Free Practice for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning

Last Updated on January 16, 2024

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is not only a valuable tool for those seeking to gain admission into top business schools but also serves as an effective resource for those preparing for consulting aptitude and recruitment tests, such as the BCG Online Case and Quantitative Reasoning Test, the Bain SOVA, the Kearney Recruitment Test, and others. This is particularly true for the GMAT’s Quantitative Reasoning section, which hones skills essential for acing consulting assessments.

Understanding the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Section

Comprising 31 questions that must be answered within 62 minutes, the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section measures analytical problem-solving abilities, with emphasis on basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, word problems, and data analysis. It consists of two types of questions:

1. Problem-Solving (PS): These questions pose mathematical problems, presenting five possible solutions for choosing the correct answer. This section tests rudimentary quantitative skills, valuable in various consulting scenarios requiring quick, on-the-spot problem-solving.
2. Data Sufficiency (DS): Each question in this section presents a problem accompanied by two statements. Your task is to determine whether the information provided is sufficient to solve the problem. This section enhances your ability to analyze quantitative problems and identify necessary data, a skill that is critical in consulting roles and aptitude tests.

Problem-Solving questions present a mathematical problem that you’ll need to solve and choose the correct answer from five options. The problems can vary from relatively simple arithmetic to more complex concepts involving algebra, geometry, statistics, and combinations.

Let’s look at a sample PS question:

If the sum of six consecutive numbers is 111, what is the median of those numbers?

A. 18.5
B. 19
C. 19.5
D. 20
E. 20.5

In this question, you’re asked to find the median of six consecutive numbers, given their sum. You would first find the average (sum divided by count: 111/6 = 18.5), and then since we know they are consecutive and an even set, the median would be between the third and fourth numbers – so, the average is also the median. The answer would be A. 18.5.

Data Sufficiency (DS)

Data Sufficiency questions present a statement followed by two pieces of data. Your job is to determine whether each piece of data is sufficient to answer the question when considered alone, or whether you need both, or whether you can’t answer the question even with both.

DS questions always have the same answer choices:

A. Statement (1) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (2) alone is not sufficient B. Statement (2) ALONE is sufficient, but statement (1) alone is not sufficient C. BOTH statements TOGETHER are sufficient, but NEITHER statement ALONE is sufficient D. EACH statement ALONE is sufficient E. Statements (1) and (2) TOGETHER are not sufficient

Here’s a sample DS question:

Is x > y?

(1) x = 2y - 1
(2) y = 0

In this question, you’re asked to determine whether x is greater than y.

For Statement (1), if y = 1, then x = 1, and x is not greater than y. If y = 0, then x = -1, and x is less than y. So, statement (1) alone is not sufficient.

For Statement (2), if y = 0, we don’t know x’s value, so we can’t determine whether x > y. Thus, statement (2) alone is not sufficient.

Taken together, if y = 0 (from statement 2) and x = 2(0) – 1 = -1 (from statement 1), we can determine that x is not greater than y. So, the statements together are sufficient. The answer would be C.

Understanding the logic behind these types of questions is critical to achieving a high score in the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GMAT.

Why GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Practice Benefits Consulting Test Preparation

GMAT Quantitative Reasoning practice is beneficial in preparing for consulting aptitude and recruitment tests for several reasons:

• Similar Skills Tested: Both the GMAT Quantitative section and consulting tests assess your analytical problem-solving skills, abilities to interpret data, and apply logic and reasoning—all crucial skills in the consulting field.
• Time Management: Both tests are timed, so practicing under GMAT conditions can help enhance your speed and efficiency, crucial for consulting assessments.
• Variety of Questions: The diversity of problem types in the GMAT’s Quantitative Reasoning section can broaden your problem-solving abilities, making you more adaptable to the array of questions posed in consulting tests.

Preparing for Consulting Aptitude Tests with GMAT Quantitative Reasoning

A solid preparation strategy includes understanding the format of the GMAT Quantitative section, reviewing basic mathematical concepts, and taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Practicing as much as possible can increase your speed and accuracy, which is key for performance on time-pressured consulting aptitude tests.

By making use of extensive resources, including hundreds of practice questions available online on platforms such as GMAT Club, Manhattan Prep, Magoosh, Kaplan, Veritas Prep, and Princeton Review, you can effectively prepare for consulting aptitude and recruitment tests like the BCG Online Case and Quantitative Reasoning Test or the Bain SOVA.

Key Topics Covered

The key topics covered in the Quantitative Reasoning section include, but are not limited to:

1. Arithmetic
2. Algebra
3. Geometry
4. Word problems
5. Data analysis

It’s crucial to understand these topics deeply as they form the foundation of the questions asked in this section.

How to Prepare

Here are some general preparation strategies:

1. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the test and the types of questions that will be asked. Practice is key here.
2. Review Basic Concepts: Make sure you understand basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice as much as possible to increase your speed and accuracy.
4. Take Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length tests under timed conditions to get a feel for the test environment.

Practice Questions

To help you get started with your preparation, we have compiled a list of resources that provide hundreds of practice questions.

1. GMAT Club: An extensive collection of Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency practice questions.
2. Manhattan Prep: Free GMAT practice test.
3. Magoosh: Large question bank with detailed answer explanations.
4. Kaplan: Offers a free GMAT practice test and questions.
5. Veritas Prep: Free GMAT practice test and question bank.
6. Princeton Review: Offers a free GMAT practice test.

You can also find 1000s of free quantitative reasoning questions on Google.

Please note: The websites linked above may require registration or sign-up to access the resources.

In conclusion, a robust preparation strategy for the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section not only equips you with a high GMAT score but also primes you for success in consulting aptitude and recruitment tests. With consistent practice, you’ll enhance both your mathematical abilities and analytical problem-solving skills, opening doors to prestigious opportunities in the consulting field.

Practice with our dedicated resources.