GMAT · Quantitative — Problem Solving · Tamil Nadu, India
Quantitative — Problem Solving for the GMAT Exam — Tamil Nadu candidates
12% of the GMAT test plan. Solving arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number-properties questions under a 45-minute time limit. Calibrated for Tamil candidates.
High-stakes exams reward two skills equally: knowledge and test-craft. This page focuses on both for one of the most failure-prone areas. Quantitative — Problem Solving sits at roughly 12% of the Graduate Management Admission Test content distribution — Problem Solving (PS) questions make up roughly 60% of GMAT Quantitative. They test math concepts through the level of high-school algebra and geometry, but with GMAT-specific traps: answer choices are often planted to catch common errors, and time management is critical. Pass rates for the GMAT are published annually by the awarding body and vary by cohort and locale. For Tamil Nadu candidates preparing for GMAT, the calibration of study to local context matters: Tamil Nadu uses 7.5% NEET government-school reservation and runs separate state-quota counselling. JEE Main and GATE candidate volumes are second only to Maharashtra.
Common failure modes
These are the patterns that cause most candidates to lose marks on this topic. Recognising them in advance is half the work.
- !Solving for x when the question asks for 2x or x+1 — reading the question too quickly
- !Forgetting order-of-operations when simplifying expressions under time pressure
- !Using complex algebra when backsolving or number-plugging would be faster
Study tips
- 1Always re-read the question stem after solving to ensure you answered what was asked.
- 2Backsolve from answer choices when the question asks for a specific number — start with choice C (the middle value).
- 3Know the GMAT arithmetic shortcuts: percent increase formula, mixture-problem setup, and work-rate formula.
- 4NEET-UG is offered in Tamil (தமிழ்) at all TN centres. Many state-board students prefer Tamil-medium for biology questions but English-medium for physics and chemistry — you must choose one medium for the entire paper.
- 5For TN MBBS admission: register on TN Health website for the 7.5% government-school reservation if eligible — separate from MCC counselling.
- 6GATE Chennai and Coimbatore centres fill fastest; submit your GATE application within 72 hours of opening to secure your preferred centre.
Sample GMAT Quantitative — Problem Solving questions
These sample items mirror the format and difficulty of real GMAT questions. Practice with thousands more on the free Koydo question bank.
- 1
If 3x + 12 = 27, what is the value of x + 4?
- A5
- B7
- C9Correct
- D15
Why this answer?
3x + 12 = 27 → 3x = 15 → x = 5. The question asks for x + 4 = 9, not x itself. A common trap is selecting 5 (the value of x).
- 2
A worker completes a job in 6 hours. A second worker completes the same job in 4 hours. How many hours does it take both working together?
- A2
- B2.4Correct
- C3
- D5
Why this answer?
Combined rate = 1/6 + 1/4 = 2/12 + 3/12 = 5/12 jobs per hour. Time = 1 ÷ (5/12) = 12/5 = 2.4 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What math topics does the GMAT Quantitative section cover?
What is the GMAT pass rate for Tamil candidates?
How long should Tamil candidates study Quantitative — Problem Solving for the GMAT?
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