The GMAT is a prerequisite for entrance into many competitive MBA programs. It is a challenging exam that tests student’s knowledge of algebra, geometry, logic, grammar, and reading comprehension. While the mathematical concepts tested are not too difficult, students often struggle because it may have been years since they last reviewed basic math. One of the areas that most students’ struggle with re-learning is how to solve math inequalities.

The GMAT is employed by graduate business schools all over the globe to help them select the best students into their programs. It forms an important part of their total array of selection tools. The GMAT is intellectual property owned by the GMAC or Graduate Management Admission Council. The GMAT includes a quantitative assessment section and inequality expressions form part of that section. They may be termed GMAT inequalities.

The overall GMAT covers three separate assessments. One tests analytical writing. A second assesses quantitative skills. A third section tests verbal competence. The overall tests lasts for three and one half hours. Optional ten minute rest periods are allowed between each of the second and third test sections.

The quant part of the GMAT has a total of thirty seven questions. These questions require a standard of mathematics equal to high school mathematics. A knowledge of trigonometry or calculus is not required. Fifteen questions focus on data sufficiency problems. The remaining twenty two or so questions deal with problem solving. Inequality questions will likely arise in this problem solving section. While the mathematical concepts tested on the exam do not require any advanced background in math, the questions are very challenging to many people. Preparation is critical is you want to achieve success on this test.

When it first began to be used several decades ago, the GMAT was structured as a paper test. Time have changed. Computers have allowed greater sophistication. The test has been redesigned to be computer-based and adaptive. The test is delivered to students via a computer and allows question difficulty to adapt, that is, to become more difficult, based upon the actual performance of the individual student.

For instance, if a student solves several questions correctly, subsequent questions may be delivered at an increased level of difficulty. This adaptive technique is incorporated into the final test scoring.

In standard mathematics, an inequality compares two expressions with different values. As an example, y > 9 is an inequality, whereas y = 9 is an equation. Five kinds of inequalities may be identified, the less than inequality, the greater than inequality, the less than or equal to inequality, the greater than or equal to inequality and, lastly, the not equal to inequality.

Several rules governing operations with inequalities. If one action is performed on one side of an inequality, the same action must be performed to the other side (addition, multiplication, subtraction, or division).

One key exception exists; when both sides of the inequality are multiplied or divided by a negative number, the inequality sign must be reversed. This important rule will help students beater handle GMAT inequalities when sitting the test.

Author Bio: Before you continue your GMAT prep, make sure you check out John Christianson’s excellent free review of GMAT inequalities and GMAT Absolute Value

Category: Education
Keywords: gmat inequalities