1. Fundamental Operations โโ
Basic math skills are the foundation. You need to be fast and accurate without a calculator!
Arithmetic Basics:
- PEMDAS: Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction
- Fractions: Add/Subtract (find LCD), Multiply (straight across), Divide (flip & multiply)
- Decimals: Moving points for mult/div
- Percentages: % = part/whole ร 100
Algebra Essentials:
- Linear Eq: y = mx + b
- Exponents: xแต ยท xแต = xแตโบแต, (xแต)แต = xแตแต
- Factoring: Difference of squares, quadratic trinomials
- Inequalities: Flip sign when multiplying by negative
2. Word Problems ๐
Translating English to Math. Key skill for clinical scenarios!
Translation Guide:
| English | Math Symbol |
|---|---|
| is, was, will be, equals | = |
| of, product, times | ร |
| per, out of, ratio, quotient | รท |
| sum, total, increased by | + |
| difference, less than, decreased | - |
| what number, a number | x |
Common Problem Types:
- Age Problems: "In 5 years..." (x+5), "5 years ago..." (x-5)
- Work Problems: 1/T = 1/A + 1/B (Combined rate)
- Mixture Problems: (Vol1)(Conc1) + (Vol2)(Conc2) = (Total Vol)(Final Conc)
- Distance/Rate: D = R ร T
3. Data Interpretation ๐
Reading charts, graphs, and tables. Crucial for research and patient data!
Strategy:
- Read the Title & Labels: What is being measured? What are the units?
- Identify the Trend: Is it increasing? Decreasing? Fluctuating?
- Read the Question First: Don't analyze the whole chart; look for specific data requested.
- Estimate: Exact calculation is often unnecessary; look at the scale.
- Watch for "NOT": "Which is NOT supported by the graph?"
4. Probability & Statistics ๐ฒ
Understanding risk factors and research outcomes.
Probability
P(Event) = Favorable Outcomes / Total Outcomes
AND rule (multiply): P(A and B) = P(A) ร P(B)
OR rule (add): P(A or B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(both)
Statistics
Mean: Average (Sum / Count)
Median: Middle value (sort first!)
Mode: Most frequent value
Range: Max - Min
5. NMAT Quantitative Tips & Practice ๐
๐ฏ Exam Day Strategies:
- Use scratch paper: Don't calculate in your head if complex.
- Estimate answers: If choices are far apart (10, 50, 100, 500), rough math is enough.
- Back-solving: Plug the answer choices into the problem to see which works.
- Skip hard items: All questions have equal points. Don't get stuck on one hard algebra problem.
- Formulas: Memorize basic geometry (Area/Perimeter) and algebra formulas.
Practice Questions with Answers
Q1: If 20% of a number is 15, what is 50% of that number?
Answer: 37.5. Logic: 20% = 1/5. So 1/5 x = 15 โ x = 75. 50% of 75 is 37.5.
Q2: Pipe A fills a tank in 3 hrs, Pipe B in 6 hrs. How long together?
Answer: 2 hours. Formula: 1/T = 1/3 + 1/6. 1/T = 2/6 + 1/6 = 3/6 = 1/2. So T = 2.
Q3: A solution is 20% alcohol. How much pure alcohol must be added to 100ml to make it 50% alcohol?
Answer: 60ml. Current: 20ml alc + 80ml water. Add x alcohol. (20+x)/(100+x) = 0.50. 20+x = 50 + 0.5x. 0.5x = 30. x = 60.