How to use this 25-question set
These 25 questions come straight from the GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review 2026–2027, the official supplementary Quant book for the GMAT Focus Edition. They are deliberately on the easier, foundational end of the scale, which is exactly why they are worth your time. Use them as an active study session, not a passive read:
- Attempt first, then read. Try each question on paper before you look at the solution. Give yourself about two minutes per question, the same pace the real GMAT Focus expects.
- Write your setup, not just an answer. Jot the equation, ratio, or percentage relationship you used. Most missed points come from a rushed setup, not bad arithmetic.
- Compare your path. When your answer differs, find the exact step where your reasoning diverged from the clean one below.
- Log every miss. Record the question type, the exact error, and the one sentence that would have kept you on track, then re-test the question cold a week later.
Why easy GMAT questions matter
Strong test-takers often skim the easy band and lose points to careless errors. On an adaptive exam like the GMAT Focus, a missed easy question costs you more than a missed hard one, because the algorithm reads it as a sign you have not locked in the fundamentals. Building a near-perfect hit rate on foundational arithmetic, percentages, algebra, fractions, and word problems is the cheapest, fastest score gain available — and it frees up time and confidence for the medium and hard Problem Solving that ultimately decides your Quant score. None of these questions need a calculator, and the GMAT Focus Quant section does not give you one, so each problem is also training your mental arithmetic and estimation.
How these topics connect to GMAT Focus Quant
The 25 questions below are a tour of the GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning foundations. They are grouped into thirteen topic clusters, and the same handful of skills recurs across all of them: translate words into algebra precisely, separate what is asked from what is given, and treat attractive answer choices as suspects. Master the patterns here and you will recognize them instantly when they reappear, dressed up, in the harder bands.
Prefer to watch these solved out loud, or want the printable practice set? This article is the written companion to our 25 easy Official Guide Quantitative Review 2026–2027 video walkthrough and free PDF. Attempt the questions there, then use this page to check every step.
Topic guide and table of contents
- Q1 — Profit & loss, tiered pricing
- Q13 — Profit comparison, two batches
- Q22 — Algebraic gross-profit expression
- Q2 — Percent decrease on an investment
- Q20 — Reverse percentage
- Q3 — Formula substitution (axles)
- Q19 — Substituting and squaring fractions
- Q4 — System of equations (juniors/seniors)
- Q17 — Three unknowns through one variable
- Q5 — Inequality and equation combined
- Q24 — Compound inequality, absolute value
- Q6 — Odd/even number properties
- Q7 — Polynomial division by factoring
- Q8 — Averages and rates (work plan)
- Q16 — Formula and ratio (field day)
- Q9 — Sequence sum difference
- Q12 — Sequence formula back-solve
- Q10 — Word problem comparison
- Q11 — Fractions and mixed numbers
- Q21 — Comparing fractions
- Q23 — Algebra, dividing a remainder
- Q25 — Fractions, salary ratio
- Q14 — Median of multiples
- Q15 — Distributive property
- Q18 — Estimation by rounding
Arithmetic: profit and loss
Question 1 — Profit and loss with tiered pricing
Company C produces toy trucks at a cost of $5.00 each for the first 100 trucks and $3.50 for each additional truck. If 500 toy trucks were produced by Company C and sold for $10.00 each, what was Company C's gross profit?
A. $2,250
B. $2,500
C. $3,100
D. $3,250
E. $3,500
Correct answer: C — $3,100.
The trap: applying a single cost per unit to all 500 trucks. The pricing is two-tier — the first 100 trucks cost more than the remaining 400.
Step by step:
- Total cost: first 100 trucks at $5.00 = $500; next 400 trucks at $3.50 = $1,400; total cost = $500 + $1,400 = $1,900.
- Total revenue: 500 × $10.00 = $5,000.
- Gross profit = revenue − cost = $5,000 − $1,900 = $3,100.
For a deeper walkthrough of this exact problem and the averaging trap, see our GMAT profit question with tiered costs.
