1.

The Number Properties

Chapter 1: Divisibility & Primes
An integer is divisible by:
2 If the integer is even. 3 If the SUM of the integer's 4 If the LAST TWO digits are
DIGITS is divisible by 3. divisible by 4.
5 if the integer ends in 0 or 5. 6 if the integer is divisible by 7 Perform Long Division
BOTH 2 and 3.
8 if the integer is divisible by 2 9 if the SUM of the integer's 10 if the integer ends in 0.
THREE TIMFS, or if the LAST DIGITS is divisible by 9.
THREE digits are divisible by 8.
• Fewer Factors, more multiples: Any integer only has a limited number of factors. By contrast, there is an infinite
number of multiples of an integer.
• An easy way to find all the factors of a SMALL number is to use factor pairs
• One very helpful way to analyze a number is to break it down into its prime factors.
(1) Determining whether one number is divisible by another number
(2) Determining the greatest common factor of two numbers
(3) Reducing fractions
(4) Finding the least common multiple of two (or more) numbers
(5) Simplifying square roots
(6) Determining the exponent on one side of an equation with integer constraints
• Greatest Common Factor (GCF): the largest divisor of two or more integers (a, b)
• Least Common Multiple (LCM): the smallest multiple of two or more integers. [a, b]

• à Do not double count.

Chapter 2: Odds & Evens

• If there are X even integers in a set of integers being multiplied together, the result will be divisible by 2X.
• The sum of any two primes will be even, unless one of those primes is the number 2.
加法
Even 同奇同偶相加减
乘法
Even 有偶相乘
Odd 同奇相乘

Chapter 3: Positives & Negatives Strategies

In these situations, you should set up a table listing all the possible positive/negative combinations of the
variables.

Chapter 4: Consecutive Integers

• {12, 16,20, 24} is a set of consecutive multiples Average = Sum/ Number
• Properties of Evenly Spaced Sets
• The arithmetic mean (average) and median are equal to each other.
• The mean and median of the set are equal to the average of the FIRST and LAST terms.
• Remember that if both extremes should be counted, you need to add one before you are done.
§ Ex: How many integers are there from 14 to 765, inclusive?
• Consecutive Multiples: ((Last – First) / Increment) + 1
§ Ex: All of the even integers between 12 and 24
• The Sum of Consecutive Integers:
• Use the methods above: Find the median/Average and multiply by the number of integers.
§ Ex: What is the sum of all the integers from 20 to 100, inclusive?
 • For any odd number of consecutive integers, the sum of those integers is divisible by the number ofintegers.
§ This means that the average is an integer. Only odd consecutive numbers have an integer as average.
Thus, k is odd.
• Products of Consecutive Integers and Divisibility
• The product of k consecutive integers is always divisible by k factorial (k!).
• Sums of Consecutive Integers and Divisibility
• For any set of consecutive integers with an ODD number of items, the sum of all the integers is ALWAYS a
multiple of the number of items. (Ex: 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 + 8 =30)
• For any set of consecutive integers with an EVEN number of items, the sum of all the items is NEVER a
multiple of the number of items. (Ex: 1+2 +3+4 =10)
• Consecutive Integers and Divisibility:
§ If x is an even integer, is x(x + l)(x + 2) divisible by 4?
Use a prime box to keep track of factors of consecutive integers.
(x is even, so it is divisible by 2). (x+2 Is even, so it is divisible by 2). The product is divisible by 2 x 2 = 4

Chapter 5: Exponents
• You can only simplify exponential expressions that are linked by multiplication or division if if they have either a base or an
exponent in common. You cannot simplify expressions linked by addition or subtraction (although in some cases, you can
factor them and otherwise manipulate them).
• Few problems:
Chapter 6: Roots (also called radicals)
• Rule: Even roots only have a positive value. SQRT (4) = 2, NOT ±2.
• Within the exponent fraction, the numerator tells us what power to raise the base to,
and the denominator tells us which root to take.

• 216 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 x 3 x 3 = 63
• Rule: You can only simplify roots by combining or separating them in multiplication and
division. You cannot combine or separate roots in addition or subtraction.

• Imperfect Squares: We can rewrite imperfect squares as a product of primes under the
radical.

Chapter 7: PEMDAS
• The correct order of operations is: Parentheses-Exponents-(Multiplication- Division)-(Addition-Subtraction).
• Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.
• Pay attention to x – (y – z). Distribute.

Chapter 8: Strategies for Data Sufficiency

• Your first task in solving a data sufficiency problem is to rephrase the question and/or the statements whenever
possible. After rephrasing the question, you should also try to rephrase each of the two statements, if possible.

à Are there two 3's and a 2 in the prime box of p

à is x even?
• Types of Data Sufficiency Problems: Value vs. Yes/No
 à Test Numbers: n = 1,2,3, or 4
• Test Smart Numbers: try your best to find numbers that yield multiple answers for a Value question, or a MAYBE
answer for a YES/NO question.

• Whenever you find that your two statements contradict each other, it means that you have made a mistake.

Chapter 10: DIVISIBILITY & PRIMES: ADVANCED

• All the primes up to 100 (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)
• GCF and LCM for 3 numbers (or more):

• Three general properties of the GCF and LCM are worth noting:
- (GCF of m and n) x (LCM of m and n) =m x n
- The GCF of m and n cannot be larger than the difference between m and n.
- Consecutive multiples of n have a GCF of n.

àSince z is not divisible by 2, it cannot be divisible by 6.

à Do NOT double count

àUse the table above

• Perfect squares always have an odd number of factors; Other integers always have an even
number of factors
• Perfect squares are formed from the product of two copies of the same prime factors. Therefore,
the prime factorization of a perfect square contains only even powers of primes.
• Prime factors of perfect squares MUST come in pairs; likewise, prime factors of perfect cubes
MUST come in groups of 3.

à Do the prime
factorization of 240 and k3
• N! is the product of all positive integers smaller than or equal to N. Therefore, N! must be divisible by all integers
from 1 to N.

