Mathematical Reasoning

As we discovered in the previous chapter, there are two different mathematics sections in the GAT, each containing a different kind of question. These are:

􀁹 Quantitative Comparisons

􀁹 Math Ability

To give you an idea as to the types of questions presented, please consider the following examples:

Math Ability

Here is a sample of a math problem:

If one-sixth of all female students at Princeton like chips, and one-third of Princeton’s male students have nachos. Therefore, what fraction of the entire student population likes chips?

A. 1/9

B. 1/3

C. 5/18

D. 10/18

E. It cannot be determined from the given information

(Note: the answer would be E)

Quantitative Comparisons

These questions require you to deal with word problems, algebraic manipulations or geometric problems. Keep in mind that only four answer-choices are available here (A, B, C, D) are provided. If you select “E,” you will not receive a mark. Here is an example:

There are two quantities; one quantity is in column A, and one quantity is in column B. Compare these two quantities and choose the correct statement:

A. the quantity in column A is greater

B. the quantity in column B is greater

C. the quantities are equal

D. the relationship between the quantities cannot be determined from the given information

Remember that an “E” response will not be scored.

(Note: the answer would be A)

Column A

Column B

b+x

-b-x

Note: [b<0] [-b-x]