GMAT Quantitative Preparation: Top 10 GMAT Quant Prep Strategies

The GMAT Quantitative section isn’t just about solving equations, it’s a test of logic, precision, and decision-making under pressure. Every question is an opportunity to prove your ability to think critically and strategically. To excel, you need more than just mathematical knowledge, you need a game plan. Let’s walk you through actual, real-life strategies and insights to help you confidently do well in the Quantitative section of the GMAT and better your score. Let’s get your Quantitative preparation started!

Key Highlights:

• Data Sufficiency has been removed and moved to the new Data Insights section, focusing Quant on problem-solving.
• The quant section has 21 questions and 45 minutes to complete.
• Best books include Official GMAT Guide, Manhattan Prep Quant Guides, and Kaplan GMAT Prep.
• Do focus on mastering basics like algebra, reviewing mistakes, managing time, and eliminating wrong answers.
• Don’t skip foundational topics, rely too much on memorisation, or spend too much time on a single question.
• Focus on building flexibility in problem-solving and accuracy through consistent practice.

Top 10 Strategies to Excel in GMAT Quantitative Reasoning 

The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section is a key part of your GMAT score, assessing your ability to reason quantitatively, solve problems, and interpret data. With recent changes to the exam format, including the removal of Data Sufficiency questions from the Quantitative section (now placed in the new Data Insights section). 

To excel in this section, you need not only a strong grasp of fundamental math concepts but also the following strategic techniques:

1. Master Basic Maths Concepts

Having a strong grasp of basic maths principles is crucial. Focus on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number properties. These concepts form the foundation of the questions you'll encounter on the test. Practise working with fractions, decimals, percentages, and simple equations to gain confidence in solving a variety of problems.

Question: Let’s suppose 3x+7=19, what is x?

Answer: x=4.

Explanation: If you're not comfortable with basic algebra, solving this might take longer. But with a solid understanding of algebra, you can easily subtract 7 from both sides to get 3x=12, then divide by 3 to find x=4. Similarly, when you are asked to convert a percentage, say 30%, into a fraction, you should know that 30%=30100=310 immediately, saving you time on the test. 

Let Yocket Prep guide you through the toughest problems, providing strategies to help you ace the Quantitative section.

2. Develop a Strong Problem-Solving Approach

Instead of rushing to solve a problem, take a moment to assess the question and identify the key pieces of information. Break the problem down step by step, and use logical thinking to find the best approach. This will help you avoid unnecessary errors and improve your efficiency.

Question: Find the sum of the first 100 positive integers

Answer: S=10021+100=5050.

Explanation: Rather than adding them one by one, you should recognise that the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series can be applied:
S=n2a+l

Here n is the number of terms, a is the first term, and l is the last term. For the first 100 integers, a=1 and l=100, so the sum is
S=10021+100=5050.

Breaking problems into smaller, manageable steps like this will save you time and reduce the chance of making errors.

3. Time Management is Key

Efficient time management is crucial for the GMAT Quantitative section. With 2 hours and 15 minutes to answer 64 questions, it's important not to spend too much time on any single problem. Practise pacing yourself during your preparation so you can answer each question efficiently without rushing or leaving any blank.

Example: Imagine you are working through a question that requires you to solve for the unknown in a complicated algebraic equation. Rather than getting stuck, you should apply the strategy of spending no more than 2 minutes per question during practise. 

If the problem is taking too long, move on and come back to it later. For instance, if a word problem seems complex and you're struggling, move on to the next question and return later with a fresh mind. 

This will prevent you from losing valuable time and ensure that you have the opportunity to answer all questions within the given time frame.

4. Strengthen Your Knowledge of Number Properties

A deep understanding of number properties, such as divisibility rules, factors, multiples, prime numbers, and remainders, is vital for tackling many GMAT quantitative questions. These concepts often appear in questions related to algebra, number theory, and word problems. Familiarise yourself with the rules governing even and odd numbers, prime factorisation, and the relationships between numbers to solve problems more quickly and accurately.

Question: Is the number 123456 is divisible by 9?

Answer: No. Since 21 is the sum of 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6  and not divisible by 9, the number 123456 is also not divisible by 9.

Explanation: To check if something is divisible by 9, we sum its digits.

5. Practise Mental Maths

Mental maths will save you time on the exam. Since calculators are not allowed in the Quantitative section, it’s essential to be quick with mental calculations. Practise operations such as adding and subtracting large numbers, estimating percentages, and multiplying numbers mentally.