à b>=6, d>= 9
• Two useful tips for arithmetic with remainders, if you have the same divisor throughout:
(1) You can add and subtract remainders directly, as long as you correct excess or negative remainders. "Excess
remainders" are remainders larger than or equal to the divisor. To correct excess or negative remainders,
just add or subtract the divisor.
(2) You can multiply remainders, as long as you correct excess remainders at the end
• 17 /5 = 3.4. This quotient has an integer portion (3) and a decimal portion (0.4). The decimal portion represents
the remainder 2 divided by 5.

àR/B = 7/20, 7B=2*2*5*R

• Counting Total Factors:
- How many different factors does 2,000 have?
§ First, factor 2,000 into primes: 2,000 = 24 X 53.
So the total number of factors of 2,000 must be (4 + 1)(3 + 1) = 5 x 4 = 20 different factors.
- If a number has prime factorization ax x by x cz (where a, b, and c are all prime), then the number has (x + 1)(y
+ 1)(z + 1) different factors.
• Interesting Problems:
Chapter 11: ODDS & EVENS / POSITIVES & NEGATIVES / CONSECUTIVE INTEGERS: ADVANCED
• Special Case of Divisibility (Odds & Evens)

à Use Prime Box

• Divisibility by 2 has a special property that divisibility by other numbers does not have. Recall from Chapter 10
that in general when we add or subtract two numbers, neither of which is divisible by x, we cannot tell whether
the result will be divisible by x. However, when adding or subtracting two integers, neither of which is divisible
by 2, the result will always be divisible by 2.
• Remainder Rules to Remember:
- Odd integers are those integers that leave a remainder of 1 after division by 2.
- Even integers are those integers that leave a remainder of 0 after division by 2.

• Representing Even & Odd algebraically: Even Integer: 2n Odd Integer: 2n+1 or 2n-1

à 4n2 + 4n + 1. Multiples of 4 have remainder 0

• Absolute Value of a Difference: 48<x<54 can be rewritten |x-51|<3

• DisguisedPositive, &. Negative Questions:

à (2) does not tell us if a>b; (2) is insuficient

Generally speaking, whenever you see inequalities with zero on either side of the inequality, you should
consider testing positive/negative cases to help solve the ptoblem.
• Complex Absolute Value Equations: With an absolute value equation that contains more than one variable and
NO constants, it is usually easiest to test positive/negative numbers to solve the problem.

Note that |x| has to be bigger than or equal to |y|, since |x|-|y| is equal to an absolute value and |x|-|y|>=0

à criterion: different sign

 • Consecutive Integers and Divisibility:

à p = (x-1)(x)(x+1) and c is odd

(x - 1) and (x + 1) are consecutive multiples of 2. So either (x - 1) or (x + 1) must have
another 2 and be divisible by 4. Therefore, P is divisible by 8.
In addition, one of the numbers – (x - 1), x, or (x + 1) – is divisible by 3, because in any set
of 3 consecutive inte- gers, one of the integers will be a multiple of 3. We can therefore
conclude that if x is odd, P will be divisible by at least 2 x 2 x 2 x 3 =24.

Chapter 12: EXPONENTS & ROOTS: ADVANCED

• Simplifying Exponential Expressions:

4 Steps Process:
(1) Simplify of factor any additive or substractive terms
(2) Break every non-prime base into prime factors
(3) Distribute the exponents to every prime factor
(4) Combine the exponents for each prime factor and simplify
A general rule of thumb is that when you encounter any exponential expression in which two or more terms
include something common in the base, you should comider factoring. Similarly, when an expression is given in
factored form, conslder distributing it.

• Simplifying Roots with Prime Factorization:

Ex: SQRT(180) = SQRT(3*3*2*2*5)
To simplify a root, follow this procedure:
(1) Factor the number under the radical sign into primes.
(2) Pull out any pair of matching primes from under the
radical sign, and place one of those primes outside the
root.
(3) Consolidate the expression.

• Adding and Subtracting Roots:

Roots act like variables in addition and subtraction: you can
only combine them if they are "like terms" or similar terms.

à=SQRT(5)
Therefore, you must simplify roots before you add or subtract
them to see whether the final number under the radical is the
same. Sometime roots that do not appear at first to be similar
can in fact be combined.
• Using Conjugates to Rationalize Denominators
 2. Fractions, Decimals, Percents
Chapter 1: DIGITS & DECIMALS
• Using Place Value on the GMAT: In general, for unknown digits problems, be ready to create variables (such as
x, y, and z) to represent the unknown digits.

à A-B = 10x+Y - (10y+x) = 9x-9y = 9(x-y)

• Last Digit Shortcut: To find the units digit of a product or a sum of integers, only pay attention to the units digits
of the numbers you are working with. Drop any other digits.

• The Heavy Division Shortcut:

à15.3/3.1 can be rounded to 15/3

If this answer is not precise enough, keep one more decimal place and do long division (eg., 153 + 31 = 4.9).
• Decimal Operations:
- 0.002 x 1.4 = 2 x 10-3 x 14 x 10-1
- 12.42 / 0.3 = 124.2 / 3
- CBRT(0.000027) = CBRT(27*10-6)=3*10-2

Chapter 2: FRACTIONS Fractional answers on the GMAT will always be presented in fully simplified form.
• Fractions: Proper Fractions are those that fall between 0 and 1. Ex: 3/4
Improper Fractions are those that are greater than 1. Ex: 6/5 à 1 1/5
• Numerator and Denominator Rules: Adding the same number to BOTH the numerator and the
denominator brings the fraction CLOSER TO 1, regardless of the fraction's value. Ex: 1/2 à1001/1002
• The Multiplication Shortcut:

• Dividing Fractions: Use the Reciprocal. Ex: (3/4) / (12/3) = (3/4) x (3/12)
• Comparing Fractions: Cross-Multiply. Ex: Which fraction is greater, 7/9 or 4/5? à 7*5 < 4*9
Cross-multiply the fractions and put each answer by the corresponding numerator (NOT denominator!)
• Benchmark Values:

If you recognize that 127 is less than half of 255, and 162 is more than
half of 320, you will save yourself a lot of cumbersome computation.

If you recognize that these fractions are very close to the Benchmark Values
½ and ¼, you can estimate 1/8 of 2,000, which is 250.

