Summary of the Math Strategies
Mr. GMAT's main trick to achieve difficulty in his questions is to make them appear more complicated than they really are. The point of Ballparking is to simplify the question, the point of Plug-In is to simplify by removing the abstraction, and the point of Experiments is to simplify by making an analogous situation. Use these techniques to simplify questions and get a handle on them.
5 Steps When Tackling a Math Problem:
1. Read question until question makes sense.
a) Try to put in your own words
b) Break down the question into simple parts.
c) Be on the look out for traps or anything unusual.
d) Still confused? Try running some numbers and crunching what you have.
Use any of our techniques if you get caught in a jam:
1. Plow
2. Don't Do That Math!
3. Backsolving
4. Plug-In - Testing Numbers
5. Ballpark (Possible Range Strategy)
6. Experiments
7. Find Patterns
2. Create a game plan
By now it should "click" and you should have an idea about how to solve the question.
3. Run the numbers and follow your plan.
If it is taking too long, see if you can find shortcuts on the math or ditch your plan and go back to Step 1 and reread the question.
4. Eliminate down to one answer and choose.
5. Double check if necessary
Usually do this with Backsolving. Try not to waste too much time in this process and get behind pace.
The "Oh #$&%!" Moment
This is when you are taking the test and suddenly realize that you have no idea whatsoever about how to do the question. You panic, your heart races, you become nervous... no......you relax.
Why do you relax? Because you have techniques.
1) Plow (just write down the numbers, play with them) is a good way to get ideas. Try playing with some of the math. The hardest problems will be abstractions, so substituting real numbers (through Backsolve or Testing Numbers) is a second way to get ideas. Any of the other techniques such as Ballpark and Finding Patterns can be useful in a pinch.
2) Know when to cut your losses and move on. The penalty for getting one question wrong is insignificant.
The "Ahhhhhhh......" Moment
Let's you know when you have found the question's trick (that most students did not catch) and now it is much easier to solve.
Like Overly Complex Charts?
This diagram illustrates a "summary" of our methods for tackling math problems. This is intended for advanced students only.
GMAT Problem Solving Strategy Chart
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