Math in Standardized Tests Like the Gmat

What is a standardized test?common sense besides basic section concepts. It is
Standardized tests (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT etc.)not uncommon tofind a problem on a geometrical
are aptitude tests to assess the proficiency offigure, which can be resolved into an algebraic
students for a given course of study. The scoresexpression with some simple common sense method.
obtained in standardized tests are supposed toIn the world ofGMAT and GRE, the category of
predict individual success in job or profession aftermiscellaneous problems is called Word Problems.The
completing the course. For example, research showskey to do well in this section is two-fold: (1) Know
that the Graduate Management Admission Testthe basics ofArithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry; (2)
(GMAT) is a valid predictor of students' performanceApply common sense to translate the given
in the MBA program. Studies also support theinformation and the question in the form of
proposition of post-MBA career successes withmathematical equations.
GMAT test scores.FORMAT OF MATH PROBLEMS
Most standardized tests consist of some form ofMath problems in standardized tests are almost
evaluation for two subjects:English and Math. Thealways in the objectivemultiple choice question form.
first part of English, often called verbal ability test,The Grid-in questions in the SAT exam are
assesses test-takers ability to read and writeanexception. The usual format includes a description
grammatically correctEnglish. Several years of readingof problem with one ormore useful piece of
text-books, writing papers, speaking in front of theinformation. A question statement follows the given
class at elementary and high schools allowsinformation. Then the problem is followed by 4 or 5
standardized testtakers to score well without muchanswer choices.
effort.Students taking the test are required to utilize the
Math in Standardized Testsgiven information in answering the question
The standardized test on Math, on the other hand, isstatement. The answer thus found is one among
not as natural or easy as the English part. Studentsmany options. There is no single strategy to solve a
often receive less than satisfactory traininginmultiple-choice math problem.Experts usually
developing their mathematical abilities and the formatrecommend one or more of the following methods,
of the questions does not help either. For example,â-ª Plugging numbers: Helps avoid complex
how often does one have to figure out theprobabilityalgebraic calculations
of a number to be odd when a two-digit number isâ-ª Back solving: Taking the help of answer
chosen at random. Or what is average speed of Jackchoices to eliminate wrong options
in total, when Jack drove one way atrate of 40 mph,â-ª Eye-balling & approximating: Helpful in
and returned at rate of 50 mph?simple geometrical problems
The standardized exam may be composed of itsâ-ª Intelligent guessing: Eliminating unlikely
own format of math questions.The Math section,answers to decrease options.
sometimes called Quantitative section, can haveThe strategies described above work best when
questionsof the following types: Problem Solving,test-takers are equipped with basic concepts of
Data Sufficiency, Data Comparison,GraphicalArithmetic, Algebra, & Geometry, and invest time &
Problems, and Grid-Ins. Despite quantitative problemseffortin practicing sample questions in actual exam
appearing innumerous forms, they test a limitedlike format.
number of concepts. The concepts can beOther formats of Math problems (e.g., Data
categorized in 3 broad sections of Math: Arithmetic,sufficiency in GMAT, Grid-in in SAT, Graph in GRE &
Algebra, and Geometry.SAT) form a small percentage of all questions in the
â-ª Arithmetic sectiontest. Students are advised to develop their own
Most standardized tests give considerable importancestrategy for such questions.Once again, knowing the
to the arithmetic concepts such as Percent, Ratio,basics and practicing with such problems is the key
Average, and Numbers. The arithmetic section oftenfor doing well in such problems.
makes for 50% or over part of the QuantitativeSample Example Problems:
section of the test. The number of arithmetic1. After 20% discount, due to Christmas sale, the
problems in the GMAT or GRE Math is about 55% toprice of a book is $40. What is the total saving than
60% of the total number of questions. In the SATusual price, for Jim, when he purchases two volumes
and ACT exam, the arithmetic portion of the Mathof the book in discount sale?
section is about 50%.A. 100
â-ª Algebra sectionB. 50
In terms of the number of questions asked in theC. 40
test, Algebra is not as important. The areas tested inD. 20
the Algebra are: Solving Simple Equations, BinomialE. 10
Theorem & Quadratic Equations, and Advance2. In the year 2000, Mary was twice as old as her
Algebra with Inequalities. About 15% to 25% ofsister Sally. In the year 2008, Mary will be 5 yeas
problems are from Algebra section of Math.Theolder than Sally. What is the age of Mary now (in
percentage distribution may vary for different exams.year 2007)?
â-ª Geometry sectionA. 6
Test-makers prefer to make questions in GeometryB. 10
in many different forms and flavors. The basicC. 17
concepts tested in this area come from: Angles &D. 18
Triangles, Squares & Rectangles, Circles, Co-ordinate,E. 20
and Solid Geometry.Even though advance questions3. The numerical value of the ratio of area and
require knowledge and practice withcircumference of a circle is 2. What is the diameter
importantconcepts, the easier problems are oftenof the circle?
intuitive and aptitude based. In anygiven standardizedA. 4
Math test, about 20% to 40% of all questions areB. 8
from theGeometry section. In SAT exam, aboutC. 16
35% pf questions are from the Geometry.In theD. 18
GMAT exam only 20% of all questions are GeometryE. 32
problems.Answers:
Miscellaneous Problems1. D
Makers of standardized tests have a special liking for2. C
oddball questions.These questions are derived from3.
concepts of more than one topic and oftenrequire