GMAT Math Section
The GMAT Math section of the GMAT CAT tests the Math skills of the student.
A student is expected to answer 37 Math questions in 75 minutes. The questions in this section are of multiple-choice type and dealing with subject matters such as:
- Number Systems
- Algebra (including Quadratic Equations)
- Geometry (including Basic Coordinate Geometry)
- Ratio & Propor
- Area & Volume of 2-D and 3-D figures
The list is never ending. There are two categories of questions in this section:
- Problem solving
- Data Sufficiency
Questions pertaining to both fields are given in a combined format.
The questions that deal with problem solving are completely mathematical in nature. They are related to the subject area such as Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. The student is presented with a problem and five consecutive answers. He/She is required to choose the correct answer for each question. The only way to arrive at the correct answer is by solving the problem presented to him/her. The fundamental requirement for answering these questions is to have knowledge of basic Mathematics. The difficulty level for these questions does not exceed the general high school Mathematics.
The Data Sufficiency questions are a type that is exclusive to the GMAT. While dealing with a Data Sufficiency problem, a student is provided with a question that is followed by two numbered statements. The student is expected to examine the statements and resolve whether the information present there is sufficient to answer the question or not. This question category helps to determine not just the understanding of general mathematical concepts, but also the student’s skill in evaluating data for its content and relevance. Many students find the questions dealing with Data Sufficiency perplexing and the most difficult in the entire test. Several institutes that coach the students for GMAT, focus chiefly on familiarizing the students with this format of questions. The students are taught to deal with this section through specific techniques and strategies that throw light on how to easily approach even the trickiest questions of Data Sufficiency.