Question 13 — Profit comparison across two production levels
A company sells radios for $15.00 each. It costs the company $14.00 per radio to produce 1,000 radios and $13.50 per radio to produce 2,000 radios. How much greater will the company's gross profit be from the production and sale of 2,000 radios than from the production and sale of 1,000 radios?
A. $500
B. $1,000
C. $1,500
D. $2,000
E. $2,500
Correct answer: D — $2,000.
The trap: computing only one scenario or forgetting to take the difference. Calculate each batch's profit separately, then subtract.
Step by step:
- 1,000 radios: revenue 1,000 × $15 = $15,000; cost 1,000 × $14 = $14,000; profit = $1,000.
- 2,000 radios: revenue 2,000 × $15 = $30,000; cost 2,000 × $13.50 = $27,000; profit = $3,000.
- Difference: $3,000 − $1,000 = $2,000.
Question 22 — Algebraic expression for gross profit
A certain grocery purchased x pounds of produce for p dollars per pound. If y pounds of the produce had to be discarded due to spoilage and the grocery sold the rest for s dollars per pound, which of the following represents the gross profit on the sale of the produce?
A. (x − y)s − xp
B. (x − y)p − ys
C. (s − p)y − xp
D. xp − ys
E. (x − y)(s − p)
Correct answer: A — (x − y)s − xp.
The trap: choice E looks clean, but (s − p) is not the per-unit profit. Cost applies to all x pounds purchased, while revenue applies only to the (x − y) pounds actually sold.
Step by step:
- Total cost: p per pound for x pounds → cost = xp.
- Pounds sold: x − y (you discarded y).
- Revenue: (x − y) × s.
- Gross profit = revenue − cost = (x − y)s − xp.
Percentages
Question 2 — Percent decrease on an investment
The value of Maureen's investment portfolio has decreased by 5.8 percent since her initial investment in the portfolio. If her initial investment was $16,800, what is the current value of the portfolio?
A. $7,056.00
B. $14,280.00
C. $15,825.60
D. $16,702.56
E. $17,774.40
Correct answer: C — $15,825.60.
The trap: choice D catches students who apply only a 1% (or 0.8%) decrease. Multiply the initial value by (1 − percent/100), not by the percent itself.
Step by step:
- Remaining fraction: 100% − 5.8% = 94.2% = 0.942.
- Current value: $16,800 × 0.942 = $15,825.60.
Question 20 — Reverse percentage (finding the original quantity)
Company X mailed out a questionnaire and 60 percent of those who received the questionnaire by mail responded. Company X needed 300 responses. What is the minimum number of questionnaires that Company X should have mailed in order to get the necessary responses?
A. 400
B. 420
C. 480
D. 500
E. 600
Correct answer: D — 500.
The trap: multiplying instead of dividing (300 × 0.60 = 180 is wrong). When a percent of the total gives you a result, divide the result by the percentage to recover the total.
Step by step: let q = questionnaires mailed. 0.60 × q = 300, so q = 300 ÷ 0.60 = 500.
Formulas and substitution
Question 3 — Formula substitution, counting axles
The toll T, in dollars, for a truck using a certain bridge is given by the formula T = 1.50 + 0.50(x − 2), where x is the number of axles on the truck. What is the toll for an 18-wheel truck that has 2 wheels on its front axle and 4 wheels on each of its other axles?
A. $2.50
B. $3.00
C. $3.50
D. $4.00
E. $5.00
Correct answer: B — $3.00.
The trap: plugging in 18 (the number of wheels) for x. The formula needs the number of axles, so you must count axles first.
Step by step:
- Count axles: 1 front axle (2 wheels); remaining 18 − 2 = 16 wheels at 4 per axle → 16 ÷ 4 = 4 axles; total x = 1 + 4 = 5.
- Apply the formula: T = 1.50 + 0.50(5 − 2) = 1.50 + 1.50 = $3.00.
Question 19 — Substituting fractions and squaring a negative
If x = −5/8 and y = −1/2, what is the value of the expression −2x − y²?
A. −3/2
B. −1
C. 1
D. 3/2
E. 7/4
Correct answer: C — 1.
The trap: mishandling y² when y is negative. (−1/2)² = +1/4, not −1/4 — squaring always yields a positive result.
