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GMAT Algebra 2023: Algebraic Expressions, Algebra Concepts, Algebra Formulas, Tips and More

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Rituparna Nath

Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams | Updated On - Apr 5, 2023

Algebra is one of the core subjects of Math, and it can be found in the GMAT quant syllabus too. Business schools are always on the lookout for candidates who have a proper aptitude for quant as is required by management programs. The knowledge of GMAT algebra falls under the mandatory requirements when attempting the GMAT quant section. The GMAT algebra questions are hard for certain candidates, and the main reason behind this is there not have enough knowledge about the GMAT algebra concepts.  This article will provide a detailed overview of GMAT algebra.

GMAT Algebra Basics

Algebraic terms are vital for further understanding of the GMAT algebra concepts and a few important terms of GMAT algebra basics are:

  • Variables: In GMAT algebra, they are the symbols that stand for numbers.
  • Constants: In GMAT algebra, they are the values that are stagnant in certain problems.
  • Terms: When constant and variable are singular or clubbed together, they form terms according to GMAT algebra concepts.
  • Degree: Degree is the power of a variable in GMAT algebra.
  • Algebraic expression: This is the assortment of terms mingled together by the involvement of addition or deduction and forms GMAT algebra formulas like (x + 2), (x – 3c), and (2x –3y).
  • Coefficient: It is a number or symbol that caters as a measure of a property or characteristic.

Out of all the GMAT quant topics, GMAT algebra questions comprise 16.3% frequency. GMAT algebra concepts are tested based on pure algebra which comprises the following:

Types of Expressions in GMAT Algebra

  • Monomial: Contains only one term like 3x;

  • Polynomial: It contains more than one term like a2 – b2;

  • Binomial: It is like polynomial and contains two terms like a+b or 3a+6;

GMAT Algebra Concepts

The GMAT algebra practice problems consist of all the concepts laid down underneath. Candidates finding it difficult to understand the GMAT algebra formulas or concepts should thoroughly understand the following breakdown first:

GMAT Algebra Concepts

Description

Breakdown of Concepts

Inequalities

Inequalities work with non-equal comparisons between 2 numbers or other mathematical concepts

Mathematical Operations with Inequalities

Functioning with ranges of numbers

Transitive Property

Addition of Like Qualities

Functions

Functions are exchanged between two sets of numbers; every single number that one puts into the formula counters with one possible answer. A function is represented by a letter along with the variable in the expression.

Domain of function

Range of function

Quadratic Equations

The quadratic equation is a complex format of the algebraic equation that appears like ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants (real numbers) and a ≠ 0, and x is a variable that has to be dealt with.

Factoring Method of Solving Quadratic Equations

Determining Solutions for the Difference of Perfect Squares

Root

Quadratic Formula for Solving Quadratic Equations

Linear Equations

A linear equation comprises of an unknown variable and a no exponent more than 1

Linear Equations with two unknown

Number of Solutions

Important GMAT Algebra Formulas

Every single GMAT algebra formulas are important, but the following three should be remembered more than anything else:

  1. The difference in Two Squares: a2–b2=(a−b)(a+b)
  2. Squaring a Binomial: (a±b)2=a2±2ab+b2
  3. The Discriminant: D=b2–4ac

​GMAT Algebraic Equations

Among the GMAT algebra concepts, the algebraic equation is a very common and crucial one. In GMAT algebra, when the algebraic expression is equivalent to a constant/another expression then the end result is an equation.

Remember, along with remembering all the GMAT algebra formulas, the candidates, especially the ones who are facing issues should rigorously practice the GMAT algebra practice problems.

GMAT Algebra Tips

To score high in the GMAT quant section, adopting a systematic GMAT algebra strategy is necessary. Here are a few GMAT preparation tips for algebra that will be helpful:

Plugin the Numbers

For complex algebraic expressions, pick a simple number while solving the GMAT algebra questions. This will ensure speedy results.

Understand the GMAT Algebra Formulas

Before learning the shortcuts, learn the theorems and understand their explanations. Also, after learning the GMAT algebra formula, recall those daily. Remember, solving algebraic problems without applying the formula is impossible. 

Devote Yourself in the Easy GMAT Algebra Questions

20% of the questions of GMAT quant can be solved with the proper use of the GMAT algebra formulas. So, do not give all your time to practice the complex questions. Practice easy questions with equal importance. For instance,e you can devote one day to GMAT algebra word problems, the next day to linear equations.

Practice Daily

Fix 3-4 hours daily to practice algebra. Take help from GMAT quant practice papers and allow 1.5-2 minutes to yourself to solve the equations of algebra.

You must have heard that practice makes a man perfect and for the GMAT quant section, without practice you may lose your grip from GMAT algebra or other sections. So, don’t compromise with practice to obtain a better score on GMAT.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

Ask your question

Answered Questions

BS

Bhavya Singh

18 Mar 21

Several factors affect the chance of a candidate getting a seat in ISB Hyderabad. Not only the GMAT score, but also the application profile, essays, and performance in the interview combined together decides whether a candidate should get a seat or not in such an elite institute. The points listed below are some important aspects to consider for admission to such institutes.

  • There is no fixed cut-off for ISB Hyderabad, as declared by the institute. There are examples of people with a GMAT score of 720 not getting a seat from the interviews. On the other hand, there are candidates with a score of 700-710 but are successful in getting a seat in ISB Hyderabad.
  • GMAT score is not the only criteria for getting a seat, but the door to get an interview call. The quality of essays written by the candidate, his/her application/ profile, and the performance in the interviews are also considered.
  • For candidates with an average profile, a GMAT score of 720+, along with a complete application and a good essay can be considered to have high chances to receive an interview call. After having a call, the rest depends on how the candidate will perform in his/her interview.

This is the overall scenario for admission in ISB Hyderabad, for a student with an average profile.


MN

Mahak Nigam

30 Jun 22

More than 140 Business Schools in India accept GMAT scores. Here is a list of popular B-School that accept GMAT scores.

IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX) IIM Bangalore (EPGP) IIM Calcutta (PGPEx)
IIM Indore (EPGP) IIM Kozhikode (EPGP) IIM Lucknow (IPMAX)
XLRI Jamshedpur MDI Gurgaon IMT Ghaziabad
IIFT Delhi FMS Deli ISB Hyderabad/Mohali

Many other reputed B-School across the country also accept GMAT scores.


AV

Arvind Verma

30 Jun 22

ISB Hyderabad accepts both examination scores. So, you can opt for either of GMAT or GRE. Your chances of selection or rejection will remain the same. Go through the examination pattern and syllabus and choose the one in which you feel that you will be able to score better. Ultimately having a good score is what matters during admission. As per the recent trends, ISB Hyderabad cutoff for GMAT is 600, while for GRE it is 311. 


AS

Aditi Sen

12 May 21

There are many business schools in India that require GMAT scores at the time of admission.

Some of the top business schools with requiring GMAT scores in India are:

Institute Name

GMAT Score

ISB, Hyderabad & Mohali

730 or higher

S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai

550

IIM Ahmedabad

711

School of Management, NMIMS Mumbai

600

IIM Bangalore

710

Great Lakes Institute of Management

600

IIM Calcutta

701

XLRI Jamshedpur

710

IIM Lucknow

680

IMT (All campuses)

720

IIM Indore

700

ICFAI Business School (Hyderabad & Mumbai)

700

IIM Kozhikode

700

A few other institutes include - MDI Gurgaon, FMS Delhi, Sunstone Business School Noida, ISB Indore, and more.