Invest 30 seconds...
...for what may lead to a life altering association!
Help Line
- +91.8800.2828.00 (IND)
- 1030-1830 Hrs IST, Mon-Sat
- support@expertsglobal.com
On the GMAT, learn key integer exceptions to avoid common traps. 0 is even and neither positive nor negative. 1 is not prime. 2 is the only even prime. A single exception can change an answer, so apply these facts with care on test questions.
Some of the simplest numbers on the GMAT’s quant carry exceptions that often confuse test takers. 0, 1, and 2 look ordinary, yet they hold special value that can decide the outcome of a question. 0 is an even integer, although many students mistakenly believe otherwise. 1 is not prime, though many assume it is. 2 is unique as the only even prime number. These are small details, but on the GMAT, such details can become turning points. To prepare well, you need to be alert to these exceptions and train yourself to apply them under time pressure. A strong GMAT prep course will help you recognize these rules early, while regular practice with GMAT practice tests will give you the calm needed to apply them on test day. Mastering these exceptions ensures you approach each question with clarity and confidence, instead of falling for common traps.
Integers appear basic, yet the GMAT often tests their subtle exceptions. Many students lose marks not because the questions are advanced but because they overlook these small but crucial details. Understanding these exceptions protects you from unnecessary errors.
A frequent source of confusion is whether zero is even. Some think it is neither even nor odd, but that is not correct. A number is even if it is divisible by 2, leaving no remainder. Zero divided by 2 leaves no remainder, so zero is even. Another way to see this is to look at the sequence of even numbers: 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 0. Zero clearly belongs in the even sequence, not the odd one. GMAT questions sometimes test this fact directly or indirectly, so you must be sure of it.
Another property of zero is that it is neither positive nor negative. It is the dividing line between the two, but does not belong to either category. This distinction matters because questions may use zero in ways that require you to judge carefully whether the number falls into a set defined as positive or negative.
Prime numbers are integers with exactly two factors, 1 and the number itself. The integer 1 has only one factor, so it is not prime. Many students incorrectly assume that 1 is prime, and the GMAT exploits this mistake in questions. Knowing the definition of prime numbers and applying it is important.
2 is special. It is the only even integer that is prime. Every other even number is divisible by at least three factors: one, itself, and 2. This makes 2 unique, and questions sometimes hinge on recognizing that it is the only even number with this property.
In Data Sufficiency, even one exception can change a statement from sufficient to insufficient. A statement is only sufficient if it always produces the same result: one unique value, or a consistent yes, or a consistent no. The moment an exception appears, the outcome turns into maybe, and the statement collapses.
Question: Is x a prime number?
Statement: x is a positive even integer.
Most even numbers such as 4, 6, or 8 are not prime, so the answer seems to be no. But if x = 2, the answer becomes yes, because 2 is even and prime. This single exception changes the conclusion and makes the statement insufficient. The lesson is simple: never stop after confirming one outcome. Always test for exceptions, because just one can flip sufficiency into insufficiency.
The GMAT often turns to these exceptions to test whether you are alert, precise, and disciplined. Remembering that 0 is even, 1 is not prime, and 2 is the only even prime helps you avoid careless mistakes. More than facts, this is about cultivating carefulness and attention to detail. These are the same qualities that matter in the comprehensive MBA admissions process, where schools value candidates who can think with clarity and not overlook the fine print.
The GMAT sets many subtle traps, and overlooked exceptions are among the most common. A simple detail, if ignored, can turn a confident answer into an error. The test is not about advanced formulas but about precision, discipline, and noticing what others overlook. Zero being even, one not being prime, or two being the only even prime are just reminders of this larger truth: every concept on the exam may hold exceptions that can change the outcome. Train yourself to slow down, question assumptions, and look for that one hidden detail. This carefulness will protect you on test day and also build the clarity of thought valued in the MBA admissions process.
