Tips for Accuracy and Speed in GAT/GRE Quantitative

For those of you who did not know, the GAT/GRE are not allow a calculator. So, if you have not done math by hand for a while, you may have forgotten how to do many simple calculations. Here are some tips that will help you do math by hand quickly and accurately. While these tips will help you on the entire test, you will get the most out of them on the quantitative comparison section.

1. Cross-multiply 2-fractions to compare them.

The numerator with the larger product will belong to the larger fraction:

E.g. 1: 4 / 5  vs.  8 / 11

Which fraction is bigger? I could change both to decimals, but let’s try the cross-multiply method, which is much faster.

(4)(11)= 44 and (8)(5)= 40

44 is the larger product. Since the product involved 4, which is the numerator of 4/5, 4/5 is the bigger fraction.

2. Squaring a fraction or decimal between 0 and 1 will make the number smaller.

E.g. 2: (1/3)² = 1/9

While this tip is very simple to prove, it’s crucial that you keep it in mind during the quantitative comparison section so that you can avoid unnecessary calculation.

3. Taking the square root of a fraction or decimal between 0 and 1 will make the 

number larger.

E.g. 3: √(¼) = ½

4. Memorize these two formulas for dealing with division:

a) (1/x) / y = 1 / xy

b) 1 / (x/y) = y / x

Students often fumble the calculations when presented with multiple layers of division or fractions. These simple formulas should keep you on track.

E.g. 4a: 1/2 / 3 = (½)(1/3)=1/6

E.g. 4b: 1 / 2/3 = 3/2

5. In order to find a percentage increase, find the difference between the original number and the increased (or decreased) number and divide that by the original number.

E.g. 5: A pair of pants was selling for $20 last week, but now is selling for $27 this week. By what percent did the price of the pants increase?

27 – 20 = 7

7 / 20 = 35 / 100 = 35 percent

6. If you are asked to find x+y or x-y from a system of equations, you may want to try adding or subtracting the equations before solving for the variables.

The GRE will often provide you with a simple method for solving a problem that will not be obvious. The challenge lies in finding the simplest method. Notice how the above problem was solved a lot faster by subtracting the equation than by solving for the variables.

E.g. 6: if 4x+2y=23 and 3x+3y=22, then x- y =

Set up the equations like you see below, and see if adding or subtracting will help you arrive at the answer more quickly. In this case, subtraction will do the trick.

    4x + 2y = 23
–  (3x+ 3y = 22)
————————-
x- y = 1.

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Why you should test candidates' analytical skills?

Analytical skills refer to the ability to gather data, break down a problem, weigh pros and cons and reach logical decisions. Employees who have these skills help companies overcome challenges, or spot issues before they become problems. Every position requires analytical skills. For some roles (for e.g. Investment Banker), methodical thinking is key, while for others (e.g. Marketing Strategist) brainstorming abilities are more relevant. Regardless of how they approach problems, employees with sharp analytical skills are able to confidently connect the dots and come up with solutions. The following analytical interview questions will help you assess how candidates:

• Gather data from numerous sources
• Use a critical thinking to evaluate information
• Communicate the findings of their research to team members
• Make judgments that help businesses

Combine these questions with problem-solving and competency-based interview questions to gauge how candidates address difficult situations that are likely to occur on the job.

Examples of analytical skills interview questions

• Describe a time when you had to solve a problem, but didn’t have all necessary information about it in hand. What did you do?
• What metrics do you track on a regular basis (e.g. conversion rates, number of new customers, expenses)? What information do you research and how do you use it?
• How do you weigh pros and cons before making a decision?
• If you had to choose between two or three options, how would you decide? (e.g. pricing, performance evaluation systems, training)
• Explain step-by-step how you troubleshoot [X] issue. (For e.g. wifi connection problems / a sudden drop in sales)
• Your manager wants to buy new software / hardware that will raise the team’s productivity and asks for your recommendation. How would you respond?

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Tips for GAT Test

• Prepare things the night before.
• Don't stuck with one book i.e. diversify your study from books/internet/facebook group/past papers...etc.
• Wake up your mind and body.
• Eat a smart breakfast. 
• Warm up your brain. 
• Wear suitable attire. 
• Bring effective snacks.
• Allow ample time to arrive.
• Don't forget to bring hand clock, pencils/pens, roll no slip, CNIC ...etc. 
• Don't bring mobile/books to exam center. 
• Increase your spirituality by Zikar Azkar. 
• Set a minimum and maximum target. i.e. if you are CAT-A student for business studies then minimum passing marks i.e verbal (20/35), Quantitative (20/35) and Analytical 10/30) = 50  or 21/35, 21/35 12/30  = 54 many more possibility then becomes. 
• It means if you correct 5 MCQs out of 10 then your total score out of 100 becomes 50 score. If you correct 3 MCQs out of 5, then your total score out of 100 becomes 60. But if you correct 4 MCQs out of 5 then your total score out of 100 becomes 80.
• Set benchmark then achieve it. 
• First attempt maths, then verbal and finalize with analytical.
• Don't stuck with any MCQs if you are not sure. just leave for last and use educated guess either B or D. 
• Read Read Read i.e. Without reading you will lose marks easily
• There is no negative marking.
• Fill the circle correctly. 

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