By the end of this lesson, you will:

• Master the structure and timing of the GMAT Focus Quantitative section
• Identify all tested topics and understand their relative importance
• Recognize what’s been removed from the traditional GMAT
• Develop a strategic mindset for approaching different question types

The GMAT Focus Edition represents the most significant update to the GMAT in decades. The Quantitative Reasoning section has been completely redesigned to focus on practical business math skills rather than abstract mathematical concepts.

Key Changes from Traditional GMAT:

• Streamlined content: Removed less relevant topics like geometry
• Unified question format: Only Problem Solving questions
• Enhanced calculator access: On-screen calculator available throughout
• Shorter duration: 45 minutes vs. 62 minutes in the traditional format

🔢 1. Arithmetic (40% of questions)

The foundation of GMAT Quant – these concepts appear in nearly every problem.

Core Topics:

• Number Properties: Even/odd, prime factorization, divisibility rules
• Fractions & Decimals: Operations, conversions, comparing values
• Percentages: Percent change, compound interest basics
• Ratios & Proportions: Direct/inverse relationships, scaling
• Exponents & Roots: Laws of exponents, simplifying radicals

Why It Matters: Strong arithmetic skills allow you to solve problems quickly and recognize patterns that lead to elegant shortcuts.

🔤 2. Algebra (35% of questions)

Applied algebra focusing on real-world problem solving.

Core Topics:

• Linear Equations: Solving for variables, systems of equations
• Quadratic Equations: Factoring, quadratic formula applications
• Inequalities: Linear inequalities, absolute value inequalities
• Functions: Basic function notation, domain/range concepts
• Word Problems: Translating English to mathematical expressions

Strategic Focus: The GMAT tests your ability to set up equations from word problems, not just manipulate algebraic expressions.

🧩 3. Word Problems & Applied Logic (25% of questions)

The most challenging category, requiring mathematical reasoning and logical thinking.

Core Topics:

• Rate Problems: Speed-distance-time, work rates, combined rates
• Mixture Problems: Weighted averages, alloy problems, solution mixing
• Set Theory: Venn diagrams, overlapping groups, inclusion-exclusion
• Statistics: Mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation basics
• Sequences & Series: Arithmetic/geometric progressions, pattern recognition
• Combinatorics: Basic counting, permutations, combinations
• Probability: Independent events, conditional probability

Success Tip: These problems often combine multiple mathematical concepts. Practice identifying the underlying mathematical relationships.

Understanding what’s been removed helps you focus your study time effectively:

Let’s examine a typical GMAT Focus question structure:

Sample Problem Walkthrough

Key Insight: The GMAT rewards recognizing patterns and using efficient methods over brute force calculation.

1. Calculator Dependence

• Trap: Over-using the calculator slows you down
• Solution: Use mental math for simple calculations, calculator for complex computations

2. First Answer Syndrome

• Trap: Choosing the first “reasonable” answer without checking
• Solution: Always verify your answer makes logical sense

3. Formula Memorization

• Trap: Trying to memorize every possible formula
• Solution: Focus on understanding concepts and deriving relationships

4. Time Mismanagement

• Trap: Spending too much time on difficult early questions
• Solution: Use strategic guessing and move on after 3 minutes max

Understanding how questions contribute to your score:

• Easy Questions (60-65 range): Foundation arithmetic and basic algebra
• Medium Questions (66-75 range): Multi-step word problems, pattern recognition
• Hard Questions (76-90 range): Complex logic problems, advanced applications

Strategic Implication: Accuracy on easy and medium questions is more important than attempting every hard question.

Immediate Actions:

1. Diagnostic Practice: Take a timed 21-question practice set
2. Identify Weak Areas: Focus study time on lowest-scoring topics
3. Build Calculator Discipline: Practice when to use vs. avoid the calculator
4. Develop Timing Awareness: Practice the 2-minute-per-question rhythm

Study Timeline Recommendations:

• Weeks 1-2: Master arithmetic fundamentals
• Weeks 3-4: Build algebraic problem-solving skills
• Weeks 5-6: Tackle complex word problems and logic
• Weeks 7-8: Full-length practice tests and timing refinement

The GMAT Focus Quant Formula:

• 21 questions in 45 minutes
• Only Problem Solving format
• Calculator available but use strategically
• No geometry = more focus on logical reasoning
• Success = Accuracy + Speed + Strategic thinking

Topic Priority Ranking:

1. High Priority: Arithmetic fundamentals, basic algebra
2. Medium Priority: Word problems, rate problems, statistics
3. Lower Priority: Advanced combinatorics, complex probability