Top 10 GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Questions with Solutions

If the GMAT were a party, the quant section would be that one guest who shows up with a spreadsheet and starts calculating tip percentages.

But hey, before you run for the exit, here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a math genius to tackle GMAT quantitative reasoning questions. You just need the right guidance—and a little practice that actually makes sense.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked 10 of the most common (and most useful) quant questions GMAT test-takers should know—along with walk-throughs that feel more like a chat than a lecture.

Let’s jump right in.

1. Is the Number Divisible by 3? Let’s Check

Question:
Is the number x divisible by 3?

• (1) 4x is divisible by 12
• (2) x is divisible by 2

What’s this really asking?
Divisibility questions are about figuring out what’s definitely true based on the clues. Here’s how to think it through:

• Statement (1): If 4x is divisible by 12, divide both sides by 4. That gives you x is divisible by 3. Bingo. This alone is enough to say “Yes, x is divisible by 3.”
• Statement (2): If x is divisible by 2, that only tells us it’s even. But even numbers aren’t always divisible by 3 (e.g., 8 is even, not divisible by 3). So this is not enough.

Correct Answer: Statement (1) alone is sufficient.

2. Two Workers, One Job, No Calculator? No Problem

Question:
Worker A can finish a task in 6 hours. Worker B is faster—they get it done in 4. How long would it take if they worked together?

Simple way to picture it:
Think of work like slices of pizza.

• A finishes the whole thing in 6 hours → so they eat 1 slice every 6 hours
• B finishes in 4 hours → so they eat 1 slice every 4 hours
  Now put them together:
• In one hour, they eat 1/6 + 1/4 of the pizza
• That’s 5/12 of the job done per hour
  Flip it to find how long the full job takes: 12 ÷ 5 = 2.4 hours, or 2 hours and 24 minutes

Answer: 2 hours 24 minutes

Why this matters on the GMAT:
Work rate questions are super popular in the GMAT quantitative reasoning questions category. Learn the “work per hour” trick, and you’re golden.

3. The Mysterious Case of the Quadratic Equation

Question:
Solve for x:
x² – 5x + 6 = 0

Let’s not overthink it.
This is a classic “factor me!” problem.

Try to break it into two brackets:

• (x – 2)(x – 3) = 0

Set each part to zero:

• x = 2 or x = 3

Answer: x = 2 or 3

Tip:
These show up often in quant questions GMAT throws at you to test algebra skills—know how to factor and recognize patterns fast.

4. Odd Numbers, Even Smarter Strategy

Question:
If x is an odd number, which of the following is definitely even?
A. x²
B. x(x + 1)
C. x + 2

Time to test-drive each option:

• A: An odd number squared is still odd (3² = 9). Nope.
• B: Odd × Even (x + 1 is even) = Even. Ding ding ding!
• C: Odd + 2 = Still odd (5 + 2 = 7). Not it.

Answer: B

What you’re learning here:
GMAT loves “must be true” style quantitative reasoning questions. Your job? Eliminate like a boss.

5. Circles Don’t Have to Be Scary

Question:
What’s the area of a circle with a radius of 7?

Use this formula:
Area = π × r²
= π × 7² = π × 49 = 49π

No need to punch numbers into a calculator unless they ask for a decimal.

Answer: 49π

Why it matters:
Geometry on the GMAT often tests your ability to remember and apply formulas—nothing fancy. Just know the right tools.

6. Percent Change, Zero Pain

Question:
A phone goes from $80 to $100. What’s the percent increase?

Let’s break it down:

• The change = 100 – 80 = $20
• Now compare: 20 is what percent of 80?
• 20 ÷ 80 = 0.25 → That’s 25%

Answer: 25% increase

Tip:
On GMAT quantitative reasoning questions, percent change comes up often. Practice the formula:
(New – Old) ÷ Old × 100

7. Mixing Liquids Like a Mad Scientist (But Simpler)

Question:
You’ve got 5 liters of a 50% alcohol solution. How much of a 20% solution should you add to get a 30% blend?

Think it through:

• You already have 5 liters with 50% alcohol = 2.5 liters of pure alcohol
• You’re adding x liters of 20% alcohol = 0.2x
• Total solution becomes (5 + x) liters
• Total alcohol: 2.5 + 0.2x
  Set up the equation:
  (2.5 + 0.2x) / (5 + x) = 0.3

Solving that gives you: x = 10

Answer: Add 10 liters of the 20% solution

Why it matters:
Mixture problems test your ability to work with ratios. Once you get the setup right, the rest is math magic.

8. Inequalities: More About Logic Than Math

Question:
If 3 < 2x + 1 < 9, what values can x take?

Split it up:

• 3 < 2x + 1 → Subtract 1 → 2x > 2 → x > 1
• 2x + 1 < 9 → Subtract 1 → 2x < 8 → x < 4

So x has to be between 1 and 4

Answer: 1 < x < 4

Tip:
Double inequalities just want you to treat each part separately—don’t overthink it.