Question: Find 15% of 320

Answer: 32+16=48. 

Explanation: You should know that 10% of 320 is 32, and 5% is half of that, which is 16. So, 15% of 320 would be 32+16=48. This type of mental calculation is crucial in the exam because you won’t have access to a calculator. Practising mental maths like this will help you save valuable time and answer questions more efficiently, especially when the numbers are large.

6. Eliminate Answer Choices Smartly

If you're stuck on a problem, eliminating obviously incorrect answer choices can increase your chances of guessing correctly. Often, you can identify one or two wrong answers based on logic or estimation, allowing you to narrow down your options and improve your chances of selecting the right answer.

Question: A store offers a 15% discount on a jacket originally priced at $120. After the discount, a sales tax of 8% is applied. What is the final price of the jacket after the discount and tax?

A) $99.60
B) $103.20
C) $105.60
D) $108.00
E) $112.80

Answer: B) $103.20

Explanation: To find the final price, first calculate the 15% discount on $120 to get $102, then apply the 8% sales tax on $102, resulting in a final price of $103.20. By eliminating choices that don't match the calculated result, we arrive at the correct answer, B) $103.20.

7. Master Word Problems

Word problems can be tricky, but with practise, you can learn to break them down. Translate the information given into a mathematical equation, and solve it step by step. Identifying keywords and understanding the relationships between different elements in the problem will help you approach them with confidence.

Question: If a train travels at 60 miles per hour for 2 hours, and then increases its speed to 80 miles per hour for 3 hours, what is the total distance travelled?

Answer: 360 miles

Explanation: First, break down the problem into smaller parts. The first part is straightforward: distance = speed × time, so the distance covered in the first part is 602=120 miles. 

Then, for the second part, the distance is 803=240 miles. Add both distances to find the total distance: 120+240=360 miles. 

8. Build Accuracy with Practise Questions

While speed is important, accuracy is even more critical in the GMAT Quantitative section. The best way to improve your accuracy is by solving practise questions under timed conditions. This will help you become familiar with common question types and reduce the likelihood of careless errors. Over time, you will become more confident in your ability to answer questions correctly on the first attempt.

Question: A rectangular garden has a length of 12 metres and a width of 8 metres. What is the area of the garden in square metres?

A) 80
B) 88
C) 96
D) 100
E) 104

Answer: C) 96

Explanation: To find the area of the rectangle, multiply the length (12 metres) by the width (8 metres), resulting in 96 square metres. 

9. Review Your Mistakes

After each practise session or mock test, review the questions you answered incorrectly. Understanding why you made those mistakes and how you can avoid them in the future is key to improving your performance. Focus on concepts that need more practise and continue refining your problem-solving techniques.

Example: After completing a set of practise questions, you realise you got a problem wrong that you felt confident about. For instance, you might have misinterpreted a simple percentage problem because you rushed through it. 

Take time to review the steps and understand why the error occurred. Perhaps you misread the question or skipped a step. Understanding the source of your mistake and rectifying it helps you avoid repeating it in the future. 

For example, if you struggled with solving quadratic equations, revisiting the formula and practising additional problems will help reinforce your knowledge and boost your performance.

10 Best Tips for GMAT Quantitative Preparation

Preparing for the GMAT Quantitative section isn’t just about practising problems but also about adopting smart strategies that maximise efficiency and accuracy. These tips will help you build a strong foundation and refine your problem-solving approach for success:

1. Understand the Logical Structure of Questions

Each GMAT Quant question is carefully structured to test your problem-solving abilities. Get accustomed to identifying patterns in the questions. Recognising the structure—such as whether a problem is testing a concept or a specific calculation—can help you decide the most efficient approach to solving it.

2. Use Approximations for Estimation

Instead of diving into exact calculations for every problem, develop the skill to estimate answers. In some questions, you can use approximations to narrow down choices. Estimating the answer will help you work faster, especially for problems with large numbers or complex calculations.

3. Work on Your Flexibility with Methods

The GMAT doesn’t require one specific method to solve every problem. Often, multiple strategies can be applied. For instance, a problem that can be solved through algebra may also be solvable using a graphical or logical approach. Practise flexibility by solving the same problem in multiple ways to strengthen your understanding and adaptability.

