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 to predictIn the world ofGMAT and GRE, the category of
individual success in job or profession after completingmiscellaneous problems is called Word Problems.The
the course. For example, research shows that thekey to do well in this section is two-fold: (1) Know the
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is abasics ofArithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry; (2) Apply
valid predictor of students' performance in the MBAcommon sense to translate the given information and
program. Studies also support the proposition ofthe question in the form of mathematical equations.
post-MBA career successes with 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. The firstalways in the objectivemultiple choice question form.
part of English, often called verbal ability test, assessesThe Grid-in questions in the SAT exam are
test-takers ability to read and write grammaticallyanexception. The usual format includes a description of
correctEnglish. Several years of reading text-books,problem with one ormore useful piece of information. A
writing papers, speaking in front of the class atquestion statement follows the given information. Then
elementary and high schools allows standardizedthe problem is followed by 4 or 5 answer choices.
testtakers to score well without much effort.Students taking the test are required to utilize the given
Math in Standardized Testsinformation in answering the question statement. The
The standardized test on Math, on the other hand, isanswer thus found is one among many options. There
not as natural or easy as the English part. Studentsis no single strategy to solve a multiple-choice math
often receive less than satisfactory traininginproblem.Experts usually recommend one or more of
developing their mathematical abilities and the formatthe following methods,
of the questions does not help either. For example,▪ Plugging numbers: Helps avoid complex algebraic
how often does one have to figure out theprobabilitycalculations
of a number to be odd when a two-digit number is▪ Back solving: Taking the help of answer choices
chosen at random. Or what is average speed of Jackto eliminate wrong options
in total, when Jack drove one way atrate of 40 mph,▪ Eye-balling & approximating: Helpful in simple
and returned at rate of 50 mph?geometrical problems
The standardized exam may be composed of its own▪ Intelligent guessing: Eliminating unlikely answers to
format of math questions.The Math section,decrease options.
sometimes called Quantitative section, can haveThe strategies described above work best when
questionsof the following types: Problem Solving, Datatest-takers are equipped with basic concepts of
Sufficiency, Data Comparison,Graphical Problems, andArithmetic, Algebra, & Geometry, and invest time &
Grid-Ins. Despite quantitative problems appearingeffortin practicing sample questions in actual exam like
innumerous forms, they test a limited number offormat.
concepts. The concepts can be categorized in 3Other formats of Math problems (e.g., Data sufficiency
broad sections of Math: Arithmetic, Algebra, andin GMAT, Grid-in in SAT, Graph in GRE & SAT) form
Geometry.a small percentage of all questions in the test. Students
▪ Arithmetic sectionare advised to develop their own strategy for such
Most standardized tests give considerable importancequestions.Once again, knowing the basics and
to the arithmetic concepts such as Percent, Ratio,practicing with such problems is the key for doing well
Average, and Numbers. The arithmetic section oftenin such problems.
makes for 50% or over part of the QuantitativeSample Example Problems:
section of the test. The number of arithmetic problems1. After 20% discount, due to Christmas sale, the price
in the GMAT or GRE Math is about 55% to 60% ofof a book is $40. What is the total saving than usual
the total number of questions. In the SAT and ACTprice, for Jim, when he purchases two volumes of the
exam, the arithmetic portion of the Math section isbook in discount sale?
about 50%.A. 100
▪ Algebra sectionB. 50
In terms of the number of questions asked in the test,C. 40
Algebra is not as important. The areas tested in theD. 20
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 older
problems are from Algebra section of Math.Thethan Sally. What is the age of Mary now (in year
percentage distribution may vary for different exams.2007)?
▪ Geometry sectionA. 6
Test-makers prefer to make questions in Geometry inB. 10
many different forms and flavors. The basic conceptsC. 17
tested in this area come from: Angles & Triangles,D. 18
Squares & Rectangles, Circles, Co-ordinate, and SolidE. 20
Geometry.Even though advance questions require3. The numerical value of the ratio of area and
knowledge and practice with importantconcepts, thecircumference of a circle is 2. What is the diameter of
easier problems are often intuitive and aptitude based.the circle?
In anygiven standardized Math test, about 20% to 40%A. 4
of all questions are from theGeometry section. In SATB. 8
exam, about 35% pf questions are from theC. 16
Geometry.In the GMAT exam only 20% of allD. 18
questions are Geometry problems.E. 32
Miscellaneous ProblemsAnswers:
Makers of standardized tests have a special liking for1. D
oddball questions.These questions are derived from2. C
concepts of more than one topic and oftenrequire3.