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The Executive Assessment Quant basics include arithmetic, algebra, probability, statistics, and number properties. These concepts appear in 2 question formats: problem-solving and data sufficiency. You don’t need advanced math knowledge to succeed, just a strong command of core quantitative skills. By focusing on fundamentals, pacing, and practice, you can build confidence and perform well on EA Quant.
Keep reading to learn which math topics are tested on the Executive Assessment, how the Quant section works, and the best strategies for preparing effectively.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- The Major Quant Topics Tested on the Executive Assessment
- The Best Way to Learn Executive Assessment Quant
- Math Skill #1: Percents
- Math Skill #2: Prime Numbers
- Math Skill #3: Factorial Arithmetic
- Math Skill #4: Square Roots
- Math Skill #5: Fractions
- Math Skill #6: Exponents
- Math Skill #7: PEMDAS
- Math Skill #8: Divisibility Rules
- In Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Before discussing EA math basics, let’s discuss the major Quant topics on the exam.
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The Major Quant Topics Tested on the Executive Assessment
The Quantitative section covers a wide range of possible topics, and you won’t know in advance which ones will show up on your test. Because of this, the key to excelling is building a solid foundation across all areas, so you’re ready to handle whatever the exam presents. Of course, the goal is to start with the foundations before moving to more advanced topics.
TTP PRO TIP:
First, learn EA Quant basics and then move to more advanced concepts.
Here is a list of the 20 major Executive Assessment math topics:
- Basic Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Linear Equations and Quadratic Equations
- Number Properties
- Roots
- Exponents
- Inequalities
- Absolute Value
- General Word Problems
- Rates
- Work Problems
- Unit Conversions
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percents
- Statistics
- Overlapping Sets
- Combinations and Permutations
- Probability
- Coordinate Geometry
- Sequences
- Functions
Now that you know the EA Quantitative section breakdown, let’s discuss how to actually study them.
The Best Way to Learn Executive Assessment Quant
Simply being familiar with the material tested in the EA Quant section is not enough. To perform well, you must build both depth and breadth in your understanding of all the topics that may appear. This is why it’s important to approach your preparation at a topical level, which means that you study 1 topic at a time.
Give your full attention to each major area — arithmetic, algebra, statistics, number properties — 1 at a time. By narrowing your focus, you’ll be able to master the concepts and strategies tied to each subject.
Take rates, for example. When working on this topic, you’ll study concepts such as average rates, combined rates, and catch-up problems. Only after you’ve gained a strong command of these question types should you move forward to the next area in your Quant prep.
In short, topical study and focused practice are the most effective ways to prepare, since the EA covers such a wide range of Quant concepts.
TTP PRO TIP:
For best results, prepare for EA Quant by learning one topic at a time.
Now that you know what’s tested on the EA Quant section and how to approach your preparation, let’s explore some core skills that will help you succeed in EA math.
Math Skill #1: Percents
Always keep in mind that “percent” means “per hundred,” or divide by 100. So, for example, 25% is the same as 25/100, which equals the decimal 0.25.
Here are some key points about percents:
- To change a percent into a decimal, shift the decimal point 2 places to the left. For instance, 56.2% becomes 0.562.
- The phrase “percent of” translates to multiplication. For example, to calculate 8% of 50, first write 8% as 0.08 and then multiply: 0.08 × 50 = 4.
- There are other common percent applications, such as markups, discounts, and percent change.
KEY FACT:
Percent means “divide by 100.”
Example 1: EA Percent Question
What is 25 percent of 50 percent of 120?
- 2
- 15
- 18
- 30
- 40
Solution:
First, we convert 25% to 0.25 and 50% to 0.5.
Next, we multiply 120 by 0.25 and 0.5:
120 x 0.25 x 0.5 = 15
Answer: B
Math Skill #2: Prime Numbers
It’s important to know the definition of a prime number. And, at a bare minimum, you should memorize the first 10 prime numbers.
- A prime number is an integer greater than 1 that can be divided evenly only by 1 and itself.
