In addition to being one of the fundamental aspects of mathematics, algebra is also a key component in the quantitative section of the GMAT curriculum. Business schools are always looking for prospective students who have a strong quantitative background, as this is a prerequisite for admission into management degree programmes.
When attempting the GMAT quant portion, you are required to have a working knowledge of algebra. This is one of the essential prerequisites. Some applicants have difficulty with the mathematics questions on the GMAT, and the primary reason for this is because they do not have sufficient knowledge about the subjects tested on the GMAT algebra section. In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the algebra section on the GMAT.
| Table Of Contents |
Brief overview of GMAT Algebra
In order to understand GMAT algebra ideas, it is crucial to know some basic algebraic terminology, such as:
- Variables: Algebraic variables are the symbols that represent integers in GMAT algebra.
- Constants: Values that remain constant in GMAT algebra problems
- Terms: This is formed when a constant and a variable are combined in GMAT algebra concepts.
- Degree: The power of a variable is measured by its degree.
- Algebraic expression: GMAT algebra formulas like (x + 2), (x – 3c), and (2x – 3y) are all examples of algebraic expressions, which have terms jumbled together by addition or deduction.
- Coefficient: This refers to a number or symbol used to represent a property or set of properties.
Out of all the GMAT quant topics, GMAT algebra questions comprise 16.3% frequency.
Suggested: Check out all your frequently asked questions on GMAT here
Even the most difficult mathematics questions on the GMAT can be answered more easily if you recognise and use these common algebraic expressions or patterns appropriately.
What To Expect in the GMAT Algebra Section?
According to the GMAT Syllabus, there are two types of questions in the Quant section: Data Sufficiency and Problem Solving. It has a total of 31 questions to be answered in 62 minutes
The fundamentals of algebra that are evaluated using the GMAT are derived from pure algebra, which may be broken down into the following categories of concepts:
Monomials
Only a single term is included.
Exponents
Exponentiation is a mathematical operation that uses two numbers, the base b and the exponent or power n. It is written as bⁿ and pronounced as "b to the power of n."
Polynomials
Has more than one term
Inequalities
Inequalities are used when making comparisons between 2 numbers or other mathematical notions that are not equal to one another. It uses fundamental concepts like Mathematical Operations with Inequalities, Functioning with ranges of numbers, Transitive Property and Addition of Like Qualities.
Linear Equations
A linear equation has a variable that isn't known and no exponents that are greater than 1. It uses concepts like Linear Equations with two unknown and Number of Solutions.
Quadratic Equations
The quadratic equation is a more complex form of an algebraic equation. It looks like ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants (real numbers) and a 0, and x is a variable that needs to be dealt with. It uses concepts like Factoring Method of Solving Quadratic Equations, Determining Solutions for the Difference of Perfect Squares, root and Quadratic Formula for Solving Quadratic Equations.
Functions
Functions are exchanged between two sets of numbers; every single number that one puts into the formula counters with one possible answer. A function is represented by a letter along with the variable in the expression. It uses fundamental concepts like Domain of function and Range of function.
Permutation and combination
Permutation is the process of putting all of the items in a set in a certain order. The combination is a way to choose items from a set where, unlike permutations, it doesn't matter what order you choose them in.
Arithmetic and geometric progressions
In an arithmetic progression, you add the common difference to the previous term to get the next term. In a geometric progression, you multiply the common ratio by the previous term to get the next term.
Algebraic Expressions/ Equations
- The Difference of Two Squares: a2–b2=(a−b)(a+b)
- Squaring a Binomial: (a±b)2=a2±2ab+b2
- The Discriminant: D=b2–4ac
The first two items on the list are about factoring. The idea is that you can switch the expressions on the left and right of the equals sign. This method is often used to make algebraic expressions easier to understand. The third thing, the discriminant, is a powerful tool that can help you figure out what the roots of a quadratic equation are without having to find them.
Best Ways To Prep For GMAT Algebra
A methodical approach to the GMAT mathematics part is required if one wishes to achieve good scores on the quant component of the GMAT. The following are some algebra-related GMAT preparation strategies that will be helpful:
Plugin the Numbers
To simplify solving GMAT algebra questions that include difficult algebraic expressions, pick a simple number, to get answers faster.
Understand the GMAT Algebra Formulas
First you should become familiar with the theorems and the explanations behind them, then go on to studying the shortcuts. In addition, once you have mastered the GMAT math formulas, make it a daily habit to memorise them. Keep in mind that it is impossible to solve algebraic issues without first applying the appropriate formula.
Devote Yourself in the Easy GMAT Algebra Questions
Using the GMAT algebra formulae correctly will help you answer 20% of the quant questions on the GMAT. Don't spend all your time rehearsing for the most difficult questions. Regardless of how simple the question may be, it should be given equal weight. The GMAT's word problems and GMAT linear equation problems can be tackled on separate days, for example.
Practice Daily
When it comes to preparing for the GMAT quantitative part, you should know that practice is the best way to get better in GMAT math or any other component. So, if you want to get a better GMAT score, don't cut corners on practice.
Top GMAT Algebra Prep Books
To do well on the GMAT, you need the best GMAT preparation materials. Most people start with GMAT books but end up choosing GMAT online preparation courses. The GMAC Official Guide 2022 is a reliable prep book to abide by. Keep in mind that even the best GMAT books are redundant without a good GMAT study plan. Here are the six best books to study for the GMAT.
- GMAT Official Guide 2022
- Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guide Set
- Kaplan GMAT Complete 2021
- PowerScore verbal trilogy Bible
- Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course
- GMAT for dummies 2021
Learn more about the GMAT eligibility criteria right here
No one should be intimidated by GMAT algebra questions. Most of what you'll need to know is derived from linear and quadratic expressions and their close relatives. Those who struggle with algebra can benefit greatly from working through the GMAT algebra practice questions. If you still have doubts about GMAT algebra or even about studying abroad, reach out to our Yocket counsellors today!
