MR GMAT MathEssentials 6E

6 th
Edition
GMAT Math Essentials

Joern Meissner
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Contents
1 Welcome 1
2 GMAT Quantitative Ability 3

2.1 Understanding numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1.1 Classification of numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.1.2 Number line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.1.3 Basic operations on numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.1.4 Face value and place value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.1.5 Even and Odd numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.1.6 Consecutive numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.1.7 Prime numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.1.8 Co-Prime numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.1.9 Rounding off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.1.10 Order of operations PEMDAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.1.11 Divisibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.1.12 Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.1.13 Perfect Square numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.1.14 Multiples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.1.15 Lowest Common MultipleLCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.1.16 Highest Common FactorHCF OR Greatest Common DivisorGCD . . . . . 25
2.2 Exponents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
2.2.1 Unit digits of numbers with exponents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.2.2 Deduction of unit digit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
2.2.3 Roots and Surds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2.2.3.1 Surds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.2.3.2 Rationalization of surds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
2.3 Multiplication and Division of decimals with 10x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
2.4 Common Binomial expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
2.5 Some important summation of series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
2.6 Fractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
2.6.1 Concept of fraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
2.6.2 Mathematical operations on fractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
2.6.3 Comparing fractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
2.6.4 More on fractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
2.6.5 Fractions and their percent equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
2.6.6 See-Saw Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
2.7 Ratio & Proportion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
vii
viii Math Essentials Guide
2.7.1 Proportion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
2.7.2 Role of common factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
2.8 Percents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
2.8.1 Smart calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
2.8.2 Some applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
2.9 Translating words into math . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
2.10 Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
2.10.1 Simple Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
2.10.2 Compound Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
2.10.2.1 Half-Yearly and Quarterly compounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
2.10.2.2 Calculating Rate of Interest and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
2.10.2.3 Population Compounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
2.11 Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
2.12 Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
2.12.1 System of Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
2.12.2 Quadratic Equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
2.12.2.1 Roots of quadratic equation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
2.12.2.2 Higher order equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
2.13 Absolute numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
2.13.1 Inequality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
2.13.2 Inequalities with absolute numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
2.13.3 Compound Inequality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
2.13.4 Mathematical operations on inequalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
2.14 Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
3 Practice Questions 93
3.1 Numbers and Digits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
3.2 Even/Odd and Consecutive Integers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
3.3 Divisibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
3.4 Simplification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
3.5 Exponents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
3.6 Factors/Multiples and LCM/HCF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
3.7 Fraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
3.8 Rationalization of factions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
3.9 Linear and Quadratic Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
3.11 Inequalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
3.12 Percents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
3.14 Simple Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
3.15 Compound Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
3.16 Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
4 Answer Key 103

Math Essentials Guide ix
5 Solutions 109
5.1 Numbers and Digits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
5.2 Even/Odd and Consecutive Integers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
5.3 Divisibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
5.4 Simplification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
5.5 Exponents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
5.6 Factors/Multiples and LCM/HCF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
5.7 Fraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
5.8 Rationalization of factions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
5.9 Linear and Quadratic Equations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
5.11 Inequalities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
5.12 Percents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
5.14 Simple Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
5.15 Compound Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
5.16 Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
6 Talk to Us 151

x Math Essentials Guide

Chapter 1
Welcome
Dear Students,
Here at Manhattan Review, we constantly strive to provide you the best educational content
for standardized test preparation. We make a tremendous effort to keep making things better
and better for you. This is especially important with respect to an examination such as the
GMAT. A typical GMAT aspirant is confused with so many test-prep options available. Your
challenge is to choose a book or a tutor that prepares you for attaining your goal. We cannot
say that we are one of the best, it is you who has to be the judge.
There are umpteen numbers of books on Quantitative Ability for GMAT preparation. What is
so different about this book? The answer lies in its approach to deal with the questions. The
book is meant to develop your math fundamentals. It does not contain specific questions on
the GMATQuantitative Ability.
The concepts are explained with the help of text-cum-graphic aid. It is a treat to read the book
along with relevant graphics; pictures speak louder than words!
Few short-cut techniques such as See-Saw technique and Some Application of Percent and
fraction on the topic of Fraction and Percent are copyright treat for the students. We believe
that you will save your precious time in solving the questions at ease.
Apart from books on Number Properties, Word Problem, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry,
Sets and Statistics, and Combinatorics & Probability, which are solely dedicated on GMAT
Quantitative Ability, the publication GMAT-Math Essentials is developed to sharpen your math
fundamentals.
The Manhattan Reviews GMAT-Math Essentials book is holistic and comprehensive in all re-
spects. Should you have any queries, feel free to write to me at [email protected].
Happy Learning!
Professor Dr. Joern Meissner

& The Manhattan Review Team
1
2 Math Essentials Guide Concepts

Chapter 2
GMAT Quantitative Ability
3
Quantitative Ability section of the GMAT exam tests your skill on two types of
questions based on quantitative aptitude or loosely speaking mathematical pro-
ficiency.
Thirty seven questions are asked in the Quantitative Ability (QA) section. The QA
section should be completed in 75 minutes; this means that you have on average two minutes
per question to answer. The proficiency in mathematics in this section of the GMAT is ex-
pected up to the secondary or the high school level; you will not be asked questions based on
higher level mathematics. The GMAT lays more emphasis on how you analyze data, and apply
logic to solve the questions rather than labored math. The questions would be a mix of easy,
intermediate, and hard level difficulty levels.
There are two types of questions asked in this section: Problem solving and Data sufficiency.
Each question type may have 15-20 questions on your GMAT test day.
The scope of the book is to introduce you to elementary mathematics required to do well in
the GMAT. We have not discussed question types and formats that GMAT uses in the test.
Separate, topic-wise books will cover the scope of GMAT questions.
The GMAT frames questions based on the concepts of Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, Ele-
mentary Geometry, and Elementary Statistics.
Following topics are included in the GMAT questions:
Arithmetic:
Numbers, their classification, and application
Properties of Integers, Even & Odd numbers, Prime numbers, Decimals, and Frac-
tions
Factors and Multiples
LCM and HCF (GCD)
Divisibility Rules
Mathematical operations
PEMDAS
Exponents (Powers), and Surds
Ratio and Proportion
Percents
Simple and Compound Interest
Profit and Loss
Time and Distance
Work and Rate

Math Essentials Guide Concepts 5
Mixtures and Alligation
Mensuration (Measurement calculation)
Counting Methods: Permutation and Combination
Probability
Algebra:
Algebraic Expressions
Linear equations
Quadratic equations: Solving Quadratic equations
Functions
Absolute numbers
Inequalities
Geometry:
Lines
Circles
Polygons: Triangles, Quadrilaterals
Solids: Cube, Cuboid, Cylinder, Sphere, and Cone
Mensuration (Measurement calculation)
Co-ordinate Geometry
Statistics:
Average: Mean, Median, and Mode
Standard Deviation
Data Interpretation

Problem Solving
Problem solving (PS) questions may not be new to you. You must have seen these types of
questions in your school or college days. The format is as follows: There is a question stem
and is followed by options, out of which, only one option is correct or is the best option that
answers the question correctly.
PS questions measure your skill to solve numerical problems, interpret graphical data, and
assess information. These questions present to you five options and no option is phrased as
None of these. Mostly the numeric options, unlike algebraic expressions, are presented in an
ascending order from option A through E, occasionally in a descending order until there is a
specific purpose not to do so.
We will discuss the strategies to solve PS questions in detail in individual books.
Data Sufficiency
For most of you, Data Sufficiency (DS) may be a new format. The DS format is very unique to the
GMAT exam. The format is as follows: There is a question stem followed by two statements,
labeled statement (1) and statement (2). These statements contain additional information.
Your task is to use the additional information from each statement alone to answer the ques-
tion. If none of the statements alone helps you answer the question, you must use the infor-
mation from both the statements together. There may be questions which cannot be answered
even after combining the additional information given in both the statements. Based on this,
the question always follows standard five options which are always in a fixed order.
(A) Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) ALONE is not sufficient to answer the
question asked.
(B) Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) ALONE is not sufficient to answer the
question asked.
(C) BOTH statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are sufficient to answer the question asked, but
NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
(D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.
(E) Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are NOT sufficient to answer the question asked, and
additional data specific to the problem are needed.
We will discuss the strategies to solve DS in detail in individual books. Moreover, there is a
dedicated book on Data Sufficiency, which solely discusses DS strategies and problems.

2.1 Understanding numbers
Numbersthe backbone of GMAT quants; we all are familiar with num-

bers, but the devil lies in the detail!
Let us understand numbers from the GMAT perspective.
2.1.1 Classification of numbers
Numbers
Real Complex
Numbers (R) Numbers (a+ib)
Rational Irrational
Numbers (Q) Numbers (I)
Integers (Z) Fractions (F) Decimals (D)
(A) Real numbers: Almost all the numbers you can imagine are Real numbers. Any number
that can be represented on a number line is a real number. These include 0, 1, 3, 4/3, 0.3457, 48.87
and many more!
If most numbers are real numbers, then what are not real numbers?

The numbers such as 1, (2 + 5), etc. are not real numbers. They are Imaginary
number and Complex numbers respectively. Fortunately, these are beyond the scope of
the GMAT.
Real numbers can further be classified into Rational and Irrational numbers.
p
(a) Rational numbers: Numbers that can be expressed in the form of where p and q
q
are integers, and q 6= 0. Remember that p may be 0.
The above definition may look a little scary to those who are not very familiar with
the concepts of numbers; however the good news for them is that you need not

know the above definition to master the GMAT quants.
So what do rational numbers include? Simply put, these include all integers, deci-
mal, and fractions.
So what do rational numbers exclude? These exclude roots of non-perfect square

numbers, roots of non-perfect cube numbers, special numbers such as = 3.14, e =
2.718, and many others, basically, non terminating & non recurring decimals.
Rational numbers can be broadly classified into three categoriesIntegers, Frac-

tions, and Decimals.
i. Integers: All counting numbers are integers whether negative, positive or zero.
Example: {1, 2, 3, 4, 5,...} are called positive integers; {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ....}
are called negative integers. Note that 0 is also an integer.
In Data Sufficiency questions, you may come across terms like non-negative in-
tegers or non-positive integers. A non-negative integer would be one among the
set of {1, 2, 3, 4, 5,...}; note that 0 is included; whereas a non-positive integer
would be one among the set of {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ....}.
ii. Fractions: Any number that can be expressed with an integer numerator and
an integer denominator is called fraction. In other words, a number that can
be expressed in the form of x/y is a fraction such that y 6= 0. Example:
1/3, 5/4, 3/8 etc.
iii. Decimal numbers: Decimal numbers are another way of expressing fractions.
The decimal numbers are written with the use of a decimal (.). The left of the
decimal point (.) has place values of digits for units, tens, hundreds, thousands,
and more; whereas the right of the decimal point (.) has place values of digits
for tenths, hundredths, thousandths, and more.
Only those decimals which are Terminating, for example 2.4, 4.35, 2.1, etc. or
Recurring, for example 2.3333, 4.151515...2.3404040, etc. are Rational.
This is because only these can be expressed in the form p/q, as discussed ear-
lier. For example: A terminating decimal. 2.35 is simply 235/100 = 47/20, and
is recurring. A recurring decimal, say 2.343434... can be analyzed as follows:
Say x = 2.343434...
=> 100x = 234.343434
Subtracting: 99x = 234 2 = 232
232
=> x = , and hence is a rational number.
99
We will discuss place value in the following pages.
p
(b) Irrational numbers: Numbers that cannot be expressed in the form of , where
q

p and q are integers, and q 6= 0 are irrational numbers or in other words, all real
numbers that are not rational are irrational numbers. As stated earlier that these
include roots of non-perfect squared numbers: 2, 5 and others; roots of non-perfect
cube numbers, special numbers such as = 3.14, e = 2.718, and many others.
By default any number mentioned in the QA section is a real number; so, you must NOT
assume that it is an integer unless stated as such.

(B) Complex numbers: As stated earlier that he numbers such as 1, (2 + 5), etc. are
not real numbers. They are Imaginary number and Complex numbers, respectively. For-
tunately, these are beyond the scope of the GMAT.
2.1.2 Number line

A number line is a line with 0 as its center. Numbers on the right side of 0 are positive and
those on the left side are negative. Number line helps define the direction of measurement.
Numbers keep on increasing
5<1 1/2 3.25
5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 +
5>6 2.75 1/2
Numbers keep on decreasing

2.1.3 Basic operations on numbers
Symbol Mathematical Application Examples

operation
Sum, Add, 2 + 3 = 5; (Two positives will be added)

Plus,
+ Addition Total, (2) + (3) = 5; (Two negatives will be
Increase added)
2 + (3) = 1; (A positive & a negative will

be subtracted)
(2) + 3 = 1; (A negative and a positive will

be subtracted)
Deduct, 23 = 1; (Two positives will be subtracted)

Minus,
Subtraction Decrease, (2) (3) = 1; (Two negatives will
Less, Reduce, be subtracted)
Difference
2 (3) = 5; (A positive & a negative
will be added)
(2) 3 = 5; (A negative & a posi-

tive will be added)
Multiply, 2 3 = 6; (Positive Positive = Positive)

Multiplication Product,
Times, , By (2) (3) = 6; (Negative Negative
= Positive)
2 (3) = 6; (Positive Negative =

Negative)
(2) 3 = 6; (Negative Positive =

Negative)

Division Divide, 6 3 = 2; (Positive Positive = Positive)

Quotient, Part
of, Per unit (6) (3) = 2; (Negative Negative
calculation = Positive)
6 (3) = 2; (Positive Negative =

Negative)
(6) 3 = 2; (Negative Positive = Nega-

tive)

2.1.4 Face value and place value

The number system we use is set up from ten symbols only {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}. Each
symbol is called a digit and each has its value called Face value. So, the face value of 9 is
nine times the face value of the digit 1 or three times the face value of the digit 3. For
example, for numbers 243, & 234, the face values of digits 2, 3, and 4 do not vary upon
their placement.
Place value of a digit varies depending on where it is placed in a number. For example, for
numbers 234, and 243, the place values of digits 3, and 4 are different.
If a digit placed on the left of another digit, the place value of the first digit is 10 times of the
other digit. For a number 234, the place value of digit 2 is 200, that of digit 3 is 30, and
that of 4 is 4. Similarly, the place values of digits placed after the decimal point () reduces
in its value by 1/10 times. This can be better understood this way.
243 = 2 100 + 4 10 + 3 1;
234 = 2 100 + 3 10 + 4 1..
Tenths
Units Decimal
(1/10 times)
Tens Hundredths
(10 times) (1/100 times)
Hundreds Thousandsths
(100 times) (1/1000 times)
87934.125
Thousands
(1000 times)
Ten thousands
(10000 times)
10 times larger 10 times smaller

2.1.5 Even and Odd numbers

Even number: An integer completely divisible by 2, without leaving a remainder is called an
Even number. In other words, an even number can be expressed as 2m, where m is an inte-
ger. As per this definition, 0 is an even integer. Example: {0, 2, 4, 6, 8, ...}, {8, 4, 10, 18, ...}.
Odd number: An integer when divided by 2 leaves a remainder 1 is called Odd number.
In other words, an odd number can be expressed as (2m + 1), where m is an integer. All the
integers are either even or odd integers. Example: {1, 3, 5, 7, ...}, {3, 1, 9, 11...}.
Basic operations on Even and Odd numbers:
Mathematical Application Examples

operation
Even Even = Even; 4 + 2 = 6; 4 2 = 2; Even

Odd Odd = Even; 7 + 3 = 10; 3 7 = 4; Even
Addition/ Even Odd = Odd 5 + 2 = 7; 5 2 = 3; Odd
Subtraction
Any number of even numbers can
make an even number; however
only an even number of odd num-
bers can make an even number;
e.g.: Two odd numbers on addi-
tion give even, four odd numbers
on addition also give even; how-
ever three odd numbers on addi-
tion give odd number.
Even Even = Even; 4 2 = 8; Even

Odd Odd = Odd; 3 3 = 9; Odd
Even Odd = Even 2 3 = 6; Even
Multiplication Multiplication of any number of

odd numbers always results in an-
other odd number.
If the product of two integers is

Even and one of them is an Even
integer, we cannot comment on
the nature of the other number,
i.e. whether it is Even or Odd.

Not every operation of Division is

completely divisible. We show you
the results if the division leaves no
remainder.
Division Odd Odd = Odd; 9 3 = 3; Odd

Even Odd = Even; 10 5 = 2; Even
Odd Even = Not divisible; 11 2 = ? Not divisible
Even Even = Even or Odd 4 2 = 2; Even
10 2 = 5; Odd
2.1.6 Consecutive numbers
An ordered set of continuous integers written in ascending order are called Consecutive num-
bers.
Example: {23, 24, 25}, {2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3}
Example of consecutive Even numbers: {12, 14, 16}
Example of consecutive Odd numbers: {11, 13, 15}
2.1.7 Prime numbers
A number greater than 1 which has no factors other than 1 and the
2 number itself, is called Prime number. A number with exactly two distinct
factors is called prime. Hence, 1 cannot be considered as prime since it
has only one factor, 1 itself.
Example: {2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, .....}. There are infinitely many Prime numbers.
First 25 prime numbers are:
{2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, 37, 41, 43, 47, 53, 59, 61, 67, 71, 73, 79, 83, 89, 97}
2 is the only even prime number or all the prime numbers are odd except 2.
Also, the difference between any two primes greater than 2 is always even.
Another point to note is that any prime, other than 2 or 3, if divided by 6, will always
leave a remainder of 1 or 5 (== 1). Thus, any prime can be expressed as 6k 1, where
k is some positive positive integer.
However, you should note that not all numbers which leave a remainder of 1 or 5 when divided
by 6 are prime, for example, 25, 35, etc.

How to verify whether a number n is a prime number:

Step1: Take square root of the number; if square root is an integer the number is not prime
number, else follow the next step.
Step2: Say the largest integer closest to the square root of the number n is m; where

m < n;
Step3: Divide n by all the prime numbers from 2 to m, inclusive: if n is divisible by any
number among them, the number n is not prime, else prime
=> Let us take a number n = 101.

Step1: 10 < 101 < 11; not an integer;

Step2: 101 = 10 = m;
Step3: Divide 101 by prime numbers from 2 to 10 i.e. 2, 3, 5, & 7. Since 101 is not divisible by
any prime number among these, hence 101 is a prime number.
=> Let us take a number n = 87.

Step1: 9 < 87, 10; not an integer;

Step2: 87 = 9 = m;
Step3: Divide 87 by prime numbers from 2 to 9 i.e. 2, 3, 5, & 7. Since 87 is divisible by 3, hence
87 is not a prime number
2.1.8 Co-Prime numbers

Two numbers are co-prime to each other if they have no factor common between them except
1.
Example: 14 & 15: The factors of 14 are {1, 2, 7, 14}, and the factors of 15 are {1, 3, 5, 15}.
There is no factor common between 14 & 15 except 1, so 14 & 15 are co-prime to each
other.
It is important to know that the LCM of co-prime numbers is their product, and GCD or HCF
is 1. Say two numbers a and b are co-prime to each other, then LCM = ab, and GCD = 1.
Note that any two consecutive numbers are always co-prime to each other. Also 1 is co-prime
to any number.
2.1.9 Rounding off

Rounding off a number means to get a significant and practically usable number. Say, the
distance between Manhattan to JFK airport is 15.24 miles; we can truncate the hundredth

place digit to get a number which is rounded off to tenth place equalling 15.2 miles. However,
by doing this, we do get a less accurate number. The degree of rounding off a number depends
on how much accurate number you want. In this case, even the additional 0.2 miles may seem
insignificant to a regular commuter. So, 15.2 can further be rounded off to the nearest tens as
15 miles which is further less accurate.
CASE I:
If the dropped digit is less than 5 (i.e. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4), the digit to the left of the dropped digit
should be unchanged. For example, 5.312 rounded to the tenths digit is 5.3.
CASE II:
If the dropped digit is greater than 5 (i.e. 6, 7, 8 or 9), the digit to the left of the dropped
digit should be increased by 1. For example, 5.326 rounded to the hundredths digit is 5.33,
but, rounded to the tenths digit is 5.3; similarly, 4.961 becomes 5.00, if rounded to the nearest
integer.
CASE III:
If the dropped digit is 5, and all the figures following the 5 are 0, or if there is no digit after
the 5:
The digit to the left of the dropped digit should be unchanged, if that last figure is even,
and
The digit to the left of the dropped digit should be increased by 1 if that last figure is
odd. For example, 3.195 becomes 3.20, whereas 2.365 becomes 2.36, both when rounded
to the hundredths digit.
CASE IV:
If the dropped digit is 5, and all the figures following the 5 are not all 0, the digit to the
left of the dropped digit should be increased by 1. For example, 4.7501 rounded to the hun-
dredths digit is 4.8.
The same rules for rounding can be applied in the following cases as well:
2134 rounded to the nearest tens is 2130

2145.1 rounded to the nearest tens is 2150
2145 rounded to the nearest hundreds is 2100

Note that the number, rounded off, can be more than or less than the original number. 15.8454
rounded off to 15.8 < 15.8454, whereas another number 15.8554 rounded off to 15.9 > 15.8554.

2.1.10 Order of operations PEMDAS
12 2(1+2)?
What is the value of 2{32 2(6 52 50 + 25 5)}?
2 or 18
Follow the order of operation given as below:
P: Parentheses first
E: Exponents (i.e. Powers and Square Roots, etc.)
MD: Multiplication and Division (left-to-right)
AS: Addition and Subtraction (left-to-right)
Expression Comments
2{102 2(6 52 50 + 25 5)} Solve the parenthesis first. If there are more than two
parentheses, follow the order: [ ], { }, & ( ). Here, we will
solve { } first, and then ( ). (P)
= 2{100 2(6 25 50 25)} Among the operators exponent, multiplication, division,

addition, subtraction, solve the exponent first. (E)
= 2{100 2(150 50 + 5)} Multiplication and division can be done simultaneously.

(MD)
= 2{100 2(105)} Addition and subtraction can be done simultaneously.

(AS)
= 2{100 210}
= 2{110}
= 220

2.1.11 Divisibility
A number is said to be divisible by another number if the division does not leave any remain-
der. Following are quick reckoner rules for divisibility test.
Divisor Condition: Example

A number is divisible
2 if the unit digit is Even: {0, 2, 4, 6, 268; 126596

8}
21681; Sum of digits = 2+1+6+8+1 = 18;

18 div. by 3 implies that 21681 is divisible
3 if the Sum of all the digits is by 3.
divisible by 3
89896; Sum of digits = 8+9+8+9+6 = 40;
40 not div. by 3 implies that 89896 is not
divisible by 3.
1224 and 2356 are div. by 4 as 24 and 56

4 if the number formed out of last are divisible by 4.
two digits is divisible by 4
1254 and 2569866 are not div. by 4
as 54 and 66 are not divisible by 4.
1220 and 2355 are div. by 5.

5 if the unit digit is 0 or 5.
1254 and 2569866 are not div. by
5.
if the number is divisible by both 1254, and 89892 are div. by 6.

6 2 and 3; follow the divisibility
rules of 2 and 3.
if the number formed out of the 891224 and 2542352 are div. by 8.
8 last three digits is divisible by 8
561354 and 2569866 are not div. by
8.
21681; Sum of digits = 2+1+6+8+1 = 18;

18 div. by 9 implies that 21681 is divisible
9 if the Sum of all digits of the by 9.
number is divisible by 9
89896; Sum of digits = 8+9+8+9+6 = 40;
40 not div. by 9 implies that 89896 is not
divisible by 9.

