and decreases in percentage terms.

Powers and Roots

• Laws of Exponents: Rules for multiplying and dividing numbers with exponents.
• Square Roots and Cube Roots: Understanding and calculating square and cube roots.

Statistics

• Descriptive Statistics: Concepts such as mean, median, mode, range, and standard deviation.
• Interpreting Data: Understanding graphs and charts to extract meaningful information.

Combinatorics

• Permutations and Combinations: Techniques for counting arrangements and selections of items.

Discrete Probability

• Basic Probability Concepts: Understanding events, outcomes, and calculating probabilities.
• Coin Tossing, Dice Rolling: Examples of calculating probabilities using basic experiments.

Additional Topics

• Simple and Compound Interest: Understanding the difference between simple and compound interest calculations.
• Work and Time Problems: Solving problems related to efficiency and time taken to complete tasks.
• Speed, Distance, and Time: Calculating relationships between speed, distance, and time.

Suggested: Section-wise GMAT Exam Syllabus 

GMAT Arithmetic Practise Questions

Arithmetic Operations

1.What is the result of 254−30325×4−30÷3?

A) 90
B) 80
C) 70
D) 60

Correct Answer: B) 80

2. If 12+34−5=x12+3×4−5=x, what is the value of xx?

A) 15
B) 13
C) 10
D) 11

Correct Answer: A) 15

Number Properties

3. Which of the following is a prime number?

A) 21
B) 25
C) 29
D) 35

Correct Answer: C) 29

4. What is the least common multiple (LCM) of 12 and 15?

A) 60
B) 45
C) 30
D) 75

Correct Answer: A) 60

Fractions

5. If 34+12=x43​+21​=x, what is the value of xx?

A) 5445​
B) 3223​
C) 7447​
D) 1441​

Correct Answer: A) 5445​

6. What is 561365​÷31​?
A) 5225​
B) 5335​
C) 5665​
D) 3553​

Correct Answer: A) 5225​​

Ratios and Proportions

7. If the ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:2 and there are 18 boys, how many girls are there?

A) 12
B) 9
C) 6
D) 15

Correct Answer: A) 12

8. If x5=4205x​=204​, what is the value of xx?

A) 2
B) 4
C) 5
D) 10

Correct Answer: D) 10

Percentages

9. What is 25% of 200?

A) 40
B) 50
C) 60
D) 70

Correct Answer: B) 50

10. If a shirt originally costs INR 40 and is on sale for 20% off, what is the sale price?

A) INR 30
B) INR 32
C) INR 28
D) INR 36

Correct Answer: B) INR 32

Powers and Roots

11. What is 2323?
A) 6
B) 8
C) 4
D) 10

Correct Answer: B) 8

12. If x2=49x2=49, what are the possible values of xx?
A) 7 only
B) -7 only
C) 7 and -7
D) 0

Correct Answer: C) 7 and -7

Statistics

13. The average of five numbers is 20. If one number is removed, the average of the remaining four numbers is 18. What was the removed number?

A) 25
B) 20
C) 30
D) 15

Correct Answer: A) 25

14. If the mean of the numbers 2, 4, 6, and xx is 5, what is the value of xx?
A) 8
B) 10
C) 6
D) 4

Correct Answer: A) 8

Combinatorics

15. How many ways can 3 books be arranged on a shelf?

A) 3
B) 6
C) 9
D) 12

Correct Answer: B) 6

16. In how many ways can you choose 2 fruits from a selection of 4 fruits?

A) 6
B) 12
C) 8
D) 4

Correct Answer: A) 6

Discrete Probability

17. What is the probability of rolling a total of 7 with two six-sided dice?
A) 1661​
B) 1881​
C) 536365​
D) 112121​

Correct Answer: A) 1661​

18. If  you draw a card from a standard deck of 52 cards, what is the probability that it is a heart?
A) 1441​
B) 113131​
C) 126261​
D) 313133​

Correct Answer: A) 1441​

Recommended Books for GMAT Arithmetic Preparation 

GMAT arithmetic practise questions are among the most important components of GMAT preparation. By practising authentic GMAT Arithmetic questions, you can adequately prepare for the gmat arithmetic topics. Here are the top GMAT Quant Prep Books with excellent arithmetic questions to practise:

1. GMAT Foundations of Math by Manhattan.
2. GMAT All the Quant by Manhattan Prep.
3. GMAT Advanced Quant by Manhattan Prep.
4. GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review.
5. GMAT Official Advanced Questions.

How to prepare for GMAT Arithmetic?

Quantitative sections of the GMAT require a methodical approach in order to be successful. It is useful to follow the following GMAT Arithmetic tips and tricks:

Review your Math basics

All of your major GMAT study preparation guides have a section on review, so don't rush through it; take the time to really go over the material again. Make flashcards for the GMAT arithmetic formulas that you think will take a little more time to remember. Use them when you have a few minutes to spare.

Practise well

Numbers are the focus of arithmetic. So, careful guesswork will help you get rid of options that will save you time. To do that, you need to practise and know the rules and patterns.

Learn the shortcuts

Since calculators aren't allowed in the quantitative section, you'll have to learn the shortcuts to solve some problems.

Have a flexible approach

You must know everything about number properties, fractions, rates, finding x, and basic geometry. Strategies like plugging in, picking a number, and working backwards, which can be used to save time and check your answers, are just as important. Be open to different ways of doing things. The more you practise, the better you'll be able to predict what kinds of problems will come up on the finals.

From the Desk of Yocket

Understanding GMAT Arithmetic requires consistent practise and a deep curiosity about core concepts. It’s not just about solving problems but developing strategies with confidence and precision. This section of the GMAT tests your foundational skills, so investing time in areas like number properties, ratios, and percentages will undoubtedly pay off.

At Yocket, we understand how overwhelming GMAT prep can feel. That’s why Yocket Prep has study plans, expert insights, and ample practise materials in place. Get started with Yocket Prep today and get the support you deserve.