- The first 10 primes are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, and 29.
- Keep in mind that 1 is not considered a prime, and 2 is the only prime number that is even.
- Prime factorization refers to expressing a number as a product of its prime factors. For instance, 30 can be written as 2 × 3 × 5.
KEY FACT:
A prime number is evenly divisible only by itself and 1.
Example 2: EA Prime Number Question
What is the sum of the prime numbers between 20 and 30?
- 39
- 44
- 52
- 60
- 62
Solution:
The only 2 prime numbers between 20 and 30, inclusive, are 23 and 29. Thus, their sum is:
23 + 29 = 52
Answer: C
Math Skill #3: Factorial Arithmetic
An exclamation mark in math notation, as in 5! or 13!, represents a factorial. A factorial means multiplying an integer by all the positive integers below it, stopping at 1. For instance, 5! equals 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1, which is 120.
Some important points about factorials:
- 0! = 1 and 1! = 1
- Factorials can be rewritten in different but equivalent forms because of their step-by-step multiplication. For example, 8! can be written as 8 × 7! or as 8 × 7 × 6 × 5!.
KEY FACT:
Factorial notation indicates “backward” multiplication.
Now that we know what factorial notation means, it’s easy to evaluate 6! as 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 = 720.
Example 3: EA Factorial Question
What is the value of 9! / 7! ?
- 2
- 72
- 99
- 110
- 5040
Solution:
So, the first thing to understand is that the EA does not care if you can calculate 9!, then 7!, and then divide the two. But this is both time-consuming and error-prone.
Instead, we use cancellation to simplify the solution.
9! / 7! = (9 x 8 x 7 x 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1) / (7 x 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1)
We see that we can cancel out 7 x 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 from both the numerator and the denominator, leaving us with 9 x 8 = 72 in the numerator.
Alternate Solution:
We can re-express 9! As 9 x 8 x 7! .
9! / 7! = (9 x 8 x 7!) / 7!
We see that 7! Can be canceled from both the numerator and the denominator, leaving us with 9 x 8 = 72 as the answer.
Answer: B
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Math Skill #4: Square Roots
The square root of a number x is a value that, when multiplied by itself, equals x. For instance, the square root of 25 can be either 5 or –5, since both 5² = 25 and (–5)² = 25.
What often trips students up is the use of the radical symbol √. When you see √25, the answer is only 5. By convention, the radical sign refers to the principal square root, which is always the positive value.
Key facts about square roots:
- When the square root symbol is used, there is only 1 answer, called the principal square root, which is always positive.
- √0 = 0
- Know the perfect square roots through at least 400.
| √1 = 1 | √4 = 2 | √9 = 3 | √16 = 4 | √25 = 5 | ||||
| √36 = 6 | √49 = 7 | √64 = 8 | √81 = 9 | √100 = 10 | ||||
| √121 = 11 | √144 = 12 | √169 = 13 | √196 = 14 | √225 = 15 | ||||
| √256 = 16 | √289 = 17 | √324 = 18 | √361 = 19 | √400 = 20 |
KEY FACT:
When the radical (square root) symbol is used, take only the positive square root.
Example 4: EA Square Root Question
What is the value of 2√15 + 5√15?
- 5√15
- 6√15
- 7√15
- 8√15
- 9√15
Solution:
One key rule for adding radicals is that we can combine them only when they have the same index and the same radicand. In this case, both terms are square roots (index 2) with a radicand of 15, so we can add them together.
2√15 + 5√15 = 7√15
Answer: C
Math Skill #5: Fractions
If terms like LCDs, LCMs, and complex fractions make you uneasy, you’re definitely not the only one. Many people haven’t worked with fractions since grade school, so it’s natural to feel uncomfortable due to being out of practice. Still, fractions play a significant role in the EA. They show up in topics such as algebra, functions, coordinate geometry, and statistics, making it essential to feel comfortable with them.
Here are some key points and strategies for working with fractions:
- The top number of a fraction is the numerator, and the bottom number is the denominator.
