Arithmetic and Number Properties
This topic covers integers, divisibility, primes, factors, multiples, remainders, fractions, decimals, exponents, roots, absolute value, and estimation.
How to study for the GMAT
Build every answer around the exact decision: problem setup, argument gap, passage support, data source, sufficiency, table filter, graph label, or linked two-part condition.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Arithmetic and Number Properties questions test the reasoning and decision skills used on the current GMAT exam.
Exam cue: Name the task type: problem solving, reading comprehension, critical reasoning, data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, or two-part analysis.
Concept 2
The strongest answer identifies the business-relevant task, data source, argument relationship, arithmetic setup, or decision criterion before comparing choices.
Exam cue: Check constraints, units, variables, claim structure, source tabs, table filters, graph axes, and whether the answer is enough to make the decision.
Concept 3
Eliminate choices that answer a different question, overlook a condition, misuse a source, ignore sufficiency, or rely on specialized outside knowledge.
Exam cue: Use review and edit time to verify the exact question, not just the topic that first looked familiar.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Solving a nearby math or reading task while missing the decision the item actually asks for.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Using outside business knowledge instead of the evidence, data, or argument in the prompt.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Ignoring GMAT-specific constraints such as no calculator in Quant and sufficiency rather than calculation in Data Insights.
Guardrail: Use a 15-second safety pause before finalizing your action.
Memory anchors
Divisibility
Divisibility rules help identify factors without full calculation.
Prime
A prime number has exactly two positive factors: 1 and itself.
Factor
A factor divides a number evenly.
Multiple
A multiple is the product of a number and an integer.
Remainder
A remainder is what is left after division by an integer.
Fraction
A fraction can represent division, ratio, or part of a whole.
Exponent
Exponent rules govern repeated multiplication and powers.
Root
A root reverses a power within the allowed domain.
Absolute Value
Absolute value measures distance from zero.
Estimation
Estimation checks whether the answer is reasonable before spending time on exact arithmetic.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
What is the least positive integer that is divisible by both 12 and 18?
If p and q are prime numbers and pq = 221, what is p + q?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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