Quantitative7 min read·

GMAT Focus Quant: Which Topics to Study First

Quant is now 21 problem-solving questions on arithmetic and algebra. Here is how to order your preparation so the skills used most come first.

What the Quant Section Tests Now

The GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section has 21 Problem Solving questions in 45 minutes. According to GMAC, it measures arithmetic and elementary algebra and how you apply them to problems. You cannot use a calculator.

Two things that used to be in Quant are gone. Geometry is no longer tested, and Data Sufficiency now sits in the Data Insights section. If you are using an older prep book, skip its geometry chapters and practise Data Sufficiency as part of Data Insights instead.

Because every question is Problem Solving, the best order of study is the one that builds the skills most questions rely on first.

Start With the Skills Everything Else Uses

1. Algebra & Linear Equations

Most word problems end up as an equation, so algebra is the foundation for the whole section. Make sure you are fluent with:

  • Linear equations — solving for one or two unknowns
  • Simultaneous equations — substitution and elimination
  • Quadratics — factoring, the quadratic formula, recognising a difference of squares
  • Functions — f(x) notation and composition
  • Sequences — arithmetic and geometric progressions

    • 2. Rates, Ratios & Percentages

    These are the classic GMAT word problem topics. They test whether you can turn English into an equation and solve it under time pressure.

  • Work and rate — people or machines working together
  • Speed, distance and time — relative speed and meeting-point problems
  • Mixtures — weighted averages in disguise
  • Percentages — percent change, successive changes, markups and discounts

    • 3. Number Properties

    Integer questions look simple and hide the most traps. Practise odd and even rules, primes, divisibility, factors and remainders until the traps feel obvious.

    4. Inequalities and Absolute Value

    The rules differ subtly from equations:

  • Multiplying or dividing by a negative number flips the inequality sign
  • Absolute value inequalities, such as |x − 3| < 5, describe a range of values
  • Combined inequalities are easiest on a number line

    • Then Round Out the Section

    Once the foundations are solid, cover the remaining areas:

  • Statistics — mean, median and mode, and how standard deviation behaves (you rarely calculate it)
  • Counting and probability — permutations, combinations, independent events and "at least one" problems
  • Exponents and roots — exponent rules and simplifying roots
  • Other word problems — ages, profit and loss, and overlapping sets (Venn diagrams)

    • A Suggested Quant Study Order

  • Algebra and linear equations (weeks 1–2)
  • Rates, ratios and percentages (week 3)
  • Number properties and inequalities (week 4)
  • Statistics, counting and probability (week 5)
  • Exponents, roots and other word problems (week 6)
  • Timed mixed sets, without a calculator (week 7 onwards)

    • Adjust the timing to your exam date. The myExamRoutine study planner will spread these topics across the days you have and leave time for revision.

    Tracking Your Progress

    The number to watch is not how many topics you have finished. It is your accuracy. A topic you have "done" at 55% accuracy needs more work than one you have not started.

    Log every practice set in the subtopic's Practice tab. Aim for 75% or higher on a subtopic before moving on. If you are consistently below 65%, go back to the fundamentals before doing more questions. And practise mental arithmetic throughout: with no calculator, slow arithmetic costs you time on every question.

    Turn your syllabus into a tracker

    myExamRoutine tracks every topic of your syllabus, plans your study days and shows your weak areas. Try it free for 15 minutes.

    Build my tracker free →

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