10 if the unit digit is 0. 12340 and 5245870.
251384;
S.O. = Sum of digits at odd places =

4 + 3 + 5 = 11;
if the difference of the sum S.E. = Sum of digits at even places =

11 of digits at odd places, and that 8 + 1 + 2 = 11;
at even places is either 0 or
divisible by 11. S.O. S.E. = 11 11 = 0 implies that
251384 is div. by 11.
81927092;
S.O. S.E. = 5 27 = 22 div. by 11 implies

that 81927092 is div. by 11.

2.1.12 Factors
All the possible divisors of an integer which leave no reminder are called factors.
Example: The factors of 6 are 1, 2, 3, & 6. We can write 6 as 1 6 or 2 3.
Factors of 60:
60 = 1 60;
= 2 30;
= 3 20;
= 4 15;
= 5 12;
= 6 10.
So, the factors of 60 are {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 60}. Remember that 1 and the num-
ber itself are also the factors of a number.
Number of factors
y y
Say, a number N can be written as N = a x b c z , where a, b, and c are prime factors of the
number N, and x, y, and z are positive integers, then
=> Number of factors (including 1 and the number itself) = (x + 1)(y + 1)(z + 1);
=> Number of factors (excluding 1 and the number itself) = (x + 1)(y + 1)(z + 1) 2.
Number of factors of 24:
24 = 2 2 2 3 = 23 31 ; here a = 2, & b = 3 are prime numbers, and x = 2, & y = 1.
Hence the number of factors of 24 including 1 and the number itself

= (3 + 1)(1 + 1) = 4 2 = 8.
Let us verify this.
Factors of 24 are: {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 28}; total number of factors equals to 8.
Let us take one more example.
Number of factors of 2520:
2520 = 2 2 2 3 3 5 7 = 23 32 5 7; here 2, 3, 5, & 7 are prime numbers.
Hence the number of factors of 2520 including 1 and the number itself
= (3 + 1)(2 + 1)(1 + 1)(1 + 1) = 4.3.2.2 = 48.

Sum of all the factors:
Say, a number N can be written as N = ax by c z , where a, b, and c are prime factors of number
N, x, y, and z are positive integers, then
" #" #" #
ax+1 1 by+1 1 c z+1 1
Sum of all the factors (including 1 and the number itself) =
a1 b1 c1
Sum of all the factors of 60:
60 = 22 .31 .51 ;
" #" #" #
22+1 1 31+1 1 51+1 1
Sum of all the factors (including 1 and the number itself) =
21 31 51
= 7.(8/2).(24/4) = 168.
Let us cross check this. Sum of all the factors of 60 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 10 + 12 + 15 +

20 + 30 + 60 = 168.
2.1.13 Perfect Square numbers

A perfect square number is a non-negative integer that can be expressed as the product of an
integer with itself. In other words, a number which is a square of any integer is called Perfect
square number. Perfect square numbers are always non-negative integers.
Example: {0, 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49, ...}. Some mathematicians do not consider that 0 is a per-
fect square number. Moreover the GMAT does not assume that you know the meaning of
perfect square number. The phrase used typically is square of an integer.
We can see that 1 = 1 1 = 1 1; and 4 = 2 2 = 2 2.
Some properties of perfect square:
Perfect square number ALWAYS has even number of powers of prime factors.
The number of distinct factors of a perfect square number is ALWAYS Odd. (By factors,
we refer to only the positive numbers that divide the number without remainder.)
The sum of distinct factors of a perfect square number is ALWAYS Odd.
A perfect square number ALWAYS has an Odd number of Odd-factors, and Even number
of Even-factors.

2.1.14 Multiples
While the factors divide the number completely, multiples are completely divisible by the num-
ber itself.
Example: The factors of 6 are 1,2,3 & 6; and the multiples of 6 are 6,12,18,24,30,...
=> A number is both a factor and a multiple of itself.
=> There are a finite number of factors of a number, but there are an infinite number of mul-
tiples.
In other words, we can write that the multiples of a number N = k . N , where k is a positive
integer. So the multiples of a number, say, xy 2 would be xy 2 , 2xy 2 , 3xy 2 , 4xy 2 , ... and the
factors of xy 2 would be {1, x, xy, y 2 , xy 2 }.
2.1.15 Lowest Common MultipleLCM

We all know what the LCM is; but occasionally we may get confused with HCF.
The LCM has three properties:
(1) It is a multiple; for numbers 6 & 10, the multiples of 6 are {6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, ....},
and the multiples of 10 are {10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, ...}, so LCM is one among
these multiples.
(2) It is a common multiple among all the multiples of 6, & 10; for numbers 6 & 10, the
common multiples are {30, 60, 90, ....}, so it is one among these multiples.
(3) It is the least common multiple (LCM) among all the common multiples; for numbers 6
& 10, the least common multiple is 30: LCM.
So, in other words, LCM of numbers is the smallest possible number which gets divided by
each number without leaving any reminder.
Did you notice that in math, we never come across a termHighest Common Multiple? It
is because it is insignificant to discuss this as the Highest Common Multiple for any set of
numbers would always be infinite; multiples of numbers are never ending.
Computation of LCM by factor method:

Example: Computation of LCM of 24, 54, and 70:
Step1: Factorise the numbers into prime factors
=> 24 = 23 .3;
=> 54 = 2.33 ;
=> 70 = 2.5..7

Step2: Select the term with the highest exponent for each prime factor
=> The prime factors with their highest exponents are 23 , 33 , 5, & 7.
Step3: Multiply the numbers selected in step 2; it is the LCM of numbers.
=> LCM = 23 .33 .5.7 = 7560.
Computation of LCM of algebraic expressions:
Example: Computation of LCM of 10xy 2 z5 , 15x 2 y 3 z4 , & 24x 3 y 3 z:
=> 10xy 2 z5 = 2.5.x.y 2 .z z5;

=> 15x 2 y 3 z4 = 3.5.x 2 .y
y 3 .x 4 ;
3 3 3
=> 24x y z = 2 .3.x x .y 3 .z
3
LCM of 10xy 2 z5 , 15x 2 y 3 z4 , & 24x 3 y 3 z = 23 .3.5.x 3 .y 3 .z5 = 120x

x 3y 3z 5

2.1.16 Highest Common FactorHCF OR Greatest Common DivisorGCD

Like LCM, the HCF/GCD also has three properties:
(1) It is a factor; for numbers 18 & 24, the factors of 6 are {1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18}, and the factors
of 24 are {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24}, so HCF is one among these factors.
(2) It is a common factor among these factors; for numbers 18 & 24, the common factors
are {1, 2, 3, 6}, so it is one among these factors.
(3) It is the highest common factor (HCF) among all the factors; for numbers 18 & 24, the
highest common factor is 6: HCF.
So, in other words, HCF of numbers is the largest possible number which divides each number
without leaving any reminder.
Did you notice that in math, we never come across a termLowest Common Factor? It is be-
cause it is insignificant to discuss this as the Lowest Common Factor for any set of numbers
would always be 1.
Computation of HCF by factor method:
Example: Computation of HCF of 24, 54, and 210.
Step1: Factorise the numbers into prime factors
=> 24 = 23 .3;
=> 54 = 2.33 ;
=> 210 = 2.3.5.7.
Step2: Select the term with the lowest common exponent for each common prime factor
=> All the common prime factors with their lowest exponents are 2, & 3.
Step3: Multiply the numbers selected in step 2. It is the HCF/GCD of numbers.
=> HCF = 2.3 = 6.
Computation of HCF for algebraic expressions:
Example: Computation of HCF of 10xy 2 z5 , 15x 2 y 3 z4 , & 24x 3 y 3 z:
=> 10xy 2 z5 = 2.5.x y 2 .z5 = 2.5.((x ) .((y 2 ) .((z ) .z4 ;

x .y
=> 15x 2 y 3 z4 = 3.5.x 2 .y 3 .z4 = 3.5.((x ) .x.((y 2 ) .y.((z ) .z3 ;
=> 24x 3 y 3 z = 23 .3.x 3 .y 3 .z
z = 23 .3.((x ) .x 2 .((y 2 ) .y.((z )
HCF of 10xy 2 z5 , 15x 2 y 3 z4 , & 24x 3 y 3 z = x y 2 z .

LCM and HCF revisited:
x 3y 3z 5
LCM of N1 , N2 , N3 = 120x HCF of N1 , N2 , N3 = x y 2 z
Numbers:
N1 , N2 , N3 LCM is completely divisible by num- Numbers are completely divisible
bers by HCF
LCM 120x 3 y 3 z5 N1 10xy 2 z5

N1 = 10xy 2 z5 = = 12x 2 y = = 10z4
N1 10xy 2 z5 HCF xy 2 z
LCM 120x 3 y 3 z5 N2 15x 2 y 3 z4

N2 = 15x 2 y 3 z4 = = 8xz = = 15xyz3
N2 15x 2 y 3 z4 HCF xy 2 z
LCM 120x 3 y 3 z5 N3 24x 3 y 3 z

N3 = 24x 3 y 3 z = = 5z4 = = 24x 2 y 2
N3 24x 3 y 3 z HCF xy 2 z

2.2 Exponents
4
Exponents, also called indices, are powers given to bases. Expo-
2
nents tell the number of times a number is multiplied by itself.
Exponent or
Base
index or power Example: 24 = 2 2 2 2 = 16. Here 2 is the base and 4 is
the exponent or index.
Here are some basic operations of indices:
Operations Examples
am an = am+n 23 25 = 23+5 = 28
(ab)m = am bm (2 3)4 = 24 34
am an = amn 23 25 = 235 = 22
3
(am )n = amn (22 ) = 22.3 = 26
1 1
= am = 23
am 23
1/3
am = (am )1/n = am/n
3 6
n
2 = (26 ) = 26/3 = 22 = 4
a0 = 1, if a 6= 0 20 = 1
(a)Even = +(a)Even ; (2)4 = 2 2 2 2 = 16

a = positive number
(a)Odd = (a)Odd ; (2)3 = 2 2 2 = 8 or

a = positive number
(2)3 = (2 2 2) = 8
n
Note that (am )n 6= am
3 2
(22 ) = 22.3 = 26 = 64; 23 = 29 = 512 6= 64

2.2.1 Unit digits of numbers with exponents
You may come across a question in which you are asked to deduce the unit digit of a number
with a positive integer exponent.
Example: What is the unit digit of 24 ?
We know that 24 = 16, so the unit digit is 6, however, if the question asks: What is the unit
digit of 217 ?, then it would be a time-consuming exercise to calculate the value of 217 .
Let us see the power cycle of 2. It is 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, ...... You may
observe that the unit digit is the same for every 5th indexed number in the series. For example,
the unit digit is 2 for 1st , 5th , 9th , 13th numbers in the series; while the unit digit is 8 for 3rd ,
7th , 11th numbers in the series. So, for Base, 2, the unit digit repeats after every 4th position,
i.e. there exists a cycle of 4 positions, so the power cycle of base 2 is 4.
Table showing the power cycles of the 10 digits:
Base Series Digits of Cycle Unit digit

cycle
0 0, 0, 0, 0, ... 0 1 0 for any exponent
1 1, 1, 1, 1, ... 1 1 1 for any exponent
2 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, ... 2, 4, 8, 6 4 repeats after every 4th
number
3 3, 9, 27, 81, 243, 729, ... 3, 9, 7, 1 4 repeats after every 4th

number
4 4, 16, 64, 216.... 4, 6 2 repeats after every 2nd

number
5 5, 25, 125, 525, ... 5 1 5 for any exponent
6 6, 36, 216, 1264, ... 6 6 6 for any exponent
7 7, 49, 343, 2401, 16807, ... 7, 9, 3, 1 4 repeats after every 4th

number
8 8, 64, 512, 4096, 32768, ... 8, 4, 2, 6 4 repeats after every 4th

number
9 9, 81, 729, ... 9, 1 4 repeats after every 2nd

number
Summary:
(1) The unit digits for the bases 0, 1, 5, & 6 are the bases itself.

(2) The unit digits for the bases 2, 3, 7, & 8 follow the cycle of 4.
(3) The unit digits for the bases 4, & 9 follow the cycle of 2.
2.2.2 Deduction of unit digit

Example: What is the unit digit of 734 ?
Step1: Identify the base, its power cycle, and the exponent.
=> We know that the power cycle of the base, 7, is 4 (7,9,3,1), and the exponent is 34.
Step2: Divide the exponent by the power cycle, and get the remainder.
=> The remainder of 34/4 is 2.
Step3: Identify the digit of the power cycle corresponding to the remainder.
=> We know that the remainder is 2, and the power cycle of 7 is (7,9,3,1), hence the 2nd digit
of the power cycle would be the unit digit of 734 , which is 9: (7,9,3,1).
What if the questions had been: What is the unit digit of 736 ?
Again, we know that the power cycle of the base, 7, is 4 (7,9,3,1), and the exponent is 36 and
dividing 36 by 4 gives a remainder 0. If the remainder is 0, we must take the last number
in the power cycles which is 1. So the unit digit of 736 is 1.
Example: What is the unit digit of 72 .93 .32 ?
Step1: Deduce the unit digit of each number with exponent

=> The unit digit of 72 is 9; similarly, the unit digit of 93 is 9; similarly, the unit digit of 32
is 9.
Step2: Multiply all the unit digits deduced

=> The unit digit of 72 .93 .32 => 9.9.9 = 93 is 9.
Note: For solving questions asking for the unit digit, keep in mind that 5 multiplied with any
odd digit always results in a number ending with 5, while 5 multiplied with any even digit
always results in a number ending with 0.

2.2.3 Roots and Surds
Root is a familiar word; you have heard this beforesquare root, cube root etc.
Square root:
It is opposite of square. While square of a number means multiplying a number with itself to
get a new number, Square root means to get a number such that multiplying it with itself
would give the original number.
Example:
Say a number is x = 4, then the square = x 2 = 42 = 16, and square root =
2 2 2
x = 4 = 2; 2 2 = 4. Some consider that 4 = 2 or 2. However, it is not so. Its value is
+2 only.
The confusion starts from here:
If x 2 = 16, what is x?
2 2
While taking the square root of both the sides, we get x 2 = 16 => x = 4 => x = 4.

Note that 2 x = 2, not 2.
Remember that square of a number is NOT always greater than its square root. If a number

is x = 4, then the x 2 = 16, and x = 2; 16 > 2; however if a number is x = 1/4, then the

x 2 = 1/16, and x = 1/2; 1/16 < 1/2.
Square of a negative number is possible, but the square root is not possible,
it would be an
2
imaginary number. If a number is x = 4, then x 2 = 16, and x = 2; an imaginary
number.
Cube root:
Like square root, which is opposite of square, cube root is opposite of cube. Cube of a number
means multiplying a number with itself thrice to get a new number, Cube root means to get
a number such that multiplying it with itself thrice would give the original number.

3
Example: Say a number is x = 8, then the cube = x 3 = 83 = 512, and cube root = 3 x = 8 =
2; 2 2 2 = 8.
Like square, and its square root, cube of a number is NOT always greater than its cube root. If

a number is x = 8, then the x 3 = 512, and 3 x = 2; 512 > 2; however if a number is x = 1/8,

then the x 3 = 1/512, and 3 x = 1/2; 1/512 > 1/2.
Cube root gives unique value of x:
We have seen that if x 2 = 4, => x = 2.; no unique value of x; it may be either 2 or 2.

However if x 3 = 8, => x = 2; a unique value of x; because if x = 2, x 3 = 8. So cube root
gives the unique value. This concept is widely tested in the Data Sufficiency questions.

nth root:
Like square root, and cube root, nth root means multiplying a number with itself n times to

get the original number. Say a number is x, then its nth root would be n x.

5
Example: Say a number is x = 32, 32 = 2; 2 2 2 2 2 = 32.
2.2.3.1 Surds
If the root of a number renders an irrational number, its exponent is called Surd.

2
The square root of 2, 2 = 1.414; an irrational number, hence a surd.

You must know a few values: 2 = 1..414,, 3 = 1..732,, 5 = 2..236.
2.2.3.2 Rationalization of surds
Keeping a surd in the denominator is not a standard way of writing a number or expression in
3
mathematics. Surds should be placed in the numerator. If a number is 2 , we can get rid of

2 placed in the denominator by multiplying and dividing the fraction by 2.

3 3 2 3 2 3 2
=> = = 2 = .
2 2 2 ( 2) 2

2+1
Example 1: Rationalize .
21

We cannot multiply the numerator and the denominator
( 2 1)
by to remove the surd
in the
denominator; the denominator will result into ( 2 1)2 = ( 2)2 2. 2.1 + 12 = 2 2 2 + 1 =

3 2 2; again we would have a surd.
The optimum approach to do this is to make use of the formula (a b)(a + b) = a2 b2 .

2+1
Assume a = 2, and b = 1. By multiplying to the number, we will have a pair of
2+1
( 2 1)( 2 + 1) in the denominator, which will give [( 2)2 12 ] = 2 1 = 1; thus the surd
is removed.

The term ( 2 + 1) is called the conjugate of ( 2 1).

2+1 2+1 ( 2 + 1)2 ( 2 + 1)2

=> = = = ( 2 + 1)2 .
21 2+1 ( 2)2 12 1

x y
Example 2: Rationalize .
x+ y

x y x y ( x y)2 ( x y)2
=> = 2 2 = ; ( x y) is the conjugate of
x+ y x y ( x) + ( y) xy
( x + y).

Key: If the expression in the denominator has + sign, then multiply and divide the number
with its conjugate, i.e. an expression with sign and vice-versa. (x y) and (x + y) are
conjugates of each other, provided x is a rational number and y is a surd. .
2.3 Multiplication and Division of decimals with 10x
5482.75
We are often faced with multiplications such as 20.0987103 or . Follow the following
104
approach to do such operations in less time.
Scenario 1: Multiplication
Here, we either multiply a number by a number having a positive exponent of 10 or divide it

with a negative exponent of 10.
Step 1: Move the decimal to its right for the same number of times as the exponent value
Step 2: If number of digits to the right of the decimal is less than the value of the exponent,
add requisite number of 0s after the last digit of the number
Example 1: 20.0987 103
The value of the exponent is 3. By moving the decimal to the right 3 times in the number
20.0987, we will get the number 20098.7.
20.0987
20098.7
Example 2: 20.09 104
As per the process described in the example above, we move the decimal to the right 4 times
in the number 20.09. Since the number has only two digits after the decimal, we will add two
0s after 9. Thus, 20.09 104 = 200900.
Example 3: 20.0987 103
The value of the exponent is 3. Let us first make it positive. We can bring 103 in the
numerator, thus, 20.0987 103 = 20.0987 103 . Now the situation is the same as was in the
example 1. By moving the decimal to the right 3 times in the number 20.0987, we will get the
number 20098.7.

Scenario 2: Division
Here, we either divide a number by a number having a positive exponent of 10 or multiply with
a negative exponent of 10.
Step 1: Move decimal to its left for the same number of times as the exponent value
Step 2: If number of digits to the left of the decimal is less than the value of the exponent, add
requisite number of 0s before the first digit of the number
Example 3: 20.0987 103
The value of the exponent is 3. By moving decimal to the left 3 times in the number 20.0987,
we will get number the 0.0200987.
20.0987
0.0200987
Example 4: 20.0987 103 ?
20.0987
First, convert division into multiplication. So, 20.0987 103 = 103 = 20.0987 103 . Now
the question fits into scenario 1. Here, the value of the exponent is 3. By moving decimal to
the right 3 times in the number 20.0987, we will get the number 20098.7.
In a nut shell, following numbers are equal; 20.0987 103 = 2.00987 104 = 0.200987 105 =
20.0987 200.987 2009.87
200.987 102 = 20098.7 = 200987 101 . Similarly, 100 = 1000 = 104 .
Example 5: 3, 000, 000 0.0003?
To transform the second number, 0.0003, equals to 3 times the exponent of 10, it needs an
exponent of 4 to the base 10 or the multiplication of 10,000; we can borrow four 0s from
the first number, 3,000,000, so 3, 000, 000 0.0003 becomes 3000000
3 equalling 900.
3000000 x 0.0003
1.96[103 (6.03 3 102 )]
Example 6: =?
(1.4)2
1.96[103 (6.03 3 102 )] 1.96[10

3 (6.03 3 100)]
= 103 (6.03 3 100)

=> =
(1.4)2 1.96

=> 103 (6.03 0.03) = 1000 6 = 6000.

2.4 Common Binomial expressions

(1) a(b + c) = ab + ac
150 51 = 150(50 + 1) = 150 50 + 150 1 = 7500 + 150 = 7650
38 19 = 38(20 1) = 38 20 38 1 = 760 38 = 722
(2) (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2

1022 = (100 + 2)2 = 1002 + 2.100.2 + 22 = 10000 + 400 + 4 = 10404
(3) (a b)2 = a2 2ab + b2

982 = (100 2)2 = 1002 2.100.2 + 22 = 10000 400 + 4 = 9604
(4) (a2 b2 ) = (a + b)(a b)

982 22 = (98 + 2)(98 2) = 100 96 = 9600
(5) (a + b + c)2 = a2 + b2 + c 2 + 2(ab + bc + ca)
(6) (a + b)3 = a3 + 3a2 b + 3ab2 + b3

1023 = (100 + 2)3 = 1003 + 3.1002 .2 + 3.100.22 + 23 = 1000000 + 60000 + 1200 + 8 =
1061208
or (a + b)3 = a3 + 3ab(a + b) + b3
513 = (50 + 1)3 = 503 + 3.50.1.(50 + 1) + 13 = 125000 + 150.51 + 1 = 132651
(7) (a b)3 = a3 3a2 b + 3ab2 b3

983 = (1002)3 = 1003 3.1002 .2+3.100.22 23 = 100000060000+12008 = 941192
or (a b)3 = a3 3ab(a b) b3
493 = (50 1)3 = 503 3.50.1.(50 1) 13 = 125000 150.49 1 = 117649
(8) (a3 + b3 ) = (a + b)(a2 ab + b2 )

113 + 93 = (11 + 9)(112 11.9 + 92 ) = 20.(121 99 + 81) = 20.103 = 2060
(9) (a3 b3 ) = (a b)(a2 + ab + b2 )

113 93 = (11 9)(112 + 11.9 + 92 ) = 2.(121 + 99 + 81) = 2.301 = 602

2.5 Some important summation of series

n(n + 1)
(1) Sum of first positive integers = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + ............n =
2
Example: 12 + 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 =?
12 + 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 = (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + .......18) (1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + ........11)
18(18 + 1) 11(11 + 1) 18.19 11.12

= = 171 66 = 105
2 2 2 2
Alternate Approach:
=> 12 + 13 + 14 + 15 + 16 + 17 + 18 = (11 + 1) + (11 + 2) + (11 + 3) + (11 + 4) + (11 +

5) + (11 + 6) + (11 + 7)
7.8

=> (11+11+11+11+11+11+11)+(1+2+3+4+5+6+7) = 77+ = 77+28 = 105
2
n(n + 1)(2n + 1)
(2) Sum of squares of first positive integers = 12 +22 +32 +42 +52 +............n2 =
6
n(n + 1) 2

3 3 3 3 3 3
(3) Sum of cubes of first positive integers = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + ............n =
2
(4) Sum of odd integers = 1 + 3 + 5 + ............(2n 1) = n2 ; Note that the nth term is (2n 1).
(5) Sum of even integers = 2 + 4 + 6 + ............2n = n(n + 1)

2.6 Fractions
Fraction is a number which is formed out of numerator and denominator. It is represented as
Numerator
. Both numerator and denominator are integers, but the denominator should not
Denominator
be 0.
3 7 9
Example: , , etc.
4 8 5
Proper fraction: For a fraction, if the absolute value of the numerator is less than the absolute
value of the denominator, it is called a proper fraction. Example: 43 , 78 , 10
9
etc.
Improper fraction: If the absolute value of the numerator of a fraction is greater than the
absolute value of the denominator, it is called improper fraction. Example: 43 , 11 9
8 , 5 etc..
Mixed fraction: If the fraction is a mix of both an integer and proper fraction, it is called mixed
3 2
fraction. Example: 2 4 , 5 3 etc.
Converting mixed fraction to improper fraction: Say, a mixed fraction is 5 32 .
Step 1: Multiply the integer part with the denominator. 5 3 = 15.

