how do you study for DS?

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semidevil: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 48; Joined: Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:38 pm

how do you study for DS?

by semidevil » Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:21 pm

I'm reviewing the problems that I missed on the DS and I"m noticing that it is kind of unnatural to study. Do you guys feel the same way?

With math, verbal, I can go back to the basic rules of and if there isn't a shortcut to solve the problem, there's a formal way to set up the equation and solve. Also, once you understand a concept, you can apply it to different problems.

With the DS, i'm having trouble doing this. Each problem seems to stand on it's own and I'm not getting any general takeaways from each problem that can apply somewhere else. I feel like i'm memorizing the answer rather then understanding mathematical concepts.

any tips?

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Data Sufficiency | Tue Jan 06, 2009 6:21 pm

cramya: Legendary Member; Posts: 2467; Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:14 pm; Thanked: 331 times; Followed by:11 members

by cramya » Tue Jan 06, 2009 7:21 pm

Once u attain the necessary skills in problem solving then the strategies/ concepts can definitely be apllied for DS.

The key to doing well in DS is practicing a lot of problems and at the same time have sometakeaways from each of them. Quality over quantity is one saying but I say blend quantity(practicing 10-20 a day is possible) and quality(takeaways).

Hypothetical example:
Even though the problem may not be exactly the same once u do lets say 10 ratio DS problems u would most probably know what manipulation u can do / not do when u see a 11 th problem.

Use this forums search option and u can serach by various topics. Once u start solving a few then u get in to the DS mode of seeing things which would not be visible unless u have practiced.

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logitech: Legendary Member; Posts: 2134; Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2008 11:26 pm; Thanked: 237 times; Followed by:25 members; GMAT Score:730

by logitech » Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:19 pm

For example Cramya solved over 6,783,823 DS problems. That is the way to the success!

Here is my take:

1) Always remeber that you dont NEED to solve the problems in DS, which will save you time to spend on PS
2) Do not carry over information. Analyze the statements independently, dont let your mind to trick you.
3) Beware of C traps. GMAC makes you believe that you need all the information. But most of the cases you need only ONE of them. You will find out that most of the tough DS problems are either A or B
4) Always start with the EASY statement. If you eliminate one of the statements lets say 2nd one the right answer is A C or E ( so your chances are going from 20 % to 33 %)
5) If two statements are parallel eliminate A and B ( what is parallel ? same information with different numbers and etc..)
6) Once you get more comfortable with PS, DS will be a walk in the park and it will help your time management. Like SC!
7) Study with MGMAT DS problems and READ their explenations. It will help you big time.
8) ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS time yourself. There are two wrong answers in GMAT. Wrong answers and CORRECT ANSWERS WHICH TAKE FOREVER to find out. If you dont know how to find the solution in 2 minutes but you think you are getting close GIVE another 1 min MAX and if you still cant get it, make a smart guess and move on.
9) Post questions in this forum and learn how people approach problems and pick up the ones which you think you can apply in the test. Dont worry about the math freaks solutions. Just learn how GMAC wants you to solve the questions.
10) If you have any questions JUST SIMPLY ASK!

10 golden rules by Logitech

LGTCH
---------------------
"DON'T LET ANYONE STEAL YOUR DREAM!"

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cramya: Legendary Member; Posts: 2467; Joined: Thu Aug 28, 2008 6:14 pm; Thanked: 331 times; Followed by:11 members

by cramya » Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:36 pm

For example Cramya solved over 6,783,823 DS problems

Logitech is right behind me just as a pain is in the BU_ _

with 6,783,822 not just in DS but also in PS. So effectively he has solved twice as much as I have. POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK...

Anyways taking shots/silly jokes aside, the tips postd by Logitech would be good ones to consider when solving DS.

Adding to what has been said above:

I) Check the DS section on this page: (AD/BCE or BD/ACE method explained)

https://gmatclub.com/wiki/GMAT_stupid_mistakes

II) On your sratch sheet(I think I posted this before:)

Under stmt I

write info thats given in the stem + info from stm I

Under stmt II

write info thats given in the stem + infor from stmt II

If each stmt is independently INSUFFICIENT then when u consider both the statements together write down

info thats given
stmt I
stmt II

This may look like it may take more time but it does not and it accomplishes 2 things:

1) It takes your eyes off the screen for a few secs.Anyway u would be working off the scratch sheet for any problem(DS or PS)
2) It enures that u have considered all the info thats given when determining sufficiency

For eg: Question stem gives the info x is positive.

U consider both the statements but still feel -1 and 1 satisfy the statements then if u have the info given in the question written down right in front of u u will notice that x is positive and choose C) over E)

Under time pressure we can easily miss all the info that's given. If I find any more tips/tricks I will try to add it to this post.

Again all these tips and tricks work the best when u have mastered the content which can only be achieved by more practice and acquiring several takeaways like I had said in my ealrier post. I stand by what I said. No tips/tricks can take the place of this, seriously.

People can just read this one post and get all their DS questions correct. We all know this cant be true ; lets not kid ourselves here.

MASTERING CONTENT + TIPS/TRICKS U LEARN IN THE PROCESS is the only way to succeed whether its PS/DS or whatever

Good luck! Feel free to holler anytime with specific concept questions also.... We are all here to help each other and learn in the process

Regards,
Cramya