Beat The GMAT

doctortt · Fri Apr 24, 2009 7:42 am

What are some good way to increase the speed in doing GMAT math problems? In math, the area is very broad. Even if you know it very well, you still need time to analyze the math problem, write the equation, compute the problem and etc. You don't even have time to double-check the work, and it's like you have to be accurate from start to finish on each problem and then move to the next.

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rossmj · Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:09 am

Check out the website GMAThacks.com the guy does a good job explaining some shortcuts that you can use with computing GMAT numbers. Ultimately the test tends to reward people who notice that certain numbers reduce, multiply etc... Otherwise make sure you practice enough problems so that you recognize what type of question it is, there is nothing worse than the feeling of starting a problem and realizing your approach won't result in the correct answer. If you can recognize the problem type and are clever in the way you use the numbers provided you will see that the time you use on "easier" question go down and give you the extra seconds needed for more complex questions.

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changingcourse · Fri Apr 24, 2009 12:46 pm

learn to solve problems by doing as little calculations as possible. from what i've read, since the gmat doesn't allow calculators, most of the problems can be solved by doing little to no arithmetic calculations. think of factoring numbers and equations, reducing fractions etc.

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T_A_M · Sun Apr 26, 2009 2:02 pm

Although it sounds like a simple solutions it really is the best and does work!
Practise, practise practise!
Each question you do from OG should be under timed conditions. And if you get it wrong in the 2 min timeframe there is an issue. Then you need to do a full analysis / review of the question. Why did you take so long? What was the trick? Etc. Then apply the knowledge next time. Try again in 2 mins in a weeks time. See if you learnt something!

Good luck!

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VP_Jim · Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:04 pm

I'd like to second the point made above - try to avoid doing calculations. When you're studying, look for multiple ways to solve problems; most likely, you'll find a way to solve most math problems without doing a lot of arithmetic. Be aware of opportunities to use estimation, number properties, shortcuts, or whatever. The less you have to write down, the faster you're going to be - similarly, if you're writing a lot, you're probably not doing problems the right way to begin with.

And of course, there's no substitute for lots of studying so that you instantly know how to do most problems when they pop on the the screen. Working through problems confidently and diligently is key on the GMAT.

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dan.gmat.gre · Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:31 am

Do the math section faster

(1) Many students tend to rush when they read a question for the first time. Then, thirty seconds later they look back at the question only to realize that they have been answering the wrong question or that they didn’t talk all of the information into account. When you first look at a question read it carefully, remember or write down all the important information given, and then construct a plan of attack.

(2) While you need to know the basics, this is not exactly a math or English test. What the GMAT tests is your ability to rapidly apply basic mathematical concepts in creative ways. Remember, these questions were made to be solved in less than two minutes if done in the right manner. There are usually two or three ways to do a math question, but one of the ways is almost always much faster. The best test takers use logic to get around doing complicated calculations as often as possible. As stated above use techniques like inserting numbers, backsolving, etc... to find shortcuts.

This information comes from
http://fr.standardizedtests.org/content/how-do-gmat-math-section-faster
and the information is updated from time to time

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