Step 2: Add the numerator to the number attained in step 1. So, 15 + 2 = 17. It is
the numerator of improper fraction.
new numerator 53+2 17
Step 3: The equivalent improper fraction is = =
denominator 3 3
Equivalent Fraction: Fractions that are equal in values are called equivalent fractions, although
the numerator and denominator of the equivalent fractions may not be the same.
Example: 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 = 4/8 = 5/10.

2.6.1 Concept of fraction

Let us understand the concept of fraction through graphical representation. Fraction is a part
of a whole. For example, the fraction 3/8 means that out of 8 parts, only 3 parts are taken; it
can also be thought of as eating 3 slices of pizza of an 8-slice pizza.
3/8
Reciprocal of fraction: You get reciprocal of a fraction when you interchange numerator and
3 8
denominator. Example: Reciprocal of 8 is 3 .
8
What is the significance of ?
3
To understand this, first convert 38 into mixed fraction, which is 2 23 . It means eating 2 full
pizzas and 2 slices of pizza of a 3-slice pizza.
8/3 = Reciprocal of 3/8
Decimal Representation:
A fraction can be represented as a decimal number by dividing the numerator by the denomina-
tor. For example, the fraction 3/8 represents the numerical value 0.375; it is a decimal number.
Percent Representation:
A fraction can be represented as a percent by dividing the numerator by the denominator and
then multiplying it by 100. For example, 3/4 = 0.75 => 0.75 100% = 75% and similarly,
1/2 = 50%.

2.6.2 Mathematical operations on fractions
Mathematical Example
operation
1 1
Addition/ 2 + 2 = 1; two halves makes 1;
1 1 12 1 2 1 21
Subtraction 2 4 =? => 22 4 = 4 4 = 4 = 41 ; make denominators equal
1 1
2 2 = 14 ; half of a half makes it 14 ;
Multiplication
3 15
5 6 = 32 ; any numerator can cancel any denominator;
two numerators will be multiplied, and similarly, two denominators will

be multiplied
1 1 1 2
2 2 = 2 1 = 1;
will change to and the fraction to the right will become its recipro-
cal;
Division
3
5 35 = 35 53 = 1; a fraction divided by itself is always 1; product of a
fraction with its reciprocal is always 1.
Some confusing divisions:
2/3 2 3 2 2 4
= = = ;
3/2 3 2 3 3 9
2 3 2 4
=2 =2 = ;
3/2 2 3 3
2/3 2 2 1 2
whereas = 3= =
3 3 3 3 9
2
Example: =?
2
2
4
1
5
2
6
2+
7
=> Start solving from the lowermost fraction

2 2 2
=> = = ;
2 2 2
2 2 2
4 4 4
1 1 1
5 5 5
2 2 2
6 27+6 20
2+
7 7 7
Remember that the primary division operator is between 5 and 20.

5
5 20 2 7 7 20 5
So 20 = 5 =5 = = ; Do not get it confused with 6= .
7 3 20 4 7 20
7
7
Coming back to the question:
2 2 2 2 2 2
=> = = = = =
2 2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
4 4 4 144 1 16 15
1 1 1
5 75 1
2 2
20 20 4
7
2 2 2 15 15
=> = = =
2 32 30 16
2+
15 15
2.6.3 Comparing fractions
You may come across situation where you have to compare the two fractionswhich fraction
is greater or smaller?
A general rule: For positive factions, larger the numerator, greater is the fraction (with the
same denominator), and smaller the denominator, greater is the fraction (with the same nu-
merator) and vice-versa; opposite is true for negative fractions.
1 1
Example 1: Which is greater 2 or 3 ? Well, this is a simple one as the numerators of the frac-
tions are equal. For positive factions, if the numerators of the fractions are equal, the fraction
with smaller denominator is greater, so 12 > 13 ; however 12 < 31 ; 12 < 13 ; 21 > 13 .
Example 2: Which is greater 25 or 35 ? Again, this is a simple one as the denominator of the
fractions are equal. For positive factions, if the denominators of the fractions are equal, the
fraction with the larger numerator is greater, 52 < 35 ; however 25 > 35 ; 25 > 35 ; 52 > 35 .
11 9
Example 3: Which is greater 15 or 16 ? This is the easiest of all to deduce. As the numerator
of the first fraction is greater than that of the other and its denominator is smaller than that
of the other, so on both the counts, the first fraction scores over the other, hence it is greater
than the second fraction, so 11 9 11 9
15 > 16 ; however 15 < 16 .

Example 4: Which is greater 57 or 79 ? This is not an easier one to deduce. The numerator of
the first fraction is greater than that of the other but its denominator is also larger than that
of the other, so on one count, the first fraction scores over the second and on the other count,
the second one scores over the first. So how to deduce which fraction is greater? There are
three approaches to deduce this.
Approach 1:
Convert fractions to Decimals
Each fraction can be converted into a decimal by dividing the numerator by the denominator.
In decimal format, the value of each fraction can be compared.
5 7
=> = 0.714; = 0.777, so 0.777 > 0.714.
7 9
Since the decimal equivalent of 7/9 is larger than that of 5/7, so 7/9 > 5/7.
Approach 2:
Take 50%
The approach is to take 50% of the denominator and deduct it from the numerator, and then
compare the remaining fractions.
5 4
Which is greater 7 or 5 ?
=> 50% of 7 (denominator of thefirst fraction)is 3.5,

and 50% of 5
(denominator of the second
5 3.5 1.5 4 2.5 1.5
fraction) is 2.5, so we can write 7 = 7 + 7 <> 5 = 5 + 5
1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 5

=> (50% + 7 ) <> (50% + 5 ) => It is obvious that 7 < 5 , so, 7 < 45 .
This approach may not be applicable in each case; after seeing all the approaches, you should
decide which approach works best for a specific scenario.
Approach 3:
Cross Multiplication
Another approach to compare fractions is: Cross Multiplication. Numerator of the first frac-
tion is multiplied to the denominator of the second fraction, and numerator of the second
fraction is multiplied to the denominator of the first fraction. Now compare the results, and
identify the greater of the two products; the fraction which has its numerator in the greater of
the two products is a greater fraction than the other fraction.
5 7
=> Which is greater or ?
7 9
=> (Numerator of I Denominator of II) = 5 9 = 45; (Numerator of II Denominator of I) =
7 7 = 49, since 49 > 45 and 49 includes the numerator of the second fraction, hence the
second fraction is greater than the first fraction.

2.6.4 More on fractions

a a+c a
(1) If > 1, then < ; where a, b, & c are positive numbers
b b+c b
a 3 a+c 3+1 4 a 3

=> Say = , and c = 1, then = = = 1.33 < = = 1.5
b 2 b+c 2+1 3 b 2
We can understand it this way: Since the fraction a/b > 1, it means that a > b. When we
add c to each a and b, larger proportion of c is added to b i.e. denominator and
relatively a smaller proportion of c is added to a i.e. the numerator. Let us see how.
c c

a 1+ 1 + smaller fraction compared to " #
a+c a a b a smaller number
= = = <
c c

b+c b b larger number
b 1+ 1 + larger fraction compared to
b a
a
b
a a+c a
(2) If 0 < < 1, then > ; where a, b, & c are positive numbers
b b+c b
a 2 a+c 2+1 3 a 2

=> Say = , and c = 1, then = = = 0.75 > = = 0.667
b 3 b+c 3+1 4 b 3
a ac a
(3) If > 1, then > ; where a, b, & c are positive numbers
b bc b
a 3 ac 31 2 a 3

=> Say = , and c = 1, then = = =2> = = 1.50
b 2 bc 21 1 b 2
a ac a
(4) If 0 < < 1, then < ; where a, b, & c are positive numbers
b bc b
a 2 ac 21 1 a 2

=> Say = , and c = 1, then = = = 0.50 < = = 0.667
b 3 bc 31 2 b 3

2.6.5 Fractions and their percent equivalents
Fraction Percent Fraction Percent
1 1
100% 11.11%
1 9
1 1
50% 10%
2 10
1 1
33.33% 9.09%
3 11
1 1
25% 8.33%
4 12
1 1
20% 4%
5 25
1 1
16.67% 2%
6 50
1 1
14.28% 1%
7 100
1 1
12.50% 0.50%
8 200
Application: Sometimes you may come across calculating an odd-looking percent of an odd-
looking number. The fraction to percent equivalent table may help you make the calculations
easier.
Example 1: What is 14.25% of 705?
The traditional way of calculation is time-consuming: 14.25

100 705 = 100.47. In the GMAT,
seldom you need to calculate the exact value; the options would be wide apart. GMAT does not
test your ability on how precisely you calculate the values, it rather tests your ability on how
quickly you attain the meaningful value.
Smarter approach:
1
From the table, we know that 14.25% is 14.28% which is equal to 7. So, we can rather calcu-
1
late 7 of 705; again, we can approximate 705 to 707 as there is a difference of only 2 between
705 and 707. So, 17 of 707 is easier to calculate which is equal to 101. But 101 is an approxi-
mate value, the actual value would be less than 101 as we increased 14.25% to 14.28% and 705

to 707. The actual value already calculated as 100.47, which is quite close to the approximate
value 101.
Example 2: What is 12.61% of 802?
A. 95.68
B. 105.94
C. 101.13
Again, from the table, we know that 12.61% is 12.50% which is 18 . So, we can rather calculate 18
of 802; again, we can approximate 802 as 800 as there is a difference of only 2 between them.
So, 1/8 of 800 is easier to calculate which is equal to 100. Again, 100 is an approximate
value, the actual value must be little more than 100 as we had decreased 12.61% to 12.50%
and 802 to 800. Looking at the options, we can safely lock 101.13 as the actual value since
the other higher value is far greater than 100.
2.6.6 See-Saw Approach
How do you solve a question which asks If gasoline price increased by 10%, by what percent
should one reduce its consumption so that the expense on gasoline remains the same?
Traditional Approach:
Say, before the increase, the price of gasoline was $100/gallon, and the consumption was 100
gallons. So, the expense = 100 100 = $10000.
Now, after the increase, the price of gasoline is $110/gallon (10% up), and say the consumption
is reduced to x gallons. So, the expense = 110 x = $110x.
Since the expense needs to be the same as before, hence 10000 = 110x => x = 90.90 gallons
100 90.90
=> Percent reduction in consumption = 100% = 9.09%.
100
See-Saw Approach:
Scenario 1: When x y = C; where x is one element, y is second element, and C is a constant.
If x goes up by certain percent and y must go down with some percent such that after the
change x y = x 0 y 0 = C, follow the following short-cut steps to get the answer. Where
after the change, x becomes x 0 , and y becomes y 0 .
1
Step 1: Covert the given percent figure into fraction, say it is a ; you should take the help of
the conversion table.
1
Step 2: Add 1 to the denominator of the fraction attained; it would be a+1 .
1
Step 3: Convert a+1 fraction into percent; it is the requisite answer; you should take the help

of the table.
Let us get the answer to the above question with the See-Saw approach.
1 1 1
Step 1: Price goes up by 10%; equivalent fraction of 10% is 10 , so a = 10 .
1 1 1
Step 2: By adding 1 to the denominator of the fraction a, we get a+1 = 11 .
1
Step 3: With the help of the table, we get 11 = 9.09%; it is the requisite answer. The consump-
tion must go down by 9.09%.
Pl. see the pictorial representation of the See-Saw approach.
1 1
Consumption will go down by = a+ 1 = 11
= 90.09%
1 1
Price goes up by 10%= =
10 a
1 1
a a+1
Scenario 2: When x y = C; where x is one element, y is second element, and C is constant.
If x goes down by certain percent and y must go up with some percent such that after the
change x y = x 0 y 0 = C, follow the following short-cut steps to get the answer.
1
Step 1: Covert the given percent figure into fraction, say it is a;
take the help of the table.
1
Step 2: Subtract 1 from the denominator of the fraction attained; it would be
a1
1
Step 3: Convert fraction into percent; it is the requisite answer; you should take the help
a1
of the table.
Let us apply the See-Saw approach in another question: If milk price decreased by 10%, by what
percent should one increase its consumption so that the expense on milk remains the same?
1 1 1 1
Step 1: Price goes down by 10%; equivalent fraction of 10% is 10 , 10 , so a = 10 ;
1
Step 2: By subtracting 1 from the denominator of the fraction a1 , we get = 19 .
a1
1
Step 3: With the help of the table, we get 9 = 11.11%; it is the requisite answer. The consump-
tion must go up by 11.11%.
Pl. see the pictorial representation of the same.

1 1
Price goes down by 10% = 10 = a
Consumption will go up by
1 1
= = = 11.11%
a1 9
1 1
a a1
Example 1: If the sale of a brand is reduced by 17%, by what percent should the company
increase its sales price such that the revenue earned remains the same as before?
A. 14.28%
B. 14.53%
C. 20%
D. 20.48%
First, identify whether the question fits into the category discussed above. Since Quantity
Price = Revenue, and the condition is that the revenue must remain constant, hence the
question fits into the See-Saw approach model. Out of the two scenarios, the second scenario
fits as an element goes down and the complementary element must go up.
When we look at the table, we do not find 17%, however we can safely assume that it is closer
1
to 16.67%; so the equivalent of 17% = 16.67% = 6 = a1 =>
1
= 15 = 20%. The sales price
a1
must be increased by 20%. The correct answer would be a little more than 20% as we approx-
imated 17% to 16.67%. So, the correct answer must be option Dthe only greater option than
20%. The company should increase the sales price of the brand by 20.48%.
Example 2: If the price of milk increased by 11%, by what percent should its consumption be
reduced such that the expenses on milk remains the same as before?
We identified that the question fits into the category discussed above, and it fits into the first
1 1 1 1
scenario. Now, 11% = 11.11% = 9 = a => a+1 = 10 = 10%.. The correct answer would be a
little less than 10%.

2.7 Ratio & Proportion
Ratio is a relationship among two or more quantities; it is important that the units of the
quantities considered are same.
We normally refer ratio in daily life. Examples: Ratio of number of boys to that of girls in a
class is 2 : 3; Ratio of milk to water in a pot is 4 : 7, etc.
Ratio values are easier to refer and compare, but they are not absolute values. For the sake of
comparison, instead of saying that region X has 100,000 cars and 50,000 two-wheelers; we can
reduce both the numbers to relate them conveniently.
# of Cars C 100, 000 2

= = =
# of Twowheelers T 50, 000 1
=> C : T = 2 : 1; It means that for every two-wheeler, there are two cars in the region X.
Terms used:
The first term, 2, of the ratio C : T = 2 : 1 is called antecedent, and the second term, 1, is called
consequent.
Example 1: Two quantities are in the ratio of 5 : 7. If the first quantity is 155, find the second
quantity.
Ratio values Actual values
Qty 1 : Qty 2 :: Qty 1 : Qty 2
5 : 7 :: 155 : ?(x)
5 155
=> 7 = x
7155
=> 5x = 7 155 => x = 5 = 217
Some rules:
(1) Multiplying the antecedent and the consequent of the ratio with the same number does
not make it a different ratio; it will be called an equivalent ratio.
C 2 2 10 20 30 40 100, 000
=> = = = = = =
T 1 1 10 10 15 20 50, 000
(2) We cannot get the actual values of the quantities compared from the ratio; we can only
compare their relative values.
=> From the ratio C : T = 2 : 1, we cannot assume that the actual value of number of cars
is 100,000 and that of two-wheelers is 50,000.

(3) Units of the quantities compared must be the same.

=> If the weights of three objects A, B and C are 1 ton, 500 kilograms, and 500 grams
respectively, then what is the ratio of their weights?
First, convert each unit of measurement into single units of measurement convenient to
you. Its better that we convert ton and gram into kilogram.
=> Weight of object A = 1 ton = 1000 kg.; Weight of object C = 500 grams = 1/2 kg.
So, the ratio of Wt. of A : Wt. of B : Wt. of C :: 1000 : 500: 1/2 => 2000 : 1000 : 1
(Multiplying by 2 throughout to get integer values.)
Example 2: A cask contains an 80 liter mixture of milk and water in the ratio of 69 : 31. By
what percent of the mixture is milk more than water?
Milk Water
=> Given is, M : W :: 69 : 31; we want 100%. It would be time-consuming to
Mixture (80)
calculate the quantity of milk and water as the ratio values are in odd numbers. Let us apply
the following approach.
=> Ratio scale:
M : W : Mixture (M + W) : (M W)
69 : 31 : (69 + 31) : (69 31)
100 : 38
=> answer is (38/100) 100% = 38%.
2.7.1 Proportion
Proportion is the equality of two ratios. Example: 2 : 3 :: 4 : 6.
Types of proportions:
(A) Direct proportion: Two quantities are said to be in direct proportion if an increase in one
quantity results in a proportional increase in the other quantity; and similarly, a decrease
in one quantity results in a proportional decrease in the other quantity.
Example: If the price of one phone is $300, the cost of two phones would be $600.
Phone1 : Phone2 :: Price1 : Price2
1 : 2 :: 300 : ?(x)

1 300
=> = => x = 2 300 = $600.
2 x
(B) Inverse proportion: Two quantities are said to be in indirect or inverse proportion if an
increase in one quantity results in a proportional decrease in the other quantity, and vice
versa.
Example 3: If 3 men can complete a task in 2 days, in how many days will 6 men com-
plete the task?
Men1 : Men2 :: Days2 : Days1
3 : 6 :: ?(x) : 2
3 x
=> = => x = 1 day.
6 2
(C) Variation: A quantity in ratio may increase or decrease w.r.t. power or exponent of other
quantity.
Example 4: If the price of diamond varies with square of the size of the diamond, and the
price of a diamond A is $1000, then what is the price of the diamond B which is double
the size of diamond A?
=> Price (Size)2 => Price = K.(Size)2 ; where K is a constant
So, we can write, PriceA = K.(SizeA)2 & PriceB = K.(SizeB)2
PriceA K.(SizeA)2
So, =
PriceB K.(SizeB)2
PriceA : PriceB :: (SizeA)2 : (SizeB)2
1000 : ?(x) :: 12 : 22
1000 : ?(x) :: 1 : 4
=> x = 4 1000 = $4000; Assume that the size of diamond A is 1 unit.
Diamond B will cost $4000.
Example 5: If the efficiency of a machine varies inversely with the cube of length of time it
worked, and its efficiency is 90% for the 6 hours it worked, then what would be its efficiency if
it worked for 10 hours?

1 K
=> Efficiency => Eff. = ; where K is a constant
(time)3 (time)3
K K
So, we can write, Eff.(90%) = 3
, and Eff.(x%) =
(time@90%) (time@x%)3
Eff.(90%) (time@x%)3
So, =
Eff.(x%) (time@90%)3
Eff.(90%) : Eff.(x%) :: (time@x%)3 : (time@90%)3
90% : ?(x) :: 103 : 63
90%.6.6.6
=> x = = 19.44%
10.10.10
2.7.2 Role of common factor

Example 6: Two quantities are in the ratio of 5 : 7. If the first quantity is 155, find the second
quantity.
Though we have dealt this question before, for the sake of understanding the role of common
factor, we look at it again. Since the antecedent, 5, and the consequent, 7, show relative values,
hence there must be a common factor between them; say it is x.
So, the actual values would be 5x, and 7x, hence we can deduce that 5x = 155 => x = 31; so
7x = 7 31 = 217. The second quantity is 217.
Example 7: Two quantities are in the ratio of 2 : 7. If each of them is increased by 14, then
their ratio become 4 : 7. Find the numbers.
Say the common factor is x, so the quantities are 2x and 7x. After the increase, the quantities
become 2x + 14 and 7x + 14. So we can write:
2x + 14 4
=> = => 7(2x + 14) = 4(7x + 14) => x = 3.
7x + 14 7
So the quantities are 2x = 2.3 = 6 and 7x = 7.3 = 21.

2.8 Percents
Percent is the most used concept in Arithmetic. When we quote a relative figure, we mostly
refer it w.r.t. 100.
Example: In a class, there are 20 boys and 30 girls. What is the percent of boys in the class?
Value Number of boys

%= 100% = 100%
Total Total number of students
20 20
= 100% = 100% = 40%.
20 + 30 50
2.8.1 Smart calculation

Calculating the percent values may be time-consuming for some. Here are few smart tech-
niques to make things easier. If you wish to calculate 10% of 5640, you may do it traditionally:
10
10% of 5640 = 100 5640 = 564.
The table below shows how to calculate some common percent values with a smarter approach.
Calculating __ % of Smarter approach

a number
10% of a number Move decimal one place left. So, 10% of 5640 would be 564.
5% of a number Calculate 10% and then make it half. So, 5% of 5640 would be (10%
of 5640)/2 = 564/2 = 282.
1% of a number Move decimal two places left. So, 1% of 5640 would be 56.40.
2% of a number Calculate 1% and then double it. So, 2% of 5640 would be 2 (1% of
5640) = 256.40 = 112.80.
0.5% of a number Calculate 1% and divide it by 2. So, 0.5% of 5640 would be 56.40/2 =
28.20.
11% of a number Calculate 10% and 1%, and then add them. So, 11% of 5640 would be
(10% of 5640 + 1% of 5640) = 564 + 56.40 = 620.40.
100% of a number 100% of the number is number itself. So, 100% of 5640 would be
5640.

50% of a number Calculate one-half of the number. So, 50% of 5640 would be (1/2 of
5640) = 2820.
25% of a number Calculate one-fourth of the number. So, 25% of 5640 would be (1/4
of 5640) = 1410.
12.50% of a number Calculate 25% and then make it half. So, 12.5% of 5640 would be (25%
of 5640)/2 = 1410/2 = 705.
Alternatively, you can calculate one-eight of the number. So, 12.5%

of 5640 would be (1/8 of 5640) = 705.
33.33% of a number Calculate one-third of the number. So, 33.33% of 5640 would be (1/3
of 5640) = 1880.
75% of a number Calculate three-fourth of the number. So, 75% of 5640 would be (3/4
of 5640) = 31410 = 4230.
Alternatively, you can calculate one-fourth of the number, and

deduct it from the number. So, 75% of 5640 would be (5640 1/4 of
5640) = 4230.
20% of a number Calculate one-fifth of the number. So, 20% of 5640 would be (1/5 of
5640) = 1128.
90% of a number Calculate 10% of the number and deduct it from the number. So, 90%
of 5640 would be (5640 10% of 5640) = 5076.