Step by step:
- −2x = −2 × (−5/8) = 10/8 = 5/4.
- y² = (−1/2)² = 1/4.
- −2x − y² = 5/4 − 1/4 = 4/4 = 1.
Systems of equations
Question 4 — Setting up and solving a system
In a certain history class of 17 juniors and seniors, each junior has written 2 book reports and each senior has written 3 book reports. If the 17 students have written a total of 44 book reports, how many juniors are in the class?
A. 7
B. 8
C. 9
D. 10
E. 11
Correct answer: A — 7.
The trap: guessing rather than setting up the system. Elimination is faster than substitution here.
Step by step: let J = juniors, S = seniors. J + S = 17 and 2J + 3S = 44. Multiply the first by 3: 3J + 3S = 51. Subtract the second: (3J + 3S) − (2J + 3S) = 51 − 44, so J = 7. Check: S = 10, and 2(7) + 3(10) = 44. ✓
Question 17 — Three unknowns expressed through one variable
Beth, Naomi, and Juan raised a total of $55 for charity. Naomi raised $5 less than Juan, and Juan raised twice as much as Beth. How much did Beth raise?
A. $9
B. $10
C. $12
D. $13
E. $15
Correct answer: C — $12.
The trap: translating "Naomi raised $5 less than Juan" backwards. It means N = J − 5, not J = N − 5.
Step by step: let B = Beth. Then Juan = 2B and Naomi = 2B − 5. Sum: B + (2B − 5) + 2B = 55 → 5B − 5 = 55 → 5B = 60 → B = $12. Check: Juan = $24, Naomi = $19, total = 12 + 19 + 24 = 55. ✓
Algebra and inequalities
Question 5 — Inequality and equation combined
What values of x have a corresponding value of y that satisfies both xy > 0 and xy = x + y?
A. x ≤ −1
B. −1 < x ≤ 0
C. 0 < x ≤ 1
D. x > 1
E. All real numbers
Correct answer: D — x > 1.
The trap: handling only one condition. Both must hold at once; the equation reduces the problem to a single variable.
Step by step:
- From xy = x + y: xy − y = x → y(x − 1) = x → y = x / (x − 1), valid for x ≠ 1.
- Apply xy > 0. Substituting, xy = x · [x/(x − 1)] = x²/(x − 1) > 0.
- Since x² ≥ 0, the sign depends on (x − 1): we need x ≠ 0 and (x − 1) > 0, i.e. x > 1.
Check: x = 2 → y = 2, xy = 4 > 0 ✓. x = 0.5 → y = −1, xy = −0.5 < 0 ✗.
Question 24 — Compound inequality with absolute value
Given 3r ≤ 4s + 5 and |s| ≤ 5, which of the following CANNOT be the value of r?
A. −20
B. −5
C. 0
D. 5
E. 20
Correct answer: E — 20.
The trap: testing one value of s without maximizing it to find the upper bound on r. Always find the extreme case.
Step by step:
- |s| ≤ 5 means −5 ≤ s ≤ 5.
- To maximize r, maximize the right side with s = 5: 3r ≤ 4(5) + 5 = 25.
- So r ≤ 25/3 ≈ 8.33. Then r = 20 exceeds this maximum and cannot occur; −20, −5, 0, and 5 all satisfy r ≤ 8.33.
Number properties: odd and even
Question 6 — Parity rules for sums and products
If k is a positive even integer, which of the following must be an odd integer?
I. k² − 3k + 4
II. k⁵ + 3
III. 7k − 7
A. II only
B. III only
C. I and III only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III
Correct answer: D — II and III only.
Key parity rules: Even × anything = Even; Even ± Odd = Odd; Odd ± Odd = Even; Even ± Even = Even.
Step by step (k = even):
- I: k² = Even, 3k = Even, 4 = Even → Even − Even + Even = Even ✗.
- II: k⁵ = Even, plus 3 (odd) → Even + Odd = Odd ✓.
- III: 7k = Even, minus 7 (odd) → Even − Odd = Odd ✓.
Check with k = 2: II = 32 + 3 = 35 (odd) ✓; III = 14 − 7 = 7 (odd) ✓.