4. Create a Strategy for Word Problems

Word problems often seem overwhelming at first. The trick is to break them down into manageable pieces. Identify key information, translate it into mathematical expressions, and then solve. Over time, develop a structured approach, such as “underline key data,” “define variables,” and “translate into an equation,” to make these problems easier to approach.

5. Avoid Over-Complicating Problems

Some GMAT problems may look complex, but often the solution is much simpler than it appears. Try to approach each question with the mindset of looking for the most straightforward method. Overthinking can lead to mistakes and wasted time.

6. Apply Process of Elimination Early

If you're stuck on a difficult question, don’t wait until you’ve tried all methods. Use the process of elimination right away. Cross out obviously incorrect answers, and focus only on the remaining ones. Often, eliminating one or two options gives you a better chance of guessing the correct answer if needed.

7. Make the Most of Your Mistakes

After each practise test, review not just the questions you got wrong, but also the ones you got right. Were there any mistakes you made that you could have avoided? This will help you understand any minor gaps in your preparation. Be strategic in reviewing your answers, ensuring that you focus on areas where your weaknesses are most prominent.

8. Understand the Value of "Backsolving"

Backsolving involves testing each answer choice in a question to find the correct one. This technique is especially useful in problems with multiple-choice answers. If the problem seems complex, backsolving can help you arrive at the correct answer much faster than working through the problem algebraically.

9. Balance Between Speed and Accuracy

It's not enough to simply be quick; being accurate is crucial. While time management is key, practise finding a balance between speed and accuracy. Speeding through problems will hurt your overall score if you make frequent errors. Focus on building both speed and accuracy by practising questions under timed conditions.

10. Prioritise Mental Maths for Simple Calculations

For simpler operations (like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division), practise performing them mentally rather than writing everything down. This will save you time and increase your confidence. The less you rely on scratch on your GMAT question paper, the faster you’ll work.

Do's and Don'ts for GMAT Quantitative Preparation

Succeeding in the GMAT Quantitative section requires both effective preparation and smart decision-making. Here’s a guide to help you avoid common mistakes:

Do’s

1. Understand the GMAT Format: Get acquainted with the structure of the Quantitative section including Problem Solving. Knowing the format ensures you’re well-prepared for what to expect.
2. Create a Consistent Study Schedule: Develop a routine to dedicate time daily for practice. Regular sessions will help you build problem-solving endurance and keep concepts fresh.
3. Use Official GMAT Prep Resources: Use GMAT practice tests present on the GMAT Official Guides for authentic preparation. These materials mimic the question style and difficulty level of the actual exam.
4. Learn to Translate Word Problems: Word problems can be tricky, but breaking them into equations and identifying the key information makes them manageable. Practising this will make such questions less daunting.
5. Track Your Progress: Regularly assess your performance with mock tests and review your results to identify weak areas. Adjust your study plan accordingly to address gaps.

Don’ts

1. Don’t Ignore Basic Concepts: Skipping foundational topics like fractions, decimals, or number properties will leave gaps in your understanding. Strengthen these basics before moving to advanced topics.
2. Avoid Over-reliance on Memorisation: The GMAT tests logic and problem-solving skills, not rote knowledge. Focus on understanding concepts rather than memorising formulas blindly.
3. Don’t Spend Too Much Time on One Question: If you find yourself stuck, move on and return to the question later if time permits. Spending excessive time on a single problem can jeopardise your overall performance.
4. Don’t Skip Reviewing Mistakes: Ignoring your errors means you’re likely to repeat them. Always analyse incorrect answers to understand where you went wrong and learn from them.
5. Avoid Neglecting Time Management in Practice: Practising questions without a timer won’t prepare you for the real test conditions. Train yourself to solve questions within the time limits to avoid last-minute surprises.

From the Desk of Yocket

The Quantitative Reasoning section is about understanding the core concepts and developing the right approach to increase efficiency. Remember, the key to success is not just about memorising formulas but about understanding how to apply them under exam conditions. With consistent practice and a clear strategy, you'll improve your speed, accuracy, and decision-making abilities.

Yocket Prep provides a structured approach to help you prepare for the GMAT, offering expert insights, practice questions, and personalised tips tailored to your needs. With Yocket’s prep resources, you’ll learn how to deal with these problems, develop a strong problem-solving mindset, and excel in the Quantitative section, ultimately improving your overall GMAT score.