Quick Tips For Problem Solving
Here are some Quick Tips for tackling
GRE Problem Solving questions (Quantitative section):
Always look for a shortcut to crunching numbers--a more intuitive way of getting to the right answer. The typical Problem Solving question is designed to allow for a longer way as well as a shorter way of solving it. So if you find yourself doing a lot of pencil work, then there's probably an easier way.
Geometry figures are not necessarily drawn proportionately--unless a figure indicates explicitly that it is drawn to scale. So don't rely on your eye to measure angle sizes, line segment lengths, or areas. Instead, use your knowledge of mathematics along with the numbers provided to solve the problem. Believe me: The test-makers are careful to ensure that no problem can be solved merely by visual measurement or estimation.
NOTE: The one exception involves Data Interpretation questions that require you to interpret bar graphs and line charts; you can (and should) rely on visual estimation for these questions. You'll see a "Note" below each bar graph and line chart indicating that it's drawn to scale.
If you're stuck, many questions allow you to work backwards by assuming hypothetically that each answer choice in turn is the correct one, then testing it by "plugging it in."
Use pencil and scratch paper for all calculations, and always check your calculations before confirming your response. Remember: Wrong answer choices will anticipate commonly made computational errors, and careless errors are the #1 cause of incorrect answers in GRE Problem Solving.
In handling word problems (math problems cast in a real-world setting), make reasonable real-world assumptions. Don't split hairs by looking for subtle meanings or ambiguous language. The test-makers are not out to trick you in this way.
Quick Tips For Quantitative Comparison
Here are some Quick Tips for tackling GRE Problem Solving questions (Quantitative Section):
In gleaning data from a chart, graph or table, it's remarkably easy to inadvertently grab your data from the wrong graph, bar, line, etc. This is the #1 cause of incorrect responses in GRE Data Analysis. To avoid this blunder, point your finger to the data you want; put your finger directly against the computer screen and keep it there until you're sure you're looking at the right part of the right chart or graph.
Check to see if the question asks for an approximation. If so, you can safely estimate numbers by rounding off.
CAUTION: When rounding off fractions, round the numerator and denominator in the same direction (either up or down); otherwise you'll distort the value of the fraction.
Don't confuse percentages with raw numbers. Always ask yourself which type of number the chart or graph is providing, and which type the question is asking for.
It's okay to rely on visual approximations when it comes to reading bar graphs and line charts. The test-makers are not out to test your eyesight. So if two or more answer choices come very, very close to your solution, rest assured that you needn't estimate values more precisely. Instead, go back to square 1; you've made some other mistake along the way.
Take 15-30 seconds right up front to assimilate and make sense of the chart, graph, or table—and be sure to read all the information around it. (You might need to scroll vertically to view all the information.) Get a sense for what the variables are and how they relate to one another—before you tackle the questions.
Quick Tips For Data Analysis
Here are some Quick Tips for tackling GRE Data Analysis questions (Quantitative section):
In gleaning data from a chart, graph or table, it's remarkably easy to inadvertently grab your data from the wrong graph, bar, line, etc. This is the #1 cause of incorrect responses in GRE Data Analysis. To avoid this blunder, point your finger to the data you want; put your finger directly against the computer screen and keep it there until you're sure you're looking at the right part of the right chart or graph.
Check to see if the question asks for an approximation. If so, you can safely estimate numbers by rounding off.
CAUTION: When rounding off fractions, round the numerator and denominator in the same direction (either up or down); otherwise you'll distort the value of the fraction.
Don't confuse percentages with raw numbers. Always ask yourself which type of number the chart or graph is providing, and which type the question is asking for.
It's okay to rely on visual approximations when it comes to reading bar graphs and line charts. The test-makers are not out to test your eyesight. So if two or more answer choices come very, very close to your solution, rest assured that you needn't estimate values more precisely. Instead, go back to square 1; you've made some other mistake along the way.
Take 15-30 seconds right up front to assimilate and make sense of the chart, graph, or table—and be sure to read all the information around it. (You might need to scroll vertically to view all the information.) Get a sense for what the variables are and how they relate to one another—before you tackle the questions.
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