- A fraction can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by a common factor.
- To add or subtract fractions, first find a common denominator.
- To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify if possible.
- To divide fractions, flip the second fraction and multiply.
KEY FACT:
To add 2 fractions, you must ensure that they have a common denominator.
Example 5: EA Fraction Question
If b and d are positive integers, what is the value of a/b + c?
- ac / b
- ac / (b + c)
- (a + c) / b
- (a + bc) / b
- (ac + bc) / b
Solution:
First, we need to find a common denominator. The least common denominator of a/b and c is b. So, we have:
a/b + cb/b = (a + cb / b
Answer: D
Math Skill #6: Exponents
Exponents show up frequently on the exam, so knowing the rules and applying them quickly is very helpful.
It’s important to know the terminology. In an expression like 4³, the number 4 is called the base, and the number 3 is the exponent. An exponent tells us how many times to multiply the base by itself. For instance, 4³ means 4 × 4 × 4, which equals 64.
When an exponent is negative, the base shifts to the opposite side of the fraction bar, and the exponent becomes positive. For example, 6⁻² is the same as 1 ÷ (6²), which equals 1/36. Likewise, 1 ÷ (7⁻³) simplifies to 7³, or 343.
KEY FACT:
A negative exponent generally indicates making the exponent positive and moving the number to its opposite location in the fraction.
Example 6: EA Exponent Question
Evaluate and simplify: 2^(-4) + 4^(-2)
- 1/8
- 1
- 8
- 32
- 64
Solution:
We have 2 bases raised to negative exponents. Remember, to simplify negative exponents, we take the inverse of the base and then raise the new base to the positive exponent. So, we have:
2^(-4) = (1/2)^4 = 1/16
4^(-2) = (1/4)^2 = 1/16
So, lastly, we have: 1/16 + 1/16 = 2/16 = 1/8.
Answer: A
Math Skill #7: PEMDAS
PEMDAS refers to the order of operations when simplifying a series of arithmetic operations. You’ll find that these rules come in handy when dealing with most Quant questions on the EA.
Here are some facts to keep in mind about PEMDAS:
- P = parentheses E = exponents [M = multiplication D = division] [A = addition S = subtraction]
- For multiplication and division, perform whichever operation appears first as you move left to right through the equation.
For example, 5 x 6 ➗6 x 2 is equal to 10 and not 30/12. - A similar situation exists with addition and subtraction. When those operations are both in an expression, perform them from left to right.
KEY FACT:
Use PEMDAS when dealing with the order of operations in math equations.
Example 7: EA PEMDAS Question
Evaluate: (4 + 10) – 12 ➗ 6 + 3(2+2)^2
- 30
- 40
- 50
- 60
- 70
Solution:
Using PEMDAS, we first add the numbers in the parentheses.
(14) – 12 ➗ 6 + 3(4)^2
Next, we apply the exponent.
14 – 12 ➗ 6 + 3(16)
We perform multiplication and division from left to right.
14 – 2 + 48
Finally, we perform the subtraction and the addition.
14 – 2 + 48 = 60
Answer: D
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Math Skill #8: Divisibility Rules
Since calculators aren’t permitted on the EA Quant section, being familiar with divisibility rules can save you time. Imagine you solve a fraction problem and your result is 57/219, but that answer doesn’t match any answer choice. In that situation, you may wonder whether you made a mistake or if the fraction just needs to be simplified (and yes, it can be simplified because both 57 and 219 are multiples of 3). Knowing the common divisibility rules can clear up the confusion and help you move forward with confidence. Let’s review them.
- Divisible by 0: No number can be divided by 0.
- Divisible by 2: A number is divisible by 2 if its ones digit is even (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8).
- Divisible by 3: A number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
- Divisible by 4: A number is divisible by 4 if its last two digits form a number that is divisible by 4.
- Divisible by 5: If the units digit is 5 or 0, then the number is divisible by 5.
