Quantitative Section

The Quantitative section of the Graduate Management Admission TestÆ (GMATÆ) measures basic mathematical skills, understanding of elementary concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data. Two types of multiple-choice questions are used in the Quantitative section of the GMATÆóProblem Solving and Data Sufficiency.

Problem-Solving and Data-Sufficiency questions are intermingled throughout the section. Both types of questions require knowledge of:

• arithmetic
• elementary algebra
• commonly known concepts of geometry

Problem-Solving questions are designed to test:

• basic mathematical skills
• understanding of elementary mathematical concepts
• the ability to reason quantitatively and solve quantitative problems

For an example of this type of question and directions for answering, click Sample Problem-Solving Question.

Data-Sufficiency questions are designed to measure your ability to:

• analyze a quantitative problem
• recognize which information is relevant
• determine at what point there is sufficient information to solve a problem

Data-Sufficiency questions are accompanied by some initial information and two statements, labeled (1) and (2). You must decide whether the statements given offer enough data to enable you to answer the question. You may answer that:

• Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) is not sufficient.
• Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) is not sufficient.
• BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient.
• EACH statement ALONE is sufficient.
• Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient.