GMAT Problem Solving Strategies

Strategies for problem solving in GMAT are very useful during the preparation process. It will help a GMAT applicant in understanding the fundamental concepts and utilizing it to solve the quantitative problems. GMAT strategies for problem solving trains an individual on how to apply their mathematical understanding, accompanied by logical reasoning, rather than just finding the accurate answers. The strategies for problem solving are explained below.

Strategies for Problem Solving

• Strong Fundamentals

Work on the simple problems as a first task because it does not require too much of time. The most important aspect of problem solving section is you should be strong in basic mathematical calculations. There are common things which should be familiarized viz. powers, roots, multiplying and dividing decimals. These form the basics for certain mathematical calculations and added to this fact, no calculators are allowed in a test center. When you are familiar with these basic things it will not take much time for you to complete the plain mathematical calculations.

• Pencil and Scratch Paper

Always use a pencil and scratch papers for rough calculations. This would help you to prevent making errors in multiple choice questions because once the answer is given in a test, it cannot be changed. So work on a scratch paper and then answer the questions.

• Shortcuts and Techniques for Plain Mathematical Calculations

Incase if you find it difficult to derive the answer for difficult questions, practice some shortcuts like choosing an answer and working it backwards. This technique will save time and errors which occurs during long, complicated calculations. When it comes to this technique, start with the middle choice or answer. If the answer is not the same after working, the output will be higher or lower for sure. By doing this you will find you are getting closer to accurate answer

• Techniques to Solve Word Problems

There are some real life word problems or word problems in quantitative sections. These problems can be solved not only by plain mathematical formulae but logical reasoning is also required to solve them. Word problems will always be like “Tom has 7 times as many crayons as Dick and 3 times as many as Harry. If Dick has less than 21 crayons, what is the maximum number of crayons that Tom can have?”

In order find the solution for problems of this kind, building an equation is a must. For example, for an example problem which was given above, make an equation where you assume Tom as A, Dick as B and Harry as C. This in turn will lead you to build an equation. The most important key while building an equation is to get familiar with identifying the least common factor or lowest common factor. This serves as a bridge between A, B and C in many a word problems.

• Techniques to Solve Geometry and Graphical Interpretation Problems

Some of the problems in problem solving part contain diagrams and graphical interpretations. The common error committed by many is that they judge the answers by relying on their vision. So they end up guessing wrong answers through visual judgments. The best way to choose the right answer is to read the question slowly while you review the diagram. While doing this spend 30 seconds in reviewing the diagram. Here comes the important role played by your pencil! 

Draw rough sketches of these diagrams while calculating the answers and you will find that these diagrams contain some hidden information related to answers.

When it comes to graphs remember your preparation in concepts like measurement of units, axis and labels. By the time you take up the test you will be able to interpret graphical data gradually, due to you getting used to mock tests which include so many graphical interpretations.

• Avoid Wasting Time on Easy Calculations

The best tactic to manage time in problem solving section is avoid wasting time in short calculations or repeating a calculation many times. This will help you to spend time on complicated problems like “which one of the following is true?” 

More in GMAT

• Rescheduling GMAT Appointment

  GMAT aspirants looking for ways to rescheduling a GMAT appointment, read on for full details and information. Answers to all your queries on how to reschedule and service fees for rescheduling or retaking GMAT test are available in this page.

• Identification Documents for GMAT Registration

  GMAT candidates would be able to get through to take up a GMAT test only if they submit correct identification documents for GMAT registration. These important proofs need to be sent well in advance, to get test appointment as per individual choice.

• GMAT Tax Rates

  GMAT tax rates for different countries, varies depending on the candidates and their nationalities. Other than U.S citizens, candidates from certain countries are liable to pay GMAT tax rate. Read on for complete list of information on the same.

• GMAT Test Centers

  It is imperative to find GMAT test centers before GMAT registration. Global standard ensures GMAT test centers are located all over the world. Read on for more details on nearest test centers, test environment, do's-don'ts, technical glitches etc.

• GMAT FAQs

  The main purpose of GMAT FAQs is to provide answers for the commonly asked questions regarding information like GMAT test structure, test center etc. Its mission is to widen the knowledge base of GMAT, with general tips.

• How to Prepare for GMAT

  People, who want to get an MBA from a business school, opt for GMAT. The instructions on how to prepare for GMAT test will educate the GMAT candidates on test structure, with tips and advice that is in need to take up the test

• GMAT Verbal Test Structure

  This article is intended to provide details on the major sections of GMAT Verbal Test structure. Read on to get clarity on the important sections of GMAT Verbal Test.