2.8.2 Some applications

(A) Percentage increase or decrease
You may have to calculate the percent increase or decrease in value. Say, for example, if
the population of a city rose from 45 million in the year 2011 to 50 million in the year
2012, then what is the percentage increase in the population of the city?
New value Base value

=> % increase = 100%
Base value
Popn. in yr. 2012 Popn. in yr. 2011
=> % increase in population = 100%
Population in yr. 2011
50 45 5
=> % increase in population = 100% = 100% = 11.11%
45 45
(B) Beware of word than

If the question asksBy what percent is the population in the year 2011 less than that in
the year 2012?
Will the answer be 11.11%? No. It is not. In this question, the base of comparison is
changed to the year 2012. Year 2012 will appear as base in the denominator.
Popn. in yr. 2012 Popn. in yr. 2011

=> % decrease in population = 100%
Population in yr. 2012
50 45 5
=> % decrease in population = 100% = 100% = 10%
50 50
(C) Not always Percentage increase or decrease

(a) If the question asks What percent is the population in the year 2011 of the popu-
lation in the year 2012?
We need NOT calculate % increase or decrease here.
Population in yr. 2011 45

=> 100% = 100% = 90%
(b) Similarly, if the question asks What percent is the population in the year 2012 of
the population in the year 2011?

=> 100% = 100% = 111.11%
(D) Determine increased or decreased value

(a) If the question asks What would be the population in the year 2013, if the popula-
tion grows at the same rate as during the period 20112012?

We have already calculated % increase in the population equaling 11.11%. Applying

traditional approach to solve this question is time-consuming. As per the traditional
approach, we calculate the increase first, and then add the increase to the popula-
tion in the year 2012 to get the population in the year 2013.
Following approach will save your precious time.
=> Population|2013 = Population|2012 (1 + % increase)
=> 50 (1 + 11.11%) = 50 (1 + 0.111) = 50 1.11 = 55.55 million
(b) Similarly, if the question is What would be company Xs revenue for next year if it
decreased by 23.87% from the current year revenue of $237.48 million?
Following approach will save your precious time.
=> Revenue|nxt. Yr. = Revenue|Current Yr. (1 % increase)
=> Revenue|nxt. Yr. = 237.48 (1 0.2389) = 237.48 0.7613
Calculating 237.48 0.7613 without the help of calculator is frustrating. You can
even save more time by truncating the decimals and approximating the number.
=> Revenue|nxt. Yr.
= 237.48(1 0.24) = 237.48 0.76 = 237.480.75 = 240 34 = 180 million
(E) (Percent Percent) 6= Percent
If the question asks A shopkeeper used to charge 15% margin on its products. Due to
competition, he revised the margin to 10%. By what percent did the shopkeeper decrease
his margin?
The answer is certainly not 5%.
Say, the sales is $100, then the margin charged earlier = 15% of 100 = $15, and the margin
charged now = 10% of 100 = $10.
1510
% decrease in margin = 15 100% = 33.33%. So, the shopkeeper reduced its margin by
33.33%.
So, what does 15% 10% represent?

In fact, Percent Percent = Percent Point
Alternatively, we can also say that the shopkeeper reduced his margin by 5% points.
(F) Percent of what

If the question asks If 80% of students play soccer and 25% of them joined a profes-
sional soccer club, what percentage of of the total students in the school did not join the
club?
The answer is not 75% (100% 25%). We must pay attention to the verbiage. It is not
always that an entity is a percentage of total.
25
Here, the number of students joined club = 25% of 80% = 100 80% = 20%. So, 20% joined
the club, and 80% of students did not join the club.
(G) Successive percent

Calculating percents one after another is called successive percents. This concept is ap-
plied in case of calculating successive discounts or successive profits and also in cases
when a quantity is expressed as a product of two other quantities.
If the question asks A shopkeeper offers a discount of 20% on the MRP, and then fur-
ther a discount of 10% on the invoice value. How much a customer will have to pay for a
camera whose MRP is $200?
Total discount offered by the shopkeeper is not 30% (20% + 10%). The reference values
on which each discount was offered is different; while the first discount was offered on
the MRP, the other one was offered on the invoice value.
Say the MRP is $100; so the invoice value after discount = MRP Discount = 100 20 =
$80, hence amount paid by the customer = Invoice value II discount = 80 10% of 80 =
80 8 = 72%. So the customer paid 72% of $200 = $144 for the camera.
If there are d1 , d2 , & d3 % successive discounts, then the final price can be calculated in
the following way.
d1 d2 d3

=> Price after discount = MRP 1 1 1
100 100 100
Alternate Approach:
If x% and y% are two successive percentage changes, the overall percentage change is
given by:

xy

x+y + %;
100
where x and y are taken with their sign i.e. + for increase and for decrease.
Applying this in the above question:
(20) (10)
Total discount = 20 10 + = 28% discount.
100
Thus, the customer pays (100 28)% of $200 = 72% of $200 = $144.
Another example:
Say, the length of a rectangle is increased by 10% and the breadth is decreased by 5%.
What is the percentage change in the area of the rectangle?
We know that Area of Rectangle = Length Breadth i.e. a quantity (Area) is expressed
as a product of two quantities (Length and Breadth). Thus, we can use the concept of
successive % change.
10 (5)
The overall percentage change in area = +10 5 + = 5 0.5 = 4.5% (Positive
100
implies an increase in area).

(H) Number of times and percent: Few short cuts:
Question: If X is increased by 3 times, X now is what percent of the original value?
Traditional approach Smarter approach
Say, X = 100, then If X increased by n times, then
Xnow = 100 + 3 100 = 400; Xnow = (1 + n) 100% of X;

Or, X increased by 100n%.
400
Xnow = 100 100% of X = 400% of X Xnow = (1 + 3) 100% of X = 400%
of X
Question: If X is increased by 300%, how many times is X now of the original value?
Say, X =100, then If X increased by y %, then

y
Xnow = 100 + 300% of 100 = 400; Xnow = (1 + ) X;
100
y
400 Or, X increased by times.
Xnow = 100 X = 4X 100
Xnow = (1 + 3) X = 4X
Question: Price of a commodity costing $250 increased by 10%. What is the price
after increase?
New Price = Old Price + Increase; If the price is increased by y %, then

10
= 250 + 250 100 = $275 New Price = Old Price (1 + y%)
= 250 1.1 = $275;
Or, X increased by y %.
New Price = 110% of Old Price
A few examples:
(i) X is less than Y by 30% => It is same as saying X = 70% of Y => X = 0.7Y.

(ii) X is more than Y by 230% => It is better that you do as X = 330% of Y => X = 3.3Y.
(iii) X is less than Y by 60%, and Z is more than X by 50%.
It is better that you do as X = 40% of Y => X = 0.4Y, and Z = 150% of X
=> Z = 1.5X => Z = 1.5 0.4Y = 0.6Y.

2.9 Translating words into math

Often times it is observed that once you get an algebraic equation in hand, it is easier to solve
it and get the desired value(s) of variable(s). However, especially in arithmetic where you will
find that the math is trapped in English language, and you have to extract math out of it. We
bring you some examples to understand the math part in question narrations.
Example 1: What is 75% of 200?
The question wants us to find out the value of 75% of the number 200. Let us interpret each
word in the question narration. What = ?, is = =, & of = (Multiplication)
What is 75 % of 200 ?
? Say x = 75% 200 x = 75% 200
Example 2: 150 is how much percent of 200?
150 is how much % of 200 ?
150 = Say x% 200 150 = x% 200
Example 3: Find a fraction that bears the same ratio to 1/27 that 3/7 does to 5/9.
Find a fraction that

to 1/27 that 3/7 does to 5/9 .
bears the same ratio
3
x
Say x : 1/27 = 3/7 : 5/9 = 7
1 5
27 9
39
=> 27x =
75
Example 4: If A earns 30% more than B, by what percent is Bs income less than that of A?
more by what Bs less than that

A earns 30% B, is
than percent income of A?
(A B)
A = 30% + B, x = (B 100%
A
AB

A = 130 Say B = 100 x= 100%; Taking care of sign
A

Example 5: Fee for an exhibition was $2. It was reduced by 25%, resulting into an increase in
sales revenue by 20%. Find the percentage increase in the number of visitors.
Fee was $2. It was reduced this resulted in increase Find the percentage in-
for by 25%, in sales revenue by 20%. crease in the number of
an visitors.
ex-
hibi-
tion
# (now) # (before)
x = $2 y = x 25% of x Say sales (before) = 100%
#(before)
= 75% of x $100;
= 0.75x
= 0.75 2 Sales (now) = $120 #(before) = $100/2 =
= 1.50 50;
#(now) = $120/1.50 =
80

2.10 Interest
Key terms:
Principal or Sum borrowed: The money borrowed is called Principal or Sum. It is normally
denoted by a symbol P .
Interest: The money paid back over and above the borrowed sum is called Interest. It is nor-
mally denoted by a symbol I.
Amount: The money paid back to the lender along with the interest is called Amount.
Amount = Sum + Interest. It is normally denoted by a symbol A.
Rate of interest:
100 is a base or reference value for calculating interest. So if the principal = 100, and the
interest = 10, then we can say that the rate of interest is 10%. It is normally denoted by a
symbol r .
Period of borrowing:
The money borrowed is usually taken on loan for a certain period, sayone year, 6 months, 3
months, 1 month, or even for a few days. So it is important to specify that for what period
of time, the rate of interest is applicable. Saying r = 10% is an incomplete information; one
must say r = 10% per annum or some specific time period. But it does mean that the period
of borrowing is also one year; r = 10% per annum does not have relation to the period of
borrowing.
2.10.1 Simple Interest
Say a sum of $1000 is borrowed at a rate of 10% per annum for 2 years; the interest for the
10
first year would be 1000 = $100 . Similarly the interest for the second year would be
100
another $100. So total interest for 2 years = $200. We can make a formula out of it.
P r t
SI =
100
where SI is simple interest, P is sum borrowed, and t is time period.
Example 1: A man borrowed $16000 at a rate of 12 21 % per annum for 6 12 years. What amount
shall he pay back to the lender?
P r t 16000 (25/2) (13/2) 16000 25 13

=> SI = = = = $13000
100 100 100 2 2
=> Amount A = Principal + Interest = P + I = 16000 + 13000 = $29000.

The man will pay back $29000 to the lender.
Example 2: If $450 amounts to $504 in 3 years, what will $615 amount to in 2 12 years?
=> Given that A = 504, and P = 450, so SI = A P = 504 450 = 54.
P r t 450 r 3 54 100
=> SI = => 54 = => r = = 4%
100 100 450 3
5
615 4
=> Again, SI for $615 for 2 21 years = 2 = $61.50
100
=> Amount = A = P + I = 615 + 61.50 = $676.50.
$615 will amount to $676.50 in 2 21 years.

2.10.2 Compound Interest

In case of simple interest, the interest for the first period of time, the second period of time,
the third period of time and onwards remain the same. However, if the borrower and the lender
agree that the amount at the end of the first period of time will become the principal for the
second period of time, and the amount at the end of the second period of time will become the
principal for the third period of time and so on, then this arrangement is called compounding.
It is called compounding because for every successive period of time, the principal is more
than that of the previous period of time or in other words, the interest gets compounded.
Lets see an example if the conditions of lending are: (a) simple interest and (b) compound
interest.
Example 3: A man borrowed $10000 at a rate of 10% per annum for 3 years. How much shall
he pay back to the lender if the interest payable is: (a) simple interest and (b) compound inter-
est?
Year Simple interest Compound interest
First SI = 10000 10% = $1000 CI = 10000 10% = $1000;
A = P + I = 10000 + 1000 = $11000;
I = CI for the first period of time.
Second SI = 10000 10% = $1000 CI = 11000 10% = $1100;
Amount of the previous year = Principal of

the current year;
A = P + I = 11000 + 1100 = $12100;
CI > SI for the second period of time.
Third SI = 10000 10% = $1000 CI = 12100 10% = $1210;
Amount of the previous year = Principal of

the current year;
A = P + I = 12100 + 1210 = $13310;
CI for the third period of time > CI for the

second period of time.
Total SI = $3000 Total CI = 13310 10000 = $3310

Amount = $13000 Amount = $13310
*If the question does not specify whether the interest is compound interest or simple interest,
you should consider it as simple interest.
Formula:
r n

A=P 1+ ; where A = Amount, P = Principal, r = Rate of interest, and n = Period
100
The above question can be solved with the help of this formula.
n
r

A=P 1+
100
10 3 1 3
3
11 10000 11 11 11

= 10000 1 + = 10000 1 + = 10000 = = $13310.
100 10 10 10 10 10
So, CI = A P = 13310 10000 = $3310.
2.10.2.1 Half-Yearly and Quarterly compounding
We have been referring to time as a period. The time is not necessarily in years only. The
compounding of interest can be half-yearly (6 months), quarterly (3 months), or even monthly.
Half-yearly compounding means the interest would be calculated two times in a year; simi-
larly, quarterly compounding means the interest would be calculated four times in a year, and
like-wise for monthly.
Example 4: A man borrowed $10000 at a rate of 10% per annum for 1 year. How much shall
he pay back to the lender if the interest payable is calculated on (1) half-yearly compounding
and (2) quarterly compounding basis?
(1) Half-yearly compounding:
=> P = 10000, r = 10% p.a., t = 1 year
Step 1: Covert rate of interest r = 10% p.a. into half yearly rate, so effective r = 10%/2 =
5% per 6-months
Step 2: Covert time in years into periods; n = t years = 1 year 2 = two periods of
6-months

Step 3: Apply CI formula
n 12 2 2
r 10/2 1 21

A=P 1+ = 10000 1 + = 10000 1 + = 10000 = $11025.
100 100 20 20
(2) Quarterly compounding:
=> P = 10000, r = 10% p.a., t = 1 years, n = 1 4 = 4
n 14 4 4
r 10/4 1 41

A=P 1+ = 10000 1 + = 10000 1 + = 10000 = $11038.
100 100 40 40
As you see that the amount after compounding the sum on quarterly basis ($11038)
is more than that on half-yearly basis ($11025), we can conclude that as the period of
compounding increases, the interest increases.
2.10.2.2 Calculating Rate of Interest and Time
Example 5: If a sum compounding annually doubles itself in 4 years, what is the rate of inter-
est?
(A) 9.89%
(B) 18.92%
(C) 24.89%
Say P = 100, so A = 200, and n = 4 years.

4 4
r r

=> 200 = 100 1 + => 2 = 1 + ;
100 100
It is difficult to calculate r without calculator; moreover the option also suggests that the rate
of interest would be a decimal number, but in the GMAT, calculator is not allowed, it means
that you must do some hit and trial exercise to get the value of r .
Let us do back-solving, and try with option A first; round off 9.89% to 10% so that it is conve-
nient for the calculation.
10 4
4
r 4 11

1+ = 1+ = = (1.1)2 (1.1)2 = 1.21 1.21 = 1.2 1.2 = 1.44
100 100 10
(LHS = 2).
So, the correct value of r must be greater than 10%.
Let us try with option B; round off 18.92% to 20%.

20 4
4
r

1+ = 1+ = 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 = 1.44 1.44 = 1.4 1.4 = 1.96 = 2 =
100 100
LHS(2).
Option B is the closest to LHS value (2), so, option B is the correct answer.
Alternate Approach:
Remember that if a sum of money P becomes double at interest r and time n under compound
interest, then an approximate result may be used: r n = 72 (provided r is small).
Here, r n = 72, where n = 4 (given). Thus, r = 72/4 = 18%.
Example 6: If a sum compounding annually becomes 1.331 times of itself at a rate of 10%,
what is the time period in years?
(A) 2%
(B) 3%
(C) 4%
Say P = 100, so A = 1.331 100 = 133.1, and r = 10%.

n
10

=> 133.1 = 1+ => 1.331 = (1.1)n ; again by hit and trial, we can deduce that n = 3
100
years.
Note: Difference between CI and SI

for 2 years equals the SI on the SI amount for a year",
Pr r Pr

i.e. r % of =
100 100 100
2.10.2.3 Population Compounding
The concept of compounding can be applied to calculate the population compounding at a

certain rate.
Example 5: If the population of a town increases at 6% p.a., but decreases due to emigration
by 1% p.a., what is the net percentage increase in the population in 3 years?
=> Say the population before the increase is P0 and after 3 years is P3
r n

So, Pn = P0 1
100
Net increase in population = r = Growth rate Emigration rate = 6 1 = 5%
(6 1) 3 1 3
3
21

P3 = 100 1 + = 100 1 + = 100 = 100 2.1 2.1 2.1 = 115.76;
100 20 20
So, the net % increase = 115.76 100 = 15.76%.

Different rates of compounding for different periods:

So far we have seen that there is one rate of compounding for the whole period. However,
there can be two or three different rates for different periods. Let us see how.
Example 6: If the population of a town increases at 5% for the first 2 years, increases at 2%
for the next 3 years, and then decreases at 2% for the next 2 years, what is the net percentage
increase in population in 7 years?
The formula of compounding can be modified as:
r1 n1 r2 n2 r3 n3

Pn = P0 1 1 1 ;
100 100 100
where n1 , n2 , & n3 are the time periods, n = n1 + n2 + n3 ; and r1 , r2 , & r3 are the rates for
respective time periods.
5 2 2 3 2 2
2 3 2
21 51 49

P7 = 100 1 + 1+ 1 = 100 = 112.37
100 100 100 20 50 50
So, the net % increase = 112.37 100 = 12.37%.

2.11 Expressions
Any form of numeric representation representing a number is called an Expression.
s
2p 3q3 3 y6
Example: 3, (x 2y), , . All these expressions including 3 show num-
9 2 y2
bers. When we plug in or key in the value of variables x, y, p, q in the expressions, we get their
numeric values.
An expression does not contain = sign. If two expressions are equated by = sign, it is called
an Equation; however if they are separated by either of <, >, , signs, it is called an Inequa-
tion or Inequality.
Simplification of expressions:
Combining like terms: (2x + 3x) is an expression in a distributive or an expanded form. We
can simplify the expression by adding like terms. So, the simplified form is: (2x + 3x) = 5x.
Expanded form of Simplified form of Comments

expression expression
2x 2 + 3x 4x 4 2x 2 x 4 3x and 4x are like terms, and 2x 2 and 4 un-

like terms.
(3x 4) (4y 4) 3x 4 4y + 4 3x and 4y are not like terms. (Apple would

be added to apple & not to orange.)
= (3x 4y)

2x 2 + 3 x 4 4x 2x 2 + 3 x 4 4x Simplify the exponents.
= 2x 2 + 3x 2 4x
= 5x 2 4x
2x x x x
= Consider as one variable.
y y y y
4x 2 y 10xy 2 4x 2 y 10xy 2 Take out common factor. Depending on the sit-

= 2xy(2x 5y) uation you may have to either expand an ex-
pression or simplify it.

2.12 Equations
Equality of two expressions is called Equation.
Example: 2x + 3 = 0 is an equation.
Here there are two expressions: 2x + 3 and 0. An equation has two sides: Left had side
(2x + 3) and right hand side (0). The left had side (LHS) always equals the right hand side
(RHS).
Manipulating an equation:
A. Whatever you do to any side of an equation, do the same to the other side:
Say the equation is 2x + 3 = 0 and we are interested in deducing the value of the variable x.
To get the value of x, we must try to isolate x on either side of the equation.
Here x accompanies a co-efficient 2, and a number, 3, added to it. So, we must get rid of 3
and 2. Let us see how.
2x + 3 = 0
=> 2x + 3 3 = 0 3; Subtracting 3 from both the sides: LHS and RHS
=> 2x = 3;
2x
=> 2 = 32 ; Dividing both the sides by 2 to get rid of xs co-efficient 2
3
x = 2 ; We finally get the value of x.
3x7
Example 1: Find the value of x for the equation: 5 = 7.
3x7
5 =7
3x7
=> 5 5 = 7 5; Multiplying both the sides by 5 to get rid of 5 in the denominator
=> 3x 7 = 35;
=> 3x 7 + 7 = 35 + 7; Adding 7 on both the sides to get rid of 7 from LHS, we get
3x = 42;
3x 42
=> 3 = 3 ; Dividing both the sides by 3 to get rid of xs co-efficient 3
x = 14

B. Transposition:
The above method of manipulation is time-consuming. Let us see another method to get the
same result: Transposition.
We take the same equation: 2x + 3 = 0. We can transpose 3 from LHS to RHS.
If any expression on any side is positive, it will be transposed as negative on the other side and
vice-versa.
2x + 3 = 0
=> 2x = 3; +3 is transposed from LHS to RHS as 3; Note the sign change!
x = 32 ; Co-efficient 2 transposed from LHS to RHS as 12 ; Note no sign change
3x7
Example 2: Find the value of x for the equation: 5 = 7.
3x7
=> 5 =7
3x 7 = 7 5; Cross-multiplication of 5. Since 5 was on the denominator of the LHS, it will

go to RHS as multiplicand. Remember no sign change.
3x 7 = 35;
3x = 35 + 7; 7 is transposed from LHS to RHS as +7; Remember sign change
3x = 42;
42
x= 3 ; Co-efficient 3 transposed from LHS to RHS as 13 ; Remember no sign change
x = 14
x

Example 3: Find the value of x for the equation: 7 + 3 = 21
2

=> 7 x2 + 3 = 21
x 21
2 +3= 7 ; Multiplicand 7 transposed from LHS to RHS as 17 ; Remember no sign change
x
2 +3=3
x
2 = 3 3; +3 is transposed from LHS to RHS as 3; Remember sign change
x
2 = 0;
x = 0 2; Cross-multiplication of 2. Since 2 was on the denominator of the LHS, it will go to

RHS as multiplicand. Remember no sign change

x=0

Example 4: Find the value of x for the equation: 3 x 2 + 3 = 9.

=> 3 x2 + 3 = 9
9

x2 + 3 = 3 => x 2 + 3 = 3; Transposing 3.

=> ( x 2 + 3)2 = 32 => x 2 + 3 = 9; Squaring both the sides to get rid of square-root
=> x 2 = 9 3 => x 2 = 6; Transposing 3.
x 2 = 6;

=> x 2 = 6; taking square-root of both the sides to get rid of square.

x= 6
3(x 2) + 2(3x 2)
Example 5: Find the value of x for the equation: = 2.
x5
3(x 2) + 2(3x 2)
=> = 2
x5
=> 3(x 2) + 2(3x 2) = 2(x 5); Cross-multiplication
=> 3x 6 + 6x 4 = 2x + 10; Expansion
=> 3x + 6x + 2x = 6 + 4 + 10; Transposing like terms and isolating x
=> 11x = 20; Adding like terms
20
x=
11
2.12.1 System of Equations
So far we have dealt with one variable and one equation. If we have two or more equations,
we call them System of Equations. You can get the unique value of the variable, say x from
one equation; however if you have to deal with more than two variables, you have to deal with
more than two equations.
Say an equation is 2x +3y = 13. Since there are two variables, x and y, we need two equations
to get their unique values. Say another equation is 2x 3y = 5.
So, we have a system of equations: 2x + 3y = 13 and 2x 3y = 5. There are quite a few

methods of solving the system of equations; we discuss two of them.