Try to make your rounding errors cancel by rounding some numbers up and others down.
 • Smart Numbers: Multiples of the Denominators

The denominators in this problem are 2 and 5. The Smart Number is the least common denominator, which is
10. Therefore, assign the hot tub a capacity of 10 units.
• When Not to Use Smart Numbers: Do pick smart numbers when no amounts are given in the problem, but do
not pick smart numbers when any amount or total is given!

Chapter 3: PERCENTS
• The Percent Table: A simple but useful way of structuring basic percent problems on the GMAT is by relating
percents to fractions through a percent table.
Example 3: 90 is what percent of 40?
Note that the "part"is BIGGER than the "whole"
• Percent Change vs. Percent of Original:
- Percent change: The price of a cup of coffee increased from 80c to 84c. By what % did the price change?
The price change (84 - 80 =4c) is considered the part, while the original price (80 c) is considered the whole.
- Percent of Original: what percent OF the original price is represented by the new price.
- RULE: If a quantity is increased by x percent, then the new quantity is (100 +x) % OF the original.
Example 5: What number is 150% greater than 60?

à The answer is NOT 90!

• Successive Percents: A great way to solve successive percent problems is to choose real numbers and see what
happens.
• Smart Numbers: The fastest way to success with GMAT % problems with unspecified amounts is to pick 100.

• Interest Formulas

• Chemical Mixtures: Set up a mixture chart with the substance labels in rows and "Original," "Change" and
"New" in the columns. his way, you can keep careful track of the various components and their changes.
Ex: A 500 mL solution is 20% alcohol by volume. If 100 mL of water is added, what is the new concentration of
alcohol, as a percent of volume?
Chapter 4: FRACTIONS, DECIMALS, & PERCENTS
• Common FDP Equivalents should be memorized
1/100 0.01 1/6 0.166… 3/5 0.6 7/8 0.875
1/50 0.02 1/5 0.2 5/8 0.625 9/10 0.9
1/25 0.04 1/4 0.25 2/3 0.66… 1/1 1
1/20 0.02 3/10 0.3 7/10 0.7 5/4 1.2
1/10 0.1 1/3 0.33… ¾ 0.75 4/3 1.33…
1/9 0.11… 3/8 0.375 4/5 0.8 3/2 1.5
1/8 0.125 2/5 0.4 5/6 0.833 7/4 1.75

Ex: What is 37.5% of 240?

If you simply convert the percent to a decimal and multiply, you will have to do a fair bit of arithmetic.
Alternatively, use 3/8 for 0.375. 3/8 of 240 = 3*30 = 90
Ex: A dress is marked up 16 2/3 % to a final price of $140. What is the original price of the dress?
16 2/3 % is 1/6. Hence the price od the dress is 140 / (7/6)
General Rule: Prefer &actions for doing multiplication or division, but prefer decimals and percents for doing
addition or subtraction, for estimating numbers, or for comparing numbers.
• FDPs and Word Transaltions
X percent X/100 E is 10% greater than F E=1.1F
Of Multiply G is 30% less than H G= 0.7H
Y is X percent of Z Y=(X/100) * Z The dress cost $J. Then it Profit=Revenue-Cost
Part/Whole = Percent/100 was marked up 25% and 1.25J-J=0.25J
sold. What’s the profit?

Chapter 5: STRATEGIES FOR DATA SUFFICIENCY

C=0.02d
Statement (1): d - c = 88,000 à 0.98d = 88,000
Sufficient: Solve for d
Statement (2): p - c= 0.80p
p = the profit before the commission
Since we don’t know p, we can’t solve for c.

Chapter 6: OFFICIAL GUIDE PROBLEM SETS: PART I

Chapter 7: FDPs: ADVANCED

• Repeating Decimals: 4 / 9 = 0.4… 23 / 99 = 0.23… 9 / 99 = 0.09… 27 / 99 = 0.27…
If the denominator is 9, 99, 999 or another number equal to a power of 10 minus 1, then the numerator gives
you the repeating digits.
• Terminating Decimals: If, after being fully reduced, the denominator has any prime factors besides 2 or 5, then
its decimal will not terminate. If the denominator only has factors of 2 and/or 5, then the decimal will terminate.
• Unknown Digit Problems: Occasionally, the GMAT asks tough problems involving unknown digits. These
problems look like "brainteasers"; it seems it could take all day to test the possible digits.
Principles:
(1) Look at the answer choices first, to limit your search.
(2) Use other given constraints to rule out additional possibilities.
(3) Focus on the units’ digit in the product
or sum. This unit’s digit is affected by the
fewest other digits.
(4) Test the remaining answer choices.
• Formulas That Act on Decimals: Follow the
formula's instructions precisely.
 Ex: [x] represents the largest integer less than or equal to x. [-3.6] = 4.
• Fractions and Exponents & Roots: When you raise a fraction to a power, pay attention to both the sign and the
size (relative to +1 or -1) of the fraction.
• % and Weighted Averages: A mixture chart can be used to solve weighted average problems that involve %.

• Percent Change and Weighted Averages

Last, do not forget that on any real GMAT problem, you can: plug in answer choices. You will always be given the
correct ratio in one of the answer choices. Simply pick an answer choice (say, a ratio of 1:3) and invent revenues
based on that ratio (say, $100: $300). Then work forward from there, finding the changes in revenue per product
"and overall revenue.
• Other Percent Changes

!"# %&'()*+,- %&'()

à USE: to find the percent change
+,- %&'()
• Estimating Decimals Equivalent:
100,000/96 is greater than 100,000/100
Use with Caution: You increase the denominator (from 96 to
100) by approximately 4%, increase the result (1000) by 4%.
1,040 is very close to the real result that is 1,041.6

• Any positive proper fraction raised to a power greater than 1 will result in a number smaller than the original
fraction. Any positive proper fraction raised to a power between 0 and 1 will result in a numb" larger than me
original fraction.

Chapter 8: OFFICIAL GUIDE PROBLEM SETS: PART II

 3. Equations, Inequalities, and VICs
Chapter 1: BASIC EQUATIONS
• Simultaneous Equations: Three Equations: Keep careful track of your work to avoid care- less errors.

à Substitute for y in the 2nd and 3rd equation, then combine to solve.
• Mismatch Problem: Do not assume that you need 3 equations to solve for 3 variables.