• GMAT Quantitative Test Structure

  The objective of this article is to provide detailed information on GMAT Quantitative Test Structure. The guidelines below give you a brief idea on test structure of GMAT quantitative section.

• GMAT Analytical Writing Test Structure

  This article throws light on the important sections of GMAT analytical writing test structure. The tips and information given in this article are handy, easy and very helpful. Read on to know the facts of analytical writing test in GMAT.

• GMAT Verbal Syllabus

  The aim of a detailed GMAT verbal syllabus is to cover expertise in Standard English skills and to organize complex ideas. The structure of GMAT syllabus serves to equip the candidates, to excel in International Business School environment.

• GMAT Important Dates

  This article explains about the GMAT important dates. It is important to know the complete information about the dates related to test to plan ahead for the test. Read on to know more.

• Computer Based GMAT

  This article stresses on the important facts about the Computer Based GMAT and the there are few important points in article which is worth mentioning and quite helpful. Read on to know the complete information on computer based GMAT.

• The GMAT Advantage

  This article highlights the information on The GMAT advantage. It is important to know the benefits of the test which is to be taken. Read on to know the various advantages of GMAT test.

• GMAT vs GRE

  This page states the key differences between GMAT vs GRE. Choosing a better test among many becomes easier when the comparison between tests is made. Read the below article to know the differences.

• Next Generation GMAT

  This article illustrates the important information on Next Generation GMAT. Read this piece of writing to know how different the next generation GMAT is from the present one.

• GMAT Verbal Preparation Books and Material

  Equipping yourself for GMAT test with the best study materials and guides is very important. This article gives you clarity with some samples of GMAT Verbal Preparation Books and Material.

• Paper Based GMAT

  This article describes the key information on paper based GMAT. Read to know the details on what is offered by GMAT in paper based test.

• Computer Based GMAT vs. Paper Based GMAT

  GMAT gives you two alternatives to choose the mode of writing the test, which can be either computer based GMAT or paper based GMAT. Read this article to know the differences between computer based GMAT vs. paper based GMAT.

• GMAT Checklist and Test Day Essentials

  This article highlights some useful tips and essential information on on GMAT checklist and test day essentials. It is very important to have a checklist so that all goes well on the test day. Read on to know more about this.

• GMAT Quantitative Section Preparation Books and Material

  This write up highlights the GMAT Quantitative preparation books and material. Read on further to know the best guides and reference books available for quantitative section in GMAT.

• GMAT Registration For Persons With Disabilities

  The advantage of GMAT is it is flexible to all the groups of people. GMAT registration for test takers with disabilities is a procedure which accommodates disabled candidates to take up the GMAT test, provided they submit the supporting documents.

• Strategy for GMAT Sentence Correction and Reading Comprehension

  This page highlights the GMAT Strategies for Sentence Correction and Reading Comprehension. Read on to know the information on various strategies that can be implemented for the sentence correction and reading comprehension sections in GMAT.

• GMAT Analytical Writing Preparation Books & Materials

  This article explains in detail about GMAT analytical writing preparation books and materials. Lists of a few important books for preparing for analytical writing section in GMAT are listed here which will be helpful to TOEFL aspirants. Read on.

• GMAT Quantitative Practice Questions

  Proficiency in Mathematics is important to take up GMAT test. GMAT quantitative practice questions explain about different types of mathematical questions and it also shows how to find solution for those questions.

• GMAT Verbal Practice Questions

  GMAT verbal practice questions helps a candidate to get familiar with the types of questions in verbal test section and it also gives detailed information on sub sections of practice questions in GMAT verbal section.

• GMAT General Tips

  This article presents important GMAT General Tips. The following tips will help improve test preparation. Read on to know easy useful tips on preparing for GMAT test which will help in achieving good scores.

• GMAT Analytical Writing Syllabus

  This page contains information on GMAT analytical writing syllabus which is designed to assess the critical thinking ability of a candidate. Read on for more detailed information on lessons and topics according to test structure and pattern.

• GMAT Data Sufficiency Strategy

  The tips to solve data sufficiency problems are provided in this page. It also contains detailed information on GMAT strategies for data sufficiency. For further details read the article.

• GMAT Quantitative Syllabus

  The purpose of complete GMAT Quantitative syllabus is to provide a clear understanding about the mathematical concepts related to GMAT test. It will help the candidate for preparation and solving any of the calculations with logical thinking skills.