9. Odds Are You’ll Nail This One

Question:
A bag has 3 red and 2 blue balls. You pick one at random. What’s the chance it’s red?

So simple it hurts:

• Total balls = 3 + 2 = 5
• Red balls = 3
• So, chance of red = 3 out of 5 = 3/5

Answer: 3/5

Why it’s important:
This is about as beginner-friendly as GMAT probability gets. You’ll likely see a harder version—but this is where the concept starts.

10. The Line Equation You’ll Actually Like

Question:
What’s the slope of a line through points (1, 2) and (4, 6)?

Use the slope formula:
Change in y ÷ Change in x
= (6 – 2) ÷ (4 – 1) = 4 ÷ 3

Answer: 4/3

Tip:
Coordinate geometry is all about plugging into formulas. Just remember: rise over run.

You Made It! What’s Next?

So there you go—10 bite-sized, brain-friendly GMAT quantitative reasoning questions, each designed to help you get comfy with what the GMAT is really testing.

Remember, the GMAT isn’t about solving the hardest math problems. It’s about staying cool, thinking clearly, and knowing the tricks. Whether you’ve got two months to prep or you’re just starting out, your biggest power move is choosing the right study tools.

Want More Questions Like These?

With AnalystPrep, you don’t just practice—you practice with purpose. Our GMAT prep platform includes:

• Hundreds of realistic quant questions GMAT test-takers actually face
• Full video solutions (because sometimes you just want someone to explain it)
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• And a clean interface that won’t make you want to throw your laptop

Explore AnalystPrep’s GMAT course today and walk into test day with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions: GMAT Quantitative Reasoning

1. What topics are covered in GMAT Quantitative Reasoning questions?

The GMAT quantitative reasoning questions cover two main areas:

• Problem Solving – where you apply arithmetic, algebra, and basic geometry to find the correct answer.
• Data Sufficiency – where you decide whether the information provided is enough to answer a question.

You’ll face questions involving numbers, percentages, ratios, equations, word problems, probability, and more—but nothing beyond high school math. It’s less about the math and more about how you reason through it.

2. Are GMAT Quant questions really that hard?

Let’s be real: quant questions GMAT test-takers face can feel tricky, especially if you’re rusty on math. But they’re not hard in a textbook sense—they’re cleverly designed to test your logic, timing, and ability to eliminate wrong answers fast.

The trick? Practice smart. Don’t memorize formulas. Learn how to spot patterns and approach problems logically. That’s exactly what our article (and AnalystPrep’s GMAT course) helps you do.

3. How many Quant questions are there on the GMAT Focus Edition?

In the GMAT Focus Edition, the Quantitative Reasoning section includes 21 questions to be solved in 45 minutes. That’s about 2 minutes per question, so time management is just as important as accuracy.

4. What’s the difference between Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency questions?

Great question!

• Problem Solving is what most people expect—standard multiple-choice math questions.
• Data Sufficiency is a bit unique to the GMAT. You’re not solving for an answer—you’re deciding whether the information given is enough to solve it.

It’s one of the signature formats in GMAT quantitative reasoning questions, and mastering it gives you a serious edge.

5. Can I use a calculator in the Quant section?

In the GMAT Focus Edition, yes—you’ll get an on-screen calculator for the Quant section. But don’t rely on it too heavily. Most quant questions GMAT presents can be solved faster with logic, estimation, and a bit of mental math.

6. How should I prepare for GMAT Quantitative Reasoning?

Here’s a solid plan:

1. Understand the structure – Learn the question types and topics tested
2. Build a formula cheat sheet – Focus on core concepts: percentages, ratios, exponents, etc.
3. Practice smarter – Use quality questions with explanations (like AnalystPrep offers!)
4. Review mistakes – Don’t just solve; learn why you got it wrong
5. Simulate real test conditions – Time yourself regularly to boost your stamina and speed

7. Where can I find more practice GMAT Quant questions?

Right here at AnalystPrep!
We’ve built a full GMAT prep platform with hundreds of GMAT quantitative reasoning questions, video solutions, detailed explanations, and progress analytics to track your improvement.

Whether you need beginner-level drills or advanced problem-solving workouts, we’ve got you covered.

8. Is GMAT Quant harder than GRE Quant?

It depends. The GMAT Quant section tends to be:

• More logic-based and trap-heavy
• Less forgiving with mental math mistakes
• Trickier in Data Sufficiency (which the GRE doesn’t have)

If you’re good at spotting patterns and thinking under pressure, you might find GMAT Quant more interesting than hard.

9. What score is considered good in GMAT Quant?

A scaled score of 47–51 in the Quant section is considered strong and can boost your overall GMAT score significantly.

That said, top MBA programs look at your total score and balance—so aim high in both Quant and Verbal.

10. What’s one quick tip to improve my GMAT Quant score?

Practice eliminating wrong answers quickly.
You don’t always have to calculate the exact answer—sometimes estimating or spotting an outlier choice is all it takes. That skill alone can shave minutes off your test time.

And of course, review articles like this one regularly—your future self will thank you.