System of equations is also referred to as Simultaneous Equations.
Linear equation:
When the exponent or the power of variable(s) in an equation is 1, it is called a linear equa-
tion. 2x + 3y = 13 and 2x 3y = 5 are linear equations.
The standard form of simultaneous equations is ax + by = c; where x and y are the coeffi-
cients of the variables x and y respectively and c is a constant term.
Solving simultaneous equations:
1. Method of Elimination:
In this method, we eliminate one of the variable using both the equations and get the numeric
value of other variable.
By plugging in the numeric value of the other variable in any equation, we get numeric value
of the first variable. Follow the following steps to solve the equations.
Step 1: Simplify and transform both the equations in the form ax + by = c, if needed
=> The two equations (2x + 3y = 13 and 2x 3y = 5), we are dealing with are already in the
standard form.
Step 2: Decide which variable should be eliminated
=> If you are interested in finding the value of x, then eliminate y, and vice-versa; however, if
you need to calculate the values of both the variables, decide which variable is relatively easier
to eliminate.
=> If the co-efficients of one of the two variables are same in the equations, you should elimi-
nate that variable; however, if the co-efficients are not same, you may still decide which variable
should be eliminated; it depends on how easy it is for you to make the absolute value of the
co-efficients of a variable equal. This part can be better understood in step 3.
For our set of equations: 2x + 3y = 13 and 2x 3y = 5, we have to find out the

values of both x and y. We decide that we will eliminate variable y as the coeffi-
cients of y for the equations are equal and are of opposite sign. This part can be
better understood in step 4.
Step 3: Make the co-efficients of the variable to be eliminated equal
=> If the co-efficients of the variable to be eliminated are not same in both the equations, you
should make them equal by multiplying with minimum possible numbers to the co-efficient(s).

For our set of equations: 2x + 3y = 13 and 2x 3y = 5, we have already decided

that we will eliminate variable y, since the absolute value of the coefficients of y
in both the equations are equal (3), we need not multiply equation(s) with a num-
ber(s) to make co-efficients equal.
Step 3: Add or subtract the equations
=> If the signs of the co-efficients of the variable to be eliminated are same, add the equations,
else subtract.
For our set of equations: 2x + 3y = 13 and 2x 3y = 5, since the signs of the

co-efficients of y in both the equations are same (), we should add the equations.
2x + 3y = 13 (1); name it eqn. (1)

2x 3y = 5 (2); name it eqn. (2)

x = 8; +3y and 3y get cancelled.
4x
x = 8/4 => x = 2.
Step 4: Calculate the value of other variable
=> Substitute the value of the variable derived in step 3 in any of the equations convenient to
you.
Let us plug in the value of x = 2 in the eqn (1), and we get:
9
2.2 + 3y = 13 => 3y = 13 4 = 9 => 3y = 9 => y = 3
=> y = 3.
So, x = 2, and y = 3.
Step 5 (Optional): Cross check the values derived by plugging in both the equation
=> Plug in the values of both the variables in both the equations; LHS and RHS must be equal.
Eqn(1): 2x + 3y = 13 => 2(2) + 3(3) = 13 => 4 + 9 = 13 => 13 = 13.
Eqn(2): 2x 3y = 5 => 2(2) 3(3) = 5 => 4 9 = 5 => 5 = 5.
This proves that the values derived are correct.

Example 1: Find out the values of x and y for the equations 3x+5y 21 = 0 and 2x+3y = 13.
First, make the equation 3x + 5y 21 = 0 in the standard form: 3x+5y = 21. Second equation
2x + 3y = 13 is already in standard form.
=> So the equations are:
3x + 5y = 21(1)
2x + 3y = 13-(2); name the equations
Since we have to find out the values of both the variables x and y, it is immaterial to choose
which variable should be eliminated; however looking at the equations, we decide that we will
eliminate x.
Next task is to make the co-efficients of x in both the equations equal.
By multiplying 2 to the eqn(1), and 3 to the eqn(2), we get,
2 (3x + 5y = 21) (1)

3 (2x + 3y = 13) (2);
=> 6x + 10y = 42(1)

=> 6x + 9y = 39(2);
=>Since the signs of the co-efficients of x for both the equations are same, we will
subtract eqn (2) from eqn (1).
6x + 10y = 42(1)
6x + 9y = 39(2);

When we subtract eqn (2) from eqn (1), the signs of the co-efficients and the
constant of eqn (2) will change (+ will change to and vice-versa)
=> After cancellation of 6x, we get 10y 9y = 42 39 => y = 3.
=> Now, plug in the value of y in any equation; we choose eqn (2)
2x + 3y = 13 => 2x + 3.3 = 13 => 2x + 9 = 13 => 2x = 13 9 => 2x = 4
=> x = 2.
So, we get x = 2, and y = 3.

2. Method of Substitution:
In this method, by choosing an equation we calculate the value of a variable in terms of other
variable and constant, plug in that variables value in the second equation, and get the numeric
value of the other variable.
Again, by plugging in the numeric value of the other variable in any equation, we get the nu-
meric value of the first variable. Follow the following steps to solve the equations.
Step 1: Decide which variable should be substituted
=> We will deal with the two equations (x + 3y = 11 and 2x 3y = 5).

=> Observe which variable in an equation does not have its co-efficient; that very variable
should be chosen to be substituted; the reason for choosing that variable is that though its
value would be in terms of the other variable and the constant, it would not have any denomi-
nator to deal with.
On this basis, we choose eqn (1): x + 3y = 11, and variable x to be substituted in

eqn (2): 2x 3y = 5
Step 2: Calculate the value of the chosen variable in terms of the other variable and constant
y say equation (1)

x + 3y = 11 => x = 11 3y
Step 3: Substitute the value calculated in step 2 in the other equation
y in the eqn (2): 2x 3y = 5, we get,

By plugging in the value of x = 11 3y
2.(11 3y) 3y = 5 => 22 6y 3y = 5 => 9y = 5 22 => 9y = 27
27
=> y =
9
=> y = 3..
Step 4: Calculate the value of other variable
Substitute the value of the variable derived in step 3 in any of the equation conve-
nient to you, preferably equation (1).
Let us plug in the value of y = 3 in the eqn: x = 11 3y, and we get:
x = 11 3.3 => x = 11 9 => x = 2.

So, x = 2, and y = 3.
Example 2: Find out the values of x, & y from the equations: 3x + 5y 21 = 0 and
2x + 3y = 13.
=> No variable in any equation is without co-efficient, so you may choose any variable and any
equation to start with.
=> Say we chose eqn (2) and variable x
133y
So, 2x + 3y = 13 => 2x = 13 3y => x = 2
133y
=> By plugging in the value of x = 2 in eqn(1): 3x + 5y 21 = 0, we get,
13 3y 3(13 3y) + 2 5y 2 21

3. + 5y 21 = 0 => =0
2 2
3(13 3y) + 2 5y 2 21 = 2 0 => 39 9y + 10y 42 = 0 => y 3 = 0 => y = 3.
133y
=> By plugging in the value of y = 3 in eqn: x = 2 , we get
13 3.(3) 13 9 4
x= = = => x = 2..
2 2 2
So, x = 2, and y = 3.
Number of solutions
For a linear equation: 2x + 3y = 12, we cannot find out the unique solution or the unique val-
ues of the variables x and y; however we can find out infinite number of consistent solutions.
Say x = 3, then y = 2. Following illustration shows few consistent solutions.
x + 3y
Equation: 2x y = 12
x 0 6 1 1 3 2
y 4 0 10/3 14/3 2 8/3
For integer only solutions, we can follow the following method:
Find out one possible integer solution for the equation 2x + 3y = 12: it is obvious that it is
x = 6 and y = 0.
To get the next value of x, subtract the coefficient of y (with sign) from the value of x obtained
and to get the next value of x, add the coefficient of x (with sign) to the value of y obtained
previously. Thus gives us x = 6 3 = 3 and y = 0 + 2 = 2.

Alternatively, to get the next value of x, add the coefficient of y (with sign) to the value of y
obtained and to get the next value of y, subtract the coefficient of x (with sign) from the value
of y obtained previously. Thus gives us x = 6 + 3 = 9 and y = 0 2 = 2.
The above steps can be continued indefinitely to get all sets of values of integer values of x
and y.
If only positive values are needed, we continue the process only till when the values of the
variables remain positive.
Please remember that the above method is only applicable for two variables.
Unique vs. Consistent solution:
Let us see the following system of equations:
2x + 3y = 12(1) &
4x + 6y = 24(2)
You would have observed that eqn (2) is derived from the parent eqn (1) by multiplying itself
by 2, so in fact both the equations are the same. So, though these equations are consistent,
they would not have unique solution rather infinite number of solutions.
Let us see the following system of equation:
2x + 3y = 12(1) &
4x + 6y = 4 (2)
You would have observed that eqn (2) is derived from the parent eqn (1) by multiplying itself
by 2 to its LHS, but its RHS is something different, other than anticipated 24, so the given
equations are inconsistent. They would not have any solution at all.
Let us see the following system of equations:
4x + 6y = 24(1) &
3x + 2y = 13(2)
You would have observed that eqn (2) is different from the parent eqn (1), and you cannot
derive eqn (2) by manipulating eqn (1), so these equations given are consistent, and would
have unique solution.
Following table illustrates the nature of equations and number of solutions.
a 1 x + b 1 y = c 1 (1) & a 2 x + b 2 y = c 2 (2)

Ratio of co-efficients
Nature of equation Number number of solution(s)
and constant
a1 b1 c1
= = Consistent equations Number number of solutions
a2 b2 c2
a1 b1 c1
= 6= Inconsistent equations No solution
a2 b2 c2
a1 b1
6= Consistent equations Unique solution
a2 b2
Understanding of the concept of Consistency and number of solutions is tested in DS ques-

tions. There may be two identical equations which may seem to look unique equations, for
example:
2x + 3y = 12(1) &
3
x + 2y
= 1(2).
6
If you did not pay attention to this, you may fall in the trap laid by the test-maker, and without
solving the equations, you may decide that the two equations will render unique values of x
and y.

2.12.2 Quadratic Equation

A linear equation has variable(s) which have the exponent or power of 1; whereas a Quadratic
Equation comprises of at least one variable which has the exponent or power of 2. The name
Quadratic comes from "Quad" meaning "Square", as the variable(s) get squared.
Standard form of a quadratic equation is: ax 2 + bx + c = 0, where a 6= 0. There are at the most
two values of x, satisfying the equation; these values are also called Roots of the equation.
Methods of calculating roots:
1. Factoring quadratic equation:
Say a quadratic equation is: 2x 2 + 10x + 12 = 0. Values: x = 2 and x = 3 satisfy the

equation, so x = 2 and x = 3 are the roots of the equation.
We will find out the roots of the equation through factoring method.
Step 1: Manipulate the equation to make it in standard form: ax 2 + bx + c = 0
=> Our eqn is 2x 2 + 10x + 12 = 0. We simplify the equation by dividing it by 2, so we get

x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0. Here a = 1, b = 5, and c = 6.
Step 2: Split "ac"
=> Calculate the product of a and c.
=> For our eqn: a c = 1 6 = > a c = 6.
=> Mentally run through the factors of the a c , and choose any two of them, such
that their sum equals co-efficient of x : b .
=> In our equation: x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0, co-efficient of x : b = 5, and ac = 6. Factors

of 6 are {1, 2, 3, 6}.
There are two possible pairs of factors that make their product equal to 6 : 16 = 6, and 23 =
6; but out of these two pairs, we must choose {2, 3} as their sum also makes co-efficient of
x : b = 2 + 3 = 5).
So the equation can be rewritten as: x 2 + 2x + 3x + 6 = 0.
We can pair first two terms and last two terms as: x(x + 2) + 3(x + 2) = 0. Here we can pull
out (x +2) as common, so the equation becomes the product of two factors: (x +2)(x +3) = 0.
We know that if the product of two expression is 0, at least one of the expressions must be
0; so, either x + 2 = 0 or x + 3 = 0. This gives either x = 2 or 3. There are the two roots

or the solution of the equation.
2. Using formula:
Roots of the equation: a x 2 + b x + c = 0 are given by:

b +b2 4ac
x1 = ;&
2a

b b2 4ac 2
x2 = ac is called discriminant (
; where b 4a )
2a
The equation 2x 2 2x 12 = 0 can be simplified as x 2 x 6 = 0; where a = 1, b = 1, and

x = 6. The roots are referred to as x1 , & x2 .
p
b b2 4ac (1) (1)2 (4.1. 6) 1 1 + 24 15
x1 & x2 = = = =
2a 2.1 2 2
1+5 15
x1 = = 3, or x2 = = 2; so x1 = 2 and x2 = 3
2 2
) = b 2 4a
The term discriminant ( ac can be positive/Negative/Zero, depending on the values
of a, b, and c.
2
ac , and two roots of the
The following table illustrates the relationship between = b 4a
equation.

2
ac
= b 4a Nature of roots Form/Value or Example

b b2 4ac
Real & Unequal; x1 & x2 =
2a
Two distinct roots
Positive (> 0) If is perfect square, For x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0; x = 2, or = 3

roots are Rational
If is not a perfect square, For x 2 + 2x 6 = 0;

roots are Irrational x1 = (1 + 7),
x2 = (1 7)
b
Equal (=) Real; only one root ;
2a
For x 2 + 4x + 4 = 0; x = 2
a + ib;
Negative (< 0) Imaginary roots For x 2 + 2x+ 6 = 0,
x1 = (1 + 5),
x2 = (1 5)
2.12.2.1 Roots of quadratic equation
So far we have seen how we can find out the roots of the quadratic equation. There may be
instances in which you have to form a quadratic equation if the values of roots are given. Let
us see how we can do it.
We have seen that the factors of x 2 + 5x + 6 = 0 are (x + 2) and (x + 3); where the roots
are: x = 2 or x = 3. So, we can write the equation as [x (2)][x (3)] = 0 or
(x x1 )(x x2 ) = 0.
If you expand(x x1 )(x x2 ) = 0, you will get x 2 (x1 + x2 ) + x1 x2 = 0; where x1 + x2 =

sum of roots, and x1 x2 = product of roots.
x 2 (Sum of Roots)x
x + (Product of Roots) = 0
Let us call it Normal form of quadratic equation. Here co-efficient of x is the middle term:
Negative of Sum of roots and the constant is the last term: Product of roots.
b c

Standard form of equation: ax 2 + by 2 + c = 0 can be written as x2 + + =0
a a
b c b c

=> x 2 + = 0. So, Sum of roots = and Product of roots = .
a a a a
Example 1: Two roots of a quadratic equation are 12 and 32 . Find out the equation.

Sum of the roots = 12 + 3

2 = 1, and product
of roots = 12 3
2 = 34
2 3
=> So, the equation is: x (1)x + 4 = 0;
=> x 2 x 43 = 0
x 2 4x
=> 4x x3=0
Example 2: One of the roots of a quadratic equation is 2 and the product of roots is 6. Find
out the equation.
Product of roots = x1 x2 = 2.x2 = 6 => x2 = 3;

=> Now, Sum of the roots = 2 + 3 = 5;
=> So, the equation is: x 2 (Sum of roots)x + (Product of roots) = 0.
=> x 2 5x
x+6=0
Example 3: For a quadratic equation: 2x 2 4x = 3, find out the sum of roots, and product of
roots.
The equation can be written in standard form as: 2x 2 4x 3 = 0

=> The normal form requires that the co-efficient of x 2 must be 1 so, we divide the equation
by 2, and we x 2 2x 23 = 0
=> The co-efficient of x = 2; so the sum of roots = 2, and the constant = 23 ; so the product
3
of roots = 2 .
2.12.2.2 Higher order equations
Though higher order equations/polynomial equations are out of scope of the GMAT, there may
an equation such as this: x 3 5xx 2 + 6x
x = 0 which is a not a quadratic equation; however you
can still solve the equation in a quadratic equation way. Let us see how.
x 3 5x
x 2 + 6x
x = 0;
=> x(x 2 5x + 6) = 0
=> x(x 2)(x 3) = 0
=> Either x = 0 or x 2 = 0 or x 3 = 0 => x = 0 or 2 or 3. So there are three roots of the
equation.
Never divide the equation by x if you are not sure that x 6= 0. Not understanding this concept
may land you in trouble specially in DS questions. See the following equation.
x 3 4x
x 2 + 4x
x = 0;
=> x(x 4x + 4) = 0 => Dividing the equation by x, we get x 2 4x + 4 = 0
2
=> (x 2)2 = 0 => x = 2, a unique value of x! Right! No its wrong.
We have missed out x = 0; so there are two possible values of x : 0 and 2.

2.13 Absolute numbers
We know that any real number can either be 0, positive or negative. When we ignore the neg-
ative sign of a number, we seem to be interested in its absolute value and not in its directed
value.
In other words, absolute value of a number is its distance from 0. If a number is presented
between two-vertical bar (pipe ||) symbol, it means we are interested in its absolute value.
Say, a number is x, then its absolute value is |x|, as depicted in the figure below.
|x| = 3
3 3
5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 +
Key properties:

(1) x 2 = |x|
(2) | x| = |x|
(3) |x| = | x|; |x| 6= | x|
(4) |x| 0
(5) |x y| = |y x|
Say x = 10 and y = 10, then

|x y| = |10 (10)| = |10 + 10| = 20;
|y x| = | 10 10| = | 20| = 20.
(6) |x + y| |x| + |y|
Say x = 10 and y = 10, then

|x + y| = |10 + 10| = 20;
|x| + |y| = |10| + |10| = 10 + 10 = 20, hence |x + y| = |x| + |y|
But, say x = 10 and y = 10, then

|x + y| = |10 + (10)| = |10 10| = 0;

|x| + |y| = |10| + | 10| = 10 + 10 = 20, hence |x + y| < |x| + |y|
This deduction is an important finding and is tested by test-makers especially

in DS questions.
Remember that the equality holds true only when both x and y are of the same
sign and the inequality holds true when x and y are of opposite signs.
(7) |x y| |x| |y|
Here too, the equality holds true only when both x and y are of the same sign
and the inequality holds true when x and y are of opposite signs.
(8) |x y| = |y x| = |x| |y| = |y| |x|
(9) |x y| = |x| |y|
Example: If 7|2x 3| = 21, what is the value of x?
Simplify 7|2x 3| = 21 by dividing both the sides by 7; we get |2x 3| = 3.
=> 2x 3 = 3 or (2x 3) = 3.
=> 2x 3 = 3 => 2x = 6 => x = 3; or
=> (2x 3) = 3 => 2x + 3 = 3 => 2x = 0 => x = 0.
So x = 0 or 3.

2.13.1 Inequality
To understand Inequality, first understand Equality.
x = 5 means that the value of the variable x equals 5.
The inequality could be anything x 6= 4, x < 6 or x > 4.
When the two sides of an expression are not equal, it is called Inequality. Inequalities use
symbols <, >, , or to describe the relationship between two expressions, for example: 10 <
12, 12 > 8, x 4, x + 2y 4 etc.
Understanding inequality:
Inequality Meaning Example
x can be any value less than 5 on the number line; it

can be 0, 1, 155, or any other value up to negative
infinity.
x<5 x is less than 5 Do not assume that x is an integer. x can even be

4.999.
Always consider that x is a real number until stated

that it is an integer.
y > 10 y is greater than 10 y can be any value greater than 10 on the number
scale. It can be 10.0001, 10.56, 21, or any other
value up to infinity.
p 10 p is less than or p can be any value less than or equal to 10 on the

equal to 10 number line. It can be 10, 4, 2.3, or any other
value up to negative infinity.
q 10 q is greater than or q can be any value greater than or equal to 10 on

equal to 10 the number line. It can be 10, 14, 23.5, or any other
value up to infinity.
2 x < 4; x is greater than or x = {2, 1, 0, 1, 2, 3}

x is an integer equal to 2 but less
than 4
2 > x 4; x is less than 2 x = {3, 4}

x is an integer and greater than or
equal to 4

Representation of inequalities on number line:
3 < x 4<x<2
5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 + 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 +
Key properties of Inequalities:
(1) You can add or subtract anything from an inequality.
Say, x + 3 > 10.
You can subtract 3 from both the sides, so the inequality becomes,
x + 3 3 > 10 3 => x > 7.
Take another example; say, y 3 > 10.
You can add 3 on both the sides, so the inequality becomes,

y 3 + 3 > 10 + 3 => y > 7.
(2) You can multiply or divide an inequality by a positive number.
Say, 2x > 10.
You can divide the inequality by 2, so the inequality becomes,

2x 10
> => x > 5.
2 2
y
Say, > 10. You can multiply the inequality by 3, so the inequality becomes,
3
y
3 > 10 3 => y > 30.
3
(3) You can multiply or divide an inequality by a negative number, but doing so will ask for
reversing the sign of inequality.
We know that 7 > 5;
if we multiply an inequality by 1, it will become 7 > 5 which is wrong to

say because 7 < 5; so when we multiply or divide an inequality with a nega-
tive number, we have to flip the sign.
Say, 2x > 10.
You can divide the inequality by 2, so the inequality becomes,

2x 10
< => x < 5.
2 2
y
Say, > 10. You can multiply the inequality by 3, so the inequality be-
3
comes,
y
3 < 10 3 => y < 30.
3
2.13.2 Inequalities with absolute numbers
Few tough questions may be asked combining inequalities and absolute numbers.
Example 1: If |x + 1| 4, what is x?
|x + 1| 4
=> If x + 1 4 or (x + 1) 4
x + 1 4 => x 3
Or, (x + 1) 4 => x + 1 4 => x 5. (Pay attention to reversal of sign of inequality)
So, 3 x 5
It can be represented graphically as below.
3 x 5
5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 +
Example 2: If |2x + 1| 3, what is x?
|2x + 1| 3 => 2x + 1 3 or (2x + 1) 3
If 2x + 1 3 => 2x 2 => x 1
Or, (2x + 1) 3 => 2x + 1 3 => 2x 4 => x 2. (Pay attention to reversal of sign

of inequality)
So 2 x or x 1
It can be represented graphically as below.

2 x x1
5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 +
Example 3: If 8 + x 2 12, what is the range of x?
8 + x 2 12
=> x 2 4;
Taking square root of both the sides, we get,
|x| 2 => x 2 or x 2.
2 x x2
5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 +
2.13.3 Compound Inequality

An inequality that has more than one inequality symbol in an expression is called compound
inequality. 2 > x 4 is an example of compound inequality. GMAT inequality questions may
involve more than one inequality. To solve such questions, you may have to transform several
inequalities to a compound inequality.
Example 4: If x > 4, x 10, and x < 12, what is the range of x?
Step 1: Fix more than x or more than or equal to x inequality.
There is only one more than x inequality, so we fix x > 4.
Step 2: Fix less than x or less than or equal to x inequality.
There is one less than x and one less than or equal to x inequalities, but between
the two inequalities x 10, and x < 12, we choose the first one i.e. x 10 since
x 10 is a subset of x < 12, not vice-versa; so we fix x 10 .

Step 3: Combine both the inequalities derived in steps 1 and 2.
Finally, we get 4 < x 10.
4< x 10
3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Note that:
If x > y, and y > z, then we can combine the inequalities as x > y > z or x > z.
However,
If x > y, and y < z, then though we can combine the inequalities as x > y < z,
but we cannot deduce that x > z.
2.13.4 Mathematical operations on inequalities

(1) Addition and subtraction:
If x > y and a < b, we cannot deduce that x + a < y + b; it is wrong.
We must make both the inequalities in the same direction. So, we can rewrite the inequal-
ities as x > y and b > a, and now we can add these.
So, x + b > y + a .
Lets take another example.
If x 3 < y x + 6, then we cannot write the inequality as x < y x + 6 + 3 => x <

y x + 9. It is wrong!
If you subtract a number from one part of a compound inequality, you must subtract the
same number from all the parts.
The simplified and corrected inequality is: x < y + 3 x + 9.