à(x-1)(x)(x+1)=0
• RULE for determining whether 2 equations involving 2 variables will be sufficient to solve for the variables is:
- If both of the equations are linear – that is, if there are no squared terms (such as x2 or y2) and no xy terms –
the equations will be sufficient UNLESS the two equations are mathematically identical (e.g., x + y = 10 is
identical to 2x + 2y = 20).
• Absolute Value Equations: It is important to consider this rule when thinking about GMAT questions that
involve absolute value. The following three-step method should be used when solving for a variable expression
inside absolute value brackets:
(1) Isolate the expression within the absolute value brackets
(2) Once we have an equation of the form |x|= a with a>0, we know that x = ±a.
Remove the absolute value brackets and solve the equation for 2 different cases
(3) Check to see whether each solution is valid. The possibility of a failed solution is possible
Example: Solve for n, given that |n + 9|- 3n = 3.

Chapter 2: EQUATIONS WITH EXPONENTS

• Even Exponent Equations: 2 Solutions – for any x, SQRT(x2) =|x|
Examples: a2 – 5 = 12 à Two solutions | x2 + 3 = 3 à One Solution | x2 + 9 = 0 à No solution
• Odd Exponents: 1 Solution: Example: 243 = y5
• Same Base or Same Exponent: REWRITE the bases so that either the same base/exponent appears on both sides
Example: (4w)3 = 32w-1 – You must be careful if 0, 1, or -1 is the base (or could be the base), since the outcome of
raising those bases to powers is not unique. if (0/1)x = (0/1)y, we cannot claim that x =y. Also note -1even or -1odd.
• Eliminating Roots: Square Both Sides – After you have solved for the variable, check that the solution works in
the original equa- tion. Squaring both sides can actually introduce an extraneous solution.

à x = (x-2)2 à x = 4 or 1. However, 1 does not work as a solution!

Cubing a number preserves the sign, so no extraneous solution can be introduced when you cube an equation.

Chapter 3: QUADRATIC EQUATIONS

• Factoring Quadratic Equations: ax2 + bx + c; If a is not equal to 1, simply divide the equation through by a.
The trick to factoring is to find two integers whose product equals c and whose sum equals b.
• Disguised Quadratics: forms that do not quite look like the traditional form of ax2 + bx + c = 0
Example: 3w2 = 6w | 36/b = b – 5 | x3 + 2x2 – 3x = 0 à Be careful not to just divide both sides by x, This division
improperly eliminates the solution x = 0
• One-Solution Quadratics: Be careful not to assume that a quadratic equation always has two solutions.
Example: x2 - 6x + 9 = 0 à (x-3)2 = 0
• The Three Special Products: Three quadratic expressions called special products come up so frequently on the
GMAT that it pays to memorize them. a2 – b2 = (a - b) (a + b) | (a - b)2 = a2 - 2ab + b2| (a + b)2 = a2 + 2ab + b2
• Avoid the following common mistakes with special products: Wrong: (x + y)2 = x2 + y2
Chapter 4: FORMULAS
• Strange Symbol Formulas: In these problems, the GMAT introduces an arbitrary symbol, which defines a certain
procedure. The symbol is IRRELEVANT; Carefully follow each step in the procedure that the symbol indicates.
- It can be helpful to refer to the variables as "the first number," "the second number," and so on. In this way,
you use the physical position of the numbers to keep them straight in relation to the strange symbol.
- Watch out for symbols that INVERT the order of an operation.
- More challenging strange-symbol problems require you to use the given procedure more than once.
- Always perform the procedure inside the parentheses first.

• Formulas with Unspecified Amounts: Some of the most challenging formula problems on the GMAT are those
that involve unspecified amounts. Just as with other GMAT problems with unspecified amounts, solve these
problems by PICKING NUMBERS!

à Formula for Percentage Change: (new-old)/old

• Sequence Formulas: A sequence is a collection of numbers in a set order. The order is determined by a RULE.
- An important thing to remember about sequence problems is that you MUST be given the rule in order to
find a particular number. For example, If S7=5 and S8=6, you must be given a rule to compute for S9.
- A common sequence definition is a linear (or arithmetic) sequence in which Sn = kn + x.
- Another common sequence definition is an exponential (or geometric) sequence. These sequences are of
the form Sn = x(kn).

Each term is 10 times the previous term, so this sequence must be in the form x(10n).
• Sequence Problems: Alternate Method:

From the sixth to the one hundredth term, there are 94 "jumps" of 3. Hence, 32 + 94 x 3 = 282.
• Sequences and Patterns: Some sequences are easier to look at in terms of patterns, rather than rules.

à when n is a multiple of 4, unit digit is equal to 1

Chapter 5: FUNCTIONS

à f(x) = 2x + 3

à Working from the inside out, 8x2 + 1 = 2x3 + 2

• Common Function Types: This section explores some of the common types of functions.
- Direct Proportionality: means that the two quantities always change by the same factor and in the same
direction. Relationships are of the form Y = k*x, where x is the input value and Y is the output value.
Example:
f(v) = kv2, where v is the velocity and f(v) the height.
f(16) = k162 = 4 à k = 4-3 à f(v) = 4-3v2
f(x) = 4-3(x2) = 9 à x = 24
Alternatively, set up ratios (since both ratios are
equal to the same constant k) to solve the problem:
! % (
: :
" # &'# ) #
 - Inverse proportionality means that the two quantities change by RECIPROCAL factors. Relationships are of
the form Y = k/x. This equation can also be written as xy =k, which means that the product of the output and
input values is always constant.
As with other proportion problems, you will typically be given "before" and "after" values. However, this
time you set up products, not ratios, to solve the problem-for example, y1x1 can be used for the "before"
values and y2x2 can be used for the "after" values. Next, we write y1x1=y2x2, since each product equals the
same constant k.
Example:
i1o1=i2o2 4*1=i2*1/3
- Linear Growth: function: Y = mx + b.
Example: y = mx + 54
3𝑚 + 54 5
=
𝑚 + 54 4
54 + 3m = 1.2(54 + m)

