GMAT StrategySheet PDF

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GMAT

Strategies and Test Day Tips:


Picking Numbers:
Pick numbers that are permissible and manageable.

Backsolving:
Start with choice (B) or (D).

Equations and Variables:
n distinct linear equations are needed to solve for n variables.

STRATEGY SHEET
Use this sheet to help you remember
your math content. Be surealso to
make use of the Kaplan Methodson
the reverse side.

Triangles:

DATA SUFFICIENCY
1 (A) #1 is Suff.; #2 is Not Suff.
2 (B) #2 is Suff.; #1 is Not Suff.
T (C) #1 is Not Suff.; #2 is Not Suff.; #1 AND #2 are Suff.
E (D) #1 is Suff.; #2 is Suff.
N (E) #1 is Not Suff.; #2 is Not Suff.; #1 AND #2 are Not Suff.

Angles:

x + y + z = 1808 (Interior angles)


a + b + c = 3608 (Exterior angles)

b
a

a = y + z; b = x + z; c = x + y

l1

height

a + b = 180

Sum of any 2 sides 3rd side

l1 and l2 are parallel


l2

1 base height
Area = __
2

base

Right Triangles:

60

Equilateral

x 2

60

a2 + b2 = c2


45

Circles:

Side Ratios
(Pythagorean Triples)

3:4:5

5:12:13

7:24:25

8:15:17

9:40:41

2x
30
x 3

Isosceles

Quadrilaterals: Sum of interior angles = 360

B
C

n
O

d = 2r
C = 2r or d
A = r2
360 around

45

n
Arc ABC
=
=
360
Circum.

Area of sector OABC


Area of circle O

Order of Operations:

FOIL:

PEMDASParentheses, Exponents,
Multiplication and Division,
Addition and Subtraction

First, Outer,
Inner, Last

Other Formulas and Things to Know:


Quantity of A
of the
terms Average Speed = ____________
Total Distance
_______________
Speed =________
Distance

Average = Sum

Rate = ___________

Time
Quantity of B
Total Time
Number of terms

New Amount Original Amount


Original Amount New Amount
% Increase = ___________________________

100% % Decrease = ___________________________

100%
Original Amount
Original Amount

l
A = lw

s
A = s2

Exponent Rules:
(x a)b = x ab

a
__
x = x a b

xa = ___
1a
x

x x = x2

b1

(negative)odd = negative

x ax b = x a + b (negative)even = positive

Uniform Solids:
r

0 is an even integer.
1 is not prime.
2 is the least prime number.
Mode: the most common
number(s) in a set
Median: the middle term in a set
of ascending
or descending
numbers; when the set
has an even number of
numbers, the average
of the two middle terms
Only (odd) (odd) and
(odd) + (even)
yield odd numbers.

___

( a)2 = a

Miscellaneous:

Work Formula:

+
b= __
b
_____
ab + ac = a(b + c) a
ac + __
c
c

T = _____
ab

a+b

x% of y = y% of x

b) c

a+
b a + b

b2
A = 1 (b1 + b2 )h
2

b
A = bh

Numbers:

__
_ _
a
b=
ab
_
_
_
a
a
____
= __
b
b
_
_
a c+ b c= (a +

x b

x0 = 1

Radical Rules:

|x| = |x|

l
V = r h
SA = 2r2 + 2rh
2

V = lwh
SA = 2(lw + lh + wh)

Coordinate Plane: In the xy-plane, the y-axis is vertical, andthe


x-axis is horizontal.

y2 y1
Slope = ______
x x
2

*GMAT is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council.

The Analytical Writing Assessment

Do not let information from one statement influence your decision


about the other statement.

The Kaplan Method

Combine statements only if each is insufficient individually.


When combining statements, treat them as one long statement.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Take apart the argument/issue.


Select the points you will make.
Organize using Kaplans essay template.
Type your essay.
Proofread your work.

Kaplan Argument Essay Template:


Paragraph 1: Show that you understand the argument by putting it in
your own words.
Paragraph 2: Point out one flaw in the authors reasoning; explain why
it is questionable.
Paragraph 3: Identify another source of the authors faulty reasoning;
explain why.
In additional paragraphs, describe other points of fault, as time
permits.
Second to last paragraph: Describe evidence that wouldif it were
providedstrengthen the argument.
Final paragraph: Conclude that without such evidence, youre not
persuaded.

Kaplan Issue Essay Template


Paragraph 1: Restate the issue. Agree or disagree.
Paragraph 2: Introduce a point of agreement/disagreement, with
relevant detailed support.
Paragraph 3: Add a second point of agreement/disagreement, with
relevant detailed support.
Continue to bring in points of agreement/disagreement as time
permits.
Second to last paragraph: Address an opposition to the argument
and refute it with relevant detailed support.

The Verbal Methods


The Kaplan Method for GMAT Reading Comprehension
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Read the passage strategically.


Analyze the question stem.
Research the relevant text in the passage.
Make a prediction.
Evaluate the answer choices.

Kaplan Reading Comprehension Strategies:


Global questions: Use Topic, Scope, and Purpose, and your Passage
Map to predict the correct answer.
Detail questions: Use your passage map to target your research.
Inference questions: Use clues in the question stem or answer choices
to research; the correct answer will follow from the passage.
Logic questions: Use your passage map and keywords to determine
why or how the author uses the reference.

The Kaplan Method for Critical Reasoning


1)
2)
3)
4)

Identify the question type.


Untangle the stimulus.
Predict the answer.
Evaluate the choices.

Kaplan Critical Reasoning Strategies:


Assumption: Identify the conclusion, and evidence; and determine the
central assumption; predict the answer.

Last paragraph: Conclude with a final statement about your stance


on the issue.

Strengthen or Weaken: Identify the conclusion and evidence; determine


the central assumption; predict the answer that confirms (strengthens)
or denies (weakens) the central assumption.

The Quantitative Methods

Flaw: Identify the conclusion and evidence; determine the central


assumption; predict a choice that describes the logical fallacy of
the assumption.

The Kaplan Method for GMAT Problem Solving


1)
2)
3)
4)

Analyze the question.


State the task.
Approach strategically.
Confirm your answer.

The Kaplan Method for GMAT Data Sufficiency


1)



2)

Analyze the question stem.


Determine Value or Yes/No.
Simplify.
Identify whats needed to answer the question.
Evaluate the statements using 12TEN.

Explain: Search the answer choices for a statement that, if true, could
explain how the statements in the stimulus could all be true.
Inference: Accept the statements in the stimulus as true; locate the
answer choice that must follow from the stimulus.
Bolded Statement: Identify the purpose of every sentence in the
stimulus and select the answer that matches your desription of the
bolded statements.

The Kaplan Method for Sentence Correction


1)
2)
3)

Read the original sentence carefully, looking for errors.


Scan and group the answer choices.
Eliminate choices until only one remains.

Kaplan Data Sufficiency Strategies:

Six Classic Sentence Correction Errors:

For Value questions, seek to find a single value.

Verbs: Check for meaning and number agreement.

For Yes/No questions, seek to find a definite answer to the question.


Keep track of your options as you go.
If (1) is sufficient, the answer must be (A) or (D).
If (1) is insufficient, the answer must be (B), (C), or (E).
If (2) is sufficient, the answer must be (B) or (D).
If (2) is insufficient, the answer must be (A), (C), or (E).

Pronoun: Check for antecedent and number agreement.


Modification: Check for proper placement and intended reference.
Parallel Structure: Be consistent; use parallel constructions.
Comparisons: Use parallel construction; make sure items are logically
comparable.
Usage/style: Avoid redundancy and passive voice; use idioms correctly.

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