GMAT · Quantitative — Problem Solving · Mexico
Quantitative — Problem Solving for the GMAT Exam — Mexican candidates
12% of the GMAT test plan. Solving arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number-properties questions under a 45-minute time limit. Calibrated for Mexican candidates.
For candidates aiming to clear this exam on the first attempt, the difference between Band 6 and Band 7+ — or "passing" and "comfortable margin" — usually comes down to fluency on a small number of high-leverage topics. 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 Mexican candidates preparing for GMAT, the calibration of study to local context matters: Spanish is the testing language for domestic exams (Ceneval); English-language proficiency tests (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge) are popular for U.S. and Canadian study tracks.
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.
- 4For Mexican candidates testing on GMAT, English-Spanish bilingual study materials accelerate vocabulary acquisition; use side-by-side passage translations to build decoding speed.
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 Mexican candidates?
How long should Mexican candidates study Quantitative — Problem Solving for the GMAT?
Practice GMAT Focus questions free with Koydo.
DI, Verbal, and Quant on the post-2024 Focus blueprint.
Related study guides
- Data Insights — Charts & Graphs for GMAT (Mexico)Another GMAT topic for Mexican candidates
- Data Insights — Table Analysis for GMAT (Mexico)Another GMAT topic for Mexican candidates
- Data Insights — Multi-Source Reasoning for GMAT (Mexico)Another GMAT topic for Mexican candidates
- Verbal — Critical Reasoning for GMAT (Mexico)Another GMAT topic for Mexican candidates
- Verbal — Reading Comprehension for GMAT (Mexico)Another GMAT topic for Mexican candidates
- Quantitative — Problem Solving for GMAT — U.S. candidatesSame Quantitative — Problem Solving topic, different locale framing
- Quantitative — Problem Solving for GMAT — U.K. candidatesSame Quantitative — Problem Solving topic, different locale framing
- Quantitative — Problem Solving for GMAT — Indian candidatesSame Quantitative — Problem Solving topic, different locale framing