Chapter 6: INEQUALITIES
• Much Like Equations, With One Big Exception: When you multiply or divide an inequality by a negative number,
the inequality sign flips! A corollary of this is that you cannot multiply or divide an inequality by a variable, unless
you know the sign of the number that the variable stands for.
• Combining Inequalities: Line 'Em Up! – Example: Given that u<t, b>r, f<t, and r>t, is b>u?
• Manipulating Compound Inequalities: 1 > 1- ab > 0 à 0 > -ab > -1
Adding inequalities together is a powerful technique on the GMAT. However, note that we
should never subtract or divide two inequalities. Moreover, you can only multiply inequalities
together under certain circumstances.
Example: if m = -2 and n = - 10, then m*n = 20
• Using Extreme Values: Whenever a question asks about the possible range of values for a
problem, consider using extreme values.
- Plug extreme values using "LT" for "less than" or "GT" for "greater than."
Ex: 8 x LT3 = LT24 | g = 15 - LT6 à g = GT9 | -7 x LT2 = GT-14 | 8 / LT2 = GT4

à Any number
• Optimization Problem

à m - n = LESS THAN 10. The largest integer less than 10 is 9.

• Testing Inequalities: There are other common situations in
which you need to consider multiple cases.

• Inequalities and Absolute Value: if |x + 2| < 5, then -5 < x+2 < 5. The center point of the graph is –2
The inequality |x + b|< c, the center point of the graph is -b, and the "less than" symbol tells us that x must be
LESS THAN c units away from -b.
• Square Rooting Inequalities: 𝑥 1 = 𝑥 ; Hence, If 10 + x2 > 19, |x|>3
x must be MORE THAN (or exactly) 3 units away from 0 on the number line.
Chapter 7: VICs (Variable Expressions in the Answer Choice)
• Categories of VIC problems: Word Problems, Algebra, Percents, or Geometry.
• Three Strategies for Solving VICs: Direct Algebra, Picking Numbers, and The Hybrid Method.
Example:

• Pick Numbers and Calculate a Target

- First Step: pick numbers for each variable. It can be helpful to use a chart.
There are several guidelines to keep in mind when picking numbers:
1. Never pick 0/1, avoid 100 (easy to confuse with 100%), and avoid
picking numbers that appear as a coefficient in answer choices.
2. Make sure the numbers are different.
3. Pick Small numbers.
4. Pick Prime Numbers.
- Second Step: answer the question using the numbers to find the target.
- Third Step: Test each answer choice for the target.
• Direct Algebra: The best thing to do in this situation is to break the problem down into manageable parts.
- The primary problem with using the Direct Algebra approach is that if you make a mistake along the way,
you may not catch it.
• The Hybrid Method: Pick numbers to help you think through the problem. However, rather than plug these
numbers into the answer choices, use the numbers to think through the computations, and therefore the
matching algebra, step by step.

•
) &2267
Direct Algebra: ∗𝑦 =𝑧 → 𝑥𝑦 = 100𝑧 − 𝑧𝑦 (z minus y percent of z)
&22 &22
Pick Numbers: x=5, y=80, 4 is equal to 80% less than 20 (z).

•
@ @ @
Direct Algebra: 𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒 = ; 𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 = ; 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = π ∗ ( )2 (z minus y percent of z)
% F F
Pick Numbers: p = 24, r = 3, Area = 9π.

• RULE: That said, if you are trying to figure out the algebraic manipulation but you get stuck, you should
immediately switch to a number-picking strategy! When in doubt, you can almost always use the Pick Number
and Calculate a Target approach. Never give up on a VIC problem before picking numbers.

Chapter 8: STRATEGIES FOR DATA SUFFICIENCY (Paste problems that you find tricky.)
• Rephrasing: In some cases, you will need to manipulate the original question; in others, you will need to
manipulate the statements. Sometimes, you will need to manipulate both.

b = {0,1}. If b = 0, a = -1, and ab = 0. If b = 1, a = 0, and ab = 0. ANSWER: C

Chapter 9: OFFICIAL GUIDE PROBLEMS: PART I (Paste problems that you find tricky.)

Chapter 10: EQUATIONS: ADVANCED

• Complex Absolute Value Equations:
There are two primary types of these complex absolute value equations:
- The equation contains TWO or more variables in more than one absolute value expression.
NOT easy to solve with algebra. Instead, a conceptual approach is preferable. Review: "+ & - Strategy"
- The equation contains ONE variable and at least one CONSTANT in more than one absolute value
expression.

• Integer Constraints: only one integer solution among all answer choices. Solve for x and test using A, B, C, D, & E

à x = 2y / (2y+1)

à substitute 25 – x for y.
• Advanced Algebraic Techniques: Multiply or divide two equations when it seems that you can caned a lot of
variables in one move.

à multiply/divide is faster.
• Advanced Factoring & Distributing: A general rule of thumb is that when you encounter any expression or
equation in which two or more terms include the same variable, you should consider factoring as an approach.
Similarly, when an expression is given in factored form, consider distributing it.
• Advanced Quadratic Techniques: Any quadratic mat can be solved by taking the square root of both sides
SHOULD be solved mat way.
Example: If (Z+3)2 =25, what is z? à |z+3|= 5 à z+3 = ±5 à z = -3 ± 5
Substituting: make the following substitution: z = x2.

QUADRATIC FORMULA: very occasionally you might encounter a problem difficult to solve with factoring.
6N± N # 6%PQ
Use 𝑥 = If the discriminant is greater than zero, there will be two solutions. If the discriminant is
1P
equal to zero, there will be one solution. If the discriminant is less than zero, there will be no solutions.
Example:
Chapter 11: FORMULAS & FUNCTIONS: ADVANCED
• Recursive Formulas: You should learn the direct counterparts for some common recursive formulas.
The general method is to solve for the unknown constants k and x and write the direct formula, Sn.
1. Linear / Arithmetic Sequence: k = Sn – Sn-1 x = Sn – n*k Sn = kn + x
2k = Sn – Sn-2 | 3k = Sn – Sn-3 | Etc.

Example: if S1 = 8 and S2 = 6, k = S2 – S1 = -2 x = S1 – 1*-2 = 10. Sn = -2n + 10

2. Exponential (or geometric) Sequence: k = Sn / Sn-1 x = Sn / kn Sn = x*kn

2 3
k = Sn / Sn-2 | k = Sn / Sn-3 | Etc.
Example:

k2 = C5 / C3 à k = ½ x = C5 / ½5 = 96 Sn = 96*½n
• Advanced Function Types:
- Exponential Growth Sequence: Any exponential growth can be written as yt = y0*kt (Similar to 2.)

