Technical Mathematics on the GMAT Part 3 (The Technical Mathematics Process)

In this article, we’re going to discuss best technical mathematics practices for the GMAT exam. You can either read this article or watch this GMAT technical mathematics video on YouTube. To make things easier to digest, we’ve broken the contents of the video up into 3 parts. Here in part 3, hosted by one of MyGuru's most experienced GMAT tutors, we will provide a clear outline of the technical mathematics process. In sections 1 and 2, we discussed the frequency and format of technical mathematics questions, their strategic implications, and worked through a few examples. If you haven’t read those sections yet, we suggest you go back and make sure you understand them first. 

The Technical Mathematics Process

Step 1

Set up a scratch pad listing your choices vertically A through E

• Note specific algebraic expressions or numbers in the choices 
• Note the format of choices to inform tactics and calculations 

Step 2

Go to the end of the problem and label your choices as sought value(s)

• Note if you are seeking a specific or non-specific value
• Don’t auto-solve for individual values if you are seeking combined values

Step 3

Read from the beginning, take notes, and perform necessary calculations to maximize your efficiency. 

• If you can, take the technical math approach to solve the problem. 
• Abandon it quickly if, at any moment, it ceases to be both apparent and simple

Conclusion

We hope this 3-part overview of the technical mathematics questions on the GMAT has empowered you to strategize and problem-solve with ease. 

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