(2) Multiplication and division:
y
If x < 3 3x, then we can simplify the inequality by multiplying it by 3.

y y
x > y 9x
So, 3 x < 3 3x => 3x > ( 3 3) 3 3x => 3x x.
Always be wary of changing the sign of inequality when multiplying or dividing it by a

negative number.
x < y 9x
The inequality can also be written as 3x x.
Similarly, if 3x > 6y 3 > 6z, we can divide the inequality by 3, so we get x > 2y
y 1 >
z . Always remember that each part of the compound inequality should be divided.
2z

2.14 Functions
We all know that area of a square equals square of its sides; A = a 2 .
It is clear that when we feed the value of the side of square, a, in the expression, we get the
value of area, A. Here, a is called an Independent variable because a may have any value,
it is not dependent on the value A; whereas, A is called a Dependent variable because A
cannot assume any value on its own, it is always dependent on the value a.
So, Function is a relationship between two variablesone of them is called is an Independent

variable and the other one is called Dependent variablesuch that for one value of indepen-
dent variable, there is only one value of dependent variable.
In other words, a is an Input, and A is an Output; the expression which can also be called a
Function, expresses a relationship between the two variables.
For the formula A = a2 , we can write that A = f ( a ) .
Similarly, if we write y = f ( x ) , it means that x is an independent variable, and y is a depen-

dent variable.
f is to show the relationship between the two variables. It can also

The significance of writing f
be written as y = g(x) or y = h(x). Here f , g, and h are neither variables nor constants.
You must NOT infer that in the expression y = f (x), f and x are multiplied.
There would be only one independent variable and usually one dependent variable in quant
questions.
Let us see couple of terminologies associated with function:
1. Domain:
Set of values an independent variable can take is called Domain. For the above function
A = f (a), the domain of a is all positive real numbers.
2. Range:
Set of values a dependent variable can take corresponding to the values of independent vari-
ables is called Range. For the function A = f (a), the range of A is also all positive real
numbers.
For a function h(x) = |x + 4|, the domain of x is real number, and the range of h(x) is posi-
tive real number.
Example 1: If f (x) = 2x 3 3x 2 2x + 4, find f (2).
Plug in the value of x = 2 in the function,

we get f (2) = 2.23 3.22 2.2 + 4 = 16 12 4 + 4 = 4.
3 2
Example 2: If g(t) = 2t 3 3t 2 t2
+ t3
, find g( 1t ).
3 2 2 3
g(1/t) = 2(1/t)3 3(1/t)2 (1/t)2
+ (1/t)3
= t3
t2
3t 2 + 2t 3 ; this is in fact g(t).
So, g( 1t ) = g(t).
Compound functions:
When a function itself acts as an independent variable, it is called a compound function.

Thus, f (g(x)) is compound function, where g(x) ploys the role of an independent variable
for the function f .
Example 3: If f (x) = 2x + 2, and g(x) = x 2 , then find f (g(x)) & g(f (x)).
f (g(x)) = f (x 2 ) = 2.x 2 + 2 = 2(x 2 + 1); replace the value of x in f (x) = 2x + 2 with x 2 .
and g(f (x)) = g(2x + 2) = (2x + 2)2 = 4x 2 + 8x + 4; replace the value of x in g(x) = x 2 with
(2x + 2).
Example 4: If f (x) = 3x 2, and f (g(x)) = 2x, then find g(x).
f (g(x)) = 2x
=> 3.g(x) 2 = 2x; replace the value of x in f (x) = 3x 2 with g(x).
=> 3.g(x) = 2x + 2
2(x + 1)
=> g(x) =
3
The next section of the book gives you over 100+ practice equations. It does not have problems
on GMATQAPS & DS. The purpose of the book is to sharpen your math fundamentals. Once
you sharpen your fundamentals on the GMAT math, you will be in a better position to solve
GMATQAPS & DS type of questions.
Subsequent books on Number Properties,Word Problem, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry,

Combinatorics and Probability, and Sets and Statistics are solely dedicated on GMATQAPS
& DS questions.

92 Math Essentials Guide Practice questions

Chapter 3
Practice Questions
93
3.1 Numbers and Digits

Q1. Identify rational and irrational numbers.
(1) = 3.141592653589793238...
(2) 12.2367324902...
(3) 1.7373737373...
(4) 0.02
(5) 2
Q2. Write 6.52 in a rational fraction.
Q3. Write 0.524 in a rational fraction.
Q4. There are two positive integers a and b , and two negative integers c and d. Each ends
with digit 2. What would be unit digit of (a + b + c + d)?
Q5. If a decimal number 25.4n8, rounded to the nearest tenth is less than 25.5, what is the set
of values for n?
Q6. What is the value of 77, 567, 893 106 rounded off to the nearest whole number?
3.2 Even/Odd and Consecutive Integers

Q1. If a + b is even, is ab even? Given that a and b are positive integers.
Q2. If pq and r are even, is (p + r ) even?
Q3. If x, y, and z are consecutive integers, is xyz even?
Q4. If x is even, y and z are odd, is z(x + y) even?
Q5. What if the questions is: If z is even, is z(x + y) even? Given that x and y are integers.
Q6. What if the questions is: If y, & z are odd, is z(x + y) even? Given that x is an integer.
Q7. What if the questions is: If y is even, & z is odd, is z(x+y) even? Given that x is an integer.
Q8. If n is an even integer, which of the following is an odd integer?

(A) n2 + 3
(B) 3n2 3
(C) n3 + 2

Math Essentials Guide Practice questions 95
(D) 2n + 3
(E) 3n + 3
(F) n(n4 3n3 + 14n2 4)

(G) n2 + 12
Q9. If p, q, r , s and t are consecutive integers, is their sum even?
Q10. What if the questions is: If p, q, r , and s are consecutive integers, is their sum even?
3.3 Divisibility
Q1. The remainder is 37 when a number is divided by 10,000. What is the remainder when the
same number is divided by 1,000?
a
Q2. If a is completely divisible by 7 and 18, is an integer?
42
Q3. If 70 is a factor of x, is 20 a factor of x?
Q4. If p is divisible by 15 and 14, is it divisible by 35?
Q5. If p is a factor of x, and x is a factor of y, is p a factor of y?
Q6. If x and y are multiples of 12, is 3x + 7y a multiple of 12?

x
Q7. If an odd integer, is x odd? Given that x and y are positive integers.
y
Q8. If 4611 is divisible by 159, is it also divisible by 53?
Q9. Two positive integers p and q when divided by 7 leave remainders of 3, and 4 respectively.
Also given that p > q. What is the reminder if p q is divided by 7?
Q10. If 9 is a factor of both x and y, is x + y divisible by 9?
Q11. If n is a positive integer and (n + 1)(n + 3) is odd, then what is the minimum possible
value of (n + 2)(n + 4)?
Q12. If above questions is altered as: If n is a negative integer and (n + 1)(n + 3) is odd, then
what is the minimum possible value of (n + 2)(n + 4)?
3.4 Simplification
Q1. Simplify 4 [6 34 (6 3 + 1)].
8

Q2. 8 25% of 28 .
7

Q3. Simplify (9.75 102 ) (25 103 ).

Q4. What is the value of p, if 3 3 p + 92 = 100.
Q5. Simplify (7.75 102 ) (25 103 ).

9
Q6. Simplify 0.000000512.
4m2 64 4m2 36
Q7. If m 6= 4 and m 6= 3, then what is the value of ?
m4 m3

Q8. If x = 0.999, y = 0.999, and z = (0.999)2 , which among x, y and z is the largest and
the smallest?

Q9. Between which two consecutive integers, the value of 30 lies?

3
Q10. Between which two consecutive integers the value of 50 lies?
3.5 Exponents
3t+3 + 3t
Q1. Simplify .
2 3t
1 1 4
Q2. Simplify 64 3 + 16 2 + .
(16)0
(4)3 (25 )3
Q3. Simplify .
43
9 2

Q4. The expression is equivalent to the following EXCEPT.
4
4 2

(A)
9
2
4
(B)
9
4
3
(C)
2
4
2
(D)
3
4
2
(E)
3
x
1
Q5. If 4x1 .(0.5)32x = , what is the value of x?
8
Q6. If 3m+n = p 4, and m = 2 n, what is the value of p?
p

Q7. If n is an integer, and 0.00876 10n is greater than 1000, what is the least possible value
of n?
Q8. If a number 46567 10n lies between 4 and 400, what is set of integer values of n?
Q9. If a number 0.046567 10n lie between 3 and 500, what is set of integer values of n?
3.6 Factors/Multiples and LCM/HCF
Q1. If 11x is a multiple of 16500, is x a multiple of 70?
Q2. If 21 and 10 are factors of a number n, is 14 also a factor of n?
Q3. If x, y, and z are prime numbers such that x < y < z, and xyx = 561, what is the value
of z y?
Q4. X and Y are both two-digit numbers, with X > Y . If X and Y contain the same digits, but
in reverse order, which of the following must be a factor of (X Y )?
(A) 4
(B) 5
(C) 6
(D) 9
(E) 11
Q5. If (x y)(x + y) = 143, and (x y) and (x + y) are prime, what could be the probable
values of x and y ?
Q6. If 3p + 11q = 43; where p and q are positive integers, what is the value of pq?
Q7. If x = 35n, and y = 55n; whether n is prime, what is the greatest common factor of x
and y?
3.7 Fraction
45 47 45 x
Q1. If x is of , and y equals reciprocal of , then what is the value of ?
47 43 43 y
Q2. Brian ate 1/3, and Suzy ate some fraction of the cookies, and then Rachel ate 1/2 of the
remaining cookies. If 1/6 of the cookies are left in the jar, what fraction of the cookies was
eaten by Suzy?
Q3. Which of the following fractions is larger?

45 91
(A) ,
44 92

45 93
(B) ,
44 92
44 91
(C) ,
45 92
83 114
(D) ,
81 111
3.8 Rationalization of factions

4 2
Q1. Rationalize .
3 2 2

50 18
Q2. Simplify .
10 12
3.9 Linear and Quadratic Equations
Q1. For the following two linear equations, find out the values of x and y.
x 2y 1 = 0 &
3y x 1 = 0
Q2. For the following two linear equations, find out the values of x and y.
x y
+4=0 &
2 3
y
x = 7
2
Q3. For 2x 2 + 7x + 3 = 0, what are the values of x?

Q4. For x 3 x + 2 = 0, what are the values of x?
Q5. For x 2/3 + x 1/3 2 = 0, what are the values of x?
Q6. For what values of m does the quadratic equation x 2 + 2(m 4)x + 2m = 0 have equal
roots.
Q7. If (4x 1)2 = 81, what is x?
Q8. If (a 3)(a + 2) = (a + 3)(a 2), how many unique values a can have?
Q9. If a3 a2 a + 1 = 0, how many unique values a can have?
Q1. If |10x| 20 = 0, what is x?

| 3| (|3|)

Q2. What is the value of ?
(| 3|)2
Q3. If |2x 5| = 8, what is x?
3.11 Inequalities
Q1. How many values x might have for the inequality: 1 x < 3?
1
Q2. If > 1, what is the range of value of p?
p
Q3. What do following inequalities suggest about the values of a, and b?
(A) ab > 0
(B) ab < 0
(C) ab = 0
a
(D) >0
b
a
(E) <0
b
Q4. For which values of x, will the inequality |2x 1| < 5 be true?
Q5. Solve the |x + 2| < 7 inequality for x.
Q6. Solve the inequality |1 2x| < 9 for x.
5x 1 1 2x
Q7. Solve the inequality for x.
6 3
Q8. If 1 < x < 3, then which of the following could be true?
I. x 2 < 2x
II. x 2 = 2x
III. x 2 > 2x
(A) I only
(B) II only
(C) III only
(D) I and II only
(E) All three

Q9. What does the inequality ab2 c < 0 suggest for the values of a, b and c?
Q10. If 8 > x > 3 and 4 < y < 6, what is the range of values of (x y)?
Q11. If 6 < x < 12 and y = x + 4, what is the greatest possible integer value of (x + y)?
Q12. For what values of x, the inequality: x 2 > 6x 5?
Q13. For what values of x, the inequality: x 2 > 6x 5?
3.12 Percents
Q1. 24 is 8% of what number?
Q2. If an industrial worker rejects 0.03% of screws as defective, how many screws does he
examine to reject 300 screws?
Q3. What percent of 17 is 30 percent of 289?
Q4. How much you have to pay for an item priced $800, and discounted at 40%?
Q5. An item was sold at $100; it was bought for $120. What is the percent loss?
Q6. An item was bought at $100 after a discount of $20 on Marked Price. What is the percent
discount on the Marked Price?
Q7. If X is more than Y by 110%, and Z is less than X by 10%, then X is what % of Z?
Q8. If a number is first increased by 20%, and then decreased by 20%, is the resulting number
equal to the original number?
Q9. A shopkeeper increased the price of his articles by 25%. What is the maximum percent
discount should he offer so that he does not run into losses?

Q1. If 0.25 : 5 :: x : 4, then x=?
Q2. Two numbers are respectively 20% and 50% more than the third number. What is the ratio
of the two numbers?
1 2 3
Q3. If $529 be divided into three parts, proportional to : : , then what is the value of the
2 3 4
third part?
3 2
Q4. A and B together have $240. If of As amount is equal to of Bs amount, how much
5 5
does B have?
Q5. Two number are in the ratio of 3 : 5. If 9 is subtracted from each, new numbers are in the
ratio of 12 : 23. What is the value of the larger number?
A B C
Q6. If A : B : C = 2 : 3 : 4, then find : : .
B C A
Q7. A 60 liters mixture has milk and water in the ratio of 2 : 1. If the ratio is to be reversed,
then what quantity of water should be added?
Q8. The sum of three numbers is 190. If the ratio of the first to second is 2 : 3 and that of the
second to the third is also 2 : 3, then the third number is:
Q9. The salaries of A, B and C are of ratio of 2 : 3 : 5. If the increments of 15%, 10% and 20%
are made to their respective salaries, then find the new ratio of their salaries.
Q10. If three numbers are in the ratio of 2 : 3 : 5, and the sum of their squares is 1368, what
is the value of the first number?
3.14 Simple Interest

50
Q1. Find the simple interest on $8000 borrowed at 3 % for 27 months.
Q2. Brian took a loan for 6 years at the rate of 5% per annum on simple interest, If the total
interest paid was $1230, what was the principal?
Q3. If a sum becomes four times of itself in 15 years, find simple rate of interest.
Q4. Brian borrows $5000 for 2 years at 4% p.a. simple interest. He immediately lends whole
money to Suzy at 25
4 % p.a. for 2 years. Find the gain for Brian.
Q5. A lent $5000 to B for 2 years and $3000 to C for 4 years on simple interest at the same
rate of interest and received $2200 in all from both of them as interest. What is the rate of
interest per annum?

3.15 Compound Interest

Q1. Find the compound interest on $7500 at 4% per annum for 2 years, compounded annually.
Q2. Simple interest on a certain sum for 3 years at 8% per annum is equal to half the com-
pound interest on $4000 for 2 years at 10% per annum. What is the sum placed on simple
interest?
Q3. If the difference between simple interest and compound interest compounded annually
on a certain sum of money for 2 years at 4% per annum is $1, find the sum.
Q4. What will be an effective annual rate of interest corresponding to nominal rate of 20% per
annum, compounded half yearly?
Q5. If a sum of money invested at compound interest amounts to $800 in 3 years and to $840
in 4 years, what is the rate of interest per annum?
3.16 Functions
Q1. Given f (x) = 2x 7, for what value of x, does 3f (x) 3 = f (2x 6)?
p
Q2. For all positive integers p, [p] = | p| when p is odd and [p] = when p is even. What
5
is the value of [25] [10]?
Q3. If [m] is the greatest integer less than or equal to m, what is the value of [2.2] + [2.6] +
[6.2]?
(a + b)
Q4. An operation # is defined by the equation a#b = , for all numbers a and b. If
(a2 + b2 )
a#c = 0, then what is the value of c in terms of a?
2x
Q5. Given f (x) = , for what value of x, does f (f (x)) = 1?
2x 1
2x 2x 1
Q6. Given f (x) = and g(x) = , for what value of x, does f (g(x)) = 3?
2x 1 2x

Q7. If f (x) = 2x + x, what is the value of f (p 2 10p + 25)?

Chapter 4
Answer Key
103
104 Math Essentials Guide Answer Key
Numbers and Digits
1.1: Irrational; 1.2: Irrational; 1.3: Rational; 1.4: Rational; 1.5: Irrational
646 524
2: 3: 4: 0 5: n = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5} 6: 78
99 999
Even/Odd and Consecutive Integers
1: Indeterminable 2: Indeterminable 3: Yes 4: No 5: Yes
6: Indeterminable 7: Indeterminable 8: A, B, D, & E 9: Indeterminable 10: Yes
Divisibility
1: 37 2: Yes 3: Indeterminable 4: Yes 5: Yes
6: Yes 7: Indeterminable 8: Yes 9: 6 10: Yes
11: 24 12: 0
Simplification
1: 241 2: 1 3: 0.0725 4: 218 5: 31000
6: 0.2 7: 4 8: y: Largest 9: 5 & 6 10: 3 & 4
z : Smallest

Math Essentials Guide Answer Key 105
Exponents
1: 14 2: 12 3: 227 4: E 5: 5
6: 85 7: 6 8: {3, 4} 9: {2, 3, 4}
Factors/Multiples and LCM/HCF
1: Cannot say 2: Yes 3: 6 4: D 5: {12, 1}
6: 14 7: 5n
Fraction
2
45 45 45 91

1: 2: 1/3 3.A: 3.B: 3.C:
43 44 44 92
114
3.D:
111
Rationalization of fraction

2 30
1: 2:
3 2
Linear and Quadratic Equations
1 2 1
1: x = ,&y = 2: x = 4, & y = 6 3: 3 or 4: 4 or 1 5: 8 or 1
5 5 2
5
6: 8 or 2 7: or 2 8: One 9: Two
2
Absolute numbers
3 13
1: x = 2 2: 1 3: or
2 2

106 Math Essentials Guide Answer Key
Inequalities
1: Infinite 2: 0 < p < 1 3.a: a > 0, & b > 0 3.b: a > 0, & b < 0 3.c: a = 0,
or a < 0, & b < 0 or a < 0, & b > 0 &/or b = 0
3.d: a > 0, & b > 0 3.e: a > 0, & b < 0 4: 2 < x < 3 5: 9 < x < 5 6: 4 < x < 5
or a < 0, & b < 0 or a < 0, & b > 0
7: x 1 8: E 9: a & c have 10: 4 > x y > 3 11: 27
opposite signs;
sign of b cannot
be determined
12: x > 1 or x < 5 13: x < 1 or x > 5
Percents
1: 300 2: 1,000,000 3: 510 4: $480 5: 16.67%
6: 16.67% 7: 111.11% 8: No; less by 4% 9: 20%
Ratio & Proportion
1: 1/5 2: 4:5 3: 207 4: 144 5: 55
6: 8:9:24 7: 60 liters 8: 90 9: 23 : 33 : 60 10: 12

Math Essentials Guide Answer Key 107
Simple Interest
1: $3000 2: $4100 3: 20% 4: $225 5: 10%
Compound Interest
1: $612 2: $1750 3: $625 4: 21% p.a. 5: 5%
Functions
1: x = 5/2 2: 10 3: 5 4: a 5: 1/6
6: 2 7: 2p 2 19p + 45;
2p 2 21p + 55.

108 Math Essentials Guide Solutions

Chapter 5
Solutions
109
5.1 Numbers and Digits

Q1.
(1) Irrational; is an irrational number as the decimal does not terminate and has no re-
peated pattern.
(2) Irrational; decimal does not terminate and has no repeated pattern.
(3) Rational; decimal has a repeated pattern.
(4) Rational; decimal has a repeated pattern.
(5) Irrational; exponent of an irrational number would be an irrational number.
646
Q2. x =
99
Step 1: Say x = 6.52.
Step 2: Now multiply x with a minimum value of exponent of 10 such that recurring part
of the number x becomes an integer. So, 100x = 652.52.
646
Step 3: Now deduct x = 6.52 from 100x = 652.52; we get 99x = 646 or x = ; a
99
rational fraction.
524
Q3. x =
999
Step 1: Say x = 0.524.
Step 2: Now multiply x with a minimum value of exponent of 10 such that recurring part
of the number x becomes an integer. So, 1000x = 524.524.
524
Step 3: Now deduct x = 0.524 from 1000x = 524.524; we get 999x = 524 or x = ;a
999
rational fraction.
Q4. 0.
The numbers a, b, c, and d can have any number of digits; however for this question, it is not
of any importance to know how many digits each number has as while adding numbers, we
add unit digits first; so the addition of unit digits of a, b, c, and d would be 2+2+(2)+(2) =
4 4 = 0.
Alternatively, you can assume some values for a, b, c, and d. Say a = 2452, b = 32, c = 82,
and d = 2. It is clear that the unit digit of the sum of a, b, c, and d would be 0.
Q5. n = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4}.

Math Essentials Guide Solutions 111
It is to be noted that n must be less than 5 as if it were 5 or more than 5, the tenth digit 4
would be rounded off to 5 and the number would be 25.5. Remember that if the digit to the
left of 5 is even (In this case it is 4), it is not increased by 1. So, to keep the number less
than 25.5, the set of n = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4}.
Q6. 78.
77, 567, 893 106 = 77.567893. Since we have to round off to the nearest whole number, the
number 77.567893 would be 78 as the digit on its tenth place is 5 which means that we must
increase the digit to its left by 1 or the digit on tens place 7 becomes 8. We need not dig
more to deduce what digit would the tenth place digit 5 would be when rounded off from the
extreme right of the number, starting with the right-most digit 3, as even if the tenth place
digit were 6, the treatment to the tens place digit 7 would not change.
5.2 Even/Odd and Consecutive Integers

Q1. Indeterminable.
Sum of two integers can be even in two situations:
(1) Both a and b are even. For example, a = 2, and b = 4. Sum = 2 + 4 = 6 (Even). This gives
ab = 8; an even number.
(2) Both a and b are odd. For example, a = 1, and b = 3. Sum = 1 + 3 = 4 (Even). This gives
ab = 3; an odd number. So it is indeterminable whether ab is odd or even.
Q2. Indeterminable.
So, the situation is: Is (p+even) = even? It will depend on the nature of p; if it is even, (p+even)
would be even, else odd.
Given is pq = even, but this will not help us anyway as for pq to be even p can be even and q
can be odd, or vice-versa. So the nature of (p + r ) is indeterminable.
Q3. Yes.
Consecutive integers may start from an even integer, say {2, 3, 4}, or an odd integer, say {3, 4,
5}. In either case, at least one of the consecutive integers, x, y, and z is even. And we know
that the product of an even integer either with an even or an odd integer is an even integer;
therefore, the product xyz must be even.
Q4. No.
The situation is z(x + y) = Odd.(Even + Odd) = Odd.Odd = Odd. The answer is No: z(x + y) is
odd.