Example:

2y0 = y0*k6 or k6 = S6 / S1 = 2 à k2 = 21/3 = 1/8

- Symmetry: In most cases, picking numbers will probably be easier.

- Properties: An effective approach is simply to pick numbers and see which function gives the desired result.

• Optimization Problem:
- Linear Functions: The extremes of linear functions occur at the smallest possible x and the largest possible x.
- Quadratic Functions: Unlike linear functions, quadratic functions do not grow continuously or decline
continuously. Rather, they form parabolas.
The key to deciphering the function is to make the squared expression equal to 0.
Example:

Note: f(x) = 2x2 + 1 is shifted upward by 1 unit and squeezed (it has steeper slopes than x2 + 1)

Chapter 12: INEQUALITIES: ADVANCED

• Working with Advanced Inequalities: Set up a Negative/Positive cases table
Because we do not know whether y is positive or negative, we are NOT ALLOWED to multiply both
sides of the equation by y without considering two separate cases.
• Reciprocals of Inequalities: If we do not know the sign of x or y, we cannot take reciprocals.
& & & &
- if a > b, then < 𝑢𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑎 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛𝑠, 𝑖𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑒 >
P N P N
 Example: Set up a table

• Squaring Inequalities: a<b

- If both sides are known to be negative, then flip the inequality sign when you square. Ex: x < -3
- If both sides are known to be positive, then do not flip the inequality sign when you square. Ex: x > 3
- If one side is positive and one side is negative, then you cannot square. The result is not warranted.
- If the signs are unclear, then you cannot square. The sign of x can be either + or -. Ex: x < 3
• A Challenging Problem: Use overlapping table (Lycée).

Chapter 13: ADDITIONAL VIC PROBLEMS (Paste problems that you find tricky)

Chapter 14: OFFICIAL GUIDE PROBLEMS: PART II (Paste problems that you find tricky.)
 4. Word Translations
Chapter 1: Algebraic Translations
• Any word problem can be broken down into four steps:
a. Identify what value the question is asking for. We’ll call this the desired value.
b. Identify unknown values and label them with variables.
c. Identify relationships and translate them into equations.
d. Use the equations to solve for the desired value.
• Pay Attention to Units (Additive / Multiplicative Relationships) (Units Conversion)
• Common relationships
o Total Cost = Unit Cost x Quantity
o Total Sales = Unit Price x Quantity (cost $ for customers -> price)
o Profit = Revenue – Cost
o Total Earnings = Wage Rate x Hours Worked
o Miles = Miles per Hour x Hours
o Miles = Miles per Gallon x Gallons
• Integer Constraints
Chapter 2: Odds & Evens
• Common equations
o Rate x Time = Distance
o Rate x Time = Work
• Rate is expressed as a ratio of distance/work and time.
• Matching Units in the RTD Chart

Relative Rates
Multiple Rates
Average rates
• Working Together: Add the Rates

R<A> + R<B> = R<together>

Population chart
• Population Problem: some population typically increases by a common factor every time period.
Chapter 3 Statistics
• Arithmetic average

• Weighted Averages -> on Data Sufficiency

• Median: The Middle Number

o For sets containing
 an odd number of values, the median is the unique middle value
 an even number of values, the median is the average (arithmetic mean) of the two middle values
o Medians of Sets Containing Unknown Values e.g. {x, 2, 5, 11, 11, 12, 33}
 Median is known
 Median is unknown -> depends on “X”
o Entirely Unknown Sets
 Use alphabetical order to make the set a little more concrete: A, B, C…
 Create a column chart and put the columns in order
o Steps:
a. Identify unknowns and replace them with numbers
b. Use these numbers to calculate the answer to the problem
c. Plug the same numbers into the answer choices
• Back solving (i.e. test the answer choices and see which one makes the equations true)
• Using Charts to Organize Variables
Chapter 4 Consecutive Integers
• Consecutive integers are integers that follow one after another from a given starting point, without skipping any integers.
o Consecutive Even Integers: 8, 10, 12, 14… (Increment of 2)
o Consecutive Primes: 11, 13, 17, 19…
o Consecutive Multiples: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15… (Multiples of 3)
o Evenly Spaced Sets: 2, 5, 8, 11, 14… (Increment of 3)
• Properties of Evenly Spaced Sets
o Arithmetic Mean = Median = (FIRST + LAST) / 2 -> odd / even NO. of elements
o Sum = Arithmetic Mean x Number of items
• Counting Integers: Add One Before You Are Done
o How many integers are there from 6 to 10?
 10 – 6 + 1 = 5
 For consecutive integers -> (LAST – FIRST + 1)
o How many multiples of 7 are there between 100 and 150?
 (147 - 105)÷7 + 1
 For consecutive even integers/ multiples / evenly spaced sets -> (LAST – FIRST)÷increment + 1
• Products of Consecutive Integers and Divisibility
o any set of 3 consecutive integers must contain one multiple of 3
 If there is always a multiple of 3 in a set of 3 consecutive integers, the product of 3 consecutive integers will
always be divisible by 3.
 Additionally, the product of 3 consecutive integers will also be divisible by 3! = 3 x 2 x 1 = 6
o The same logic applies to a set of 4, 5, and any other number of consecutive integers
o The product of k consecutive integers is always divisible by k factorial (k!)
• Sums of Consecutive Integers and Divisibility
o the sum of any five consecutive integers are divisible by multiples of 5
o For any set of consecutive integers with an ODD(3, 5, 7, 9…) number of items, the sum of all the integers is ALWAYS
a multiple of the number of items.
• Use prime boxes to keep track of factors of consecutive integers.

 Set up prime boxes

 A: “Yes.”

