The quantitative comparison questions test the ability to reason quickly and accurately about the relative sizes of the quantities or to perceive that not enough information is provided to make such a comparison

To solve a quantitative comparison problem, you must compare the quantities that are given in two columns, Column A and Column B, and decide whether one quantity is greater than the other, whether the two quantities are equal, or whether the relationship cannot be determined from the information given. Information about the two quantities is given in the columns themselves or may be centered above the columns.

Here are some examples with the correct answers indicated according to the following answer choices.
(A) The quantity in Column A is greater.
(B) The quantity in Column B is greater.
(C) The two quantities are equal.
(D) The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.

Some questions only require some manipulation to determine which of the quantities is greater; other questions require more reasoning or thinking of special cases in which the relative sizes of the quantities are reversed. The following strategies may help in answering quantitative comparison questions.

• Do not waste time performing needless computations in order to eventually compare two specific numbers. Simplify or transform one or both of the given quantities only as much as is necessary to determine which quantity is greater or whether the two quantities are equal. If you determine that one quantity is greater than the other, do not take time to find the exact sizes of the quantities. Answer and go on to the next question.

• Consider all kinds of appropriate real numbers before you make a decision. As soon as you establish that the quantity in one column is greater in one case while the quantity in the other column is greater in another case, choose “The relationship cannot be determined from the information given” and move on to the next question.

• Geometric figures may not be drawn to scale. Comparisons should be based on the given information together with your knowledge of mathematics rather than on the exact appearance of the figure. You can sometimes find a clue by sketching another figure that conforms to the information given. (Scratch paper will be provided.) Try to visualize the parts of the figure that are fixed by the information given and the parts that are changeable. If the figure can be changed in such a way that the relative sizes of the quantities in the columns are reversed while still conforming to the information given, then the answer is “The relationship cannot be determined from the information given.”

Example:

• A farmer has two plots of land that are equal in area. The first plot is divided into 16 parcels with m acres in each parcel, and the second plot is divided into 20 parcels with n acres in each parcel.
  Column A: m Column B: n Correct Answer: A

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