Quantitative Comparison

Quantitative Comparisons can be tricky for first-time test-takers, but they’re certainly not unbeatable. Here are our top five tips for approaching (and solving!) Quantitative Comparison questions.

Identify the Type of Math Being Tested

As soon as you encounter a Quantitative Comparison question, try to pinpoint the exact topic it’s testing you on (e.g., geometry, algebra, etc.). Being aware of the type of math you’re dealing with allows you to anticipate what sorts of rules, formulas, or strategies you might be able to apply to a particular problem.

For example, with a Quantitative Comparison question focusing on data analysis, you’ll likely have to solve for means, medians, modes, and other statistical concepts. Likewise, if you encounter a pair of shapes, you can expect to have to calculate areas, perimeters, circumferences, etc.

Determine Whether Any Rules or Formulas Are at Play

Another step to take before attempting to solve a Quantitative Comparison is to determine whether there are any rules or formulas you’ll need in order to solve the problem.

In reality, many Quantitative Comparison questions can only be solved through the application of a law or formula. For example, if you can’t recall the circumference formula, you’ll be unable to solve a Quantitative Comparison asking you to compare the circumferences of two separate circles.

To reiterate briefly, though, here is an overview of some of the most important math concepts you should know:

• PEMDAS (the order of operations)
• Relationships between even and odd numbers
• How to simplify and combine values containing exponents or square roots
• How to simplify algebraic expressions
• How to interpret graphs, charts, and tables
• How to graph functions and lines on coordinate systems
• How to calculate probability and percentages
• Rules of geometry, including lines, shapes, and angles

Plug In Numbers

A popular method for solving algebraic expressions in Quantitative Comparison questions is plugging in numbers. If you’re only given a single value to work with, such as x, it’s imperative you plug in at least two different numbers to see if the result remains consistent for both cases. If not, the correct answer will be “D: The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.”

Simplify Algebraic Expressions

Although a convenient strategy, plugging in numbers isn’t always necessary if you can simplify the algebraic expressions and compare the two quantities as is. This can only be done if both quantities contain the same variables.