GMAT Quick Links:

GMAT Problem-Solving Questions — Format, Directions and Sample Question

This page lists the key features of the GMAT Problem-Solving format, one of two basic formats for GMAT Quantitative (math) questions. It also provides the test directions for this question format, a sample question, and a detailed analysis of the sample.

Problem Solving — Format, Skills Tested and Directions

Here are some key facts about the GMAT Problem-Solving format:

How many: 23-24 questions

Where: In the 75-minute Quantitative section, mixed with Data Sufficiency questions

Format: Multiple-choice (you select one of 5 choices by clicking on an oval)

Skills tested: Your ability to reason quantitatively in solving arithmetic, algebra, and geometry problems, and your ability to interpret and analyze data presented graphically

Directions: The following directions will appear on your screen just before your first Problem-Solving question (and you can access them while tackling any Problem-Solving question by clicking on the HELP button):

Directions: Solve each problem and indicate the best of the answer choices given.

Numbers: All numbers used are real numbers.

Figures: A figure accompanying a problem solving question is intended to provide information useful in solving the problem. Figures are drawn as accurately as possible EXCEPT when it is stated in a specific problem that its figure is not drawn to scale. Straight lines may sometimes appear jagged. All figures lie on a plane unless otherwise indicated.

To review these directions for subsequent questions of this type, click on HELP.

Note that in the Problem-Solving format figures (visuals) are drawn to scale unless the question at hand indicates otherwise.

Sample Problem-Solving Question

Following is a typical GMAT Problem-Solving question. Accompanying the problem are five answer choices. You select an answer choice by clicking on the button to its left. You deselect a choice by clicking on another one.

Quick Tip for Sample Question

This question involves a defined operation. Your task is to apply the given operation to each set of terms. The problem is essentially an exercise in algebraic substitution.

Analysis of Sample Question

This problem may be a bit confusing at first. But once you understand how to proceed, it turns out to be quite easy. For each of the five choices, "plug" the given values into the expression p(q – p).

You can easily eliminate the first three listed operations because each one yields a quadratic expression containing a p² term. The fifth listed operation is the one that yields 2p – 4:

The correct answer choice is the fifth one.