Sample Questions

GMAT Sample Questions

8 practice questions with complete answer explanations.

Sample Questions

Question 1algebra

If x + y = 12 and xy = 32, what is the value of x² + y²?

A.80✓ Correct

B.96

C.112

D.128

E.144

Explanation

(x+y)² = x² + 2xy + y² = 144, so x² + y² = 144 − 2(32) = 80.

Question 2percentages

A store offers a 20% discount on an item, then an additional 15% off the discounted price. What is the overall percentage discount?

A.32%✓ Correct

B.33%

C.35%

D.30%

E.28%

Explanation

Multiplicative discounts: 0.80 × 0.85 = 0.68, meaning 68% of original, i.e. 32% off.

Question 3exponents

If 3^x = 81, what is the value of 3^(x+2)?

A.243

B.486

C.729✓ Correct

D.972

E.1458

Explanation

3^x = 81 means x = 4. So 3^(x+2) = 3^6 = 729.

Question 4critical-reasoning

Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the argument that remote work increases productivity? Argument: Companies that allow remote work report higher output per employee than those that don't.

A.Remote workers tend to be older and more experienced.

B.A longitudinal study found the same employees increased output by 13% after switching to remote work.✓ Correct

C.Office rents fell 22% during the pandemic.

D.Remote workers report lower stress levels.

E.Meetings take 10% less time over video.

Explanation

The longitudinal study controls for worker characteristics by tracking the same employees, directly supporting the causal claim.

Question 5reading-comp

The author's primary purpose in the passage is to: (Assume a passage discussing theories of why bees perform the waggle dance.)

A.refute a widely held belief about insect communication

B.compare two competing explanations for a biological phenomenon✓ Correct

C.propose a new theory about bee navigation

D.summarize recent research in entomology

E.advocate for increased funding of pollinator research

Explanation

RC main-purpose questions reward structural reading. 'Compare two explanations' matches a typical biology passage structure.

Question 6graphics

Based on a table showing Q3 revenue of $2.4M (up 12% YoY) and Q4 revenue of $2.8M (up 8% YoY), approximately what was Q4 revenue the prior year?

A.$2.43M

B.$2.52M

C.$2.59M✓ Correct

D.$2.67M

E.$2.72M

Explanation

Q4 prior year = 2.8 / 1.08 ≈ $2.59M.

Question 7data-sufficiency

Is the integer n even? (1) n² is even. (2) n + 3 is odd.

A.Statement 1 alone is sufficient

B.Statement 2 alone is sufficient

C.Both together are sufficient but neither alone

D.Each alone is sufficient✓ Correct

E.Neither together is sufficient

Explanation

If n² is even, n must be even. If n+3 is odd, n must be even. Each statement alone suffices.

Question 8rates

A train travels 240 miles in 4 hours. Traveling 20% faster, how long would the same trip take?

A.3 h

B.3 h 20 min✓ Correct

C.3 h 12 min

D.3 h 24 min

E.3 h 30 min

Explanation

Current speed = 60 mph; 20% faster = 72 mph. Time = 240/72 = 3⅓ h = 3 h 20 min.

Test-Taking Tips

1.Take a full-length diagnostic first to set a baseline — don't skip this step.
2.Master the fundamentals (arithmetic, algebra, grammar) before tackling advanced strategy.
3.Time per question: ~2:09 Quant, ~1:57 Verbal, ~2:15 Data Insights. Practice with a timer.
4.Review every wrong answer thoroughly — understanding one mistake is worth doing ten more problems.
5.Use the Official Guide + 2–3 full-length practice tests per month in the last 6 weeks.
6.Don't neglect Data Insights — most candidates do, and it's 1/3 of your score.

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