The GMAT exam is made of three parts: GMAT Verbal, GMAT Quantitative (Math) and Analytical Writing. For American GMAT takers, a high GMAT score is largely dependent on high GMAT Math score. (For Indian or Chinese takers the story is totally different.) Let’s take a look at the GMAT Math first.

The GMAT Math section doesn’t test your advanced knowledge in mathematics. Rather, it tests your problem solving ability. Therefore, calculus or another advanced math topic is never covered on GMAT math. The high school math knowledge is sufficient to answer GMAT math questions. Picking up the correct answer, however, is not as easy as its knowledge base. As said, only the basic math concepts are chosen so that everyone taking GMAT is put on a fair arena. What makes the GMAT exam difficult is the way questions being asked. How often is an individual required to resolve a ‘data sufficiency’ question, either during high school days or now? Likely never! Similarly, the word problems in the GMAT Exam require a good understanding of the way the question is being asked. Needless to say, a majority of high GMAT scorers do familiarize and train themselves in understanding the format of GMAT exam and practice working within the framework of the GMAT format.

So, first of first, you must be familiar with the format of GMAT math questions. There are 2 top categories: Problem Solving and Data Efficiency. Problem solving questions are common math questions while Data efficiency is very special. Please read How To Resolve GMAT Data Sufficiency Questions if you are not familiar with it yet.

Last and most important, practice, practice and practice!!. Take the official practice tests at least twice and study every math question. If you have time, you can find some valuable free GMAT math practice tests online. Take those practice tests and try to understand each question.