- Divisible by 6: A number is divisible by 6 if it is even and the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.
- Divisible by 7: The rules are complicated. Just do the division.
- Divisible by 8: A number is divisible by 8 if it is even and its last three digits form a number that is divisible by 8.
- Divisible by 9: A number is divisible by 9 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 9.
- Divisible by 10: A number is divisible by 10 if its units digit is 0.
TTP PRO TIP:
Knowing the divisibility rules will help you deal with simplifying large numbers without the use of a calculator.
Example 8: EA Divisibility Question
If W = 103,422,111, then W + 3 must be divisible by which of the following?
- 2
- 3
- 6
- I only
- II only
- III only
- I and II only
- I, II, and III
Solution:
The value of W + 3 is 103,422,114.
Because W + 3 is an even number, it’s divisible by 2, so statement I is true.
The sum of the digits of W + 3 is 1 + 0 + 3 + 4, + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 18. Since 18 is divisible by 3, we know that 103,422,1143 is divisible by 3. Statement II is true.
In order for a number to be divisible by 6, it must be divisible by both 2 and 3. Since W + 3 is divisible by 2 and 3, it is also divisible by 6. Statement III is true.
Answer: E
In Summary
When you’re preparing for the EA Quant section, it is critically important that you do not skip the basics. You need a solid math foundation before jumping into your EA math prep.
There are tons of math fundamentals and EA math formulas to learn. In this article, we covered 8 important ones. Those include percents, prime numbers, factorials, square roots, fractions, exponents, PEMDAS, and divisibility rules.
Knowing these basic concepts and practicing them until they are effortless will save you time, energy, and anxiety when you are studying the more challenging topics. That way, come test day, you’ll know EA Quant like the back of your hand, and you’ll have the skills you need to hit your EA Quant score goal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the math on the Executive Assessment hard?
You’ll be happy to hear that math coverage, including Executive Assessment arithmetic, algebra, statistics, and number properties questions, is generally considered “easier” than their counterparts on the GMAT, GRE, SAT, and ACT. However, the analytical and logical skills needed to answer the EA questions may make the difficulty levels of the Executive Assessment vs. GMAT Quant comparable to each other.
So, even if a list of EA Quant math topics looks easier to the casual observer, realize that the EA Quant section is no walk in the park! Thus, there is no easy answer to the question “Is Executive Assessment math hard?”
Do I need advanced math skills for the EA?
No. Nearly all topics on EA Quant are covered in standard high school math curricula. EA math does not test you on geometry or calculus. Note that a few number properties concepts may be unfamiliar to you, but they are relatively easy to learn. Note that even if you have always been good at math, you still need to do a thorough review of EA math topics during your test preparation.
How does EA math compare to GMAT math?
GMAT math questions have generally been considered to be more challenging than EA math questions. However, the GMAT no longer includes the nerve-racking Data Sufficiency (DS) question type in the Quant section, whereas the EA does. Of the 14 math questions on the EA, 6 of them are DS questions. Thus, you need a solid math background and a lot of practice with Executive Assessment Data Sufficiency questions in order to score well on the EA Quant section.
How much time should I spend studying EA math?
There is no single correct answer. The amount of time and energy to expend on studying EA math depends on your EA score goal, your math background, your math aptitude, how long you have been away from the math that is tested on the EA, and a host of other factors.
Consider using an online course, such as the Target Test Prep EA Course, which provides you with a study timeline based on your current skill level, allowing you to complete your studying prior to your test date. No guesswork!
What’s Next?
Once you have a solid handle on the fundamentals of EA math, the next step is to focus on the more advanced concepts. If you’re feeling uncertain about whether you can succeed in this area, don’t worry; many students start with the same concern. The good news is that with the right approach and steady practice, anyone can build the skills needed to excel on the EA Quant section.
To get detailed advice about your EA Quant prep, read our article containing 10 tips for studying EA Quant.
To see the EA big picture, go to the website of the testmaker to get a great overview of the 3 sections of the Executive Assessment.
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