Q5. Yes.
z(x + y) is even. The situation is z(x + y) = Even.(x + y) = Even.(Odd) or Even.(Even); however

both are even; it is insignificant to know what the nature of (x + y) is.
Q6. Indeterminable.
The situation is z(x + y) = Odd.(x+Odd). Since Odd.Even = Even and Odd.Odd = Odd, it
is necessary to know the nature of (x+Odd); if x is even, (x+Odd) is odd, and if x is odd,
(x+Odd) is even. So it is indeterminable.
Q7. Indeterminable.
Follow the same reasoning as used in the above questions.
Q8. A, B, D, & E.
Let us abbreviate Even as E and Odd as O.
We know that Even Even = Even & Even Odd = Even, and Even + Even = Even & Even + Odd
= Odd.
(A) n2 +3: The expression is equivalent to E 2 +O = E.E +O = E +O = O; it is an odd number.
(B) 3n2 3: The expression is equivalent to O.E 2 O = O.E O = E O = O; it is an odd

number.
(C) n3 + 2: The expression is equivalent to E 3 + E = E + E = E; it is an even number.
(D) 2n + 3: The expression is equivalent to E.E + O = E + O = O; it is an odd number.
(E) 3n + 3: The expression is equivalent to O.E + O = E + O = O; it is an odd number.
(F) n(n4 3n3 +14n2 4): The expression is equivalent to E.(Unknown number: Even or Odd) =
E.(O or E) = E; multiplication of any number with an even number is always even.

(G) n2 + 12: The expression is equivalent to E 2 + E = E + E = E; square root of an
even number may be even or irrational, but cannot be an odd number.

Q9. Indeterminable.
There would be two situations:

(1) The five consecutive integers starting with an even integer are {2, 5, 6, 7, 8}; the sum is
even.
(2) The five consecutive integers starting with an odd integer are {1, 2, 5, 6, 7}; the sum is
odd. So it is indeterminable.
Q10. Even.
Again there would be two situations:

(1) The four consecutive integers starting with an even integer are {2, 5, 6, 7}; the sum is
even.
(2) The four consecutive integers starting with an odd integer are {1, 2, 5, 6}; the sum is even.
So the sum is even.
Remember that sum of even number of consecutive integers is always even.
5.3 Divisibility
Q1. 37.
Say the number is (10000n + 37); where n is a positive integer. Since 10000n is divisible by
1000, the question comes down to whether 37 is divisible by 1000. Since it is not divisible by
1000, the remainder would be 37 only.
Q2. Yes.
Since a is completely divisible by 7, a would be 7n, where n is a positive integer; similarly,

since a is completely divisible by 18, a would be 18m; where m is a positive integer. But a
can be any one value between 7n or 18m. Since 7 and 18 are co-prime to each other, a should
be 7 18p; where p is a positive integer.
Two numbers are co-prime to each other if a factor other than 1 is common between them.
a a 7 18p 7
2 3 3p
Now, is an integer? We plug in the value of a, and get = = = 3p

42 42 2.3.7 2 .
3 .
7
a

(an integer); so is an integer.
42
Q3. Indeterminable.
For 20 to be a factor of x given that 70 is a factor of x, 20 must be a factor of 70which is

not true, or 20 must be a factor of multiple of 70which is not necessarily true. So whether

20 is a factor of x is indeterminable. Note that 20 may or may not be a factor of x.
Let us see how it may be a factor of x.
70n
Say x = 70n; where n is a positive integer. For 20 to be a factor of x, must be an integer.
20
70n 7n
After reducing , we get . If n is a multiple of 2, 20 is a factor of x, else not.
20 2
Another approach would be: say if x = 140 (a multiple of 70), then 20 is a factor of x; however
if x = 210 (a multiple of 70), then 20 is NOT a factor of x. So it is inconclusive! These concepts
are widely tested in the DS section of the GMAT.
Q4. Yes.
The answer is Yes. Since prime factors of 35 = {5, 7} are common either with the prime factors
of 15 = {3, 5} or with the prime factors of 14 = {2, 7}, p is divisible by 35.
Another approach would be: Since p is a multiple of 15 and 14, p must be a multiple of all the
factors of 15 and 14. This means that p = 3.5.7.n = 35.(3n); where n is a positive integer. It
is clear that p is a multiple of 35 or is divisible by 35.
Q5. Yes.
Say x = pn and y = xm; where n & m are positive integers. So y = pnm, and we can deduce
that p a factor of y.
Q6. Yes.
Say 3x + 7y = 3(12n) + 7(12m) = 12(3n + 7m); where n & m are positive integers. It is clear
that 12(3n + 7m) is a multiple of 12.
Q7. Indeterminable.
x
can be odd in two situations:
y
(1) Both x and y are even, and x is a multiple of an odd number. For example, x = 12, and
x 12
y = 4, so = = 3; an odd number.
y 4
x 21
(2) Both x and y are odd. For example, x = 21, and y = 7, so = = 3 (an odd number).
y 7
So it is indeterminable whether x is odd or even.
Q8. Yes.

Since 53 is factor of a 159, (159 = 53.3), 4611 will also be divisible by 53. Remember that if a
divisor x divides a number y completely, all the factors of x will also divide y completely.
Q9. 6.
Say p = 7n + 3 and q = 7m + 4, so p q = 7(n m) 1; where n and m are positive integers.

The term 7(n m) is divisible by 7 as it is a multiple of 7, so the remainder is 1.
What is the significance of remainder: 1?
Well, the remainder cannot be negative, it means that the remainder is 7 1 = 6.
If the Derived Remainder is negative, Actual Remainder = Divisor + Derived Remainder.
Alternatively, you can assume some values for p and q. Say p = 7 + 3 = 10 and q = 7 + 4 = 11,
but these value are not feasible as we know that p > q. So, let p = 7.2 + 3 = 17 and q = 7 + 4 =
11. Now p q = 17 11 = 6. So, the remainder is 7 1 = 6.
Q10. Yes.
Since 9 is a factor of x, as well as y, x = 9n and y = 9m. So x + y = 9n + 9m = 9(n + m),

which is completely divisible by 9 or (x + y) is divisible by 9.
Q11. 24.
Since (n + 1)(n + 3) is odd, and we know that if the product of two numbers is odd, both the
numbers must be odd, (n+1) must be odd. Again, n is a positive integer and we are interested
in its minimum value; hence the minimum positive integer n can have for (n + 1) to be odd
would be 2.
So the minimum possible value of (n + 2)(n + 4) = (2 + 2)(2 + 4) = 4 6 = 24.
Q12. 0.
Having discussed the previous questions, we already know that both the numbers (n + 1) &
(n + 3) are odd. But n is a negative integer now; assuring that (n + 1) & (n + 3) remain odd,
say we put n = 2, then (n + 2)(n + 4) = (2 + 2)(2 + 4) = 0.2 = 0.
If we try with smaller negative numbers for n, on the contrary, the result would not be mini-
mum, it would rather be larger. Say we put n = 6, then then (n+2)(n+4) = (6+2)(6+4) =
4. 2 = 8.
So the minimum possible value of (n + 2)(n + 4) = 0. Remember that n = 2 is the not the
only negative value to make (n + 2)(n + 4) minimum, it can also be minimum at n = 4. These

traps are usually laid by test makers in the GMAT-DS.
5.4 Simplification
Q1. 241.
4 [6 34 (6 3 + 1)]
6
= 4 [6 34 ( 3 + 1)]; innermost parenthesis first, and division before addition
=> 4 [6 34 (2 + 1)]; performing division
=> 4 [6 34 (3)]; performing addition
=> 4 [6 81.(3)]; expanding exponent
=> 4 [6 243]; performing multiplication
=> 4 [237]; performing subtraction
=> 4 + 237; performing multiplication of two negatives
=> 241; performing addition
Q2. 1.
8

8 25% of 28
7
8 25

= 8 28
7 100

8 25
7
=> 8 28
>

7 4

100*

8

=> 8 7
7

= > 88
=> 1.
Q3. 0.0725
(9.75 102 ) (25 103 )

= 0.0975 0.025
=> 0.0725
Alternatively, we can simplify in the following way.
(9.75 102 ) (25 103 )
25
=> (9.75 102 ) ( 102 )
10
=> [9.75 2.5] 102
=> [7.25] 102
7.25
=>
100
=> 0.0725
Q4. 218 .

3 3 p + 92 = 100

=> 3 3 p = 192

3 p =
192
=>
3

=> 3 p = 64
=> p = (64)3 = 218 .
Q5. 31000.
(7.75 102 ) (25 103 )
7.75 102
25 103
775
=>
25 103
31
775 103
*

=>

25

=> 31000.
Q6. 0.2.

9
0.000000512
(0.000000512)1/9
=> (512 109 )1/9
=> (512)1/9 10(91/9)
=> 2(91/9) 101
=> 2 101
=> 0.2.
Q7. 4.
4m2 64 4m2 36
can be simplified as
m4 m3
4(m2 16) 4(m2 9)
=
m4 m3
(m
4(m + 4) 4) (m
4(m + 3)3)

=
(m
4) (m
3)

= 4m + 16 4m 12
= 4.
Q8. y: the largest; z: the smallest.
Note that the base number 0.999 < 1. Remember that...
nth root of a number less than 1 is always greater than the number itself; so 0.999 <
(1)
0.999.
(2) Squares, cubes, and other high value powers of a number less than 1 are always smaller
than the number itself; so 0.999 > (0.999)2 .
It means that z < x < y. So, y is the largest, and z the smallest.
Opposite is true for a number greater than 1!
Q9. Between 5 and 6
First, find out which two perfect square numbers

are closest to
30; these are 25 and 36. So
2 2
we can say that (25 = 5 ) < 30 < (36 = 6 ) or 5 < 30 < 6. So 30 lies between 5 and 6.

Q10. between 3 and 4
First, find out which two perfect cube numbersare closest to

50; these are 27 and 64. So we
3 3 3 3
can say that (27 = 3 ) < 50 < (64 = 4 ) or 3 < 50 < 4. So 50 lies between 3 and 4.
5.5 Exponents
Q1. 14.
3t+3 + 3t
2 3t
3t .33 + 3t
=
2 3t
3t .(33 + 1)
= ; taking 3t as common.
2 3t
3t .(27 + 1)
=
2 3t
= 14.
Q2. 12.
1 1 4
64 3 + 16 2 +
160
1 1 4
= (26 ) 3 + (24 ) 2 + ; since a0 = 1
1
= 261/3 + 241/2 + 4
= 22 + 2 2 + 4
= 4 + 4 + 4 = 12.
Q3. 227
(4)3 (25 )3
43
(1)3 .43 .253
=
1
3
4
3 .43 .215
1.4
; since (1)odd = 1, and (1)even = +1

=
1

= 46 .215

= (22 )6 .215
= 226 .215
= 212 .215
= 212+15
= 227
Q4. E.
Let us solve the expression and get the desired equivalents.

2 2
9 4

= = ; when the exponent changes sign, numerator and denominator swap.
4 9
Option A is an equivalent expression.
2 2
4 4

= = ; negative number raised to an even exponent is always positive.
9 9
Option B is an equivalent expression.
2 2 !2 22 4
9 9 32 3 3

=> = = = = .
4 4 22 2 2
Option C is an equivalent expression.
4 4
3 2
Similarly, = ; when the exponent changes sign, numerator and denominator swap.
2 3
Option D is an equivalent expression.
So the correct answer is option E.
Q5. 5.
x
1
4x1 .(0.5)32x =
8
32x x
5 1
=> (22 )x1 . =
10 23
32x
5
=> 22x2 . = (23 )x

2
10
>

32x
1
=> 22x2 . = 2(3)(x)
2

=> 22x2 .23+2x = 23x
=> 22x23+2x = 23x
=> 24x5 = 23x
It means that 4x 5 = 3x => x = 5; if bases are equal, exponents would be equal.
Q6. 85.
Plug in the value of m in 3m+n = p 4, we get,

p
32n+n = p 4; m = 2 n
p
=> 32 = p 4
p
p
=> 9 = p 4
=> 92 = ( p 4)2 ; squaring both the sides.

p
=> 81 = p 4
=> p = 85.
Q7. 6.
For the number 0.00876 to be greater than 1000, decimal must be moved six places to the
right and the resulting number would be 8760 > 1000. This means that the number must be
multiplied with 106 . Hence the least possible value of n = 6.
Q8. n = {3, 4}
Only numbers 4.6567 and 46.567 would lie between 4 and 400. The number 46567 10n can
be written as 46567.0 10n . To get the number 4.6567, we must move the decimal four places
to its left in 46567.0, which means that the number must be multiplied with 104 or n = 4.
Similarly, to get the number 46.567, we must move the decimal three places to its left in
46567.0, which means that the number must be multiplied with 103 or n = 3. Hence the
set of n = {3, 4}.
Q9. n = {2, 3, 4}
Numbers 4.6567, 46.567, and 465.67 would lie between 3 and 500. Which means that
we must move the decimal two, three, and four places respectively to its right to get these

numbers. Hence the set of n = {2, 3, 4}.
5.6 Factors/Multiples and LCM/HCF
Q1. Indeterminable
We cannot conclude. We can deduce that 11x = 16500n; where n is a positive integer. So
: 1500
11x
= 16500
n => x = 1500n. It is clear that 1500 does not have any factor 7. The
answer is indeterminable or could be true because if n = 7, the answer is yes, else not!
Had the question been: If 11x is a multiple of 16500, MUST x be a multiple of 70? The would
have been definite NO!.
Q2. Yes.
Since both the prime factors of 14 (2, 7) are common with either the prime factors of 21 (3, 7)
or the prime factors of 10 (2, 5), 14 is also a factor of n.
Alternatively, since 21 (3, 7), and 10 (2, 5) are factors of n, so n = 2.3.5.7.m = 210m; where
m is a positive integer. It is clear that 14 is factor of 210, or 14 is also a factor of n.
Q3. 6.
xyz = 561 can be factorized as a product of three prime numbers (3, 11, & 17) as xyz = 561 =
3.11.17; as per the condition x, y, and z must be different from each other & x < y < z, so
only possible values of x, y, and z would be 3, 11, and 17 respectively. So z y = 17 11 = 6.
Q4. D.
A two-digit number can be written as 10x + y; where x is tens digit and y is unit digit. So
X = 10x + y and Y = 10y + x, as the digits are reversed.
=> X Y = (10x + y) (10y + x) = 9x 9y = 9(x y); it is clear that 9 is factor of (X Y ).

So the correct option is D.
Q5. {12, 1}.
Only prime factors of 143 are {11, 13}. Since the number 143 is a product of two primes, hence
(x y) would be either 11 or 13, and vice-versa for (x + y).
(I) Say x y = 11, and x + y = 13, so we get x = 12 and y = 1. So, one pair is {12, 1}.

(II) Say x y = 13, and x + y = 11, so we get x = 12 and y = 1. So, one pair is {12, 1}.
It is to be noted that 143 cannot be equated to 11 13 or 13 11, because the prime

numbers cannot be negative.
So there are total two set of possible pairs : {12, 1}, and {12, 1}.
Q6. 14.
Looking at the linear equation: 3p + 11q = 43, we may presume that the values of p and q are
indeterminable as there are two unknown variables and only one equation is given, however it
is not so. We have the second condition given in the question: p and q are positive integers.
Lets make use of it.
43 11q
The equation 3p + 11q = 43 can be written as p = . Since p is a positive integer,
3
hence (43 11q) must be divisible by 3. Let us plug in some positive integers for q, and see
for what value of q, (43 11q) is a multiple of 3.
43 11.1
For q = 1, p = = 32/3 (not an integer); So we discard a probable value of q as 1.
3
43 11.2
For q = 2, p = = 21/3 = 7 (an integer); So we take the value of q as 2; and p would
3
be 7 and pq = 7.2 = 14.
There is no need to check further since there should be a unique value of pq; however for your
43 11.3
curiosity, we find that for q = 3, p = = 10/3 is not an integer. There is no need to
3
43 11.4
check any further as for q = 4, p = = 1/3; negative numbers result, while we are
3
given that p is a positive integer, so we need not deep dive further.
So, we get pq = 7.2 = 14.
Q7. 5n.
Greatest common factor among numbers is also called HCF or GCD. The question asks us to
find out the HCF of 35n and 55n. Since 35n = 5.7.n and 55n = 5.11.n have 5 and n as
common, the HCF would be 5n or the greatest common factor of x and y is 5n.
Alternatively,
x= 5 .7.
n;
y =5 .11.
n;
HCF = 5.n (Taking only the common numbers)

The answer is 5n.

5.7 Fraction
45 2

Q1.
43
45 47 45
x= = &
47 43 43
45 43
y = reciprocal of =
43 45
45
2
x 43 45 45 452 45
So, = = = =
y 43 43 43 43 2 43
45
2
x 45
=> =
y 43
1
Q2. .
3
1 th

Say Suzy ate fraction of cookies, then the fraction of cookies left after eaten up by Brian
n
1 1 2n 3
and Suzy = 1 = .
3 n 3n
1 2n 3 1 2n 3 1

Since of was eaten by Rachel, . = Fraction of cookies left in the jar = .
2 3n 2 3n 6
1 2n 3 2n 3

Since . =
2 3n 6n
2n 3 1
=> =
6n 6
1 1
=> n = 3. Suzy ate = fraction of cookies.
n 3
Let us cross check:
1 1 1
Fraction of cookies left after eaten up by Brian and Suzy = 1 = .
3 3 3
1 1 1
It means that Rachel ate of = fraction of cookies.
2 3 6
1 1 1 1
Fraction of cookies left in the jar = 1 = , which is equal to the fraction given in
3 3 6 6
the equation. So our calculation was correct.
Alternatively...
Say total number of cookies were 6. We chose a smart number 6 as from the question, we
know that we have to deal with the fractions: 1/3 and 1/2, so the LCM is 6, a convenient num-
ber.

Total cookies = 6;
Total cookies eaten by Brian = 1/3 of 6 = 2;
Say total cookies eaten by Suzy = x;
So, remaining cookies after Brian and Suzy ate = 6 2 x = 4 x;
4x
So, total cookies eaten by Rachel = 1/2 of (4 x) = ;
2
We know that the total cookies left in the jar = 1/6 of 6 = 1;
4x 4x
After, Rachel, the cookies left = => = 1 => x = 2; or Suzy ate x/6 = 2/6 = 1/3
2 2
fraction of cookies.
Q3.
45 91
(A) ,
44 92
45 45
The numerator of fraction is larger than its denominator, hence > 1; whereas the
44 44
91 91 45 91
numerator of fraction is smaller than its denominator, hence < 1. So, > .
92 92 44 92
45 93
(B) ,
44 92
45 45 + 1 1 93 1
can be written as = 1 ; similarly = 1 . The integer part of both the
44 44 44 92 92
1

44 is greater than the fraction
mixed fractions are equal (1) and the fraction part of 1
1 1 1 45 93

92 ; 44 > 92 ; smaller the denominator, larger is the fraction. So 44 > 92 .
part of 1
44 91
(C) ,
45 92
44 45 1 1 91 1
can be written as = 1 ; similarly = 1 . The integer part of both
45 44 44 92 92
the
mixed
fractions are equal (1) and though the absolute value of the fraction part of
1 1

1 is greater than the absolute value of the fraction part of 1 , it is smaller

44 92
1 1 44 91

since it is negative, < ; so < .
44 92 45 92
83 114
(D) ,
81 111
83 81 + 2 2 114 3
can be written as = 1 ; similarly = 1 . The integer part of both
81 81 81 111 111
the mixed fractions are equal (1), but fraction parts cannot be compared as neither the

numerator nor the denominator of the first fraction is equal to the relevant counterparts
of the second fraction.
2 3
So the question reduces to: Which of two fractions is larger: or ?
81 111
2 1 1 3
The fraction can be written as = ; similarly, the fraction can be writ-
81 81/2 # > 40 111
1 1 1 1 1
ten as = . Between the two factions , and , is larger
111/3 # < 40 # > 40 # < 40 # < 40
1
because its denominator (# < 40) is smaller than the denominator (# > 40) of .
# > 40
2 3 83 114
So < or < .
81 111 81 111
5.8 Rationalization of factions

2
Q1. .
3

2 2
Rationalizing denominators of the fractions by multiplying the fractions by , we get
2 2
2

4 2 4. 2 2. 2 4 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 4 2 2 2 2 2

= = = = 3
= 2=
3 2 2 3. 2. 2 2. 2 3.2 2 6 2 2
3
6

2 23 2 2
= .
3 3

2
=> .
3

30
Q2. .
2

50 18 52 .2 32 .2 5 2 3 2 15 2
= = = ; to rationalise the denominator, we
10 12 5.2 2 2 3 2 3 5
.3
2 5
2
3. 5
multiply the faction with .
3. 5
! !
3 5 15 2 15
2 15 30
=> = = .

3 5 2 3 5 2.
15
2
5.9 Linear and Quadratic Equations

1 2
Q1. x = , and y = .
5 5
x 2y 1 = 0 (1) &
3y x 1 = 0 (2)

By multiplying eqn (2) with 1, we get 3y + x + 1 = 0.
Let us calculate the value of x in terms of y from the first equation and substitute it in the
second equation.
x 2y 1 = 0
=> x = 1 + 2y
By plugging in x in eqn. (2), we get,
3y + (1 + 2y) + 1 = 0
3y + 1 + 2y + 1 = 0
=> 5y = 2
2
=> y = .
5
2 2 1
By plugging in the value of y = in the equation x = 1 + 2y, we get x = 1 + 2 ( ) =
5 5 5
1 2
So, x = , and y = .
5 5
Q2. x = 4, and y = 6.
x y
+ 4 = 0 ..........(1)
2 3
y
x = 7 (2)
2
There could be couple of approaches to solve these types of linear equations; we suggest that
it is better to get rid of the denominator-constants from both the equations. The calls for
taking LCM.
Taking LCM of the denominators of the fractions of the first eqn., and simplifying, we get,
x y
+ 4 = 0 => 3x 2y + 24 = 0 ..........(3)
2 3
Taking LCM of the denominators of the fractions of the second eqn., and simplifying, we get,
y
x = 7 => 2x y = 14 ..........(4)
2
Now, we can calculate the value of y in terms of x from eqn. 4, so we get,
2x y = 14 ..........(4)
y = 2x + 14 ..........(4)

By substituting the value of y in the first eqn, we get,
3x 2y + 24 = 0 ..........(1)
=> 3x 2(2x + 14) + 24 = 0
=> 3x 4x 28 + 24 = 0
=> x = 4 => x = 4.
By plugging in the value of x = 4, in y = 2x + 14, we get,
y = 2x + 14 => y = 2 (4) + 14 => y = 8 + 14 = 6 => y = 6
So, x = 4, and y = 6.
Q3.
2x 2 + 7x + 3 = 0
Split the middle term 7x in two parts such that the product of the parts equals to 2x 2 3 =
6x 2 .
2x 2 + 7x + 3 = 0
=> 2x 2 + 6x + x + 3 = 0; splitting 7x into 6x and x works as 6x x = 6x 2 ; though 7x can be

split into 4x and 3x, 4x 3x 6= 6x 2 .
Taking 2x common from first two terms, we get,
2x(x + 3) + 1(x + 3) = 0
Taking (x + 3) common, we get,
(x + 3)(2x + 1) = 0
Product of two terms would be 0, if either of the term is 0. So, either x + 3 = 0 or 2x + 1 = 0.
1
If x + 3 = 0 => x = 3 and if 2x + 1 = 0 => x = .
2
1
So, x = 3 or .
2
Q4. x = 4 or 1.

This is indeed a quadratic equation though it does not look like one as we do not see a squared
term; however the equation can be solved by applying the concept of quadratic equation.

