What Is Arithmetic on the GMAT?
Arithmetic on the GMAT covers the core math skills you use every day: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, ratios, percents, and number properties. It's the foundation for about half of the Quant section, so mastering it is non-negotiable for a strong score.
Definition
Arithmetic on the GMAT refers to the fundamental operations and concepts you learned in middle school math: integers, fractions, decimals, ratios, percents, exponents, roots, and basic number properties (like even/odd, positive/negative, prime/composite). These are the building blocks for more complex topics like algebra and word problems.
Why It Matters on the GMAT
Arithmetic questions appear frequently in the Quant section, often mixed with other topics. They test your ability to compute accurately and quickly, and to reason about numbers without a calculator. Many Data Sufficiency questions also rely on number properties to determine sufficiency. A solid grasp of arithmetic can save you time and avoid careless errors.
A Concrete Example
Problem: If a recipe calls for 2/3 cup of sugar and you want to make 1.5 times the recipe, how many cups of sugar do you need?
Solution: Multiply: 2/3 × 1.5 = 2/3 × 3/2 = 1. So you need 1 cup. This shows how fractions and decimals interact.
Common Mistakes
- Forgetting order of operations (PEMDAS) – always do parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division, addition/subtraction.
- Misinterpreting ratio vs. fraction – a ratio 2:3 means 2 parts to 3 parts, not 2/3 of the whole.
- Confusing percent increase vs. percent of – a 50% increase means multiply by 1.5, not add 50.
- Overlooking negative number rules – e.g., a negative times a negative is positive.
How to Practice It
Drill with official GMAT questions. Start with basic operations, then move to fractions, ratios, and percents. Time yourself to build speed. Review every mistake to identify patterns. Use online resources like GMAT Sprint's arithmetic page for targeted practice.