What Is Problem Solving on the GMAT?
Problem Solving (PS) is the core multiple-choice math question type on the GMAT Quantitative section. You are given a math problem and five answer choices, and you must select the correct one. Mastering PS is essential because it makes up roughly two-thirds of your quant score.
Definition
Problem Solving questions present a numerical or algebraic problem and ask you to choose the correct answer from five options. They test your ability to apply mathematical concepts, reason quantitatively, and perform calculations accurately. The problems cover arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems.
Why It Matters on the GMAT
Problem Solving is the most common question type in the Quantitative section. You will see about 21–22 PS questions out of 31 total quant questions. Your performance on these questions heavily influences your overall GMAT score. Additionally, PS questions often appear earlier in the section, and a strong start can boost your confidence and score.
A Concrete Example
Here is a typical Problem Solving question:
If x + 2y = 10 and y = 3, what is the value of x?
Answer choices: (A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 6 (D) 8 (E) 10
To solve, substitute y = 3 into the equation: x + 2(3) = 10, so x + 6 = 10, giving x = 4. The correct answer is (B).
This simple example shows the typical format: a problem, five choices, and one correct answer.
Common Mistakes
- Misreading the question: Not noticing keywords like 'not', 'integer', or 'positive' can lead to wrong answers.
- Calculation errors: Rushing arithmetic can cause careless mistakes.
- Overcomplicating: Some problems have a straightforward solution; don't overthink.
- Ignoring answer choices: Sometimes you can plug choices back into the problem to find the answer faster.
How to Practice It
Practice with official GMAT questions to get familiar with the style. Time yourself: aim for about 2 minutes per question. Review every mistake to understand the underlying concept. Work on your mental math and algebraic manipulation skills. Use resources like fractions, ratios, and decimals practice to strengthen fundamentals.