5-Step Method To Answer Math Questions (ADVANCED)

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Summary of the Math Strategies

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

GMAT Math Introduction Chapter 1: Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction   Chapter 2: 8 Math Strategies (advanced)   Chapter 3: 5-Step Method (advanced)   Table of Contents