GMAT Math : Understanding fractions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GMAT Math

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Understanding Fractions

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to add these fractions, we must first find a common denominator for all three. Looking at our three different denominators, we can see that their lowest common denominator is 12. Therefore, we need to rewrite each fraction with a denominator of 12:

Now that the fractions all have a common denominator, we can simply add them together and then simplify the result, recognizing that 27 and 12 have a common factor of 3:

Example Question #12 : Understanding Fractions

Which of the following is less than ?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

In order to determine which fractions are less than , it's best to convert them to decimals and compare:

 

Therefore,  is the only choice that is less than .

Example Question #13 : Understanding Fractions

Define an operation  as follows:

For all real numbers ,

Evaluate .

Possible Answers:

None of the other responses is correct.

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #14 : Understanding Fractions

Casius has  of a liter of water. Olivar has  of the amount Casius has. How many liters of water does Olivar have?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This question tests your ability to read word problems and multiply fractions. Because we know that Olivar has  of what Casius has, we can see that we need to multiply. Perform the following operation to find the answer.

Example Question #15 : Understanding Fractions

Define an operation  as follows:

For all real numbers ,

Evaluate , and round to the nearest whole number.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This rounds to 3.

Example Question #11 : Understanding Fractions

Seven thirds of eighteen seventieths is what?

Possible Answers:

Five thirds

Three sevenths

Seven fifths

Three fifths

Seven sixths

Correct answer:

Three fifths

Explanation:

Seven thirds of eighteen seventieths is 

Example Question #12 : Fractions

One orange yields  cup of juice; one gallon is equal to 16 cups. How many oranges are needed to yield one half gallon of orange juice?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

One half gallon comprises 8 cups. To find the number of oranges needed, divide:

 

Example Question #18 : Understanding Fractions

Raise  to the fourth power and express the result in lowest terms.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

 reduces to . Raise this to the fourth power:

Example Question #19 : Understanding Fractions

Evaluate: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Example Question #1921 : Problem Solving Questions

Evaluate: 

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

This can actually be solved without any calculation.

A negative number raised to an even power is equal to its absolute value raised to that power, so 

Therefore, we can replace:

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