Polynomial algebra
Question 7 — Simplifying by factoring the numerator
If x ≠ −1/2, then (6x³ + 3x² − 8x − 4) / (2x + 1) =
A. 3x² + (3/2)x − 8
B. 3x² + (3/2)x − 4
C. 3x² − 4
D. 3x − 4
E. 3x + 4
Correct answer: C — 3x² − 4.
The trap: the numerator looks messy, but it factors cleanly. Recognize that (2x + 1) is a factor and factor by grouping.
Step by step: 6x³ + 3x² − 8x − 4 = 3x²(2x + 1) − 4(2x + 1) = (3x² − 4)(2x + 1). Dividing by (2x + 1) gives 3x² − 4, valid because x ≠ −1/2 keeps the denominator nonzero.
Averages, rates, and ratios
Question 8 — Working backward from a required average
A certain work plan for September requires that a work team, working every day, produce an average of 200 items per day. For the first half of the month, the team produced an average of 150 items per day. How many items per day must the team average during the second half of the month if it is to attain the average daily production rate required by the work plan?
A. 225
B. 250
C. 275
D. 300
E. 350
Correct answer: B — 250.
The trap: treating it as a simple average of averages. September has 30 days split into two equal halves of 15 days; the reliable method equates total items.
Step by step: total needed = 200 × 30 = 6,000; first half = 150 × 15 = 2,250; second half needs 6,000 − 2,250 = 3,750; required daily average = 3,750 ÷ 15 = 250 items/day.
Question 16 — Applying a formula to compute a ratio
In a field day at a school, each child who competed in n events and scored a total of p points was given an overall score of p/n + n. Andrew competed in 1 event and scored 9 points. Jason competed in 3 events and scored 5, 6, and 7 points, respectively. What was the ratio of Andrew's overall score to Jason's overall score?
A. 10/23
B. 7/10
C. 4/5
D. 10/9
E. 12/7
Correct answer: D — 10/9.
The trap: using p as the average per event rather than the total of all points. p is the sum.
Step by step: Andrew: n = 1, p = 9 → 9/1 + 1 = 10. Jason: n = 3, p = 5 + 6 + 7 = 18 → 18/3 + 3 = 9. Ratio = 10/9.
Sequences and series
Question 9 — Difference of two sequence sums
If a equals the sum of the even integers from 2 to 20, inclusive, and b equals the sum of the odd integers from 1 to 19, inclusive, what is the value of a − b?
A. 1
B. 10
C. 19
D. 20
E. 21
Correct answer: B — 10.
The elegant move: pair the terms. Each even integer is exactly 1 more than the corresponding odd integer (2 > 1, 4 > 3, …, 20 > 19), and there are 10 such pairs.
Step by step: a − b = (2 − 1) + (4 − 3) + … + (20 − 19) = 1 added 10 times = 10.
Question 12 — Back-solving a sequence formula
The sum S of the first n consecutive positive even integers is given by S = n(n + 1). For what value of n is this sum equal to 110?
A. 10
B. 11
C. 12
D. 13
E. 14
Correct answer: A — 10.
The fast approach: plug in the answer choices instead of solving the quadratic. n = 10 gives 10 × 11 = 110 immediately.
Step by step: n(n + 1) = 110 → test n = 10 → 10 × 11 = 110 ✓. Algebraically, n² + n − 110 = 0 → (n − 10)(n + 11) = 0 → n = 10 (positive root).
Word problems and comparison
Question 10 — Comparing multiple unknowns
There are five sales agents in a certain real estate office. One month Andy sold twice as many properties as Ellen, Bob sold 3 more than Ellen, Cary sold twice as many as Bob, and Dora sold as many as Bob and Ellen together. Who sold the most properties that month?
A. Andy
B. Bob
C. Cary
D. Dora
E. Ellen
Correct answer: C — Cary.
The approach: there is no single numeric answer, so pick a convenient value for Ellen and express everyone in terms of it.
Step by step: let Ellen = 10. Then Andy = 20, Bob = 13, Cary = 2 × 13 = 26, Dora = 13 + 10 = 23. Ranking: Cary (26) > Dora (23) > Andy (20) > Bob (13) > Ellen (10). Cary sold the most.
