Problem-solving questions mainly focus on the individual's ability to demonstrate basic computational abilities. Some of the questions are purely computational (i.e., they have only numbers and mathematics symbols), but others are word problems, in which the necessary figures must be extracted from the questions. All problem-solving questions are multiple choice with five possible answers. Sometimes figures and diagrams are provided with these questions; the figures are not assumed to be drawn to size unless otherwise stated. The area of math in the problem-solving questions include arithmetic (including fractions and decimals), algebra (including solving equations) and geometry (including plane figures and coordinate geometry).
Data-sufficiency questions differ from problem-solving questions. While both types are multiple-choice questions with five possible answers, a data-sufficiency question does not ask for a specific quantity. Instead, it asks a question and then the test taker is given two statements. The test taker must then decide which of the two statements is correct, if neither statement is correct, if both statements are correct or if there is not enough information in the question to answer it at all. About 15 of the 37 questions in the quantitative section are data-sufficiency questions (the rest are problem-solving).
Both types of quantitative questions involve the use of basic math skills. Because the GMAT is more interested in the test taker's ability to use logical analysis, the questions do not require anything more than basic high-school algebra and geometry knowledge. However, no calculator is allowed when taking the GMAT, so individuals must be sure to know these basics well, lest they spend too much time on basic math and do not leave themselves enough time for more difficult problems.