Chapter 5 Overlapping Sets

• Pay close attention to the wording of the problem!!!
• Double-Set Matrix

Problems with only two sets of options Problems involve percents or fractions
Rows/Columns: mutually exclusive options fill in 100 for the total number

2 Sets, 3 Choices: Still Double-Set Matrix

choices do not overlap
• Venn Diagrams
o E, G, F: exactly one type
o B, C, D: exactly two types
o A: exactly three types
o (Vision or Sales or Marketing) = V + S + M
 = (E + G + F) + 2(B + C + D) + 3A
o Total members (not overlap)
 = (E + G + F) + (B + C + D) + A
 = (V + S + M) – (B + C + D) – 2A
Chapter 6 Word Problem Strategies
• Data sufficiency
o A statement is Sufficient when it provides a definite Yes or definite No (e.g., Is x even?)
o Or A statement is Sufficient when it provides 1 possible value. (e.g., What is x?)
• Weighted Averages on Data Sufficiency (see above)
• Replacing Variables with Numbers (see above)
• Back solving (see above)
• Using Charts to Organize Variables (see above)
Chapter 7 Extra Problem Types
• You should mind the following three considerations when considering any grouping, scheduling, or optimization problem
o Be aware of both explicit constraints (restrictions actually stated in the text) and hidden constraints (restrictions
implied by the real-world aspects of a problem)
o In most cases, you can maximize or minimize quantities (or optimize schedules, etc.) by choosing the highest or
lowest values of the variables that you are allowed to select.
o Be very careful about rounding. Require you to round up, others down, and still others not at all.
• Optimization: maximizing or minimizing a quantity by choosing optimal values of related quantities.
o Visualize the underlying equation in the following table

 401/2.5 = 160.4 people ≈ 161 (minimum - round up)

• Grouping: putting people or items into different groups to maximize or minimize some characteristic.
o Approach: determine the limiting factor
o E.g. if you need different types of items for a complete group

 how many groups you can make with the people from each division separately, ignoring the other divisions
-> A: 20 groups B: 15 groups(30/2) C: 13groups+1people(40/3)
 limiting factor is Division C: only 13 complete groups can be formed
 13groups (3C+2B+1A)
 Leftover persons: 1C+4B+7A=12people
• Scheduling: planning a timeline to coordinate events satisfying a set of restrictions.
o Approach: careful consideration of extreme possibilities

 Even taking both statements together, there are still two possibilities—29 days(shortest) and 30 days(longest)
—so both statements together are still insufficient.
• Graphing (Very occasionally) to interpret a graph, table, or chart
o pay special attention to labels, units, and scales
• Computation (Very occasionally) centered on computation—problems that contain no variables at all
o Take careful inventory of any and all quantities presented in the problem. Be sure to pay attention to both numbers
and units (convert to make compatible units)
o Use the same techniques and equations that have been developed for other types of problems (especially work/rate,
percent, and profit problems)
o Draw a diagram, table, or chart to organize information, if necessary
o Read the problem carefully (it’s trickier than other problems!)

5x – 16 = 100
 5. The Geometry
Chapter 1: POLYGONS
• Polygons: A polygon is a closed shape formed by line segments.
Sum of Interior Angles of a Polygon = (n - 2) * 180
• Polygons and Area
Area of any PARALLELOGRAM: 𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒 ∗ 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
+,-. ∗ 0.1234
Area of a TRIANGLE:
5
+,-. 6 7 +,-. 5 ∗ 0.1234
Area of a TRAPEZOID:
5
81,29:,; 6 ∗ 81,29:,; 5
Area of a RHOMBUS:
5
All of the above shapes can actually be divided into
some combination of rectangles and right triangles.
• 3 Dimensions: Surface Area
Surface Area = 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑈𝑀 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝐿𝐿 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑠
• 3 Dimensions: Volume "Capacity" is another word for volume.
Volume = 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑡 ∗ 𝑊𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ ∗ 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
- Beware of a GMAT volume trick:
Ex: How many books, each with a volume of 100 in3, can be packed into a crate with a volume of 5,000 in3?
Without knowing the exact shapes of all the books, we cannot tell whether they would all fit into the crate.

Chapter 2: TRIANGLES & DIAGONALS

• The Angles of a Triangle:
- Angles correspond to their opposite sides.
- Additionally, if two sides are equal, their opposite angles are also equal.
• The Sides of a Triangle:
- If you are given two sides of a triangle, the length of the third side must lie between the difference and the
sum of the two given sides. For instance, if you are told that two sides are of length 3 and 4, then the length
of the third side must be between 1 and 7.
• Common Right Triangle: Appear frequently on the GMAT

Watch out for impostor triangles! A random triangle with one side equal to 3 and another side equal to 4 does
not necessarily have a third side of length 5.
• The 45-45-90 Triangle
- The lengths of the legs of every 45-45-90 triangle have a specific ratio: 1: 1: 2
• The 45-45-90 Triangle
- The lengths of the legs of every 30-60-90 triangle have the following ratio: 1: 3: 2
- Notice that two of these triangles, when put together, form an equilateral triangle
Ex: Given that an equilateral triangle has a side of 10, what is its height? è 5 3 since 10 is the hypotenuse.
• Diagonals of Other Polygons:
- The main diagonal of a cube can be found using this formula: 𝑑 = 𝑠 3, where s is an edge of the cube.
- To find the diagonal of a rectangle, you must know EITHER the length and the width OR one dimension and
the proportion of one to the other.
- "Deluxe" Pythagorean Theorem: d2 = x2 + y2 + z2, where x, y, and z are the sides of the rectangular solid and
d is the main diagonal.
 • Similar Triangles: Triangles are defined as similar if all their corresponding angles are equal and their
corresponding sides are in proportion.
- If two similar triangles have corresponding side lengths in ratio a:b, then their areas will be in ratio a2:b2.
- For similar solids with corresponding sides in ratio a:b, their volumes will be in ratio a3:b3.
• Triangles and Area, Revisited:
- Be able to see any side of a triangle as the base, not just the side that
happens to be drawn horizontally. Also be able to draw the height
from that base.