Say x = y, then the equation becomes y 2 3y + 2 = 0. It is a quadratic equation. Lets solve
this.
y 2 3y + 2 = 0
y 2 2y y + 2 = 0
y(y 2) 1(y 2) = 0
(y 2)(y 1) = 0
So, y = 2 or 1.

Or, x = 2 or 1 or x = 4 or 1.
Q5. x = 8 or 1.
By now you may be convinced that it a quadratic equation. Let us make it look like one.
x 2/3 + x 1/3 2 = 0
=> (x 1/3 )2 + x 1/3 2 = 0
Say x 1/3 = y, then the equation becomes y 2 + y 2 = 0.
Now solving y 2 + y 2 = 0 should be a cake walk for you!
y2 + y 2 = 0
=> y 2 + 2y y 2 = 0
=> y(y + 2) 1(y + 2) = 0
=> (y + 2)(y 1) = 0.
So, y = 2 or 1.
Or, x 1/3 = 2 or 1
=> x = (2)3 or 13
x = 8 or 1.

Let us check whether the values calculated are correct. Let us check for x = 8.
By plugging in the value of x = 8 in the equation x 2/3 + x 1/3 2 = 0, we get,
(8)2/3 + (8)1/3 2 = 0
(23 )2/3 + (23 )1/3 2 = 0
(2)32/3 + (231/3 ) 2 = 0
(2)2 + (21 ) 2 = 0
4 2 2 = 0 => 0 = 0. The value calculated is correct.
Q6. 8 or 2.
We know that for a quadratic equation ax 2 + bx + c = 0 will have equal roots if the discrimi-
nant = b2 4ac = 0.
Here, a = 1, b = 2(m 4) = 2m 8, and c = 2m.
So, = b2 4ac = (2m 8)2 4.1.2m = 0
4m2 32m + 64 8m = 0
4m2 40m + 64 = 0
4(m2 10m + 16) = 0
m2 10m + 16 = 0
m2 8m 2m + 16 = 0
m(m 8) 2(m 8) = 0
(m 8)(m 2) = 0
or, m = 8 or 2.
Q7. 5/2 or 2.
(4x 1)2 = 81.

p
Taking the root of both the sides, we get (4x 1)2 = 81 => (4x 1) = 9.

Remember that while taking square root on both sides of an equation, should be used.
Taking +9 first as the value, we get (4x 1) = 9 => x = 5/2.
Now, Taking 9, we get (4x 1) = 9 => x = 2.
So, x = 5/2 or 2.
Q8. One.
(a 3)(a + 2) = (a + 3)(a 2)
=> a2 + 2a 3a 6 = a2 2a + 3a 6
=> a = a
=> 2a = 0 => a = 0.
So a will have only one unique value. Note that the answer is One and not 0. 0 is the value
of a, whereas the question asks us: how many unique values a can have?
Seeing a quadratic equation, one must not jump to a conclusion that the variable will necessary
have two values!
Q9. Two.
a3 a2 a + 1 = 0
=> a2 (a 1) 1(a 1) = 0
=> (a 1)(a2 1) = 0
=> (a 1)(a 1)(a + 1) = 0
=> a = 1.
There are only two values of a : 1 or 1. The answer is: Two. Again, seeing a cubic equation,
one must not jump to a conclusion that the variable will necessarily have three values!

Q1. x = 2.
|10x| 20 = 0

=> |10x| = 20
=> |x| = 20/10 = 2
=> |x| = 2
=> x = 2.
Q2. 1.
| 3| (|3|)

(| 3|)2
3 (3)

=
(3)2
9
= = 1.
9
Q3. 13/2 or 3/2.
|2x 5| = 8 means that either 2x 5 = +8 or 2x 5 = 8
If 2x 5 = +8, then 2x = 8 + 5 = 13 => x = 13/2.
And if 2x 5 = 8, then 2x = 8 + 5 = 3 => x = 3/2.
So, x = 13/2 or 3/2.
5.11 Inequalities
Q1. Infinite number of values.
The set of values for the inequality: 1 x < 3 is infinite numbers.: {1, 1.1, 1.11, 1.111, 2,
2.345,...}; do not assume that x is an integer until stated. So x may have infinite number of
values.
Q2. 0 < p < 1.
1
Since LHS of the inequity is greater than 1, hence p must be positive.
p
1

We can manipulate the inequality as p > 1 p => 1 > p; since we know that p is a
p
positive number, we can multiply both the sides of inequity with a positive number; had it been
not known we cannot do it, so considering p as positive, the range of p would be 0 < p < 1.

Q3.
(A) ab > 0
Inequality ab > 0 suggests that the product of a, and b is positive, it can be positive in
two ways:
1. either both a, and b are positive
or
2. both a, and b are negative.
So, a > 0 and b > 0, or a < 0 and b < 0.
(B) ab < 0
Inequality ab < 0 suggests that the product of a, and b is negative, it can be negative in
two ways: either a is positive and b is negative or vice-versa.
So, a > 0 and b < 0, or a < 0 and b > 0.
(C) ab = 0
Either a = 0 or/and b = 0.
a
(D) >0
b
a
The results are same as (a). The inequality > 0 suggests that the division of a, and b
b
is positive, it can be positive in two ways:
1. either both a, and b are positive or
2. both a, and b are negative.
a
(E) <0
b
a
The results are same as (b). The inequality < 0 suggests suggests that the division of
b
a, and b is negative, it can be negative in two ways: either a is positive and b is negative
or vice-versa.

Q4. 2 < x < 3.

2x 1 < 5

=> |2x1| < 5

2x 1 > 5; reverse the sign of inequality when you consider its negative value.

2x 1 < 5 => 2x < 6 => x < 3.

=> |2x 1| < 5

2x 1 > 5 => 2x > 4 => x > 2.

So, the range for x is 2 < x < 3.
Q5. 9 < x < 5.
|x + 2| < 7
=> |x + 2| < 7 means that 7 < x + 2 < 7
=> 7 2 < x < 7 2; subtracting 2 from each term
=> 9 < x < 5.
Q6. 4 < x < 5.
|1 2x| < 9
|1 2x| < 9 means that 9 < 1 2x < 9
10 < 2x < 8; Subtracting 1 from each term
5 > x > 4; Dividing each term by 2. The sign of inequality will change when we multiply or
divide by negative numbers.
So, 4 < x < 5.
Q7. x 1.
5x 1 1 2x

6 3
5x 1 1 2x
2

3

6


5x 1
=> 1 2x
2
5x 1

2 2 (1 2x); Sign of inequality will reverse as we multiplied it with a nega-
(2)
tive number 2.
5x 1

2 (1 2x);
2
2

5x 1 2 + 4x => 5x 4x 2 + 1 => x 1.
Alternatively,
5x 1 1 2x 5x 1 1 2x
can be written as +
6 3 6 6 3 3
5x 2x 1 1
=> +
6 3 3 6
5x + 4x 21
=>
6
6

=> x 1
=> x 1.
Q8. E.
This is Could be true type of questions. Even if the option is true for only one circumstance,
it is the correct answer. Could be true type of questions are different from Must be true type
of questions, in which the condition given must be true for all circumstances.
I. x 2 < 2x: For 0 < x < 2, the inequality x 2 < 2x is true, else not. Say, x = 3/2, then
(3/2)2 < 2.(3/2) => 9/4 < 3 - True
Again, say x = 5/2, then (5/2)2 > 2.(5/2) => 25/4 > 5 - Not true
We cant take x = 1/2 since it is given that 1 < x < 3.
Alternatively, in case of inequality, if x is a positive number which is true in the given

inequality(1 < x < 3), then we can cancel x from both the sides. So, x 2 < 2
x => x < 2.
x < 2 is within the range of 1 < x < 3, so option (I) is correct.
II. x 2 = 2x => x = 2; x = 2 is within the range of 1 < x < 3, so option (II) is also correct.
We must not consider x = 0 as x = 0 is out of range of given constraints 1 < x < 3.

III. x 2 > 2x => x 2 > 2 x => x > 2; Similarly, x > 2 is within the range of 1 < x < 3, so
option (III) is also correct.
The correct answer is option E.
Q9. a and c have opposite signs; sign of b cannot be determined.
ab2 c < 0 suggests that: ab2 c is negative. Since b2 is always positive irrespective of b being
positive or negative, hence we cannot deduce whether b is positive or negative.
So, ab2 c is negative because ac is negative or ac < 0. This implies that either a < 0 and c > 0
or a > 0 and c < 0.
So, ab2 c < 0 only suggests that a and c have opposite signs.
Q10. 4 > x y > 3.
The direction of both the inequalities must match. Currently, the directions of inequalities:
8 > x > 3 and 4 < y < 6 are opposite. 4 < y < 6 can be written as 4 > y > 6.
Adding the inequalities, we get...
8> x >3
(+) 4 > y > 6
4 > x y > 3
So the range of (x y) is 4 > x y > 3.
Q11. 27.
x + y = x + x + 4 = 2x + 4, so basically we have to calculate the greatest possible value of

(2x + 4).
6 < x < 12 can written as 12 < 2x < 24 and then as (12 + 4) < 2x + 4 < (24 + 4)
=> 16 < 2x + 4 < 28 => 16 < x + y < 28.
It is clear that the greatest possible integer value of x + y would be 27.
Had you done in the following way:
The greatest possible integer value of x = 11, and the greatest possible integer value of
y = 11 + 4 = 15, then the answer would have been 11 + 15 = 26, which would have been wrong

since it has not been mentioned that x and y are integers.
Q12. x > 1 or x < 5.
x 2 > 6x 5
x 2 + 6x + 5 > 0 => x 2 + 5x + x + 5 > 0 => x(x + 5) + 1(x + 5) > 0 => (x + 5)(x + 1) > 0.
(x + 5)(x + 1) would be positive if either both (x + 5) and (x + 1) are negative or both are
positive.
It is clear that (x + 5) and (x + 1) are positive if x > 1.
And, (x + 5) and (x + 1) are negative if x < 5.
So, x > 1 or x < 5.
Q13. x < 1 or x > 5.
x 2 > 6x 5
x 2 6x + 5 > 0 => x 2 5x x + 5 > 0 => x(x 5) 1(x 5) > 0 => (x 5)(x 1) > 0.
(x 5)(x 1) would be positive if either both (x 5) and (x 1) are negative or both are
positive.
It is clear that (x 5) and (x 1) are negative if x < 1.
And, (x 5) and (x 1) are positive if x > 5.
So, x < 1 or x > 5.
5.12 Percents
Q1. 300
Let us translate this mathematically: 24 = 8% of x; say the number is x.
8
=> 24 = x
100
24 100
=> x = = 300.
8
=> x = 300

Q2. 1,000,000 screws.
Say, he examines x number of screws, so 0.03% of x = 300, or x = 1, 000, 000 screws.
Q3. x = 510
x% of 17 = 30% of 289.
* 17
=> x S
%
17
= 30S
%
289 .

=> x = 510
Q4. $480.
Instead of calculating the discount and deducting it from $800, it is better we calculate 60% of
60
$800: (100% 40%) of the final price. So 60% of $800 = 800 = $480.
100
Q5. 16.67 % loss.
SP CP 100 120
% loss = 100% = 100% = 16.67%; profit or loss are always based on
CP 120
Cost Price and not on Sales Price. Note: the sign signifies loss.
Q6. 16.67 %
The Marked Price would be 100 + 20 = $120.
Discount 20
% Discount = 100% = 100% = 16.67% .
Marked Price 120
Q7. 111.11%.
Say Y = 100, then X = (100 + 110)% of 100 = 210. Note that: Y is not more by 10%, it is more
by 110%.
Given is: Z = X 10% of X = 100% of X 10% of X = 90% of 210 = 189.
X 210
Say X is p % of Z, then p = 100% => p = 100% = 111.11%.
Z 189
Q8. No; less by 4%.
Say Number = N.

N1 = 1.20N; N1 is the number after the increase. Increasing an number by 20% can better be
done by making it 1.20 times.
N2 = 0.80N1 = 0.80 1.20N = 0.96N = 96% of N; N2 is the number after the decrease. De-
creasing an number by 20% can better be done by making it 0.80 times. Remember that the
decrease will effect on N1 and not on N.
The resulting number is not the same as the original number, it decreased by 4%.
What if the number were decreased first, and then increased later?
Well the result would have been the same: 4% decrease!
Q9. 20%
Instead of solving it with a traditional approach, you can apply See-Saw technique discussed
earlier in the book.
1
Step 1: Convert % into fraction. 25% = ;
4
1 1
Step 2: Add 1 to the denominator of the fraction. = ;
4+1 5
1
Step 3: Convert the fraction into %. = 20%.
5
The shopkeeper should offer a discount of 20% so that he does not run into losses.

Q1. x = 1/5.
We know that Product of middle terms = Product of extreme terms.
5 x = 0.25 4 => 5x = 1/4 4 => 5x = 1 => x = 1/5.
Q2. 4 : 5.
Let the third number be 100.
Then, first number = 120% of 100 = 120.
Second number = 150% of 100 = 150.
Ratio of first two numbers = 120 : 150 = 12 : 15 = 4 : 5.

Q3. 207.
1 2 3
: : = 6 : 8 : 9.
Given ratio can be simplified as
2 3 4
9 9
Third part = 529 = 529 = 207.
6+8+9 23
Q4. 144.
3 2
Given is: of As amount = of Bs amount
5 5
3 2

Or, A= B => 3A = 2B.
5
5

A : B = 2 : 3 on ratio scale.
Actual scale Ratio scale
A : B : A + B :: A : B : A + B
? : ? : 240 :: 2 : 3 : 5
240 240
So, A = 2 = 96 & B = 3 = 144.
5 5
Q5. 55.
Let the numbers be 3x and 5x; where x is a common factor between the numbers.
3x 9 12
Then, =
5x 9 23
=> 23(3x 9) = 12(5x 9) => 9x = 99 => x = 11.
The larger number = 5x = (5 11) = 55.
Q6. 8 : 9 : 24.
Simply plug in the ratio values of A, B, and C.
A B C 2 3 4
= : : = : :
B C A 3 4 2
= 8 : 9 : 24.
Q7. 60 liters.

2
Quantity of milk = 60 liters = 40 liters.
3
Quantity of water in the mixture = (60 40) liters = 20 liters.
New ratio of milk : water needed = 1 : 2 (Reversed)
Let the quantity of water to be added further be x liters.
40
Then, milk : water =
20 + x
40 1
Now, = => 20 + x = 80 => x = 60.
20 + x 2
Quantity of water to be added = 60 liters. Or more simply, water added = 120 60 = 60.
Alternate Approach
Since the revised ratio of milk and water is 1 : 2, and milk is not added, it remains 40 liters as
before,
1

=> 40 = of new mixture
2+1
3
So, the new mixture = 40 = 120 liters, or quantity of water = 120 40 = 80 liters. It means
1
that quantity of water added = 80 20 = 60 liters.
Q8. 90.
Given is: A : B :: 2 : 3, B : C :: 2 : 3, and A + B + C = 190.
B has two values on ratio scale: 3 and 2, we must have a unique value for B in the ratio of
A : B : C.
3 9

Let us take B as 3 on ratio scale, then B : C :: 2 : 3 = 3 : 3 = 3 : . Note that C changes
2 2
9
to .
2
9
So, A : B : C = 2 : 3 : => A : B : C = 4 : 6 : 9.
2
9 9

Third number = 190 = 190 = 90.
4+6+9 19
Q9. 23 : 33 : 60.
115 23
As new salary = 2k = k; whether k is a common factor among the salaries.
100 10
110 33
Bs new salary = 3k = k
100 10

120
Cs new salary = 5k = 6k
100
23k 33k
New ratio = : : 6k = 23 : 33 : 60.
10 10
Q10. 12.
Let the numbers be 2x, 3x and 5x.
Then, (2x)2 + (3x)2 + (5x)2 = 1862
=> 4x 2 + 9x 2 + 25x 2 = 1862
=> 38x 2 = 1368
=> x 2 = 36 => x = 6.
=> First number = 2x = 2.6 = 12.
5.14 Simple Interest

Q1. $3000.
P r t
SI =
100
8000 50/3 27/12

=> SI =
100
3
20
80
>
9

8000 27
50
:

>

=> SI = 3
= $3000.
3
12
> 100

=> SI = $3000.
Q2. $4100.
P r t SI 100
SI = => P =
100 r t
By applying above formula we can easily solve this question, as we are already having the sim-
ple interest.
1230 100
=> P = => P = $4100.
65

Q3. r = 20%.
Let the sum P be $100, so it becomes A = $400 in 15 years or SI= 400 100 = $300.
SI 100
Now, r =
P t
300 100
=> r = = 20%.
100 15
=> r = 20%.
Q4. $225.
P r1 t P r2 t

Gain = ; where P = 5000, t = 2, r1 = 25/4%, and r2 = 4%.
100 100
5000 25/4 2 5000 4 2

=> Gain = = (625 400) = $225.
100 100
=> Simply, the gain = 25/4 4 = 9/4% for 2 years = $225.
Q5. 10%.
P1 r t1 P2 r t2
From question we can conclude that 2200 = + ; rate is the same for both
100 100
B and C.
5000 r 2 3000 r 4
=> 2200 = +
100 100
=> 2200 = 100r + 120r => 2200 = 220r => r = 10%.
5.15 Compound Interest

Q1. $612.
r n
We know that A = P (1 + ) ; where A = Amount, P = Principal or Sum.
100
4 2
A = 7500(1 + 100 )
2
26

=> 7500
25

26 26
=> 7500
25 25
=> $8112.
So, compound interest = A P = 8112 7500 = $612.
Q2. $1750.
CI = A P
r n

CI = P 1 + P
100
10 2

=> 4000 1 + 4000
100
11 11

=> 4000 1
10 10
=> 4000(1.21 1)
=> $840.
840
So, SI = 1/2 of CI = = 420
2
SI 100
Or, P =
r t
420 100
=
38
P = $1750.

Q3. $625.
P 42 2
SI = = P
100 25
CI = A P
2
4

CI = P 1 + P
100
676P
= P
625
51P
=
625
As, C.I. S.I = 1
51P 2P
=> =1
625 25
51P 50P
=> =1
625
=> P = $625.
Alternate Approach
It is to be noted that for the first year there is no difference between SI & CI. CI start increasing
compared to SI from the second year onwards.
In the question, the difference between CI and SI amounting to $1/- for two years is due to the
INTEREST on first year SI for one year.
SII yr. 4% 1
1= => SII yr. = 25/
100
P 4% 1
Again, SII yr. = 25 = => P = 625.
100
Q4. 21% p.a.
Let the principal be $1 for 1 year when compounded half yearly; so n = 1 2 = 2 periods, Rate
r = 20/2 = 10% half yearly.

r /2 2n

A=P 1+ :
100
10 2

Amount A = 1 1 + = (1.1)2 = 1.21.
100
So, Effective rate annual rate of interest = (1.21 1) 100% = 21% p.a.
Q5. r = 5%.
It is to be noted that the difference between simple interest and compound interest is that: in
case of SI, the interest for any year is calculated on the fixed sum invested initially, whereas in
case of CI, the interest for each subsequent year is calculated on the amount of the previous
year.
In the question, 840 is the amount for the 4th year and 800 is the amount for the 3rd year,
which means that 840 800 = 40 is the interest for the 4th year (one year) on the amount
$800.
Interest 100
So, r =
P t
40 100
=> r =
800 1
=> r = 5%.
Alternate Approach
Amountnth yr Rate
=1+
Amount(n1)th yr 100
840
So, = 1.05; or Rate = 5%.
800
5.16 Functions
Q1. x = 5/2.
Since f (x) = 2x 7, hence f (2x 6) = 2.(2x 6) 7 = 4x 12 7 = 4x 19: replacing x

with 2x 6.
Now, 3f (x)3 = f (2x6) => 3.(2x7)3 = 4x19; substituting the values of f (x) = 2x7
and f (2x 6).
We get, 6x 21 3 = 4x 19 => x = 5/2.

Q2. 10.

[25] = | 25| = 5; as 25 is an odd number.
10
And, [10] = = 2; as 10 is an even number.
5
So, [25] [10] = 5 2 = 10.
Q3. 5.
Set of integers less than 2.2 are {3, 4, 5, ....}; among them, the greatest is 3, so, [2.2] =
3.
Similarly, set of integers less than 2.6 are {2, 1, 0, 1, ....}; among them, the greatest is 2, so,
[2.6] = 2.
Similarly, set of integers less than 6.2 are {6, 5, 4, ....}; among them the greatest is 6, so,
[6.2] = 6.
So, [2.2] + [2.6] + [6.2] = 3 + 2 + 6 = 5.
Q4. a.
(a + c)
a#c = = 0 => a + c = 0 (a2 + c 2 ) => a + c = 0 => c = a.
(a2 + c 2 )
Q5. x = 1/6.
2y
Say f (x) = y, then we can say that f (y) = 1 and deduce f (y) = = 1 => 2y +1 =
2y 1
2y => y = 1/4.
1 2x 1
Again, y = f (x) = => = => 2x 1 = 8x => x = 1/6.
4 (2x 1) 4
Q6. 2.
2x 1 2x 1 2x 1

2 .

2x x x 2x 1
f (g(x)) = = = = .
2x 1 2x 1 2x 1 x

x1
2. 1 1
2x x x

2x 1
Now, f (g(x)) = 3 => = 3 => 2x 1 = 3x 3 => x = 2.
x1
Q7. 2p 2 19p + 45 or 2p 2 21p + 55.

f (p 2 10p + 25) can be simplified as f ((p 5)2 ).

q
So, f (p 2 10p + 25) = f ((p 5)2 ) = 2.(p 5)2 + (p 5)2
q
Taking (p 5)2 = p 5, we get f (p 2 10p + 25) = 2p 2 20p + 50 + p 5 = 2p 2 19p + 45.
q
Taking (p 5)2 = 5 p, we get f (p 2 10p + 25) = 2p 2 20p + 50 p + 5 = 2p 2 21p + 55.
=> f (p 2 10p + 25) = 2p 2 19p + 45 or 2p 2 21p + 55.

q
Note: (p 5)2 can be p 5 or 5p depending on whether p > 5 or 5 > p; since, by definition,
q
the Root symbol only takes the positive root. Had we known that p > 5, then (p 5)2 would
have been only (p 5).


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2 GMAT Quantitative Ability 3

4 Answer Key 103

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Professor Dr. Joern Meissner

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GMAT Quantitative Ability

Following topics are included in the GMAT questions:

Numbers, their classification, and application

Exponents (Powers), and Surds

Ratio and Proportion

Simple and Compound Interest

Profit and Loss

Time and Distance

Work and Rate

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Mixtures and Alligation

Mensuration (Measurement calculation)

Counting Methods: Permutation and Combination

Quadratic equations: Solving Quadratic equations

Polygons: Triangles, Quadrilaterals

Solids: Cube, Cuboid, Cylinder, Sphere, and Cone

Mensuration (Measurement calculation)

Average: Mean, Median, and Mode

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We will discuss the strategies to solve PS questions in detail in individual books.

(D) EACH statement ALONE is sufficient to answer the question asked.

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2.1 Understanding numbers

Numbersthe backbone of GMAT quants; we all are familiar with num-

Let us understand numbers from the GMAT perspective.

2.1.1 Classification of numbers

Integers (Z) Fractions (F) Decimals (D)

19992016 Manhattan Review www.manhattanreview.com

know the above definition to master the GMAT quants.

So what do rational numbers exclude? These exclude roots of non-perfect square