The quantitative content for the GMAT is definable.  In the next few paragraphs, I’m going to outline what areas of skills you’ll need to be successful on the GMAT.  (Important caveat – these concepts below are the basics of what the GMAT is testing.  For advanced concepts and questions, the test makers have found unique ways of making these more difficult.)

Math Facility #1 – Arithmetic

While arithmetic is foundational in grade school (and a great deal of review for us), we have to ensure we study the fundamentals as well as the more advanced concepts.  The GMAT is testing the following abilities:

·  Manipulate fractions, decimals, and ratios (as well as the need to convert among the three)
·  Understand the properties of individual numbers and the concept of real numbers
·  Work with percentages
·  Calculate and manipulate exponents and roots
·  Understand and apply descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, standard deviation)
·  Understand and apply properties of sets (Venn diagrams)
·  Know and apply various counting methods (including permutations and combinations)
·  Understand, calculate, and analyze discrete probability

Several Quantitative questions you’ll encounter on test day will require application of more than one of the topics above.  In arithmetic, there are several concepts and equations you’ll have to memorize.

Math Facility #2 – Algebra

Generally, the algebra covered on the GMAT does not test you above High School Algebra 1.  However, it has probably been several years since High School.  These are the concepts you must review for the test:

·  Manipulating algebraic expressions (isolating variables and solving for a variable)
·  Solving equations (linear equations with one or more unknowns and quadratic equations)
·  Solving and manipulating inequalities
·  Applying and solving functions

Math Facility #3 – Geometry

On GMAT geometry, you will not have to build SIN or COS curves nor graph non-linear functions (thank goodness – I struggled doing those equations with a graphing calculator!).  The GMAT geometry is difficult; however, it is limited to the following concepts:

·  Properties of Triangles, Quadrilaterals, and Circles
·  Properties of uniform solids (rectangles and cylinders)
·  Properties of lines (intersecting, perpendicular, and parallel)
·  Properties of angles (a skill that is also part of the lines and geometric shapes)
·  Coordinate Geometry (very basic four quadrant graphing for the standard y=mx+b equation)

Math Facility #4 – ‘Real Life’ Issues

Since the GMAT isn’t a High School equivalency exam, the GMAC added additional concepts that borrower heavily from the items above but add a real-life dimension to the concept.  The GMAT requires that you know a few more equations and concepts; however, at the base level, this is just an additional application of the concepts above.  These additional applications include the ability to calculate the following:

·  Interest (both simple and compound)
·  Discounts and/or Profits
·  Work and Combined Work Problems
·  Rate and Measurement Problems

While this list is comprehensive, it is, by itself, not sufficient.  Since the GMAT doesn’t require a significant amount of outside knowledge, you’ll find these concepts presented in a manner that makes them far more difficult than they seem on paper.  The only way to ensure you are prepared is to practice.  Good luck as you practice these various aspects of the test.