Fractions and mixed numbers
Question 11 — Subtracting fractions and mixed numbers
Stephanie has 2 1/4 cups of milk on hand and makes 2 batches of cookies, using 2/3 cup of milk for each batch of cookies. Which of the following describes the amount of milk remaining after she makes the cookies?
A. Less than 1/2 cup
B. Between 1/2 cup and 3/4 cup
C. Between 3/4 cup and 1 cup
D. Between 1 cup and 1 1/2 cups
E. More than 1 1/2 cups
Correct answer: C — between 3/4 cup and 1 cup.
The trap: misreading 2 1/4 or the total milk used. Used = 2 × (2/3) = 4/3; convert carefully to a common denominator.
Step by step: remaining = 2 1/4 − 4/3 = 9/4 − 4/3. Common denominator 12: 27/12 − 16/12 = 11/12 ≈ 0.917, which falls between 3/4 (0.75) and 1.
Question 21 — Comparing fractions with the same numerator
Of the following, which is least?
A. 0.03 / 0.00071
B. 0.03 / 0.0071
C. 0.03 / 0.071
D. 0.03 / 0.71
E. 0.03 / 7.1
Correct answer: E — 0.03 / 7.1.
The shortcut: all five share the numerator 0.03, so the largest denominator gives the smallest value. No calculation needed.
Step by step: denominators increase 0.00071 < 0.0071 < 0.071 < 0.71 < 7.1. The largest denominator is 7.1, so 0.03/7.1 is least.
Question 23 — Equal division of a remainder
Three people each contributed x dollars toward the purchase of a car. They then bought the car for y dollars, an amount less than the total number of dollars contributed. If the excess amount is to be refunded to the three people in equal amounts, each person should receive a refund of how many dollars?
A. (3x − y) / 3
B. (x − y) / 3
C. (x − 3y) / 3
D. (y − 3x) / 3
E. 3(x − y)
Correct answer: A — (3x − y) / 3.
The trap: the total contributed is 3x (three people each paying x), not x. The excess is total contributed minus the price.
Step by step: total contributed = 3x; price = y; excess = 3x − y; each refund = (3x − y) / 3.
Question 25 — Fractions of salaries, solving for a ratio
Next month, Ron and Cathy will each begin working part-time at 3/5 of their respective current salaries. If the sum of their reduced salaries will be equal to Cathy's current salary, then Ron's current salary is what fraction of Cathy's current salary?
A. 1/3
B. 2/5
C. 1/2
D. 3/5
E. 2/3
Correct answer: E — 2/3.
The trap: forgetting that both salaries are reduced by the same 3/5 factor.
Step by step: let R = Ron, C = Cathy. Given (3/5)R + (3/5)C = C. Multiply both sides by 5/3: R + C = (5/3)C, so R = (5/3)C − C = (2/3)C. Therefore R/C = 2/3.
Median
Question 14 — Median of consecutive multiples
List S consists of the positive integers that are multiples of 9 and are less than 100. What is the median of the integers in S?
A. 36
B. 45
C. 49
D. 54
E. 63
Correct answer: D — 54.
The trap: guessing 45 without listing the full set or miscounting the terms. Always verify the count.
Step by step: multiples of 9 below 100 are 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, 99 — 11 terms. The median is the 6th term, 54 (9 × 6).
Arithmetic simplification and estimation
Question 15 — Distributive property
6(87.30 + 0.65) − 5(87.30) =
A. 3.90
B. 39.00
C. 90.90
D. 91.20
E. 91.85
Correct answer: D — 91.20.
The smart move: factor out 87.30 with the distributive property instead of grinding every product.
Step by step: 6(87.30 + 0.65) − 5(87.30) = 87.30(6 − 5) + 6(0.65) = 87.30 + 3.90 = 91.20.
Question 18 — Estimation by rounding
The value of (1 + 0.0001) / (0.04 + 10) is closest to which of the following?
A. 0.0001
B. 0.001
C. 0.1
D. 1
E. 10
Correct answer: C — 0.1.