OP Q
- The area of an equilateral triangle with a side of length S is equal to
R

Chapter 3: CIRCLES AND CYLINDERS

- Know the difference between Radius, Chord and Diameter.
- C = 2πr, A = πr2
- Note that a full revolution, or turn, of a spinning wheel is equivalent to the wheel going around once.
Ex: If a wheel spins at 3 revolutions per second and has a diameter of 10 units, then the point travels at a
rate of 3*10π units per second.
• Circumference and Arc Length:
- Arc length can be found by determining what fraction the arc is of the entire
circumference. This can be done by looking at the central angle that defines the arc.
Ex: What is the length of Arc AXB? à 4π
• Perimeter of a Sector: Think of a sector as a slice of pizza. Here, the perimeter is 12+12+4π
• Area of a Sector: You can find the area of a sector by determining the fraction of the
entire area that the sector occupies. Here, the area of the sector is 24π.
• Inscribed vs. Central Angles: A central angle is as an angle whose vertex lies at the center point of a circle.
- An inscribed angle is equal to half of the arc it intercepts.

• Inscribed Triangle: A triangle is said to be inscribed in a circle if all of its vertices are points on the circle.
- Any right triangle inscribed in a circle must have the diameter of the circle as one of its sides.
• Cylinders and Surface Area: sum the areas of the 3 surfaces.
- A = 2circles + rectangle =2(πr2) +2πrh
• Cylinders and Volume: measures how much "stuff" it can hold inside.
- V = πr2h

Chapter 4: LINES & ANGLES

There are two major line-angle relationships that you must know for the GMAT.
• The angles formed by any intersecting lines.
- a + b + c + d + e + f = 360
- Supplementary Angles: a + b + c = 180
- Vertical Angles: a = d, b = e, and c = f
 • Exterior Angles of a Triangle: An exterior angle of a triangle is equal in measure to the sum of the two non-adjacent
(opposite) interior angles of the triangle.

• The angles formed by parallel lines cut by a transversal.

- All the acute angles (a< 90°) in this diagram are equal. Likewise, all the obtuse angles (90°<a<180°) are equal
- Any acute angle is supplementary to any obtuse angle. Thus, a + o = 180°.
- When you see a transversal cutting two parallel lines, fill in all the acute and obtuse angles.

Chapter 5: COORDINATE PLAN

• The Coordinate Plan: x-coordinate, y-coordinate, origin
S1-. UP VUW
• The Slope of a Line: =
ST: XP VXW
• The 4 Types of Slopes: A line with positive slope rises upward from left to right.
A line with negative slope falls downward from left to right.
A horizontal line has zero slope. A vertical line has undefined slope.
• Slope-Intercept Equation: All lines can be written as equations in the form y = mx + b, where m represents the
slope of the line and b represents the y-intercept of the line.
Horizontal lines are expressed in the form: y = some number, such as y = 3 or y = 5.
Vertical lines are expressed in the form: x =some number, such as x = 4 or x =7.
• Step by Step: From 2 Points to a Line:
To find the equation of a line, you should start by finding its slope. Then, plug the slope in for m in the slope-
intercept equation. Finally, solve for b by plugging the coordinates of one point into the equation.
• The Distance Between 2 Points:
Ex: What is the distance between the points (1, 3) and (7, -5)?
- First, draw a right triangle connecting the points.
- Then, find the lengths of the two legs of the triangle by calculating the rise and the run.
- Finally, use the Pythagorean Theron to find the length of the third leg.
• Positive and Negative Quadrants:
Ex: Which quadrants does the line 2x + Y = 5 pass through?
Find two points on the line by setting x and y equal to zero in the original equation.
• Perpendicular Bisectors: The perpendicular bisector of a line segment forms a 90° angle with the segment and
divides the segment exactly in half.
The key to solving perpendicular bisector problems is remembering this property: the perpendicular bisector has
the negative reciprocal slope of the line segment it bisects. That is, the product of the two slopes is -1.
Slope: -½.
Midpoint: (1,0)
Equation: y = -½(x) + ½
• The Intersection of Two Lines: If two lines in a plane intersect in a single point, the coordinates of that point solve the
equations of both lines.
• Ex: At what point does the line represented by y = 4x - 10 intersect the line represented by 2x + 3y = 26?
Replace y in the second equation with 4x - 10 and solve for x.

Chapter 6: STRATEGIES FOR DATA SUFFICIENCY

à Answer D
Chapter 7: OFFICIAL GUIDE PROBLEMS: PART I

Chapter 8: ADVANCED GEOMETRY

• Maximum Area of Polygons:
Maximum Area of a Quadrilateral
Of all quadrilaterals with a given perimeter, the SQUARE has the largest area.
Ex: For instance, of all quadrilaterals with a perimeter of 25 feet, the one with the largest area is a square with
25/4 = 6.25 feet per side.
Of all quadrilaterals with a given area, the SQUARE has the minimum perimeter.

Maximum Area of a Parallelogram or Triangles

If you are given two sides of a triangle or parallelogram and you want to maximize the area, establish those sides
as the base and height, and make the angle between them 90°.

• Function Graphs and Quadratics: The graph of any quadratic function is a parabola opening upward or
downward, depending on the sign of a, the x2 coefficient.

The most important questions you will be asked about the

parabola are these:
(1) How many times does the parabola touch the x-axis?
(2) If the parabola does touch the x-axis, where does it touch?

The x-axis is the line representing y = 0. In other words, the parabola touches the x-axis at those values of x that
make f(x) = 0. Therefore, these values solve the quadratic equation given by f(x) = ax2 + bx + c = 0.
LOOK FOR DELTA:
1. If b2 -4ac > 0, the quadratic formula produces two roots of the quadratic equation. This means that the
parabola crosses the x-axis twice and has two x-intercepts.
2. If b2 - 4ac = 0, then the square root operation yields zero. The quadratic formula only produces one root of
the quadratic equation.
3. If b2 - 4ac < 0, then the square root operation cannot be performed. This means that the quadratic formula
produces no roots of the quadratic equation, and the parabola never touches the x-axis.

The following points lie at the heart of all problems involving graphs of other non-linear functions, as well as
lines and parabolas:
(1) If a point lies on the graph, then you can plug its coordinates into the equation y =f(x). Conversely, if a value
of x and a value of y satisfy the equation y =f(x), then the point (x, y) lies on the graph of f(x).
(2) To find x-intercepts, find the values of x for which y =f(x) = 0.
(3) To find y-intercepts, set x = 0 and find y =f(0).

Chapter 9: OFFICIAL GUIDE PROBLEMS: PART II