The insight: recognize what is negligible. 0.0001 is tiny next to 1 in the numerator, and 0.04 is tiny next to 10 in the denominator.
Step by step: numerator ≈ 1, denominator ≈ 10, so the value ≈ 1/10 = 0.1.
Complete answer key
| # | Topic | Correct answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Profit/loss — tiered pricing | C — $3,100 |
| 2 | Percentages — decrease | C — $15,825.60 |
| 3 | Formula substitution — axles | B — $3.00 |
| 4 | Systems of equations | A — 7 juniors |
| 5 | Algebra / inequalities — combined | D — x > 1 |
| 6 | Number properties — odd/even | D — II and III only |
| 7 | Polynomial division / factoring | C — 3x² − 4 |
| 8 | Averages / rates | B — 250 |
| 9 | Sequences — sum difference | B — 10 |
| 10 | Word problems — comparison | C — Cary |
| 11 | Fractions / mixed numbers | C — between 3/4 and 1 cup |
| 12 | Sequences — formula back-solve | A — 10 |
| 13 | Profit comparison | D — $2,000 |
| 14 | Median of multiples | D — 54 |
| 15 | Distributive property | D — 91.20 |
| 16 | Formula / ratio | D — 10/9 |
| 17 | Systems of equations — 3 unknowns | C — $12 |
| 18 | Estimation / rounding | C — 0.1 |
| 19 | Substitution / squaring fractions | C — 1 |
| 20 | Reverse percentage | D — 500 |
| 21 | Comparing fractions | E — 0.03/7.1 |
| 22 | Algebraic expression — profit | A — (x − y)s − xp |
| 23 | Algebra — division of remainder | A — (3x − y)/3 |
| 24 | Compound inequalities / absolute value | E — 20 |
| 25 | Fractions — salary ratio | E — 2/3 |
Want a tutor to drill these setups until they are automatic and build a plan around your error log? MBA House runs live GMAT Focus prep and private tutoring in New York, built on clean problem-solving structure rather than memorized tricks.
Where this fits in your GMAT prep
These 25 explained questions are the foundation layer of GMAT Focus Quant. Once the setups are automatic, climb in difficulty and tie practice to a target score. If you are still mapping the exam, start with what the GMAT is and our breakdown of the GMAT Focus Edition. Pair this page with the video walkthrough and free PDF of the same set, and for a harder worked example try our GMAT profit question with tiered costs. To turn practice into a real score, our GMAT Focus tutor NYC page explains how live classes and private tutoring work, our guide to building GMAT and admissions strategy together shows how a target score should follow your school list, and if you are weighing whether to test at all, read our GMAT, GRE, and EA waiver guide.
Preparing for the GMAT in New York? MBA House offers personalized GMAT Focus tutoring with proven score-improvement strategies and weekly live Quant practice.
GMAT Quantitative Review 2026–2027 FAQs
What is the GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review 2026–2027?
It is the official supplementary Quant practice book for the GMAT Focus Edition. It contains retired, official-style Quantitative Reasoning problems organized by topic and difficulty, so you practice with the same arithmetic, algebra, fractions, and word problems you will see on test day.
Are these 25 GMAT Quant questions hard?
No. They are deliberately easier, foundational GMAT Focus Quant questions covering arithmetic, percentages, algebra, fractions, and word problems — ideal for building accuracy and speed before you move on to medium and hard Problem Solving.
How should I use these 25 explained questions?
Attempt each question yourself first under a soft two-minute timer, then read the step-by-step explanation and confirm the correct answer. Log every miss by question type and the exact error so you review the pattern, not just the answer.
Does the GMAT Focus Quant section allow a calculator?
No. The GMAT Focus Quantitative Reasoning section does not allow a calculator, which is exactly why these easy questions matter: they train the mental arithmetic, estimation, and clean setup you need to stay fast and accurate without one.
Why do easy GMAT questions matter on an adaptive test?
On the adaptive GMAT Focus, a missed easy question costs you more than a missed hard one because the algorithm reads it as a gap in your fundamentals. Building a near-perfect hit rate on foundational questions is the cheapest, fastest score gain available.